Just by reading the specs does this seem to offer much improvement over FZ28? We'll obviously have to lay our hands on an actual product to be able to compare it to the FZ28, but just by reading the specs what impression do you get?
577387
It seems like a few incremental improvements. Improved image stabilization, more efficient HD video recording and stereo sound for video are the ones that jump out at me. I would have liked to have seen them move to 25mm at the wide end, but can't blame them for continuing to use the excellent 27-486mm lens. The one disappointment for me is the use of the 230k LCD when the TZ7 gets a 460k. If the FZ28 had continued to be available at $250-300, it would have been a difficult decision at $399. With the current situation, where the FZ28 is selling for $400 or more, it's a no-brainer.
1740862
How much better is the Image Stabilization? I have a Lumix FZ28 thanks. Bill
1775546
@ R. Barg. I directly compared the ZT with the F8500. The F8500's extra brightness was readily apparent in the high ambient light room I saw both sets set up in but I doubt you'd miss any brightness if you had the ZT or VT without a side by side direct comparison with the 8500. My ZT is plenty bright for my needs and during the day I have a bright living room in which its set up. In the very bright environment of the dealer's shop the ZT and VT Panasonics did look a little dimmer than the F8500 when they were all set to equal picture modes but the difference wasn't striking. The F8500 can be calibrated to be a lot brighter though if that's what someone is looking for. For me it was the ZT all the way. The VT60 and F8500 both looked really great no doubt about that and really they're all at the top performance wise but I wanted "the best" (to what I can afford) and from everything I've read, everything I saw when I saw them all in the same room and what I have experienced so far since purchasing the ZT, I made the right choice based on my preferences and how I watch TV. This TV displays gorgeous images, the better the source, the greater the picture quality. As for whites, they look truly white to my eyes on my ZT in all lighting environments, day/night. In the shop the whites did look "whiter" on the F8500 and the LCDs in the room but outside the direct comparison of that showroom, my ZT's white look brilliant. Hope that helps.
2235088
I was just debating the SX20 vs SX30, so I was really glad to find this discussion. I assumed the 30 would be an improvement, but it sounds from this discussion and many customer reviews that 20 is a better choice for image quality.
2009523
thanks for answering! a friend has an older lumix of the same series [FZ7?]. i really like it [performs well] except the body is plastic and feels cheap. how about the FZ50 in this regard? anyone know if the lumix and the leica are different or similar in this regard?
1358219
I have been going back and forth with the same question. I have read all the reviews and opinions I can find on both. After going to the local store and playing with the TZ5 and the 100 (since the 110 is not out yet) I did not find many major difference from the point of view of a novice user. The two main difference I noted were 1) the TZ5 is more compact and I really liked that, however 2) when I zoomed in with the canon on a small sign the image was crystal clear, when I did the same with the TZ% the same sign was very blurry, not even close to readable. This decided it for me. I went with canon. I have been going back and forth with the same question. I have read all the reviews and opinions I can find on both. After going to the local store and playing with the TZ5 and the 100 (since the 110 is not out yet) I did not find many major difference from the point of view of a novice user. The two main difference I noted were 1) the TZ5 is more compact and I really liked that, however 2) when I zoomed in with the canon on a small sign the image was crystal clear, when I did the same with the TZ% the same sign was very blurry, not even close to readable. This decided it for me. I went... » Read More I have been going back and forth with the same question. I have read all the reviews and opinions I can find on both. After going to the local store and playing with the TZ5 and the 100 (since the 110 is not out yet) I did not find many major difference from the point of view of a novice user. The two main difference I noted were 1) the TZ5 is more compact and I really liked that, however 2) when I zoomed in with the canon on a small sign the image was crystal clear, when I did the same with the TZ% the same sign was very blurry, not even close to readable. This decided it for me. I went with canon. « Show Less
646068
I purchased my FZ200 on a 2014 Black Friday sale on Amazon for less than $300. The camera was made in Communist China. I am disappointed about the image quality and EVF. I am not sure if the relatively poor image quality and EVF are unique to the Chinese version of the camera.
854162
The great thing about the FZ28 is it doesn't really need anything else. Yet have fun.
1943435
Thank you both (Goodrich and Miller) for those answers. Just what I needed to know! I'll be buying the FZ35...
589709
I looked at a ton of options, and at the end of the day I tried the Fuji and have been very happy with it's performance. The only thing that has been a bother is the fact that when you zoom, the speed of the camera is reduced, so when fully zoomed your F-stop if somewhere around 5.6... Other than that, the picture quality, clarity, and performance has been great! And in terms of size, I've carried this all over in my pocket hardly noticing it was there! Defintely a great deal overall! - Hope this helps! - Jeff
1898922
I purchased a FZ200 on Amazon during a 2014 Black Friday sale for less than $300. That camera was made in Communist China. I am not sure if this is a result of the camera being made in China, but I have been disappointed in the image quality as well as the EVF.
883523
I own the FZ200 and returned the X-S1. Even though the X-S1 has a larger sensor which should result in better image quality, unfortunately the X-S1's auto focus is unreliable, image stabilization almost seems non-existent , and the lens has about the same slow and dark specs as a DSLR kit lens, which results in blurry pics more often them not. To get around that, you can up the ISO a bit, but that won't help focus issues and reduces the mirage quality. I get much better pics out of my Panasonic FZ200 and I suspect you would get the same out of the FZ70.
577687
I currently use an FZ30 and I was thinking of replacing it with an FZ50 because my FZ30 has exactly the problem you've experienced. Only mine is a C-shaped mark in the upper right. There are no detectable marks on the lens and the camera has never gotten wet. I've always wrapped it up when I brought it in from the cold. I can't imagine how the sensor could have gotten dirty. I haven't checked out getting it repaired yet, but I'm disappointed to hear the problem can occur on a FZ50 too. Aside from this, it's the perfect camera.
209419
I really like the Panasonic ZS30. I do not have the Fuji f900, although I've heard nice things about it. Google www.dpreview.com. I think they have professional reviews of both cameras. Might also try www.whatdigitalcamera.com. Another good place for professional reviews is www.cameralabs.com. If you go to www.whatdigitalcamera.com, it is a British magazine, and the ZS30 is known as the TZ40 in Europe - same camera. Both the Fuji and the Panasonic are highly rated. Another option to consider - Panasonic has announced that the ZS40 - next upgrade - will be coming out in March. It will have a 30X zoom, RAW shooting, and EVF, and several other new features. Might want to check that one out if you can wait a bit.
1196602
Lol you think the FZ18 is featureless... It is an awesome camera. & what exactly is your point2. The cameras 18X zoom is the optical variety & not the digital type so why would 18X spoil image quality. As long as your hand is steady enough it makes no diff to IQ; Even if not steady the improved image stabilization will be handy...
2236561
I agree, the picture quality of the FZ100 just isn't there...but the FZ40 is very good, even better than the FZ35
374900
There is a comparison on dpreview.com in the Panasonic forum, at ISO 1600. The FZ40 I think has truer color (richer wood color, for example) and is at least as good in other ways (I think slightly less color blotchiness) - overall, I think the FZ40 won mostly due to better color.