DIGITAL CAMERA JOY

Canon SX20 Overview

2010-02-16T08:22:00.000-05:00

Full Review coming soon...

The Canon SX20 has been a welcome addition to my toy closet. To my surprise, it has sharper resolution and clarity than my previous winner, the Canon S3, certainly better than the Canon S5, SX1, and SX10 models as well. It is a hefty camera with the needed bulk for steady, well composed and thought-out shots. 20x optical zoom really reaches in there and grabs the shot.

THINGS I LIKE:

The swivel LCD is great, but it would have been nice to be 2.8" wide like the SX1 has. 720p HD video recording with stereo sound. The face detection and following works extraordinarily well. Automatic red-eye removal is much appreciated with Canon's continuing stubby little flashes on its S-models. Works well too. Good color production. Sharp images at ISO 80 and ISO 100. Full manual controls. Fairly accurate Auto mode. Dedicated video button. Can take large (finally) snapshots during video recording. Metal tripod threads. Gain-up control (nice!)

THINGS I WISHED WERE BETTER:

The memory card door does not pivot back as far as previous models, making it slightly cumbersome to remove the memory card sometimes. Videos in 640x480 are still recorded with the Quicktime codec, and while this is needed for HD video, the Mpeg format for VGA vid is much easier and quicker to load and edit.

GAIN-UP FEATURE

While it is not called that by Canon, thats what I am used to calling it in the Camcorder world. On the SX20, you can adjust the exposure up or down while shooting photos, and get this, VIDEO, like better dedicated camcorder let you do. If the video looks dull because of lower light, you can increase the exposure, or gain-up, and make it look more presentable. Of course noise increases a little, but it still makes for better video for sure. When taking stills, it will not increase noise, but can blowout highlights and washout colors, so use sparingly.

The Glorious Canon S3-IS Camera

2009-07-18T20:24:00.004-04:00

Sometimes bigger, newer, faster, does NOT mean 'better'. Consider the venerable Canon S3-IS digital camera. Released over 3 years ago now, at only a 6 megapixel resolution and 640x480 video mode, it would seem the S3 was an obsolete model, having been superseded by the S5, SX10, and SX1 models. Well I have owned the S5 and SX10 models since my S3 days, as well as a Canon A590, Panasonic FZ28, and TZ5. In every one of the 6 models I have had since the S3, I figured that although certain things were missing or not as good as the S3, I was more than making up for with the increase of just sheer power under their hoods. And every camera I've had, I do extensive real-world, non-lab, Joe-blow, rubber-meets-the-road testing of family, friends, road trips, lakes, oceans, parks, fields, dogs, cats, squirrels, clouds, airplanes, you name it.

Well recently I was able to obtain another S3 at a cheaper-than-dirt price, so I bought one. Now I LOVED, no....I ADORED my first S3, but as I said, Ive moved on quite a bit since then. But as I have been taking this second S3 through its paces for over a week now, I am simply BLOWN AWAY by its sheer image quality. One of the best examples I can give of this is the very fine, whitish colored 'peach fuzz' on the sides of the cheeks of my three kids. Honestly, I forgot all about the fuzz, because I have not seen it in any of the photos I've taken with the other models since my first S3. Not the 9 and 10 megapixel models. None of the Panasonics. Its just one of those things (the fuzz) I never really thought about in judging my photos. And the fineness of the eyelashes or the mess of the iris in their eyes is BACK with the S3. I havent realized it really, but all that has been missing since the S3.

You may wonder about the S5. Well I did find traces of fuzz with my S5 photos, but not nearly as much as the S3. The S5 was a GREAT camera, but it had alot more purple fringing than the S3, plus image quality was simply not quite as good. The bigger LCD was nice, but that was about the only feature that was improved to me.

The other beauty of the S3 over the newer Panasonics was a faster and more accurate autofocus system. This is part of whats behind the superior 'fuzz pickup' of the Canons. Their focus is more exact. The so-called super-duper wonder camera, the Panasonic TZ5, misfocused nearly 1/3 of all the shots Ive taken with it. The FZ28 did a much, much better job with this, but not as good as the S3.

Metering is superior on the S3 as well. Just like my first S3, with the new S3, I have just about TOTAL confidence that I WILL get alot of really, really GREAT photos on an outing, whereas I had alot, but not total confidence in the FZ28, but almost NO confidence in the TZ5.

The lens of the S3/S5 is just 'faster' than the FZ28, and the little TZ5 lens is terribly 'slow'.

If you are considering getting an old S3, there are some downsides you have to be prepared to deal with in order to have that superior imaging. First is REDEYE. Its pretty aweful with the S3 and its stubby, short little flash. Automatic redeye removel didnt come along until the S5, so be prepared to manually remove it with your editing software quite often. If you can deal with that (I sure can), then you'll be fine. Next is the small 2" LCD screen. With 3" being the standard now, the S3 LCD is small. But its totally ADEQUATE! It works. Bigger it nicer, but it does not mean better. You pictures are meant to be seen on a large PC monitor or to be printed out. So dont worry about the small LCD. It swivels and tilts afterall! Take that, Panasonic! Lastly is the VGA video resolution. For me this is not a problem. I already got over my HD fetish and sound it over-rated. The FZ28 and TZ5 720p clips, while highly praised by reviewers, are grainy and a little choppy, and honestly, only a LITTLE better than VGA. Its true. It is. On my 42" 1080 HDTV, the clips from the S3 and the TZ5 look about the same from 10 feet away, except that the TZ5 clips are wide. HOWEVER, the S3 clips are in stereo sound (unlike the FZ28 and TZ5) and are camcorder smooth! And far less grainy.

Some of the very best, I mean it, very best and most treasured videos I have of my family were taken with my first S3. Ive burned them all to DVD now. Since then I have had a super-duper Canon HF100 camcorder as well, and yes its nice, but overall.....overall, the small 640x480 videos from the S3 are my family's favorite clips. They always ask to watch those again and again. They have never once asked to rewatch any of the HF100 1080i clips. Go figure...

The Canon A590 was a GREAT little camera too. Small, powerful, full manual modes. 8 MP. I'd rather have that than the TZ5 anyday!! The only problem was that the VGA video was slightly choppy, but fine...but you could not use the optical zoom while video recording. That IS a deal-breaker for me. The S3/S5, FZ28, and TZ5 all did allow optical zoom in videos.

So start hitting the pawn shops, Ebay, and Craigslist and find your own little gem of an S3. I paid less than $100 for my second one. Good luck on yours...

Showing Blurred Motion WITH Still, Focused Elements

2009-01-07T10:03:00.005-05:00

I read a question recently on how to capture a rushing waterfall so that the moving water was a 'haze' or blur, showing motion, but the rest of the photo in sharp focus. This is accomplished with a slow shutter speed and appropriate aperture.

The photo below is a sample shot I took in the kitchen sink. Notice the ketchup bottle, sink basin, water drops, and skillet are in focus, but the running water is a blur. This is the effect we want and can carry the technique to the river and waterfall.

On the Panasonic FZ28, I put it on a tripod of course, went into Manual mode, dial in a '1 second' shutter speed, close up the aperture to prevent overexposure with the slow shutter and go with F-7. Then Manually focus on the still elements of the shot, such as the ketchup bottle. Lastly, to eliminate any movement of the camera when firing the shutter, I chose the 2-second self timer mode, compose the shot, press the shutter, hands off the camera, and in 2 seconds, it takes the shot.

In the next photo, you will notice in front of the piggy, there is a diagonal-streaking bluish blur. This is a 1.5" blue ball I rolled across the frame while the shudder was open. Notice the pig is fairly in focus.

Last photo is a goofy shot of my son and I. I asked him to be as still as possible, while I convulsed. Panasonic FZ28, tripod, 1 second shutter.

When you do these type of shots (mixed still/blurred elements) using slow shutter, you will not need to use the flash. You will have to primarily control the exposure with aperture settings. You probably could work the flash in, maybe, but my 2 attempts were no good.

Bokeh Samples - Panasonic FZ28

2009-01-04T10:50:00.006-05:00

Last night before going to bed, I threw together some quick examples of Bokeh using the Panasonic FZ28. These are just off the cuff quickies to show you how easily it can be done with the FZ28.

Yes, that is a banana sticker stuck to a ceiling fan pull-chain. And if you look carefully, you will see the peanut butter I used to stick the label to the chain. I told you there were quickies thrown together!

Houseplant vs. Painting. Notice the dust on the leaves.

I see peanut butter glue!

A 2" girl figurine vs/ tall house plant

Houseplant vs. Burgundy Sofa

As to how its done, there are two primary ways. The first and easiest is to put the camera in Program mode, then Manual Focus. Compose your shot so there is a colorful or textural background behind the subject. I had to stand about a minimum of 4 feet away from the subject to be able to manually focus while zoomed all the way in to the subject. So, zoom all the way in, compose, manually focus, and take the shot.

The other way I found to work easily is to put the camera in Aperture Priority mode. Manual focus again. Open up the aperture (lower F number) to almost maximum (experiment with different stops), zoom all the way in, compose, and take the shot. It may seem very similar to the first method, but the results are a little different. I didn't post all the shots I took, with all the variations, because I want you to experiment for yourself.

Panasonic FZ28 Photo Samples Gallery 1

2009-01-01T15:19:00.011-05:00

I've realized that although I sure have LOTS to say about the FZ28, there is rather scarce evidence of what it can do on this blog. In the weeks to come, I am going to show you what the FZ28 can do with depth of fields, Bokeh (blurred backgrounds, sharp subject), and other issues people have asked about.

For now, I pulled up some images for you to inspect. What I want you to notice is the particular 'look' or 'finish' the FZ28 gives images. To my eyes, its more pleasing that the Canon's I was used to for so long. It is not a processed look I am talking about, but rather the balance of metering, exposure, and color punch. If you ever look at proper DSLR photos, you will really know what I am talking about, because it reaches out and grabs you. The FZ28 is not quite that good, but often times, it comes really, really close. That is saying something with this $300 camera, opposed to at least a $700 DSLR camera.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO VIEW AT 100% CROPS:

Up: The Eyelash Queen! Handheld, Flash, ISO 100

Up: Demonstration House Decor ISO 100 - 100% Crops

Up: Vintage Honda for auction

Up: Another Vintage Honda for Auction

Up: A tiny little model car. Note my fingerprint ridges.

Up: The white specs are just dust

Up and Down: Display Homes

Up: A working drumer ornament

Photo Samples for Noise - FZ28 vs. SX10

2008-12-30T23:44:00.008-05:00

I've been digging through my terabytes of digital imagery, trying to find a head-to-head comparison of a near exact shot taken on an FZ28 and an SX10. You judge for yourself which is the better image, because each shooter is looking for a particular, different 'look' sometimes.

Here is a closeup of a vintage matchbox car:

Above: Canon SX10 - ISO 100 - Flash - 100% Crop

Above: Panasonic FZ28 - ISO 100 - Flash - 100% Crop

Next sample is from the SX10 only. Sorry I do not have a comparable FZ28 shot. I offer this sample to illustrate the problem the SX10 (and S3 and S5) has with purple fringing. This shot was taken of my wife (cropped out) walking away from me at a distance. I wanted to catch the depth of field, so I went into aperture priority and made that iris pucker-up! Normally, this will help alot to minimize chromatic aberrations, especially with telephoto shots, such as this one. But with the S-series from Canon, it is usually hard to control in high-contrast compositions.

Canon SX10 - ISO 100 - Shutter Priority (closed) - 250% Crop

Yes, the mighty FZ28 has occasional purple fringing with contrasty shots, but I can tell you is much, much less that what I saw on the SX10. Purple fringe may not be an issue to you if you are only making 4x6 prints, but if you are either just looking at your photos on the PC with say, a 22" or larger monitor, you will see it, or if you want to make 8x10 prints, you will see it. It all depends on what kind of user you are.

What I don't like about the Panasonic FZ-28

2008-12-29T21:23:00.002-05:00

Thank you very much for the positive feedback I have been getting about my articles. And it is because of the positive comments that I want to discuss something different about the FZ-28 camera today. As you know by now, I have become a great fan of the FZ28, after years of buying the Canon S_IS models. I love the FZ28 images and HD video capability. However, I dont want anyone to think that I think the FZ28 is a perfect camera without its share of flaws. So for fun and enlightenment, I thought I would mention the things that BUG ME about the FZ28, despite me overall loving the camera!

First thing I have to mention is the Self Timer duration settings. Ugh. You only get the choice of 3 seconds or 10 seconds. Thats it. No custom setting. And on the 10 second setting, you have the choice of it taking 3 shots after the 10 second delay. Now those 3 shots will be about 3 seconds apart from each other, which is just enough time to alter your pose and position inbetween shots, which is very fun and useful. But the Canon models offeres a Self Timer mode where you can make the dely as many seconds as you want. I always found 20 seconds to perfect to get everyone set in place, kids and babies to look at the camera, etc. The maximum of 10 seconds you get with the Fz28 is barely enough for you to go run and get into place.

Next bugaboo I have with the FZ28 is its somewhat inconsitent white balance and multi-zone focusing. Now please, don't let these things worry you about the FZ28. When you are talking about an under-$400 camera, there is only so much you can expect, from any maker. Now 95% of the time, the FZ28 gets it right I'd say, and when it does'nt, it still makes a nice photo, it just might not have the same 'look' as some similar shots you took at the same session.

Now that I have the two main issues mentioned, I have two more petty, unimportant issues I'll mention for sake of those who respectfully like to fuss over petty issues, because afterall, its your hard-earned money you are spending and you want as close to perfection as possible...and I don't blame you one bit!

The FZ28 connects to your PC with a proprietary USB cable, which only fits the Panasonic. If you loose it or break it, you will not be able to run up to the thrift store for a regular USB cable for 99-cents! You are going to have to buy one from Panasonic, or Ebay for at least $10. Again, not a big deal at all, but WHY-O-WHY don't they just keep is simple for everyone??? I mean, if your like me, you have at least a DOZEN extra USB-to-D (or is it B) cable, used by many cell phones, MP3 players, most Bluetooth headsets, etc.

Lastly, and this just may be me, but the user-friendliness of the FZ28 menus are quite stiff and dull, not that the Canon's were all that warm&fuzzy. I just wonder why makers would not make really nice menus for everyone? It does not cost anymore whatsoever.

DCRP likes the Canon SX10

2008-12-11T10:46:00.005-05:00

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DCRESOURCE.COM, one of my very favorite review sites, just published a favorable review of the Canon SX10. Go check it out, because its a great site you may not know about, but should. Their dislike of the SX10 was noise reduction artifacting at ISO 80, where it should not be an issue at all, and occasional purple fringing.

As for my comments, if you recall, I liked the SX10 as well, but not nearly as much as the Panasonic FZ28. The FX28 allows you to control the amount of noise reduction applied, unlike the SX10, and I had LOTS of purple fringing in my SX10 photos. I have seen very, very, very little purple fringing, in my already thousands of FZ28 shots.

I dont know if DCRESOURCE.COM will ever get around to reviewing the FZ28, and I would be very interested to know what it would conclude if it did, but in the mean time, I am still loving my FZ28, and steadily building my photo and HD video clip library of my life and family.

Noise vs. Resolution Quality

2008-12-04T17:55:00.006-05:00

I think alot of people are confused about two aspects of digital image quality, just as I once was. I think a brief discussion on this may be helpful for others. I believe it has alot to do with the friendly controversies between which camera is better, the FZ28 or SX10.

You can take 3 different camera makes and models, all with the EXACT same resolution AND sensor size, and under controlled lighting conditions and mountings, take the same photos, and when you compare them, you will see plenty of differences. Not counting the focal differences of different lenses, you will see varying degrees of 1) NOISE and the varying 2) RESOLUTION QUALITY, which is affected by the sensor, the processor's handing of the data, compression methods, etc., but NOT in regard to how many megabytes. And if you don't know how to tell the difference, or have a program to help tell you, you can easily confuse the two.

Generally, if you zoom into an image at 200% or more, NOISE is going to look like fine, grainy specs all over the image, especially in the darker areas. It can really mess a photo up. Resolution quality issues will look like jaggy, stair-step edges of images that should be round, like eyes, pupils, buttons on clothing, car wheels, etc. Also known as 'pixelation'. The better the resolution QUALITY, not size in MBs, the more round and smooth such things will look in higher (digital) zoom levels.

Pixelation levels, or 'resolution quality' as I term it, CANNOT be determined by a camera's megapixel size, name brand, lens, etc. It is only, only going to be known and realized either by taking photos yourself with the camera and examining them, or by reading a review with test images and close crops. Even then, with the review, the camera was under a very controlled situation which you can and will never duplicate. So in my opinion, since you are going to be spending a few hundred dollars, you need to test drive the the camera yourself for at least a couple days.

Before I explain more about these issues, I want to say that while the FZ28 clearly, undoubtedly had superior noise-control over the SX10, it is the SX10 that has slightly better resolution quality. Both cameras have 10 MB sensors, and again, resolution quality does not have anything to do with how many megabytes produced. Keep that in mind. When I took my pile of test photos from both cameras, I saw the SX10 produced very slightly 'smoother' images than the FZ28, but noise was worse. To me, noise is the bigger enemy. And I could only see that the FZ28's resolution quality was slightly less as good as the SX10 when I zoomed in to 200% and more. Thats translates into a small issue, because even if you print an 8x10 photo, you are very unlikely to notice it. However, you WILL notice noise issues greatly with an 8x10. And if you only look at your photos on the computer monitor or your LCD television, you are not going to notice anything, unless you zoom in to 200% and more, which never looks good anyway, even from a $3000 DSLR. Trust me. So what I am trying to say is, I think what some people may perceive as a noise issue with the FZ28 may actually be it's marginally less resolution quality, which as I explain, is not a big issue at all. Many may think its a noise issue, which would be a big issue, but its not a noise issue. This is how I know:

I use several good image processing programs in my hobby, and one of them is LightZone. Lightzone has a feature where you can remove the noise in an image, and then capture and save it, just the removed noise, as a NEW image. This is known as 'Noiseography' and is a new artistic technique others have come up with. The resulting noiseograph image, often looking like a weird ghost-like, fuzzy representation of the original image, can be colored and altered into strange and beautiful images. The more noise the original image is tainted with, the better the noiseograph. A very clean, sharp original image with produce a very weak or non-existant noiseograph. Get it? So when I take my images from the FZ28 and FX10 and produce noiseographs, for the most part, I get MUCH better, usable noiseographs from the SX10, and the FZ28 originals produce noiseographs that I can barely even see at all. That, in my book, puts to rest the dispute of which camera is noisier. Keep in mind I am talking about only ISO 100 images, which is all I shoot in, save for the occasional ISO 200, but I never go beyond that, because of the noise issue ANY non-DSLR will, will, will produce. All those megepixels crammed into such a small sensor on the non-DSLR's, is going to make noise.

Now to show you a sample of what I mean, here are two photos of my daughter's eyes. One taken with the FZ28, the other with the SX10. Both are indoor flash shots, ISO 100, handheld. Notice the SX10 has a more noisy, splotched image.

Above: Canon SX10. 300% Crop. ISO 100

Above: Panasonic FZ28. 300% Crop. ISO 100

HD LCD Televisions & Monitors 720p vs. 1080

2008-11-30T11:09:00.002-05:00

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Today I want to write a little about the difference between 720p and 1080p or i High Definition LCD televisions or monitors. You may be like I was a few weeks ago and thought that you simply had to have 1080p instead of what you thought was surely inferior 720p HD. The Panasonic FZ28 camera you have or are thinking of buying only had 720p HD video and you are worried its not good enough. I am here today to try and 'splain it out for you.

First, very very briefly, your old, regular non-HD televison in 480 resolution, which means there are 480 ROWS of pixels vertically from one side of the screen to the other. 720 means 720 ROWS of pixels vertically, and so on...So then, from a resolution standpoint, as much of an improvement as 720 is over old 480 (240 more rows), thats about how much better 1080 is over 720 (360 more ROWS). But can your eyes SEE and appreciate the difference? Yes and No.

If you have ever stood and gawked at the nice HD LCD TV in a store, and you were so very impressed and felt like you were there, did you ever notice you were standing probably 3 feet away from the screen? Next time you are in the store, such as a Walmart, stand WAY back from the entire television department, say about 100 feet from all the TVs. Look at the 720 and 1080 models, then look at the old square 480 models. Not much difference, right? Now try standing about 15 feet away. Not too much difference, right? Now get in less than 8 feet away from the screens, and you fall in love with the HD models again. Why is this?

CNET had a wonderful article all about the difference in HD resolutions and they came to the conclustion that unless you are sitting really close to your television set, "[it's] almost always very difficult to see any difference [between 720p and 1080p] -- especially from farther than 8 feet away on a 50-inch TV."

I then read every article I could find on the internet about HD, and every reputable site and commentator agreed that once you get beyond 7 or 8 feet from your TV screen, you are not going to be able to tell the difference between 720 or 1080 HD video. Look at this chart from CNET:

So according to the above chart data, the benefit of a 32" HDTV having 1080p resolution is not noticeable for most people sitting more than 6-feet away from their television set. The benefit of 1080p for a 42" television starts at 8-feet away, a standard viewing distance for most households.

In a Consumer Reports publication from December 2008, they also conclude that most 720p televisions have BETTER image quality than typical 1080 sets. They go on to comment that until the next generation of the HD technology comes, it is NOT worth paying extra for a 1080, when the 720p version on that brand and model line is more than likely better.

Well I'm a rubber-meets-the-road kinda guy who wants tangible proof for everything relating to this Earthly realm, so I went to a big box electronics store a few days before Black Friday, and spent about 2 hours in the home theater section, bearing out the CNET chart and claims. I even asked the associates to move like-modeled TV's, like the same Sony model in 720 and 1080, and move them literally side-by-side, and I did that for Toshiba's and Samsungs as well. (trust me, they will be happy to do it for you, so long as you really look, act and even SMELL like you are really looking to buy one TODAY!)(grin). I sat on their provided leather couch and compared. Then I stood at distance of about 10 feet, then 20 feet, and compared and took notes. What did I find?

CNET was right. The brand name didnt matter. When I compared 720 with 1080 on the couch about 5.5 feet away (thats on purpose ya know, where they put the couch), yes, the 1080 had an edge over the 720. Worth paying $200 more for? Not in my book!! When I backed up to about 7 feet, the distance I have at home from my TV, I was stunned and actually disappointed to see the 1080 lost its glory and was marginally better than the 720. Then at 10 feet and beyond, there is no difference. In fact, there were times I thought the 720 actually looked a little better at such distance, but I did not take the time to prove it.

Now how this related to the Panasonic FZ28 camera is that its 720p HD video is going to look just as good as 1080 to probably 98% of people who compared it on a television sitting the typical distance away from them. Now if you go stand 2 feet away from the screen, you WILL appreicate a difference, but NOBODY watched TV like that, so what is the point? And that brings up one last tidbit to mention.

Since the difference in 1080 over 720 HD is only seen up close, that means a serious computer gamer WILL want a 1080 PC MONITOR over a 720, because there face is less than 3 feet away from the screen. They WILL see the difference. 720 will look totally awesome though, just great, but 1080 will be one notch better. Worth $200 more? You decide...

So my suggestion is that for the current LCD technology used in the industry, if you are looking to buy a LCD television, same some money and get a 720p. If you are looking to buy either a LCD PC monitor or a TV to be used as a monitor as well, go for the 1080. Oh, and yes, the modern HD LCD's have a PC monitor hookup for full HD computing. In fact, for the price of a new LCD monitor in 26", you can just get a 32" 720p television and use it as your monitor. Its bigger, 100% just as good (its 100% exactly the same LCD guts and technology in a monitor or TV), and best of all, the TV has nice 10watt built-in, full-range speakers!!! The monitor probably does not.

So what did I do after my HD tests? I bought a Sony 720p television on an on-line Black Friday deal, picked it up in-store, and the whole family LOVES IT. I am going to buy another one to replace my current 26" PC monitor.

Go get em...

School Play video recorded with FZ-28

2008-11-21T12:05:00.001-05:00

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Last night my son was in his school class musical program. In previous years, I recorded them with quality camcorders, but this time I took my PANASONIC FZ-28. Now I must expalain I always sit in the very back, or go to the balcony, which either way is about 150 feet from the stage. With the camcorders and 10x-12x zooms, I always took a 3x converter lens to add on and get up in the kids faces from that far distance, and I used a tripod. Last night, with the FZ-28 and its 18x zoom, totally, totally awesome Leica lens, and fantastic opitcal image stabilization, I can attest to the fact that my video clips are not only HD, but look as good, if not better, than previous programs with a dedicated quality camcorders!! At 18x zoom, I am right in there, in their faces if need be, and there is no chromatic distortions like you get with the 2x and 3x add-on lenses. Plus, I did NOT have a tripod, but handheld the FZ28 above my head the whole time, and its amazingly steady for not using a tripod. My whole family is pleased as punch with the video capability of the FZ28. The sound is good, while not as good as a dedicated camcorder, its still good. (Note, the speaker on the FZ28 is not great, and playback on the camera is iffy, but the clips played on your PC are good.) And of course the autofocus is not near as quick as that of a camcorder, but its not bad. When you consider the immeasurable benefit of being able to switch back and forth and also take wonderful hi-res still photos as well (not while recording video at the same time), the FZ28 just keeps getting better and better, and I can just hardly wait until their next model comes with hopefully 1080 HD and a hotshoe.

Above: My view with no telephoto applied.

Above: Wow! Same location, but with 18x zoom.

Canon SX10 IS vs. Panasonic DCM-FZ28

2008-10-10T12:23:00.002-04:00

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I have been a 'serious amateur' digital camera buff for the past 10 years and have owned many models. For the past 4 years, my favorite cameras have been the Canon S2 IS, S3 IS, and S5 IS models, for their affordable level of image quality combined with video recording. So recently Canon released the new SX10 IS model to succeed the S5. I quickly purchased one. Then I was able to obtain the also new, comparably featured Panasonic DCM-FZ28. I spent about 2 weeks with both cameras and have decided on my favorite model. Since I know there are many other folks also desperately searching for reviews of both these camera models, and there are few as of yet, I thought I would write this blog.

Just by way of note, both cameras are 10MP resolution and have similar optical zooms, with the Canon SX10 at 20X and the Panasonic FZ28 at 18X.

First, the Canon SX10 IS:

I absolutley loved my Canon S3 and S5 cameras. The S3 had better image quality, but the S5 adds other goodies. All our baby photos were shot on these, as were by brother's wedding. I have been very faithful to this line of cameras, so I was quite excited to get my new SX10 IS. First impression was that this model is larger and heavier (and did'nt fit my favorite camera cases anymore) than previous models. While the size is fine with me, the weight a little bothersome, but with the new 20X lens, its got to be heavier. The build quality is very nice, feeling more solid and having more metalic elements then before. The lens cap finally snaps into the front of the lens like other maker's models. This camera is a real handful and there are acutally several DSLR's smaller then this one. Depending on the user, the bulky size can be a benefit or hindrance.

Image quality was not as good as expected. The S5 had a LOT of noise in images, even at ISO 80 and 100, than the S3 and S5 did, and now the SX10 has even more than the S5! Now if you only look at photos on the computer monitor or print out 4x6 shots, noise may not be a huge issue for you. As for me, I CHERISH my photos and I love to muse on them often. I look at them on a large 28" LCD monitor and when I print them out, I usually go 8x10, so noise is a great concern of mine. And regardless, noise detracts from image quality, sharpness, color, and overall appeal. The noise levels on the SX10, even at low ISO, were terribly bothersome to me.

Aside from the noise, the exposure and color were very good. The face detection function works well. The manual settings are among the best available in these types of superzoom cameras. The camcorder-like swing-out, twistable 2.5" LCD monitor remains on of the greatest features of the S_ IS series. Every other maker needs to go in this direction, because nothing compares, and once you have it, its hard to ever go with a model missing it.

The movie mode on the S10 is very good and the video is even more steady and clear then before, and rivals real camcorder video. You CAN use the optical zoom during video recording, and this is a BIG ISSUE you'll want to keep in mind, because almost all other makers do not include that ability. The downside to the SX10's video function is that despite it being Canon's newest model, being released in October 2008, it does not have HD video. Old 640x480 is all you get. For most people, its enough. If you want widescreen HD or even widescreen non_HD video clips, the SX10 won't give it to you. But it will give you decent still photos in very good lighting, albeit it with noise issues mentioned above. The 20x optical zoom is wonderful, though, but nothing earth-shattering if you've had a previous make and model with 15x, or even 12x. It just gives you a little more.

Next, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28:

Actually, Knowledge of this model escaped my diligent and constant research on upcoming digital camera models for a few months. Despite countless hours researching superzoom non-DSLR models that have movie modes, preferrably widescreen and/or HD video, I missed the FZ28's existence.
I had resigned myself to picking up a Canon 'SX1' (not the SX1), available only in Europe, in December 2008. The 'SX1' is basically an SX10, but adds a CMOS sensor instead of CCD, and a full 1080 HD video mode. NICE! But Canon is not going to offer them in the USA. So how did I like the FZ28?

Out of the box, I noticed the FZ28 is amazing lightweight! Initially, this could be good or bad, time will tell. Now it has an 18X optical zoom lens, which is, come on folks, virtually the same as the SX10's 20X lens. Now at this point I am intrigued, becasue I have never liked Panasonic digital cameras (though Panasonic camcorder are my preference), and the look and feel of the FZ28 is turning me on a little. Honestly, I DON'T WANT to like this Panasonic model, because I've been a Canon man for so long. The FZ28 is not only much, much lighter, but its smaller too, and fits in my favorite camera cases. Well so far this is cosmetic, subjetive stuff, so how does the FZ28 perform?

The FZ28's predecessor, the FZ18, was only of the highest rated, most loved superzooms of last camera season. My favorite professional camera review websites, 'dcresource.com' and 'digitalcamerainfo.com' lavished praise on the FZ18, but both noted that noise levels were higher than they should be. Would the FZ28 be an improvement in noise? It has a new processor, so will it get better?

In my tests, though I am not comparing it to a FZ18, the FZ28 has well controlled noise, better than the Canon SX10 for sure. Compared to the Canon SX3, which was my favorite camera of all, the FZ28 is sill noisy, even at ISO 100, but the S3 was a sweetheart, plus its an unfair comparison, because with more resolution (10mp vs. 6mp) crammed into a same-sized sensor, there HAS to be more noise. Still, I dont want to give the wrong impression. The 10MP FZ28 has very, very acceptable, even good noise levels, and compared to the Canon SX10, I feel like throwing a suprise party for the FZ28.

Redeye. Well redeye was really, really, bad on the Canon S3 and S5. The SX10 is the same, but can easily and quickly remove the redeye with digital processing in the camera. It works pretty well, but the Canon models, even the SX10, simple have too-short pop-up flashes. The open flash extends maybe 7/8" high, but have you ever noticed the flashes on DSLR's open from about 1.5" to 2" high. There is a reason for that. The closer the flash is to the lens, the more redeye you WILL get. Period. The higher the flash, the better. Well I am suprised and very pleased that the flash on the FZ28 is nearly 1.5" high. So will it help with redeye? Yes. Redeye is well controlled on the FZ28. Why Canon contiunes to put their stubby flashes on the Sx series is beyond me.

The LCD on the FZ28 is larger, at 2.7", than the SX10's 2.5". It does not tilt though, and is totally fixed. Yeah, thats a bummer, but not too bad a bummer. The LCD is very nice though, with a better sharpness and vibrantcy than the SX10s, though the SX10's is very good as well.

The SX10's electronic viewfinder, for those who actually use them, is low resolution and pretty grainy. This may not matter to you if you only compose and view your images on the LCD. But the FZ28 adds a fine-resolution, viewfinder, and I really appreciate that little feature when I am shooting outdoors in very bright sunlight, or in very dark situations and I want to be really sure my eyes see exactly what the camera's brain sees.

The FZ28 has a 720 HD movie mode, and this made me jump for joy. I dont like to drag both my still camera AND camcorder with me to every outing, so its nice for a cam to be able to do both still and video well. While no still camera is going to do what a dedicated HD camcorder can do, for my fellow 'serious amateur' shooters, good video from a still cam can be more than enough, especially if you are just going to watch the clips on your computer monitor and not burn them to DVD. The FZ28 has widescreen HD and non-HD video modes which work good. The SX10 has no widescreen video mode, only wide stills.

The menus have more options and features on the FZ28 than they do on the SX10. Since Ive been in a Canon rut for so long, the FZ28's options suprised me, pleasingly. I can control more parameters and issues with the FZ28 then I can on the SX10, but the SX10 is still very good in this department. The FZ28 is just better.

Face-detection works quite well on the FZ28, though the SX10's face-detection seemed to be very slightly quicker and slicker. Both models are impressive with this feature.

About Batteries:

Part of what makes the Canon SX10, like the S2,3, and 5 before it, heavy, are the 4 AA batteries they take. Most other maker's camera use special proprietary batteries, but they come with a charger and can be used to charge the battery if it dies in the field. I always considered the 4 rechargeable NiMH AA batteries to be a superior method for cameras, since they could be replaced in the field with alkalines from 7-11 if need be, plus the pro-review websites I like and read are usually negative on proprietary batteries. The FZ28 uses such a proprietary battery, and after using it now, I've had my mind changed and think they are superior afterall. First of all, where ther rubber meets the road, they give you many more shots per charge then the best rechargeable AA batteries. They do. But they are also smaller and lighter for the camera, and carrying an extra one in your case means one compact battery rolling around, as opposed to 4 AAs rolling around or being in the way. Bottom line is, they provide more power and shots per charge. Maybe not a whole, whole lot more, but still more. About 25% more when compared with the SX10 and FZ28 cameras.

Conclusion

Overall, while I think the SX10 is an interesting camera I can recommend, it has some major flaws with image quality (noise and purple fringe), the FZ28 brings more to the table, with much better quality and flexibility. While you won't get a tilting LCD like on the Canon, you will get better image quality, a smaller and much lighter camera to hold and carry, and widescreen and HD video with the FZ28 than you will on the SX10. If whats important to you is like whats important to me, you may want to check out the Panasonic FZ28.

The battery door on the SX10, like the S3 and S5, was adequate, but a little flimsy, and I did have a few jams over the years. The battery door on the FZ28 is heavy-duty, tough, and a much better design.

Also, as of this writing on October 2008, the FZ28 can be purchased for as low as $307 brand new, at the lowest price available anywhere for the SX10 is $380. For my money, I like the FZ28 better for several reasons, though I also like the SX10. This year, however, I will be keeping the FZ28 and selling the SX10. Thats saying something, because I have had a deep, romantic love affair with the Canon S line, and I don't want to leave them, but at least for this next year's camera season, I've got a new honey, and its the Panasonic FZ28. Maybe Canon will woo me back next season...

Feel free to email me about this post or about the cameras, or to ask me any questions.