Fujifilm SL240 vs Panasonic FZ28: The Definitive Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

Today, we’re digging deep into a niche that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves: small sensor superzoom cameras. Specifically, I’m putting the Fujifilm FinePix SL240 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 head-to-head. Both have carved out space in the zoom-happy enthusiast and budget-conscious crowd, sporting fixed superzoom lenses but sporting very different personalities.

Having extensively tested hundreds of cameras across genres, I’ve spent weeks putting these two through rigorous real-world use and lab-like technical comparison. What follows is a practical, no-nonsense appraisal that will help you understand which camera suits your style, skill level, and wallet.

Handling & Ergonomics: Who’s Best in Hand?

First impressions count, and feel is a huge part of handling a camera long-term. The Fujifilm SL240 is a chunky superzoom with an SLR-like body designed to feel secure and balanced, even when you dial in the full 24x zoom (24–576mm equivalent). Its grip is firm enough for larger hands but might challenge those with smaller mitts.

On the flip side, the Panasonic FZ28 is more compact and lightweight by a good margin - 417g versus SL240’s heftier 510g. That difference translates into a more discreet feel, comfortable for street and travel shooters who want to pack light but still demand versatile zoom.

I appreciated the Panasonic’s smaller footprint, especially for carrying all-day without fatigue, though the SL240’s heft matches well with the longer lens reach and overall stability during low shutter speed shooting.

Control Layout & User Interface: Clubs for Thumbs or Delicate Dances?

Controls can make or break quick shooting. The SL240 offers a more traditional SLR-like array - dedicated dials for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes are great for seasoned shooters wanting precision without menu diving. The buttons are adequately spaced and tactile, though lacking illumination makes night shooting fiddly.

The Panasonic FZ28 shrinks the physical controls, which correspond with its compact ethos but might frustrate purists used to crisper dials. It does shine with a dedicated manual focus ring on the lens - a rare gem in its class that offers tactile control for macro or telephoto focusing; the SL240 lacks this, relying solely on focus modes.

Both cameras lack touchscreen interfaces, and neither sports rear-display tilts - unfortunate, but understandable given their vintage. Usability-wise, the SL240 caters slightly better to those who prioritize quick mode changes; the FZ28 favors compactness and straightforward shooting.

Sensor Tech & Image Quality: The Meat and Potatoes

Both the SL240 and FZ28 employ 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors - the industry standard for affordable superzooms. The SL240 boasts a slightly higher 14MP resolution compared to the FZ28’s 10MP. However, in my extensive side-by-side tests, that gap did not translate into a meaningful advantage in print or on-screen detail. The pixel density on the SL240 risks increased noise at higher ISOs.

Panasonic interestingly supports RAW capture on the FZ28 - a significant boon for enthusiasts who want latitude in post-processing. The SL240 shoots only JPEG, limiting flexibility if you want to squeeze the most out of dynamic range or exposure adjustments.

In objective lab tests (ISO invariance, color depth), the FZ28 holds a slight edge, with a DxO Mark-like score around 27, reflecting decent color depth (~18 bits) and dynamic range (~10 EV stops). SL240 wasn’t directly tested by DxO but its sensor specs suggest slightly lower performance.

In practice, at base ISOs (64 SL240 vs 100 FZ28), both deliver vibrant colors and sharp details. However, noise creeps in faster on SL240 beyond ISO 400, limiting its use in dim conditions.

Display, Viewfinder & Live View: Where You Frame Matters

The SL240 features a 3-inch TFT LCD with 460K dots - brighter, more detailed for framing and menu navigation - compared with the Panasonic’s 2.7-inch 230K dot display. The difference is noticeable, especially outdoors or reviewing images.

Both cameras employ electronic viewfinders (EVFs) rather than optical, but neither provides great coverage or magnification. The SL240 offers approx. 97% field coverage on its EVF, while Panasonic doesn’t specify, though I found it slightly more cramped.

For video and live framing, both are roughly equal, allowing live view shooting but no touchscreen autofocus control. SL240 supports face detection autofocus, useful for portraits, whereas FZ28 lacks this software feature.

Autofocus & Burst Shooting: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

Here’s where the differences get practical:

• SL240: Uses contrast detection autofocus with face detection and continuous AF during burst mode (though burst speed maxes out at a pokey 1 fps). The continuous AF is a plus for subjects that move unpredictably, but the slow burst rate hinders action photography.

• FZ28: Utilizes contrast detection only; no face or continuous AF, but offers a fast 3 fps burst rate - a vintage speed advantage that benefits those shooting sports or wildlife in a pinch.

Autofocus accuracy was good on both at central points, but the SL240’s face detection gave it the edge for portraits and casual use. Continuous AF on SL240 also helps attempt tracking slow-moving subjects, though neither is ideal for professional wildlife or sports shooting.

Lens Performance and Magnification: Zoom Wars

• Fujifilm SL240: Zoom range of 24-576 mm equivalent (24x zoom), max aperture f/3.1-5.9
• Panasonic FZ28: Zoom range of 27-486 mm equivalent (18x zoom), max aperture f/2.8-4.4

SL240’s broader reach outpaces the FZ28, winning for wildlife enthusiasts who want the "long arm" without carrying big gear. However, this superzoom length comes at the cost of a smaller maximum aperture at telephoto, making it less capable in low light beyond 200mm.

FZ28 impresses with a brighter aperture throughout the range, particularly wide at f/2.8, beneficial for portraits or indoor shooting where depth of field control or low light is vital. Its minimum focusing distance of 1cm beats SL240’s 2cm, advantaging macro enthusiasts.

Neither zoom is fully weather-sealed, so cautious use in inclement weather is advised.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift vs Optical

Image stabilization (IS) technology impacts handheld shooting clarity, especially at long reach.

• SL240 uses sensor-shift stabilization, moving the sensor to counteract shake.
• FZ28 uses optical stabilization, moving lens elements to achieve steadiness.

In testing, both steady shots well up to mid telephoto but sensor-shift can sometimes introduce minor softness in macro range or at prolonged exposures versus lens-based IS. Optical IS on the FZ28 felt more natural and effective for handheld macro and tele shots.

If your photography leans towards tele-wildlife or macro, FZ28’s stabilization may serve better.

Flash and Low Light Performance

• SL240’s built-in pop-up flash has a range up to 7m at wide angle; Panasonic pushes slightly further to 8.5m using auto ISO.
• Both cameras offer multiple flash modes and have external flash support (Fujifilm supports external flash, Panasonic does not).

Unfortunately, neither excels in low light action due to sensor limits and small apertures beyond telephoto. SL240’s maximum native ISO 1600 and FZ28’s 6400 appear generous on paper but noise rapidly degrades image quality above ISO 400-800.

For night photography or indoor events, both require supplemental lighting where possible.

Fujifilm SL240 front Fujifilm SL240 screen back Panasonic FZ28 front Panasonic FZ28 screen back

Real-World Image Quality Across Genres

I put both through their paces in:

• Portraits: SL240 edged out slightly due to face detection AF; however, Panasonic’s brighter f/2.8 aperture produces smoother bokeh and better subject isolation in shallow depth-of-field shots. Neither produces portrait-level skin tone nuance comparable to larger sensors, but good enough for casual use.

• Landscape: Panasonic’s superior dynamic range allowed better highlight preservation under tough light; Fujifilm’s higher resolution helped capture minute detail if stabilized well. Note: Neither handles extreme contrast like DSLRs or mirrorless with larger sensors.

• Wildlife: SL240’s 24x zoom brilliant for distant subjects, but slow burst rate and AF limits hinder action capture. Panasonic’s faster focus and burst better suited for bird-in-flight snapshots but shorter reach tags it behind.

• Sports: FZ28’s 3 fps burst offers a modest advantage; neither autofocus nor continuous tracking meet professional sports demands.

• Street: FZ28 wins for portability and stealth; SL240’s bulk and louder zoom are less covert.

• Macro: FZ28 better with 1cm focus and optical IS; SL240 less so but serviceable at 2cm.

• Night/Astro: Neither ideal; heavy noise above ISO 400 and limited exposure controls restrict astrophotography.

• Video: Both capped at 720p/30fps HD recording. SL240 records in H.264 and Motion JPEG; Panasonic unspecified but practically similar. Neither have mic or headphone jacks. Image stabilization helps handheld video.

• Travel: FZ28’s lightness and battery efficiency appeal; SL240’s extensive zoom useful but bulk a travel downside.

• Professional Use: Limited on both - no RAW on Fujifilm and limited advanced formats/storage on Panasonic restrict serious workflows.

Technical Summation and Specifications Scorecard

Who Should Buy Which? Matching Cameras to Photography Genres

• Portrait Enthusiasts: If face detection AF and LCD clarity matter, SL240 wins for user-friendliness; Panasonic takes the cake for better bokeh and lens aperture - good if you love artistic blur.

• Landscape Photographers: Panasonic slightly edges due to superior dynamic range and RAW output; Fujifilm's higher resolution is a plus but less critical here.

• Wildlife Shooters: SL240’s longer zoom outshines FZ28, but don’t expect professional AF speeds; great for casual hobbyists needing reach.

• Sports Snappers: FZ28’s faster burst and reasonable manual focus better suited, albeit limited by AF capabilities.

• Street and Travel: Panasonic’s compact size and quieter operation are clear benefits; SL240 is too bulky and conspicuous.

• Macro Fans: FZ28 excels with closer focusing and superior stabilization.

• Low Light and Night: Neither camera shines; for casual night snaps, Panasonic’s brighter aperture and ISO ceiling help marginally.

• Video Creators on Budget: Both offer only HD at 30fps, no professional audio options; stabilization helps handheld footage; FZ28's older firmware may be glitchy.

• Professionals or Serious Amateurs: Neither camera meets RAW, sensor size, durability, or advanced controls expected; consider them as budget secondaries or travel companions, not main tools.

Build Quality & Reliability: Solid but No Armor

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or rugged build typical of high-end models. Both resist casual bumps and are crafted from plastics with some metal internals.

SL240 leans toward a more robust feel but can’t be considered durable for harsh conditions. Battery life is modest: Fujifilm’s NP-85 rated ~300 shots, while Panasonic’s stats are unclear but generally similar - carry spares for extended outings.

Connectivity is minimal - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS on either. Panasonic misses HDMI port outright, which may disappoint video enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

So, ultimately, which small sensor superzoom earns your wallet’s favor? Let me break it down.

Fujifilm SL240: The Giant Zoom Specialist

Pros:

• Massive 24x zoom stretches well beyond typical superzooms
• Face detection AF and continuous focusing for casual action
• Bright, detailed 3” LCD better for framing and playback
• External flash support
• Good all-rounder for zoom-hungry shooters on a budget

Cons:

• Slow burst rate (1 fps) - not suited for fast action shoots
• No RAW shooting limits post-processing flexibility
• Higher noise at ISO > 400
• Heavier and bulkier for travel or street use
• No HDMI port and limited connectivity

Recommended for: Wildlife hobbyists needing crazy zoom, casual portraits with face detection, and budget buyers wanting easy control.

Panasonic Lumix FZ28: The Versatile Compact Zoom

Pros:

• Brighter lens (f/2.8-4.4) great for low light and creative depth-of-field
• Faster burst shooting (3 fps) for casual sports or wildlife shots
• RAW file support unlocks editing freedom
• Smaller, lighter body better for travel and street shooters
• Optical stabilization excellent for telephoto and macro shots

Cons:

• Shorter zoom range (18x vs 24x) limits reach
• No continuous AF or face detection, which can frustrate beginners
• Lower-res and dimmer rear LCD
• No external flash or HDMI port
• Older design and interface feel dated

Recommended for: Travel photogs valuing portability and low light capacity; enthusiasts wanting RAW flexibility; and macro shooters.

Wrapping It Up: My Personal Pick

If forced to pick one for my own kit today, I’d lean towards the Panasonic FZ28 for its better all-round versatility, RAW support, and compact ergonomics, which fit my shooting style when I need a do-it-all camera without carrying DSLR heft.

However, if your eye is on wildlife photography and you prize reach over portability or subtle autofocus, the Fujifilm SL240 offers a zoom advantage that can’t be ignored - and at a significantly lower price point.

Looking for the sharpest tool for the job? Both these cameras are relics in the age of mirrorless giants, but their unique combo of superzoom capability and budget price keeps them relevant for beginners or cheapskates who want to dabble in various genres without committing to big glass or expense.

Hopefully, this detailed comparison arms you with the insights you need to make a confidently informed purchase. Happy shooting, and always test cameras in real conditions when possible - you’re the best judge of what feels right in your own hands!

Appendix: Summary of Specifications

Throughout this comparison, it’s clear each camera serves distinct niches within the small sensor superzoom bracket. The choice boils down to your specific photographic priorities, size preferences, and budget. Neither will make your pros envious, but both offer respectable image quality and versatile zoom power that can be creatively satisfying outside pro circles.

Happy lens hunting!

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