Olympus E-400 vs Panasonic Lumix FZ28: A Hands-On, No-Nonsense Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Over the years, I’ve had my hands - and lenses - on thousands of cameras, from ultra-high-end full-frame beasts to quirky compacts designed for weekend warriors. Today, we’re venturing into a somewhat nostalgic arena, comparing two cameras that cater to very different seekers in the photography world, yet share the same approximate price point in their heyday: the Olympus E-400, an entry-level DSLR from 2006, and the Panasonic Lumix FZ28, a versatile, compact superzoom released in early 2009.

These two almost contemporaneous machines approach photography from diametrically different philosophies - the E-400 is a Micro Four Thirds DSLR with interchangeable lenses, promising creative flexibility; the FZ28 is a point-and-shoot with an enormous zoom range and video capabilities, aimed at capturing everything without fussing over lenses. By unpacking their real-world performance across a spectrum of photographic disciplines, integrating technical insights and firsthand use, we’ll answer the thorny question: Which camera suits which user and needs?

Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: What’s It Like to Use These Cameras Daily?

Before you even click the shutter, the feel of a camera in your hands significantly shapes your shooting experience. Size and ergonomics often separate the comfortable from the awkward.

Olympus E-400 is compact for a DSLR, sporting a minimalistic, almost toy-like feel at 130 x 91 x 53 mm and 435 grams. Its body is on the small side for an SLR, thanks to the Micro Four Thirds design - lighter and smaller sensor format than APS-C or full-frame - but, beware, small-handed photographers might find the grip less substantial. It’s elegant yet subtle, almost portable enough to squeeze into street-shooting contexts if you want to fly low-profile, albeit with the bulk of extra lenses in tow.

The Panasonic FZ28, meanwhile, is a classic “bridge” style camera - measuring 118 x 75 x 89 mm and weighing a lean 417 grams. Its design screams long zoom, and while bulkier front-to-back due to the lens barrel, its single fixed lens eliminates lens changes and keeps quick reaction times. The zoom extends from a versatile 27mm wide all the way to a monstrous 486mm equivalent telephoto (a whopping 18x zoom). The ergonomics are quite good with a pronounced grip; still, some may find the top-heavy lens and smaller body balance takes a bit of wrist strength during prolonged frames.

In practice, the E-400 impresses with classic DSLR control layout and better grip options if customized lenses are attached. The FZ28 is a grab-and-go powerhouse - ready to shoot anywhere you point it, no additional glass necessary.

Design and Control Layout: Vintage DSLR Simplicity vs Bridge Camera Convenience

Tactile control governs intuitive photography, no less than image quality.

The Olympus E-400’s top plate is clean but minimalist. It lacks an LCD info panel, opting for mechanical dials and buttons. This gives a rangefinder-esque simplicity that might appeal if you enjoy learning photography fundamentals through aperture priority or shutter priority modes. The 3 focus points and combined autofocus modes deliver modest precision.

Contrast that with the Panasonic FZ28, which offers a more contemporary array of controls typical for enthusiast bridge cameras - a mode dial with full manual exposure, exposure compensation, and a hybrid optical-electronic interface with a bright 2.7” LCD. Here, the inclusion of live view and manual exposure control aids flexibility, especially for video or tricky lighting conditions.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

No discussion is complete without a deep dive into sensor anatomy and output quality. After all, sensor size and technology govern dynamic range, resolution, noise performance, and ultimately, your final image.

The Olympus E-400 wields a Four Thirds CCD sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm - 224.9 square mm. While not as large as APS-C or full frame, it remains far ahead of many compacts. This larger size translates to better light-gathering ability, superior dynamic range, and color fidelity than smaller-sensor shooters. Olympus’s CCD technology is known for trusted color rendition, especially skin tones in portraits, with a base ISO of 100 and max of 1600 (without extended modes).

Conversely, the Panasonic FZ28’s sensor is featherweight at 6.08 x 4.56 mm (1/2.3” type), about 27.7 square mm - roughly 8 times smaller area than the Olympus’s sensor. It’s also a CCD but suffers more from noise at higher ISOs and less dynamic range (DXO scores back this up, with the FZ28 rating 27 overall, and impressive color depth of 17.9 bits). Still, the FZ28 shoots up to ISO 6400, though images degrade notably beyond ISO 800.

So, if image quality and editing flexibility are your priorities, the E-400 sensor generally delivers cleaner, more nuanced images. The FZ28, while lower quality in raw specs, is no slouch and often excels by compensating through lens versatility and image stabilization.

Live View, LCD, and Viewfinder Experience: Shooting with the Eyes and Beyond

Really, where do you want to focus your gaze?

The Olympus E-400 is a classic DSLR, lacking live view and sporting a modest fixed 2.5-inch LCD with 215,000 dots resolution. The optical pentamirror viewfinder covers 95% of the frame with 0.46x magnification - decent for its class but far from the bright, detailed viewfinders today’s pros expect.

The Panasonic FZ28 jumps ahead with a 2.7-inch fixed LCD boasting 230k dots and an electronic viewfinder - invaluable for composing shots in glaring sunlight or for steady telephotos. The FZ28’s live view capability also grants instant real-time preview and focusing options you won’t find in the E-400, which can be crucial when tripod-bound or in awkward shooting angles.

In lighting conditions where eye-level view is your preference, the FZ28’s EVF tends to be more helpful - though some photographers still argue an optical finder best preserves a natural view without lag or electronic artifacts.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Fast and Accurate Is the Camera in Action?

For many photographers, autofocus speed and accuracy make or break a session - especially in dynamic environments like sports, wildlife, or candid moments.

Olympus E-400 sports a 3-point autofocus system using phase-detection on a DSLR sensor, offering basic single and continuous autofocus but missing advanced tracking and face detection that became common years later. In my hands, it’s reliable for portraits and landscape stills but struggles to lock onto fast-moving subjects - leading to occasional misses in wildlife or sports shoots.

The Panasonic FZ28’s contrast-detection autofocus system, complemented by live view, is slower and sometimes hunts in low light, but benefits from its zoom ability that lets you nail tight framing without swapping lenses. Its 3 fps continuous shooting rate is modest but reasonable for casual action or wildlife snapshots.

Neither camera is a sports camera by any means, but the E-400’s phase detection yields marginally better quick-focus results on static to moderately moving subjects, whereas the FZ28 offers zoom reach with steady stabilized framing.

Lens Ecosystem and Macro Abilities: Versatility vs Convenience

One of Olympus’s biggest advantages is its Micro Four Thirds lens mount and its vibrant ecosystem of over 45 compatible lenses - from ultra-wide primes to sharp macro optics. This means you can expand from versatile all-rounders to specialized glass and creatively tailor your kit over time. Olympus lenses are typically compact and well-engineered, with consistent image quality.

Panasonic FZ28, on the other hand, is more plug-and-play, with a fixed Leica-branded 27-486mm equivalent lens opening from f/2.8-4.4, delivering excellent reach and decent low-light aperture at wide angles. It offers an impressive 1cm macro focusing distance, great for close-ups without attachments.

But the trade-off is clear: no lens swaps, so if you want different perspectives (tilt-shifts, fast primes, huge telephotos), you’re stuck.

For macro, I particularly liked the FZ28’s ease of use and sharpness on close objects, but Olympus paired with a good macro lens beats it for precision and image quality.

Video Recording and Special Features: What About Moving Pictures?

In the late 2000s, video became a must-have for many cameras, and here the two diverge.

The Olympus E-400 is strictly a stills camera - no video capture capability whatsoever.

Panasonic FZ28 embraces video with HD recording at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps, alongside various VGA and lower-res modes. This is a significant plus for vloggers or casual video shooters who want an all-in-one device. The optical image stabilization helps smooth footage, though a lack of microphone and headphone jacks limits professional audio control.

Though video specs look scant by modern standards, in context, Panasonic’s offering gave them a decisive edge at the time for multimedia users.

Low Light and ISO Performance: Shooting When the Sun Goes Down

How do these cameras handle dim conditions or night photography?

The Olympus E-400’s Four Thirds sensor offers a respectable ISO range of 100-1600 - not spectacular but workable. The CCD sensor architecture provides cleaner colors and finer noise grain at higher ISOs than many early DSLRs of comparable class. But lacking in-body stabilization means you’ll need steady hands or tripods at slower shutter speeds.

The Panasonic FZ28 does better via optical image stabilization and a wider ISO ceiling (up to 6400), but at higher ISOs image quality degrades more noticeably due to the smaller sensor and noise.

Neither camera is a ninja in astrophotography or high-ISO sports photography, but for indoor portraits or subdued street scenes, the E-400's sensor generally yields cleaner files, especially from ISO 400 to 800. The FZ28’s image stabilization partially compensates in handheld situations.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability: Should You Fear the Elements?

Both cameras skimp on professional-grade environmental sealing - meaning neither is suited for torrential rain, dust storms, or sub-zero adventures without protective housing.

The Olympus E-400 features a compact SLR body with a polycarbonate shell; it feels durable but light. The Panasonic FZ28 is likewise lightweight plastic but well assembled, with no weather sealing. For both, cautious use in rough conditions is advised.

If you require ruggedness, these are not your soldiers, but for casual travel and daylight shooting, both perform adequately.

Storage, Connectivity, and Power: Practical Considerations for Real-World Usage

Olympus E-400 uses Compact Flash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Cards - a mix that might limit your media investment nowadays, and CF cards tend to be costlier, bulkier, and less common than SD cards.

Panasonic FZ28 employs SD, MMC, and SDHC cards - widespread, cost-effective, and easier to find in various speeds and capacities.

Both cameras rely on proprietary battery packs, and as legacy models, battery life estimates are sparse. Anecdotally, the FZ28’s smaller sensor and LCD usage balance give it somewhat better endurance, making it friendlier for day trips without spares.

Connectivity wise, neither offers wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, nor HDMI output - typical for their generation.

Practical Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let's break down their real-world results by genre.

Olympus E 400 front Olympus E 400 screen back Panasonic FZ28 front Panasonic FZ28 screen back

Portrait Photography

Olympus E-400 excels here with its larger sensor delivering smooth skin tones, nice bokeh achievable through lens choices, and phase-detection autofocus allowing decent subject lock. Low noise at ISO 200-400 ensures flattering detail even indoors.

Panasonic FZ28's limited depth of field and small sensor make bokeh shallower and less creamy, but with its 27mm wide to telephoto zoom, framing headshots to environmental portraits is versatile. Autofocus less snappy; prefer daylight for best results.

Landscape Photography

The Olympus’s higher resolution sensor and manual aperture control shine for capturing wide scenes with fidelity and dynamic range. Combined with weather permitting lenses, and tripod use, expect postcard-perfect results.

That said, the Panasonic FZ28’s wide-angle at 27mm (equivalent) and optical stabilization are good for handheld landscapes, though dynamic range and sensor size limit depth and highlight detail.

Wildlife Photography

Here, the FZ28 stretches its legs with a remarkable 486mm equivalent lens - letting you get close to wary critters without hiking heavy glass. Stabilization keeps shots sharp despite long reach.

Olympus E-400’s lens ecosystem may offer superior optics but telephoto glass is costly, bulky, and lacks immediate reach. Autofocus on the E-400 may be slower and less forgiving on fast wildlife motions.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is a sports machine, but for casual action:

E-400’s 3 fps burst and phase-detection AF edge out the Panasonic’s sluggish contrast-detection AF and similar burst speed.

Still, lack of advanced tracking and lag hurts fast-paced subjects.

Street Photography

Olympus E-400’s small size and discreet look, combined with interchangeable lenses, tempt street shooters to create inconspicuous setups.

FZ28’s quick-zoom and all-in-one setup make spontaneous shooting easier, but bulk and electronic viewfinder may draw attention in quiet urban spaces.

Macro Photography

FZ28’s 1cm macro is impressively close and sharp; built-in stabilization helps. Great for quick bug or flower snaps.

E-400 requires dedicated macro glass, which yields superior detail and focusing control but at cost and heft.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited ISO range and absence of long exposure aids hamper both cameras. The E-400’s cleaner high-ISO images and external control of aperture/shutter make it modestly better suited for deliberate night shots, especially on tripod.

FZ28 with stabilization helps handheld low light but noisy output is a limiting factor.

Video Capabilities

FZ28 is outright winner here with 720p HD video. Enough said.

E-400 doesn’t record video.

Travel Photography

FZ28’s pocketable all-in-one size, extensive zoom, and video make it a travel-friendly option.

E-400 offers creative flexibility but demands extra lenses and accessories - heavier, bulkier baggage.

Professional Workflows

E-400 shines with its RAW support, Four Thirds lens system, and DSLR ergonomics easing workflow integration.

FZ28’s RAW is limited, image quality lacks robustness for heavy postprocessing; video lacks pro inputs.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Olympus E-400 is for the enthusiast or beginner ready to commit to DSLR culture, valuing image quality and growth potential in lenses and technique. If you prize better low light control, want to shoot portraits or landscapes with control, and plan on expanding your kit over time, this camera serves well - but at the cost of size, no video, and less zoom reach.

Panasonic FZ28 is an excellent all-rounder for travel, wildlife, casual video, and one-camera convenience seekers. It’s a splendid companion when you want a powerful zoom, image stabilization, and HD video, all packaged in a pocketable device with decent image quality for occasional prints or online use.

If you want pure still image quality and growth potential: Olympus E-400.

If versatility, zoom reach, and video on a budget win: Panasonic FZ28.

A Personal Note

Sifting through these cameras reminds me that the best camera well suited to your needs is not always the latest, flashiest model but the one that works intuitively with your vision and shooting style. I’ve had days chasing birds with the Panasonic FZ28’s giant zoom, and other times savoring the tactile satisfaction of twisting aperture rings on Olympus glass.

So, choose your weapon wisely, wield it confidently, and make images that delight you.

Happy shooting!