Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28: A Deep Dive for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to choosing a camera, it's tempting to focus solely on specs - megapixels, zoom range, or burst rates. But as someone who has spent the better part of 15 years testing cameras across genres, I assure you: understanding a camera’s character, its strengths and limitations in real-world shooting, matters just as much. Today, we pit Panasonic’s 2017 flagship enthusiast mirrorless, the Lumix DC-G9, against the decade-earlier Lumix DMC-FZ28 - a compact superzoom bridge camera that captured many hearts in its heyday.

These cameras, frankly, hail from different eras and serve different user needs, but an honest comparison brings out useful perspectives on how camera tech and user expectations have evolved. Whether you’re an aspiring enthusiast, seasoned pro, or budget-minded photographer, this walkthrough will arm you with the practical insights to decide if either (or neither!) is your next camera companion.

Physical Handling and Ergonomics: Size Matters When You Shoot All Day

First impressions linger, and the feel of a camera in your hands can be the difference between joy and frustration during long shoots. The Panasonic G9 embraces a professional DSLR-style mirrorless body, while the FZ28 is a compact bridge camera. Let's zoom in on their physicality.

The G9 weighs about 658 grams with dimensions 137×97×92 mm - substantial, but well-balanced for prolonged handheld shooting, especially with professional lenses. Its robust magnesium alloy body brings serious weather sealing, a boon for landscape or wildlife shooters who brave the elements.

In comparison, the FZ28 is a pocket-friendlier 417 grams, sized at 118×75×89 mm. It’s a more travel-friendly option, slipping easily into a medium jacket pocket or day pack. However, it sacrifices durability and sealing.

The G9's grip feels confident with well-placed dials, allowing tactile operation even with gloves - practical for outdoor work. The FZ28’s compact design sacrifices some of that control finesse; its smaller buttons and fixed lens mean it’s more about grab-and-go photography.

Ergonomics Verdict: The G9 is a serious tool optimized for extended shooting and professional workflows. The FZ28 shines as a convenient superzoom for casual or travel snaps, where pocketability matters more than controls.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Access vs. Simplicity

The G9 is Panasonic’s statement for enthusiasts demanding swift access to settings - paired with a familiar DSLR form factor. The FZ28 takes a minimalist approach, suited to casual users who prefer simplicity.

Let's examine their control surfaces from above:

The G9 sports dedicated dials for exposure compensation, ISO, drive mode, and a top LCD panel showing key shooting info - a boon when shooting without looking down. Buttons are backlit, though I would have liked Panasonic to illuminate more controls for low-light ease. There’s a joystick for AF point selection and multiple customizable buttons - indispensable for sports and wildlife shooters chasing fast action.

The FZ28, with no external top screen, offers fewer physical controls. Its zoom lever encircles the shutter button, a sensible layout for a bridge camera, but beyond that, manual controls taper off quickly. This limits rapid setting tweaks, which frustrates enthusiasts who like to own every exposure parameter.

User Interface Verdict: The G9 is designed for photographers who plan to push their camera’s capabilities and tweak settings on the fly. The FZ28 caters to those who want a straightforward, no-fuss shooting experience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Modern Digital Powerhouse vs. Early Era Compact Sensor

At the heart of every camera lies its sensor - the ultimate arbiter of image quality. Here, the cameras diverge dramatically.

The Panasonic G9 features a 20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized 17.3×13 mm, with no anti-aliasing filter - meaning it exploits maximum sharpness at the expense of some risk of moiré in highly detailed scenes. Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization greatly aids handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds or for video.

The older FZ28 packs a 10.1MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08×4.56 mm), typical for compact superzooms of its time, offering far smaller light gathering capability.

In daylight, the G9 delivers superbly sharp images with ample resolution for large prints and extensive cropping - an essential feature for professionals and detailed landscape work. Its native ISO range of 200–25,600 (expandable) affords flexibility across lighting conditions.

Conversely, the FZ28’s smaller sensor means higher noise and less dynamic range, especially beyond ISO 400. Maximum resolution of 10MP limits large print sizes and cropping flexibility, but for casual prints and web use, it suffices.

In raw image capture, the G9 shines with Panasonic’s robust 14-bit raw files, excellent color depth, and highlight recovery - a boon for post-processing finesse. The FZ28 does offer raw but its files show limited latitude and color depth.

Image Quality Verdict: The Lumix G9 is in an entirely different league - delivering crisp, versatile image quality suitable for pro work. The FZ28 remains a convenient snapshot tool but with obvious compromises in image fidelity and low-light performance.

Viewing Experience: Composing Shots in Comfort and Clarity

Viewfinder and rear LCD usability affect your shooting joy more than you'd expect. The G9 features a state-of-the-art OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 3680k dots, 0.83x magnification, and full 100% coverage - meaning, what you see is exactly what you get in the frame.

The FZ28 uses a more modest EVF with undisclosed resolution and no coverage data available - a sign of its compact-category compromises. Its LCD screen measures 2.7 inches with 230k dots on a fixed panel, whereas the G9 sports a larger, fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen with 1040k dots.

Here’s how the rear screens stack up:

In bright sunlight or awkward angles, the G9’s brighter EVF and articulated touchscreen make composing and reviewing images flexible and effortless - a game changer during long shoots or video. The FZ28's fixed screen and lower resolution can frustrate when fine focusing or reviewing images outdoors, especially with its lack of touchscreen.

Viewing Experience Verdict: The G9’s advanced viewfinder and LCD ergonomics are a joy for precise composition and review; the FZ28’s simpler setup works well enough but misses the mark for intensive or professional usage.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Smarts

Autofocus (AF) is crucial - a camera’s ability to find and lock focus quickly and accurately can make or break your shots, especially in wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The Lumix G9 utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with 225 focus points spread across the frame, supplemented by advanced subject detection including face and eye tracking (though animal eye detection is absent). It supports continuous autofocus and tracking modes, boasting reliability at high burst speeds.

The older FZ28 relies on contrast AF with limited focus areas and no face detection - typical for compact superzoom cameras of its generation. Its maximum burst rate is a modest 3 fps, and continuous AF is not supported, so tracking fast subjects is challenging.

In practice, when testing both cameras with moving subjects, the G9 demonstrated sharp and consistent autofocus performance - critical for wildlife and sports photography. Milky night street scenes and macro close-ups benefited from the G9’s precise AF point control and high sensitivity.

The FZ28’s slower AF was noticeable during any active shooting, especially under low light or busy scenes. Its limited focus handling made impromptu photos more about luck than control.

Autofocus Verdict: The G9 offers a very capable AF system suited for challenging subjects; the FZ28 is competent for static or slow-moving subjects but quickly shows its age for action work.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Speeds & Silent Operation: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Want to freeze a hummingbird’s wingbeat or catch a fleeting expression? Continuous shooting speed and shutter capabilities come into sharp focus.

The Panasonic G9 fires off up to 20 frames per second (fps) in burst mode with continuous autofocus, a substantial advantage when photographing fast action like sports or wildlife. It also offers a mechanical shutter max speed of 1/8,000 sec and an electronic shutter reaching 1/32,000 sec silent shooting - perfect for discreet moments or bright outdoor shooting with wide apertures.

Conversely, the FZ28 clocks a modest 3 fps max burst with timed AF and a mechanical shutter top speed of 1/2,000 sec - adequate for slow action but not speedy enough for professional sports or wildlife.

Burst & Shutter Verdict: The G9 decisively leads with pro-grade responsiveness and silent operation, giving photographers the tools to seize split seconds effortlessly.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Micro Four Thirds vs. Fixed Superzoom

One of the Lumix G9's core strengths is its Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount compatibility, offering access to over 100 native lenses across Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers - from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms and macro optics.

This vast lens selection enables photographers to tailor their kit precisely to their preferred genre - whether ultra-sharp portraits, expansive landscapes, or fast wildlife telephotos.

The FZ28, meanwhile, sports a fixed 27–486 mm (18× zoom) lens at f/2.8–4.4 max aperture. While impressively versatile as an all-in-one travel zoom, it lacks the flexibility or image quality offered by interchangeable lenses and cannot be upgraded.

If you’re shooting portraits and want creamy bokeh, the G9’s ability to pair with fast prime lenses simply can’t be beaten. The FZ28’s superzoom helps cover many focal lengths but at a cost to image quality and low-light ability.

Lens Ecosystem Verdict: The G9 opens creative doors with a professional lens lineup; the FZ28 works as an all-in-one travel zoom with no options for expansion.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Staying Powered and Ready

Shooting day-long events or multi-location trips demands endurance.

The G9 uses the high-capacity DMW-BLF19 battery with an official CIPA rating of around 400 shots per charge. While not the longest, it’s respectable for a mirrorless camera with a bright EVF. Also, it supports dual UHS-II SD card slots, ideal for backup or overflow during professional shoots and quick buffer clearing during burst shooting.

By contrast, the FZ28’s specific battery specs are less documented, but based on testing and era typicals, expect fewer shots per charge (~300) and only one card slot (SD/MMC/SDHC). It also lacks fast storage interfaces, slowing write speeds.

Battery & Storage Verdict: G9’s dual card slots and decent battery life tip the scales in favor of professional workload reliability.

Wireless Features and Connectivity: Keeping Up with the Digital Age

The G9 embraces modern connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in, allowing remote control, image transfer, and smartphone integration. It offers full-sized HDMI, microphone and headphone jacks - vital for vloggers or video pros - and USB 3.0 for rapid tethered transfers.

The FZ28, rooted in 2009 technology, lacks wireless features entirely, no HDMI, no microphone input, and USB 2.0 - limiting its appeal in connected or multimedia workflows.

Connectivity Verdict: The G9 fits the contemporary photographer’s demand for seamless device integration; the FZ28 belongs firmly to the unplugged generation.

Video Capabilities: 4K Brilliance vs. Basic HD

Videographers will find a stark contrast between these two Panasonic models.

The G9 shoots stunning 4K UHD (3840×2160) up to 60p with a high bitrate (~150 Mbps), supports 4:2:0 8-bit 4K internal recording, has microphone and headphone jacks, and boasts sensor-shift stabilization for smooth handheld video. It also supports 6K photo mode, extracting sharp stills from video frames.

The FZ28 lags with HD max resolution of 1280×720 at 30 fps, no external mic, and no stabilization beyond lens optical IS - quite limited for modern video workflows.

Video Verdict: The G9 is video-ready for advanced hobbyists or hybrid shooters; the FZ28 is barely a footnote in serious video capture.

Photography Genres: Who Is Each Camera Made For?

Let’s break down how these cameras perform across the major photography disciplines, drawing from hands-on tests, across multiple real-world environments.

Panasonic G9 front Panasonic G9 screen back Panasonic FZ28 front Panasonic FZ28 screen back

Portrait Photography

• G9: Thanks to accurate face and eye AF, high-res sensor, and interchangeable fast primes producing creamy bokeh, the G9 excels for attractive portraits. Color rendition is natural, and skin tones are pleasant.
• FZ28: Limited by smaller sensor and no eye detect AF, portraits lack subject isolation and shallow DOF. Still acceptable for casual snapshots.

Landscape Photography

• G9: Delivers wide dynamic range and fine detail. Weather sealing means shooting in misty or windy conditions is confident. Fully articulating LCD aids composing in tricky angles.
• FZ28: Sensor noise and limited resolution restrict printing potential. No weather sealing limits harsh environment shooting.

Wildlife Photography

• G9: Fast and accurate AF, quick burst rate, and access to super-telephoto lenses make it an ideal field tool.
• FZ28: 18× zoom is handy but autofocus is sluggish, burst rate low - less reliable for fast wildlife.

Sports Photography

• G9: High fps, reliable tracking, and robust body make it a solid choice.
• FZ28: Can't keep up with rapid action; more suitable for static or leisurely shots.

Street Photography

• G9: Somewhat bulky and conspicuous, but silent shutter and articulation help when stealth is needed.
• FZ28: Compact form and versatile zoom make it discreet, but slow AF may miss candid moments.

Macro Photography

• G9: Supports focus stacking and bracketing; combined with dedicated macro lenses, yields detailed close-ups.
• FZ28: Macro mode offers close focusing (1cm), but limited sensor and optics meaning modest macro images.

Night/Astro Photography

• G9: Impressive high ISO with low noise and long-exposure capabilities in manual mode.
• FZ28: Limited ISO and noisy high ISO performance constrain night shooting.

Video

• G9: Fully capable 4K, good stabilization, mic/headphone ports.
• FZ28: HD only, basic video useful for family snaps.

Travel Photography

• G9: Bigger, heavier - but versatile with lenses, weather sealing, and image quality.
• FZ28: Lightweight, all-in-one zoom perfect for minimal packing.

Professional Work

• G9: Reliable build, dual card slots, broad raw flexibility target pros and serious hobbyists.
• FZ28: Consumer-level with limited professional appeal.

To visualize nuanced performance across genres, here’s a side-by-side expert rating:

Reliability and Build: Handling the Tough Stuff

With magnesium alloy construction and weather sealing, the Lumix G9 is built to take bumps, dust, and drizzle - features I’ve tested in rain and dusty trails with zero ill effects. The robust shutter mech is rated for ~200,000 actuations, suiting heavy professional use.

The FZ28's plastic-rich body with no sealing means it calls for gentle treatment - better suited to casual outings than rugged adventures.

Price and Value Analysis: Is the G9 Worth the Premium?

Currently, the G9 retails around $1500 body-only, a strong price for pro mirrorless but fair considering features and performance.

The FZ28, though no longer new, can be found under $600 used - representing a budget-friendly superzoom option.

In raw value terms: The G9 offers immense capability for its price and is a smart investment for serious shooters. The FZ28 is a low-cost gateway to photography but limited for serious or demanding use.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Choosing the Right Tool

If you’re an enthusiast or professional aiming for image quality, speed, and versatility - whether portraits, wildlife, landscapes, or video - the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 is a camera that just works. It embodies Panasonic’s best mirrorless tech with pro-grade ergonomics and a lens system that grows with you.

Conversely, if your priorities are casual photography, travel simplicity, and superzoom versatility in a pocketable package - and you can tolerate limited image quality and slower performance - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 remains a reasonable bargain.

Who Should Choose the G9?

• Serious hobbyists and pros needing speed, accuracy, and image quality
• Wildlife and sports photographers who rely on fast burst and AF
• Videographers needing 4K with stabilization and audio controls
• Landscape or macro shooters demanding durability and precision

Who Might Opt for the FZ28?

• Budget-conscious beginners wanting an all-round travel zoom
• Those favoring simplicity over system expansion
• Casual shooters emphasizing portability and zoom reach over ultimate image quality

In conclusion, comparing the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and DMC-FZ28 is a lesson in camera evolution - reflecting how technology advances and user demands shape design. As an experienced tester, I value the G9’s mature, sophisticated system but appreciate the FZ28’s role as a convenient superzoom pioneer that introduced many to versatile photography.

Happy shooting - whichever path you choose!

If you want a quick visual summary comparing these cameras' actual performance, controls, and shooting outputs, here’s a handy gallery and side-by-side scorecard:

Panasonic G9 front Panasonic G9 screen back Panasonic FZ28 front Panasonic FZ28 screen back