Panasonic Lumix FZ28 vs. Panasonic Lumix G1: An In-Depth Comparison From a Camera Tester’s Perspective

Selecting the right camera can be a dizzying experience, especially when faced with models from the same brand but vastly different designs and intended uses. As someone who's spent countless hours shooting, comparing, and dissecting cameras of all kinds, I’m here today to walk you through the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. Both released around the same time in early 2009, these two are very different beasts despite sharing a manufacturer and a name. One is a bridge superzoom compact, and the other is an entry-level mirrorless micro four thirds system.

After rigorously testing each in field and studio conditions, I’ll bring you a comprehensive, no-nonsense breakdown covering image quality, ergonomics, autofocus, shooting versatility, and beyond. We’ll also look at which photographer each camera suits best and where compromises kick in.

Strap in - I’ve got quite a bit to say about these two cameras that go far beyond the spec sheets you’ve probably skimmed already.

First Impressions and Handling: Ergonomics Matter

When you pick up a camera, how it feels in your hands can set the tone for the entire shooting experience. The Panasonic FZ28 is a compact bridge zoom - essentially a fixed-lens camera with an 18x zoom that aims to cover everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife.

The G1, on the other hand, is Panasonic’s pioneer mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. It’s shaped like a tiny DSLR (or “SLR-style mirrorless,” to be exact), offering more control but also requiring you to swap lenses to cover focal lengths.

Here’s where physical size and grip enter the conversation.

FZ28 Size & Grip: The FZ28 is fairly chunky and a bit top-heavy with the extended 27-486mm zoom lens built-in. Its grip is decent but not particularly deep - it doesn’t offer the “clubs for thumbs” appeal you’d get from a traditional DSLR or mirrorless camera with a larger body.

G1 Size & Grip: The G1 is smaller and lighter by about 60 grams, but with a more DSLR-like form factor - giving you a more confident two-handed grip, particularly important for longer sessions or action shots.

One practical difference to note: the FZ28’s fixed zoom lens means you never have to carry extra lenses, which appeals to travelers or casual shooters. The G1’s size belies its flexibility - its Micro Four Thirds mount is compatible with over 100 lenses, granting creative freedom but adding bulk and cost.

Design and Control Layout: Where Buttons Begin to Tell a Story

When it comes to professional photography, tactile controls and intuitive menus profoundly impact speed and creativity. Panasonic took slightly different paths with these cameras.

The FZ28 offers a simplified control scheme optimized for point-and-shoot users who want some manual override but rarely a full dedicated dial for every setting. Aperture and shutter priority modes are accessible, but many controls feel more compressed, which can slow you down when adjusting settings quickly.

The G1, meanwhile, impresses with its SLR-inspired top plate featuring dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture (via lens). The buttons have better spacing, and the layout is much more conducive to quick changes on the fly - critical if you’re shooting dynamic scenes like sports or wildlife.

In short, if you like having key shooting functions reachable without diving into menus, the G1 is the more professional-feeling choice.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heartbeat of Photography

This is where the cameras reveal the deepest layer of difference - their sensors and the images they produce. Sensor size is an immediate flagpost: bigger sensors usually capture higher image quality, better dynamic range, and low-light performance.

Observe the sensor size comparison below.

FZ28 Sensor: A tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 10 megapixels. That’s quite small, leading to inherent limits in image detail, dynamic range, and noise control. For the era, this was okay for compact cameras, but by modern standards (and practically all mirrorless or DSLRs), it leaves a lot on the table.

G1 Sensor: A larger Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor with 12 megapixels. While still not full-frame, the G1’s 224.90 mm² sensor has significantly better light gathering capability and image fidelity. This directly results in better color depth (21.1 bits vs. 17.9 bits), superior dynamic range (10.3 EV vs. 10.1 EV), and vastly improved low light sensitivity (ISO performance) compared to the FZ28’s 79 ISO low light score on DXOmark.

Real-world implications: The difference in sensor size and technology translates to smoother gradation in tones, more faithful skin colors, and cleaner shadows with the G1. The FZ28 can still produce respectable images outdoors in good light but struggles in shadowy or mixed lighting conditions.

LCD Screens and User Interfaces

Both cameras offer live view via their LCDs, a must-have in 2009. However, the quality and flexibility vary notably.

The FZ28 sports a 2.7-inch fixed screen with a lower resolution of around 230k dots. Its fixed nature limits shooting angles, which can hamper creativity when angling for those quirky perspectives.

The G1 steps up considerably with a fully articulating 3-inch screen featuring 460k dots. This articulating screen is fantastic for shooting at low or high angles and is markedly more useful in tricky lighting.

Overall, the G1’s interface feels more modern and responsive, benefiting from its mirrorless design where the screen doubles as a primary viewfinder option.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Action

Let’s get practical: how do these cameras perform when things start moving?

The FZ28 uses contrast-detection autofocus only, with no continuous tracking or face detection. It offers a maximum burst shooting speed of 3 frames per second, which feels sluggish given its relatively slow focus-acquisition. That zoom lens, while versatile, is slow to react - annoying if you’re chasing wildlife or unpredictable moments.

The G1 also relies on contrast-detection on sensor autofocus but introduces continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode and multi-area AF for better tracking. Although it’s no sports-specialist, 3fps continuous shooting is paired with a more responsive AF, making it more capable for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Neither is top-tier for high-speed sports or wildlife, but the G1 unquestionably gives you a better chance to nail critical focus and catch decisive moments.

Zoom and Lens Flexibility: One Lens or Many?

The famous bridge camera selling point is “all-in-one zoom lens.”

• The FZ28’s lens stretches from 27-486mm equivalent (an 18x zoom) with a fast-ish aperture of f/2.8-4.4 up front. This is remarkable versatility - it lets you do landscapes, portraits, macro (down to 1 cm), and distant wildlife all without changing lenses. Image stabilization here is optical, meaning handheld shots at telephoto lengths are much more achievable.

• The G1 lacks a built-in lens but can mount any Micro Four Thirds lens. This system includes a vast range of primes and zooms, from ultrawides to super telephotos. While this requires investment, it’s a huge advantage for photographers who want to control depth of field, upgrade to fast primes, or use specialty glass (macro, tilt-shift).

If you’re a one-camera-fits-all kind of shooter prioritizing convenience, the FZ28 wins hands down. If you want scalability and improved image quality combined with fast glass, the G1’s ecosystem is a clear winner.

Portrait Photography: Capturing Life’s Nuances

Portrait work tests a camera’s skin tone rendition, bokeh quality (background blur), focusing accuracy, and color depth.

The FZ28’s small sensor limits natural background blur. Even wide apertures don’t create the creamy bokeh digital photographers crave; backgrounds tend to stay relatively sharp. Its color rendition of skin tones can be a touch flat or over-processed, especially under tricky lighting without RAW flexibility.

The G1, thanks to its larger sensor and sharper lenses, offers more background separation and smoother tonality in skin colors. RAW shooting allows for nuanced editing to bring out subtleties in complexion. Face detection autofocus wasn’t present on either, but the G1’s focusing modes allow easier selective focus on eyes or faces compared to the FZ28’s simple center AF, improving sharp portraits.

For serious portrait shooters, the G1 is the way to go - especially with a fast, short telephoto Micro Four Thirds lens. The FZ28 is adequate for casual snaps but doesn’t deliver the luscious portrait images many seek.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape photography demands high resolution, wide dynamic range to capture shadow and highlight detail, and often weather sealing for outdoor conditions.

Neither camera is weather-sealed, so carry protection if you shoot in rain or dust.

The FZ28’s 10MP CCD sensor works in bright light but can run into noise and clipping in challenging scenes. Its dynamic range is limited, so skies often blow out and shadows block up.

The G1’s 12MP CMOS sensor and better dynamic range capabilities allow more highlight preservation and usable shadow details. Although resolution gains are modest, the G1’s output files have a bit more punch and allow cropping freedom, especially when combined with prime lenses.

That said, landscape photographers who value weather sealing, highest resolution, or ultrawide lenses will feel the G1 just scratches the surface compared to newer systems - but it still clearly outperforms the FZ28.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed, Focus, and Reach

The FZ28’s stellar 18x zoom makes it tempting for wildlife shooters wanting distant reach without investing in expensive telephoto glass. But the small sensor combined with modest continuous shooting speed and slow autofocus limits catching fast-moving subjects. Its fixed lens also lacks teleconverter options.

The G1, while lacking built-in zoom, supports long zoom and prime lenses up to 300mm+ (equivalent), and offers continuous autofocus with 3fps shooting. Although not a sports DSLR killer, the G1 handles wildlife and some sports shooting better due to more responsive AF and image quality.

If chasing high-speed sports or flight birds is a core mission, neither is ideal. But casual wildlife photographers might prefer the convenience of the FZ28’s zoom, whereas enthusiasts who want better keepers at moderate telephoto lengths will prefer the G1.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

Street photographers covet small, quiet, and fast cameras for candid shots. Travel photographers want a balance of size, battery life, and versatility.

The FZ28 is bulky for a travel compact and has a somewhat slow, noisier shutter. Display size and fixed screen limit shooting angles in tight spaces. On the plus side, its all-inclusive lens means no lens swaps on the go and a simple kit to carry.

The G1’s mirrorless design offers a smaller profile than a DSLR but is still larger than the FZ28 in thickness. However, the articulating screen and lighter weight aid creative freedom on the street. Battery life at 330 shots per charge is decent, though you’ll want spares for longer trips.

For the true cheapskate or minimal gear packer, FZ28 wins for simplicity and zoom range. Those prioritizing image quality and flexibility will lean toward the G1 despite the slight bulk tradeoff.

Macro and Close-up Photography

Macro lovers appreciate close focus distances, fine focusing control, and stabilization.

FZ28’s 1cm macro focus mode and built-in optical IS make it surprisingly capable as a point-and-shoot macro tool.

The G1 depends on adding dedicated macro lenses to achieve true 1:1 magnifications but offers more precise manual focusing and focus peaking aids (though limited on early models). No onboard stabilization in body, so either lens-based or tripod stabilization is recommended.

If you want casual macro shots without fuss, the FZ28 is a great travel companion. Serious macro shooters benefit more from the G1’s lens choices and focusing precision.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Low light and astro photography reveal sensor noise handling and exposure versatility.

The FZ28 maxes out at ISO 6400 but with heavy noise and color artifacts at high ISO values. Long exposures are limited to 2 seconds maximum shutter. It lacks bulb mode or dedicated astro-friendly functions.

The G1 caps at ISO 1600 natively (expandable to ISO 3200), but with cleaner noise profiles. Its shutter speed range extends to 1/4000s, but lacks bulb mode by default. Still, longer exposures are possible via remote trigger or hacks.

Neither is ideal for serious astro work, but the G1’s cleaner high ISO and better RAW handling grant it a slight edge.

Video Capabilities: Shooting Moving Pictures

The FZ28 shoots HD video at 1280×720 30fps, a decent offering for 2009 compact cameras. However, no microphone input or advanced video controls limit serious videographers.

The G1 doesn’t have video capture capability - a major omission for anyone wanting hybrid stills/video workflows.

If video is an important consideration, the FZ28 takes the prize here, but both cameras are now somewhat dated by modern standards.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers any weather sealing or ruggedized features. The plastic-heavy FZ28 feels less solid compared to the G1’s more robust, compact body.

If you’re working in challenging environments regularly, you’ll want to invest in protective gear regardless.

Battery Life and Storage

The G1 offers a much better battery life rating at approximately 330 shots per charge compared to the FZ28’s unspecified (and generally shorter) battery performance. Both support standard SD / SDHC cards with single slots.

For extended trips, carrying extra batteries is advisable for both.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Neither camera has wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, standard now but rare in 2009.

The G1’s HDMI port enables connection to external displays - useful for tethering or previewing work in the field, whereas the FZ28 lacks HDMI entirely.

Price and Value Considerations

The FZ28 originally retailed around $600, offering tremendous zoom flexibility at a budget price. The G1 came at a similar price but as a kit body only, requiring lenses to unlock potential. This means investments escalate quickly for the G1 but also that it can grow with your skills.

For budget-conscious photographers who favor simplicity and zoom range, the FZ28 remains an interesting choice on the used market. For those prioritizing image quality and versatility, investing in the G1 system (or its successors) is likely a smarter long-term spend.

Putting It All Together: How Do They Stack Up?

Here’s a snapshot of overall performance ratings on DXOmark, seen in the graphic below, which corroborate my hands-on experience.

This is further broken down by genre:

Portraits: The G1 leads with more natural bokeh and better color depth.

Landscapes: The G1’s sensor delivers superior dynamic range and resolution.

Wildlife/Sports: The FZ28’s zoom gives reach, but poor AF and speed hamper keepers; G1 offers better AF but requires tele lenses.

Street/Travel: FZ28’s simplicity vs. G1’s versatile design and articulating screen.

Macro: FZ28 simpler but limited; G1 offers more precision when paired with macro lenses.

Night: G1’s better sensor noise control makes it preferable for low light.

Video: Slight edge to the FZ28 with HD video capability.

Sample Image Gallery: See the Differences for Yourself

Nothing beats seeing real samples side by side. Here’s a direct gallery comparing images taken with both cameras under identical conditions.

Panasonic FZ28 front Panasonic FZ28 screen back Panasonic G1 screen back

You’ll notice the sharper detail, smoother bokeh, and cleaner shadows from the G1, while the FZ28 excels in capturing distant subjects thanks to that goliath zoom.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

To sum it all up:

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix FZ28?

• Casual shooters wanting a do-it-all zoom without swapping lenses
• Travelers and outdoor enthusiasts needing one camera for all scenarios
• Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize convenience over absolute image quality or speed
• Videographers wanting simple HD recording without extra gear

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix G1?

• Photography enthusiasts ready to build a lens system and grow creative control
• Portrait and landscape shooters needing better image quality and dynamic range
• Those valuing faster, more versatile autofocus and manual controls
• Users looking for a flexible, compact mirrorless camera with video capabilities coming in successors

I hope this side-by-side comparison helps you zero in on the camera that best fits your photography dreams and budget. Both cameras tell an interesting story about a transitional era in digital cameras - the rise of mirrorless technology and the persistence of bridge cameras in filling a niche.

Personally, if I had to pick one for daily creative work today (using contemporary lenses), I’d lean toward the G1. It offers far more room to grow and significantly better image quality despite the extra steps and cost.

But for those who want a straightforward, versatile, no-fuss zoom camera with some manual settings thrown in for fun, the FZ28 remains surprisingly capable on the used market.

Whichever you choose, keep shooting and pushing your creative limits - that’s what truly makes any camera worthwhile.

Happy shooting!

• Your camera-testing buddy with a keen eye for value and practicality