Panasonic FZ28 vs Samsung TL500: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right camera often boils down to what suits your style, budget, and the types of photos you want to make. Two intriguing options from the late 2000s compact segment are the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 and the Samsung TL500 (EX1). Both cameras target enthusiasts seeking compact bodies but with different priorities: extended zoom versus large aperture compactness.

Having spent years evaluating cameras through technical lab analysis and real-world performance testing, I’m excited to break down these models across a wide spectrum of photography genres. Along the way, you’ll find direct comparisons, technical insights, plus sample images and performance charts that will help you decide which one suits your photographic ambitions the best.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build

When you pick up the Panasonic FZ28 and Samsung TL500 side by side, their differences are immediately palpable. The FZ28 is a chunkier superzoom camera, built with a more traditional DSLR-like grip and extended zoom barrel, while the TL500 opts for a sleek, pocket-friendly compact design with a large lens but limited zoom range.

Physically, the FZ28 measures 118 x 75 x 89 mm and weighs about 417 grams, offering a substantial grip and obvious photographic presence. In contrast, the TL500's 114 x 63 x 29 mm frame and 386 grams weight give it a much more pocketable profile - great for street and travel photographers who dislike bulky gear.

The FZ28’s ergonomics cater to users who appreciate dedicated controls and manual override dials; the TL500 leans into minimalism but still keeps essential dials for aperture and shutter speed. From my hands-on experience, the FZ28 feels better suited for one-handed operation during long shooting sessions, while the TL500 demands a steadier grip due to its slim shape.

Control Layout and User Interface

Understanding how a camera’s controls affect usability is crucial before buying. Both cameras support full manual control modes, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure. But the tactile feel and layout differ.

The FZ28 features a conventional top plate with dedicated mode dial, exposure compensation button, and a zoom lever encircling the shutter release, making it fast to adjust camera settings without looking. Meanwhile, the TL500’s top plate is more minimalist but innovative, with a unique fly-by-wire control ring on the lens for aperture or sensitivity adjustments - a thoughtful inclusion that’s a favorite of mine for quick changes.

What you’ll notice is that the Panasonic’s design rewards conventional photographers who are used to DSLR-like controls; the Samsung invites a more casual, but still manual-focused, style. For beginners looking to learn the ropes, the FZ28 might feel more intuitive, but the TL500’s control ring is a fun feature once you get used to it.

Sensor and Image Quality: Breaking Down the Numbers

Sensor size and technology are central when comparing image quality potential. Both these cameras pack 10-megapixel CCD sensors, but their physical sizes are quite different. The FZ28 sports a 1/2.3” sensor, while the TL500 features a larger 1/1.7” sensor.

The Panasonic’s smaller 27.7 mm² sensor struggles more in low light, reaching a peak native ISO around 6400 but with significant noise beginning around ISO 400. The Samsung’s 41.5 mm² sensor captures cleaner images at higher ISOs, with the DxOMark lab rating it with an overall score of 40, markedly higher than the FZ28’s 27.

Let’s put this in perspective based on DxO Mark’s core scores:

• Color Depth: Samsung TL500 leads with 19.2 bits vs Panasonic’s 17.9 bits, meaning richer color gradations.
• Dynamic Range: TL500 posts 11.1 stops, helping capture greater detail in shadows and highlights, compared to 10.1 stops on FZ28.
• Low Light ISO: TL500’s 129 ISO rating beats the FZ28’s much lower 79, reinforcing its advantage in noise control.

In my own tests, the TL500 consistently delivers sharper, cleaner images, especially under dim conditions. The FZ28’s strengths lie in versatility rather than sheer image quality.

Viewing Experience: LCD and Viewfinder Comparisons

I often stress to clients the importance of a good display or viewfinder for framing and reviewing photos. Both these cameras have very different solutions here.

The FZ28 equips a fixed 2.7” LCD with 230k dots, complemented by an electronic viewfinder - albeit modest in resolution - which helps when shooting under bright sunlight or rapid-action scenes. The TL500, notably, does not have a viewfinder but compensates with a larger (3”), fully articulated screen boasting a high-resolution 614k dots.

I appreciate the TL500’s display for composing from tricky angles or when handheld hip shots are your style. However, you do sacrifice the stability that a viewfinder offers. In windy or fast-paced environments, having the FZ28’s EVF provides a steadier hold and better focus certainty.

Zoom Versatility and Lens Performance

Zoom range is where these cameras truly define their purpose. The Panasonic FZ28 shines with its massive 27–486mm (18x optical zoom) lens at f/2.8–4.4. This extended reach lets you stalk wildlife or capture distant scenes without lugging heavy lenses.

Conversely, the Samsung TL500’s focal range is a modest 24–72mm (3x optical zoom), but with a bright maximum aperture of f/1.8–2.4, offering an advantage in low-light and shallow depth-of-field effects closer to prime lenses.

My tests revealed that the FZ28’s lens is versatile, though sharpness drops towards the telephoto end and noticeable chromatic aberrations manifest in high-contrast scenes. Meanwhile, the TL500’s lens maintains excellent sharpness throughout the short zoom range, with creamy bokeh thanks to the wide aperture.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Both cameras can serve enthusiast photographers, but they cater to different shooting styles and priorities. Let me break down genre-specific strengths from hands-on experience coupled with optical performance assessments.

Panasonic FZ28 front Panasonic FZ28 screen back Samsung TL500 screen back

Portrait Photography

For portraits, smooth skin tones, eye-detection autofocus, and bokeh control are key. Neither model offers face or eye detection autofocus - expected given their age. However:

• The TL500’s fast f/1.8–2.4 lens excels at isolating subjects from backgrounds, producing beautifully blurred backgrounds that flatter skin tones naturally.
• The FZ28’s telephoto zoom lens allows tighter framing from a distance, useful outdoors.
• Skin tone rendering is subtly superior on the TL500 due to higher color depth and better noise control.

If portraits are your passion and you want a compact setup, TL500 wins. For casual headshots with zoom flexibility, the FZ28 is serviceable.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize dynamic range and resolution for detail in shadows and highlights.

• Panasonic’s higher zoom capabilities enable framing distant mountain peaks with ease.
• Samsung’s larger sensor delivers richer dynamic range, better facilitating sunrise/sunset scenes.
• Neither has weather sealing or robust build, so cautious use outdoors is advised.
• The TL500’s higher resolution screen aids composition when aiming for complex scenes.

I recommend the TL500 for more critical image quality on landscapes in good light. The FZ28 works for casual wide shots or travel landscapes where zoom helps.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands fast autofocus, telephoto reach, and burst shooting.

• The FZ28 boasts an 18x zoom and 3 fps continuous shooting speed. Its autofocus is contrast-based, single-shot only, meaning it’s not lightning-fast but usable for slow animals or birds.
• The TL500’s limited 3x zoom and lack of fast or tracking autofocus limit its wildlife utility.

My field experience shows the FZ28 can serve as a budget-friendly wildlife camera but lags behind modern dedicated superzooms with phase-detection AF. The TL500 is less suited here.

Sports Photography

High frame rates and tracking AF matter here.

• Neither camera offers continuous autofocus or rapid burst modes.
• The FZ28’s 3 fps burst with single AF limits capturing fast action.
• The TL500 lacks reliable burst shooting.

For serious sports shooting, both fall short - better off looking at newer mirrorless or DSLR systems. The FZ28 might capture some moving subjects thanks to zoom and fast shutter speeds (up to 1/2000s).

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and low-light ability are priorities.

• The TL500’s slim profile and articulating screen make it ideal for candid street shooting.
• Its fast lens helps in dim urban environments.
• The FZ28’s bulkier form and slower lens reduce discretion but allow longer focal lengths.

I personally prefer the TL500 for street photography - less intrusive, quick to access manual controls, and overall easier to carry all day.

Macro Photography

Close-focusing ability and stabilization are important.

• Panasonic FZ28 can focus as close as 1 cm, an excellent macro distance.
• Samsung TL500’s minimum macro distance is 5 cm.
• Both cameras offer optical image stabilization, beneficial for handheld macros.

The tight macro performance gives the FZ28 an edge here, great for flower or insect photography.

Night and Astro Photography

Low noise, long exposure capabilities, and high ISO performance matter.

• TL500’s larger sensor and cleaner image output at higher ISOs dominate for nightscape photography.
• Neither camera features long exposure bulb mode beyond 60 seconds.
• The FZ28 maxes shutter speed at 1/2000s; the TL500 maxes at 1/1500s - both reasonable.
• Neither offers explicit astro modes.

For night photography with handheld or tripod use, the TL500 is the better performer.

Video Capabilities

Video mode specs provide insight for hybrid shooters.

• Panasonic FZ28 can record HD video up to 1280x720p @ 30fps.
• Samsung TL500 maxes out at standard definition 640x480p.
• Neither supports advanced video codecs, microphone input, or 4K.
• Optical stabilization helps video smoothness on both.

Definitely a win for the FZ28 if video capability matters, although both pale compared to modern hybrid cameras.

Travel Photography

A jack-of-all-trades, portability, and battery life come into play.

• TL500’s compactness and light weight make it a natural travel companion.
• FZ28’s zoom covers wide through telephoto but bulk and weight add up.
• Battery life on both is average, but neither impresses.
• Both accept SD cards; the FZ28 uses SD/SDHC/MMC, TL500 uses SD/SDHC.

For globe-trotters prioritizing ease, the TL500 edges out with a better screen and compact design.

Professional Work and Workflow

Though not aimed strictly at professionals, workflow considerations matter.

• Both support RAW capture, which is critical for post-processing latitude.
• The FZ28 offers slightly more shutter speed flexibility (1/60 to 1/2000s range).
• Neither supports tethering or wireless transfer.
• Build quality feels more rugged on the FZ28.

If you’re a pro needing more control and robustness on a budget, the FZ28 suits better. For advanced amateurs valuing image quality, TL500 is compelling.

Autofocus and Stabilization: How Do They Stack Up?

Autofocus on both cameras is contrast-detection only, lacking phase-detection chips found in DSLRs or modern mirrorless bodies. Neither has continuous autofocus, face detection, or advanced algorithms today’s users might expect.

Panasonic FZ28 autofocus is slower and less forgiving under low light, limited to single-area or center spot focus. Samsung uses multi-area and center-weighted AF modes, offering somewhat improved performance in challenging conditions.

Both cameras include optical image stabilization (OIS). Field testing confirms both provide effective shake reduction, but TL500’s OIS feels a bit more refined, aiding its sharper output in low light and handheld macro.

Connectivity and Storage

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS - a reflection of their production era. Both support SD, SDHC cards for storage, with a single slot.

The FZ28 uses USB 2.0 for data transfer, without HDMI output; the TL500 adds HDMI output, useful for viewing images and videos on external displays - an unexpected bonus in its category.

Battery life data isn’t specified for either, but in use both are moderate performers; carrying spare batteries is advisable for intensive shooting days.

Price-to-Performance Ratio and Final Verdict

Both cameras were priced similarly when new - the FZ28 around $599, the TL500 at roughly $527.00 today, you might find them at thrift or second-hand prices well below $200.

Breaking performance down by genre, the TL500 significantly outshines the FZ28 in still image quality, color depth and dynamic range; the FZ28’s zoom and manual control options excel in versatility and telephoto reach.

Recommendations:

• If you’re a travel, street, or portrait photographer prioritizing image quality and compactness, go for the Samsung TL500. It delivers vibrant, clean images with a fast aperture lens in a discreet package.
• If you want all-in-one superzoom performance for wildlife, macro, or versatile landscape shooting, and prefer a better grip with an EVF, choose the Panasonic FZ28.
• Neither is ideal for sports, video-centric shooters, or those wanting fastest autofocus; modern mirrorless models will serve better there.
• Both represent solid budget options for enthusiasts wanting manual controls and RAW capture without investing in interchangeable lens systems.

Wrapping It Up

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 and Samsung TL500 stand at two interesting points in the evolution of compact cameras: the FZ28 as a rugged superzoom with classic ergonomics, the TL500 as a premium compact with bright optics and large sensor benefits. I hope this detailed comparison helps illuminate their strengths and limitations for your photographic journey.

Remember, no camera is perfect. In the end, your shooting style and intended subjects will determine which trade-offs make the most sense. From my experience, testing like this - combining lab data with field use - offers the clearest path to smart camera choices.

Happy shooting!

Note: Sample images and detailed test shots from both cameras can be viewed in the comparative gallery above (see image “cameras-galley.jpg”).