Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 vs Nikon D40

wesoalis · #1 14th July 2009, 01:54 AM

I am looking to purchase either the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 or the Nikon D40 and I need some insight from the experts as to which one I should go with. I know the Panasonic is a bridge camera and the Nikon is a DSLR. From the reviews I've read most have suggested that the DSLR's are "better" (for lack of better word) but the Panasonic has 10.1 megapixels and the Nikon only has 6.1...will that make a significant difference in the quality of my photos? Also, the lens issue. I know the lens on the Panasonic is not interchangeable and there are a whole slew of different lenses that can be used with the Nikon. The main purpose for the camera will be to document my semester in Spain. I am a definitely a novice in the photography world and my main desire is to obtain a camera that will take quality photographs and that I can learn with. Thanks for all your help!

x19er · #2 14th July 2009, 05:09 AM

The amount of pixels is not going to make any difference to the quality of your photographs unless you intend to print them out really quite large. I would disregard that aspect in choosing which camera you get. I have had a bridge camera in the past with super zoom, and it was great for landscape etc but not for catching high speed boxers on the move, lens not fast enough so changed to the Nikon D40. This is a super camera to learn with but you will need to have a couple of lenses to get the range you'll probably want - the Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is the standard lens which may come with the camera, I also have the Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VR which allows you to zoom in closer so to speak. This makes it all more expensive.

If I was you going on a trip with lots to take with me, traveling etc and only starting out with photography I would get a bridge camera, which will take good quality photos, allows you to learn about photography, no lenses to change and once you've experienced using it you may find you want to make a more significant upgrade than to the D40.

That's just my opinion based on my own experiences learning about photography, hope it helps a bit, and enjoy Spain!

The more recent photos in my gallery are taken with the D40.

**Jan** · #3 14th July 2009, 06:38 AM

I have to agree! I previously had a earlier model of the DMC Panasonic. It was a nice camera and took nice pictures, but it wasn't fast enough. If a fast lens is not all that important, go for it.

wesoalis · #4 14th July 2009, 01:21 PM

Thank you both for your helpful replies. I decided to go with the Panasonic and purchased it this morning. I am soo excited to get it and start playing around with it. I've taken two photography classes through school but lack raw experience that will make me a better photographer. Thanks again!

Barron's mom · #5 16th July 2009, 07:44 PM

I am returning my Panasonic FZ-28 and buying what I should have brought from the beginning, which is the DSLR Canon XSI. I did a lot of research and Panasonic was recommended as a good bridge camera, but I found it did not do what I wanted it to do. I was able to take a few really good action shots of Zeus, but for the most part, the majority of the pictures did not come out well. The same with my nephew's soccer game. I was also really disappointed with the super zoom on this camera. Most pictures taken with zoom came out blurry.