Let’s have a look at the new Panasonic DMC FZ28 “bridge” camera that Panasonic released recently along with a few others. The LX3, FX37, FX150 and also 2 camcorders SD100 and HS100.

First difference is that the FZ28 now comes with the mandatory megapixel upgrade from 8.1 to 10.1 and bigger LCD screen from 2.5″ to 2.7″. Then there is the Extra Optical Zoom feature which now gives you up to 32.1x zoom compared to the 28.7x zoom on the FZ18 previously. It means if you set you pictures to a lower resolution, the camera actually gives you more zoom. Nice little feature isn’t it?

Built-in flash goes a bit further in the FZ28 now. Up to 8.5m for Wide or Macro modes and up to 5.4m for Tele mode. They’ve improved the burst shooting capabilities, so now you can shoot up to 13fps to capture your favourite sporting events or nature.

Another nice feature is that you can now record videos in HD on the FZ28 plus you can now also make use of the optical zoom during videos. They’ve also managed to increase the battery life on the FZ28 so you can now take up to approximately 460 pictures. Up from 400 previously on the FZ18. Dimensions remained pretty much the same although it now weighs tab bit more. All of 10 grams to be exact!

If you’re looking for a nice compact wide angle, super zoom camera that gets you close to an SLR experience without actually getting an SLR, the FZ28 fits the bill.

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After their very impressive X-mini Capsule Speakers, XM-I have released the successor to the X-minis. The X-mini Max!

The Max is a stereo speaker now unlike the X-minis which were just mono. It also comes with retractable cables now which are real useful I feel. Just try not to pull too hard on them as they are not too sturdy. You also get a nice little pouch to keep everything in. Says on the box it comes in 3 colours Red, Black and White. Although I’ve yet to see the White version.

They are perfect for laptops, mobiles, smartphones, pdas, iPods, PMPs. Especially good when you’ve got a presentation to make and the lousy projector doesn’t do sound. They go well with the Asus Eee PCs or even the Eee Box since they’ve got a compact theme going on there. Sound quality is pretty amazing considering it’s size. They get the thumbs up from me for best portable speaker! And did I mention they are a reddot design award winner 2008.

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