Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

Oct 12, 2004 - By James Murray
With an MSRP of US $249.99, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 sells for $50 less than the DMC-LC70, a camera with comparable features and a nearly identical body. The Lumix DMC-LC50 comes stocked with a 3x optical zoom Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT all-glass lens, refracting highly refined images to its 1/2.5-inch, 3.3 megapixel CCD sensor. There is a 1.5-inch, 114,000 pixel LCD screen consuming much of the camera's back side. The camera includes a 30 frames per second movie mode; however, there is no option to record audio along with the video. The Lumix DMC-LC50 sports a stylish facade and contains simple control features that make the camera ideal for the point-and-shoot enthusiast and beginning user. Reflecting on the high scores attained by the camera on our resolution test, the Lumix DMC-LC50 user can rest assured that the camera's lack of advanced functions is not a reflection on its imaging capabilities, but rather a gauge of the type of user for whom the camera is designed.
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Connectivity
Software (5.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 comes with SD Viewer for DSC, and Ulead Photo Explorer. However, this Lumix model is not available with ArcSoft Software, which is available with the LC70 model.

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 has a DC in port and a USB / Digital video out port located on the left side of the camera body, underneath a rubber port cover. Below these ports is the SD/MMC memory card slot, which is accessed by pressing down on the cover and sliding towards the back of the camera body.

Direct Print Options (0.0)
This camera is not direct-print capable, so the user must rely either on printing houses or editing software included with the camera.

 Memory (5.5)
A built-in SD/MMC memory card slot is located on the left side of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 camera body. The number of still images and the length of movies vary based upon image quality, size, and memory card size used. The camera will hold five format sizes for still images: 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480 and 1920 x 1080, with motion video captured at 320 x 240. There is a 16MB SD card supplied with the camera; however, as always, a larger card is suggested.

Other features (0.0)
This camera is not meant to have other features. Its stripped-down body and controls make it so the user cannot get too lost in the workings of the camera. This is a good thing for those seeking a basic no-frills camera. After a while, though, the lack of accessory features may become limiting.

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