Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50

Model Design / Appearance (8.0)
The body of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 has a small, lightweight build that easily fits in the user's hand. Its sleek silver coloring is alluring and attractive. The Leica lens consumes most of the front portion of the camera body, with a small grip running along the right side. The screen is well placed, although the small viewfinder located above it could use some topographic reconsideration.

Size / Portability (7.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 is a good selection for transportation and portability needs. The size of the camera allows the user to include it easily on vacations, although the thickness makes it hard to slip the device seamlessly into a pocket. It may be necessary to wear oversized clothing to carry this camera upon one's person comfortably, or one could carry an added holding case.

Handling Ability (7.0)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 has the allure common to lightweight point-and-shoot cameras. However, its small size in my overly large hands found me constantly at odds with the features on the camera body. My hand repeatedly came to rest upon the flash, the viewfinder, and the lens barrel, making this camera a better choice for users with petite hands. Also, the grip located on the front of the camera looks good, but without any actual change in material from the rest of the camera body, its slippery surface subverts any actual improvement in handling.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.0)
The size of the buttons and controls are typical for digital cameras of comparable size. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 has a cutaway surrounding the Mode Dial on the back of the camera. This provides a stylistic distinction from most other point-and-shoot models, which traditionally place the mode dial on the top of the camera, near the shutter release button. This is an appreciated touch for those with awkward fingers, who can now make proper mode selections on the first attempt. Most other controls, however, are only practical if the shooter engages the LCD screen. When using the viewfinder, my face blocked most of the functions of the camera, forcing constant readjustment during image capture. Also, the viewfinder is flush with the LCD screen, making it so that when the viewfinder is used, it becomes imperative to de-streak the LCD screen. While overactive pores can be blamed, this constant cleaning will become an aggravation and will force the user into LCD framing regardless of their natural inclination.

 Menu (7.5)
The menu for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 features the following setting options, which are operable with the four-way keypad: White Balance, ISO Sensitivity, Picture Size, Image Quality, Spot Mode, Digital Zoom, Color Effect, and Picture Adjustment. Each of these topics has sub-headings and control options that are accessible by pressing the left/right buttons on the keypad. The menu is only viewable when using the LCD screen; the viewfinder is only optical, not electronic, so adjustments must be made with the camera prior to shooting if the viewfinder is being exclusively used.

Ease of Use (7.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 is, for the most part, a simple camera to use. It is meant to be a point-and-shoot camera for snapshots, even stocking the camera with a 'Simple Mode.' If advanced image control is not necessary, this may be the camera to check out. While the poor viewfinder placement may be an annoyance, most point-and-shooters prefer using the LCD, so this shouldn't be of much concern. (Viewfinders in general are moving into obsolescence, anyway.) Regardless, the controls on this camera are intended for the point-and-shooter on the go or the intrigued beginner who wants to record pictures right out of the box. Most of the functions are intuitive and self-explanatory, and even those who have never used a digital camera should not expect a long grace period.