Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50

Value (7.0)
Without audio, this camera sort of misses the entire point of providing video capabilities on a digital still camera. This model is not a fancy camera and is not designed to be. It is an affordable model for snapshots. Its price is meager in comparison to other similar units. The Lumix DMC-LC50 has a stylish basic design, simplistic features and the ability to take digital photos without advanced photography knowledge. It's a good camera for the first-time user and provides opportunity for experimentation without a heavy investment.

Comparisons
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 - With an MSRP of US $299.99, this camera is one step above the LC50 in the Lumix series. It has more resolution and larger image sizes available at 4.0 megapixels. The other major difference between the two cameras is the ability to capture audio with video images. If the idea of shooting occasional video off of your digital camera is important, go with the LC70 over the LC50, although just buying a camcorder would be a better idea altogether. Both cameras share the same design and camera body, with no difference between the two models in terms of aesthetic design or major controls.

 Canon PowerShot A80 - A small camera with an even smaller LCD screen that, although able to flip out, is so awkwardly designed and manufactured that the entire time I was using the camera, I felt as though it was constantly on the verge of breaking. With a 4.0 MP CCD, it is comparable to the LC50. Although the A80 strives to be portable and affordable, the LC50 is a bit less expensive and easier to handle. If controls and larger images are preferred, you would have to go with the A80; however, if its simple controls and elegant design you want, the Lumix DMC-LC50 is the way to go.

Kodak EasyShare DX4530 - The DX4530 has a 5.0 MP CCD, and comes in at a lower price than the LC50. It has a 3X optical zoom and a total zoom capability of 10X. Thankfully, this camera can capture to both .MOV and QuickTime movie formats, making video work more feasible on-camera and in-computer editing. Supposedly, images can be printed at sizes up to 20 x 30', although I would like to see the quality of these prints before touting this as an accurate statement on the part of Kodak. Unlike the LC50, this camera can capture audio, making it a better choice overall for a consumer wanting a truly inexpensive hybrid camera design.

Olympus Stylus 410 - Armed with a 4.0 MP CCD, and a 3X optical zoom with an included 32MB memory card, the Stylus 410 has a equally diminutive 1.5-inch LCD screen. The lens mount is fixed, and is capable of 12x total zoom, although digital zoom will compromise the quality of the image overall. It is capable of capturing audio and video, making me wonder why Panasonic didn't equip their LC50 with a mic. This camera also has the capability of recording in QuickTime format.

Who It's For
Point-and-Shooters - This camera is definitely crafted for the point-and-shoot enthusiast. If you don't want the burden of learning manual controls or complex metering, the simplified half-shutter depression feature and full automatic settings make this a perfect camera for the beginner. Anyone who is looking for a means of recording snapshots should check into this model.

Budget Consumers - Reasonably priced, yes, but the stripped-down control and limited features available on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 take it from a bargain to just inexpensive.

Gadget Freaks - This camera is not suggested for the gadget freak. Without many accessories or add-ons and restricted manual control, the gadget freak is bound for confinement in this camera.

Manual Control Freaks-- While there are some manual controls offered on this model, the overall manual manipulation available will not satiate any enthusiast's desires. The controls that are present are only available through the on-screen menu, a slight to any true enthusiast, let alone manual control freak.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists - There would be no real reason for the Pro / Serious consumer to purchase the Lumix DMC-LC50, unless an inexpensive camera for basic point-and-shoot moments are desired; however, given the current market and the increasing bleeding of control and compact dimensions, this model probably would not satisfy any serious hobbyist.