Manual Controls
For the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70, the manual control mode for the camera is accessed when in a variety of settings, with specific settings unavailable when in certain modes. Below are listed possible manual controls for the camera, as well as the specific times and parameters in which they can be feasibly engaged for use.

Focus
Auto Focus (8.0)
Auto Focus is the only focusing system offered on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70; however, the user can change the focal point by focusing the focal frame on the image they wish to focus and depressing the shutter button partially. Also, this camera has the ability to Prefocus; by entering the menu and highlighting the Auto Focus Trigger option, the user has the opportunity to capture an image in focus, normally moving, prior to their arrival within the frame. After turning this feature on, the user must point the focus frame on the area in which the object will exist. The focus square will be lit green on the LCD screen when the subject is in focus, and when the shutter is depressed partially the insignia for Prefocus will disappear, and the Shutter/Aperture values will be displayed. By pressing the shutter completely the user will have finished executing a successful Prefocus shot on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70.

Manual Focus (0.0)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 does not offer any manual focusing options. It is disappointing that the user is not given this option.

Metering (6.0)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 uses what they call an Intelligent Multiple metering system. The only other metering setting available on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 is the Spot Mode option found in the Menu under Spot Mode. The user can choose to engage this feature if he or she wishes the camera to choose an exposure and focus on a smaller area than the image size in its totality. However, this mode cannot be used during Playback, Favorites, or Movie Modes. With only this metering option available, the user will inevitably find the lack of alternative metering control to be a bit below par.

Exposure (7.0)
The exposure for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 is controlled through the upper section of the four-way keypad, and allows the user to select from -2 to +2, with increments of 1/3. This is pretty standard across the board with cameras of this caliber.

White Balance (7.0)
The white balance for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 is controlled via the menu as well, and can be found under the highlighted, WB White Balance subsection. Once highlighted, the user can choose between Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Halogen, and White Set. These settings cannot be accessed when the camera is placed in Favorites or Playback modes. White Set functions as the LC70’s manual white balance control. The presence of a manual white balance option instead of a bunch of (often useless) preset options is a nice feature on this digital camera.

ISO (7.0)
ISO alterations are made when the camera user is attempting to control the amount of sensitivity the camera has towards light. When in a brightly lit situation, a lower ISO will be used; when in a low light situation, a higher ISO will be used. Manual ISO settings are accessible through the main menu located on the LCD screen of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70. The ISO settings cannot be accessed while the camera is in Playback, Favorites, and Movie mode. Once the ISO sensitivity has been highlighted and approved, the user can choose between Auto, 50, 100, 200, and 400. To exit this feature, merely choose the appropriate setting using the right and left buttons on the four-way keypad, and hit the Menu button.

Shutter Speed (0.0)
The shutter speeds for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 are all automatic, although they can range from 8 seconds to 1/2000 second. This a standard and sufficient range for a digital camera in this category, but I am very disappointed to see that you cannot control it manually.

Aperture (0.0)
The aperture settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 range from f/2.8-f/4.9 with two steps in wide angle, f/2.8 / f/8.0. There is no manual control option available on this camera, which is not too surprising seeing as how this camera is not primarily intended to be an overtly manually controlled camera. This said, I am still baffled as to why Panasonic doesn't even give the user the option.