Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70

Model Design / Appearance (7.0)
The overall model design and appearance for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 emphasizes the small square quality that the body of the camera exudes. With an all silver body, it has a conscientiously considered layout without excessive or vulgar graphics. The cut away around the mode dial enables simplified and gracious use, and the viewfinder doesn’t obstruct the LCD screen at all, a great feature for this camera. The ports are neatly hidden, and the slight variance in color and material makes them easy to find, without forcing the user to struggle.

Size / Portability (7.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 weighs 5.76 ounces, and measures 2.57 in. in height, 3.44 inches wide, and 1.39 inches in depth, for a total cubic volume of 12.29 inches. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 uses two double AA batteries for power. It fits into my large hand easily, although it is thicker than a lot of models from front to back, making its body a bit bulky to perhaps comfortably fit into one’s pocket during travel. However, its length is neatly condensed and comfortable, if the user doesn’t mind merely holding it in their hand.

Handling Ability (6.5)
The handling on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 is for the most part strong. I never felt that any of the features would break off in my clumsy fingers, or that I wouldn’t be able to use a certain button due to its small size or fragility. However, since the length of the camera body is slightly condensed, it forces my hands up and onto the camera body, placing my hands and fingers on the lens and all over the back of the camera. Also, the grip was such that it was in fact without grip, leaving a slick surface to immediately become slippery in most conditions, and making for worrisome shooting.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.0)
The positioning of controls on the body of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 is for the most part logical and standard, without much deviation from most other similarly priced models. However, the odd microphone placement reminds me immediately that although some models may claim to be hybrid cameras, this does not necessarily mean any sort of quality audio recordings will be attained. If you must use a camera like this for video, do yourself a favor and buy a separate audio setup for it. A microphone positioned on the top of a camera body is going to give the user terrible quality because touching it and obstructing the audio will be a constant risk. Otherwise, the Mode dial cutaway is a great feature, allowing my large hand to comfortably spin the dial.

Menu (7.0)
The menu for the Panasonic DMC-LC70 is primarily a straightforward affair accessed through the Menu button on the back of the camera. It is possible to scroll down via the four-way controller, and although the settings may be easy to get to, that does not mean that engaging them in interactive usage will be. Many of the manual controls are only accessible by navigating through the Menu, a problem perhaps if speed and efficiency are essential in the capturing of images.

Ease of Use (7.0)
The camera is a basic model overall, allowing the user to be able to work their way into understanding the workings of a digital still camera. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 has the ability to progress slightly from the basics, making it a good starter camera for someone worrying about being overwhelmed by add-ons or technology. However, eventually the lack of control may become flummoxing.