Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70

Value (6.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 is built to be a basic hybrid camera, intended to appeal to the budget consumer. Although some of the buttons and the LCD screen are a bit awkward for larger hands, and the amount of control available is a bit limiting, many consumers are looking for cameras to do most of the work for them, making this a feasible choice. If you don't care about audio and don't mind slightly smaller image sizes, buy the LC50 Lumix. It's approximately fifty dollars less, making it a good choice if these parameters are not an issue.

Comparisons
Panasonic DMC-LC43-- Listed with an MSRP US $369.95, the Panasonic DMC-LC43 is one price step above the LC70, and has a 4.0 1/2.5-inch CCD with a 3x optical zoom. It has a 1.5-inch LCD and the grip on the right side is actually just that, unlike the one on the LC70 or LC50, which is just a built out area from the camera body. It's a bit more sleek, has a darker gray finish, and has a more slender composition. It's a more travel friendly option for the consumer looking to be able to freely move about. It comes equipped with ArcSoft software for editing purposes, and has a built-in microphone for video/audio capturing capabilities.

Panasonic DMC-LC50-- The Panasonic DMC-LC50 Lumix has an MSRP of US $249.99, and is one step under the LC70 in the Lumix series of digital cameras. Without the audio features, and smaller image size as starting points, this camera is still highly similar to the LC70. The camera bodies are identical in design, with the same controls being used for both models. Its 3.3 MP total CCD is a bit smaller; however, the zoom is still 3x, and with a few less controls available, this model should still be considered if the hybrid aspect of a camera isn’t your first priority.

Canon PowerShot S410-- The Canon PowerShot S410 is a digital camera equipped with a 4.1, 1.8-inch CCD, and an optical zoom of 3x. This camera is smoothly built, easy to move about with, and is capable of comfortably fitting in your pocket. It is a lightweight camera that uses a CompactFlash memory card, and can record audio and video simultaneously. Its small sleek size makes this camera a much better choice for the consumer worried about having to lug a camera wherever they go. The Canon PowerShot S410 measures 3.4 x 2.2  x 1.1 inches, and weighs approximately 6.5 ounces, with a total cubic volume of 8.228 inches. The Canon PowerShot has an MSRP of US $399.99.

Pentax Optio S4i-- The Pentax Optio S4i is another 4 MP CCD camera, similarly comparable in price to the LC70. It is equipped with both a memory card slot and the ability to shoot directly to an internal memory hard drive. It has an optical zoom of 3x, like the LC70; however, and oddly enough, it captures video to an AVI format, rather than MPEG. It does boast an LCD screen measuring 1.8 inches, and still manages to be smaller and lighter than the LC70, a bonus for those users who want a camera that’ll move with them. The battery is recharged by placing it on a base until the next use, a feature the manufacturer touts, but one which I have always, in the end, found to be aggravating and counterproductive. The Pentax Optio sells for  US $349.95 and is 2.0 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches, with a cubic volume of 5.28 inches and a total weight of 3.7 ounces.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - A good purchase for the point and shooter looking for a low cost camera with the ability to shoot short movies with audio, as well as digital still images.

Budget Consumers - Lower priced and with somewhat limited manual controls, this camera  would be a good purchase overall. However, if a user doesn't mind slightly compromised image size and audio, the consumer may wish to look at the Panasonic DMC-LC50 Lumix model for US $50.00 less.

Gadget Freaks - This camera is basic. It doesn't have intricate systems or the ability for add-ons, and while it looks good, it isn't necessarily a camera which will keep you occupied for long.

Manual Control Freaks - The manual controls exist, and are functional, even if primarily onscreen. If the ability to choose between point-and-shoot and manual is wanted, and at a low price, this camera could be feasible.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - I'm unsure why any pro would use the LC70. Although low in price, it's a stripped down camera made specifically with the intent to point-and-shoot.