Color (6.31)
We analyze the color reproduction of all tested digital cameras with Imatest imaging software and a GretagMacbeth color chart, an industry standard. The software allows us to measure the error between the ideal colors on the chart and the colors produced by the camera. The below image is an enhanced version of the GretagMacbeth chart which should help you understand how well the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 performs. The outer squares are the colors produced by the camera, and the inner squares are corrected versions by Imatest. The smallest inner vertical rectangle is the ideal color of the chart.

The below graph is a chart of the color performance of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70. The circles represent the colors produced by the camera, and the squares represent the ideal colors. The greater the distance between each circle and square, the greater the error. If a circle is closer to the center of the chart than its corresponding square, the color is under-saturated. If it is closer to the outside of the chart than its corresponding square, then the color is over-saturated.

Still Life Scene

Click on the above image to see a full resolution version (CAUTION: The linked to image is very large)

Resolution / Sharpness (3.41)
The resolution of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 is tested using images of an ISO resolution chart and Imatest Imaging Software. After taking multiple shots (to minimize the possibility of testing error) we import the images into Imatest to determine a real resolution number. This number factors in image processing, camera electronics, and optics to give a score that is an accurate representation of the camera’s capabilities.

The numbers provided by many manufacturers are often erroneous and embellish the digital camera’s capabilities. An astonishingly low amount of digital cameras match the manufacture’s proclaimed megapixel count. A well performing camera will produce 70-80% of the manufacturer’s megapixel count and anything around 90% is excellent. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 produced images that contained 3.41 actual megapixels of resolution. This is 86% of the manufacturer’s claim and should be read as a remarkable score. By contrast, many cameras do not exceed 60% of the suggested resolution, accentuating the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70’s performance and reaffirming the camera's imaging potential.

Noise - Auto ISO (6.67)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 gave a pretty standard performance in the noise level division. The automatic ISO function does not require the user to stop and change the settings, but offers the same range as manual ISO. Your Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 will do well in outdoor or well lit situations with relatively little noise. The rock bottom setting of 50 ISO is really impressive for a camera of this stature. I’m impressed with Panasonic. Typical of every digital camera, the noise level increases at higher ISO settings, creating images with a slight overlay of monochromatic gain.

Noise - Manual ISO (7.07)
We test the noise produced by the camera at each setting (when several ISO settings are available) using Imatest Imaging Software. The graph below shows our results for each ISO setting. The horizontal X-axis gives the ISO ratings while the vertical Y-axis gives the noise reading.

As you can see on the graph above, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 retains a low level of noise when a lower ISO setting is used, but results in more noise as the ISO ratings are raised. Our regression analysis contains noise values and ISO settings to give an overall noise value.

Speed / Timing
The Panasonic DMC-LC70 has a rather large span of time between all three of our tested speed parameters. Digital cameras will always have a bit of lag time between these points; however, the amount of time consumed by the LC70 is fairly preposterous.

Startup / First shot (5.57)
The time in lapsed between turning on the camera and taking the first shot is approximately 4.43 seconds.

Shot to shot (3.54)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70 took 6.46 seconds in between shots, which is one of the worst times I've ever seen. The only way to overcome this limiting and oftentimes aggravating time delay is to engage the mega burst option; however, there is a limit to the number of photos that can be captured before the user will have to re-engage this feature.

Shutter to shot (1.0)
The shutter lag on this digital camera is one of the reasons digital cameras are getting such a bad rap these days. Taking 4.53 seconds to take a shot after the shutter button is pressed is just too long, and prevents the user from being able to capture the moments happening in front of them.