Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70

Connectivity
Software (7.0)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 ships with two software programs: ArcSoft PhotoImpression 5 and PhotoBase 2.5. These two programs installed easily enough and ran without issue. The ArcSoft PhotoImpression software is a rudimentary program that is graphically dated - we felt it should have premiered around 1998.

When the ArcSoft PhotoImpression 5 program opens the user can import photos using the Get Photo tab in the upper left corner of the program window. The pop-up window that opens enables the user to import photos from folder, camera/scanner, video, removable media, or ArcSoft album. Additionally, the user is able to import recent photos via a scroll bar displayed along the bottom of the pop-up window. Other options along the top of the PhotoImpression 5 window are Enhance, Create, Project, Print, and Send. The user can choose to navigate images on the left side of the screen by folder, camera/scanner, or ArcSoft album.

In the main display window the user can view images in the following display options; single photo, large thumbnails, small thumbnails, photos with details and full screen view, and slide show view. Users can rotate images clockwise or counter-clockwise in the single photo display.

Once an image is selected the user can alter it using the Enhance option. This parameter allows the user to select, crop, fix, and resize photos. The Fix sub-menu enables the user to access blur/sharpness, color adjustment, red-eye removal, and enhance (which lightens or darkens the image). When adjustments are made, the user can view changes on a preview screen. To confirm the alteration, the user must press the apply button located in the bottom right corner of the window.

Further image editing can be done in the Create window. The options listed here provide an abbreviated list of controls similar to, but certainly not as in-depth or expansive, as those found in more advanced programs such as Adobe Photoshop. The user can adjust images with paint, frames, effects, clip art, and text features listed on the right side of the screen. All options are tacky and rife with annoying imagery like "cute" devils, a sun with sunglasses and a grin, and a rocket, amongst other tacky drawings which first became popular around the time Van Halen released "Jump."

The Project option allows the user to build photo books or calendars. In the photo book option, users select and import options into a simulated scrapbook with general themes such as Beach, Halloween, and Hearts. Panasonic would be wise to update their interface, settings, and controls to remain competitive.

PhotoImpression 5 lagged a bit throughout use, and users intending to regularly post-process images should consider a different editing and compiling program, both for the slow response time and lack of real and immediate control over image properties. But if you're merely looking for a software package that provides basic editing and printing, PhotoImpression 5 should be adequate.

All-in-all, the LS70's software package offers a host of editing and sorting alternatives, but the interface and efficiency of the software is lagging.

Jacks, ports, plugs (4.5)
The jacks and ports on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 are located on the sides and bottom of the camera body. The DC IN and video out ports are found underneath a gray port cover on the left side of the camera. The cover opens via a tab located along its back edge and rotates neatly out of the way while remaining tethered to the front-upper corner of the port’s cover. The cover won’t block the ports or hinder the user while connecting or disconnecting cables.

On the right side of the LS70, a second cover slides towards the back of the camera before swinging out on a hinge to reveal the SD/MMC memory card slot. This cover is labeled and easy to locate and use since it isn’t placed on the bottom of the camera. This means the user can swap out memory cards without having to remove the camera from a tripod, a perennial problem when the memory card slot is found on the bottom of the camera body.

The battery slots for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 are on the bottom of the camera body. This cover is poorly designed, and users will find it’s far too easy for this cover to slip open when jostled or pressed lightly.

Whenever opened, the batteries immediately slip out of the camera body. While this isn’t a huge hassle when opened on purpose, there was more than one instance when the cover opened by accident and the two AA batteries spilled out onto the ground.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 is capable of direct printing with PictBridge- compatible printers. The camera connects to the printer via the digital port located on the left side of the camera body. When direct printing using the DMC-LS70, the user can simply scan captured photographs using the left and right arrow of the four-way control, then press the Menu/Set button when the appropriate images are displayed. If multiple prints of a single image or more control over the printing process is wanted, the user can print using the single select menu structure, with options to print with date and alter the number of prints, paper size, and paper layout. For a more expedited process, the user can choose the multi select display to print multi select, select all, DPOF picture, or favorites.

Battery (6.25)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 is sold with two AA oxyride batteries and can be powered on oxyride, alkaline, and Ni-MH rechargeable batteries once the included batteries are drained of power. The life of AA batteries is drastically lower than lithium ion batteries, and thus requires the user to carry additional batteries when shooting for long periods of time. Manufacturers often choose to use AA batteries rather than lithium ion in an attempt to reduce manufacturing costs to keep retail prices lower. If concerned about having to constantly buy new batteries to keep the LS70 running, invest in a pack of rechargeable batteries and a charging station.

Memory (3.75)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 comes with 27 MB of internal memory. An SD/MMC/SDHC memory card slot on the right side of the camera body can be used for additional memory storage. Purchasing a memory card is recommended, especially for photographers shooting many photos, capturing at higher resolutions, or recording video files.

Other Features (5.25)
Mega O.I.S. – The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 's optical image stabilization system is definitely a feature that distinguishes this digital camera from the competition at this price level. Users can choose to turn the stabilization system on and off through the shooting menu system in the stabilizer sub-menu. Once the sub-menu is entered, the user can switch between Mode 1, Mode 2, and Off. Mode 1 engages the stabilization system continuously, even during photo composition, while Mode 2 only compensates for camera shake and jitter when the shutter button is pressed. Mode 2 is recommended for situations where camera shake is more apparent, since it has a greater stabilizing effect.

Intelligent ISO Mode – The Intelligent ISO shooting mode is listed on the mode dial located on the top of the camera body. This mode alters both the ISO level and the shutter speed based on readings taken from the center of the composition, based on movements and brightness of the subject.

Histogram Display – Users looking for more precise exposure information will be excited to find the inclusion of a live histogram display on the right edge of the LCD screen during capture. Histograms provide tonal information on the image file and indicates precisely when an image is exposed properly, regardless of the accuracy of the LCD screen.

Easy Zoom – This feature is initiated through a button on the top right side of the camera. Easy Zoom is designed to help users quickly zoom from 1x to 3x, from 3x through the digital zoom range, then back to 1x again. But why it’s necessary to have this additional control to move through the zoom range is unclear. While the zoom ring that surrounds the shutter button isn’t lightening fast, it would seem unlikely the user would save any time. As it is, the Easy Zoom button just clutters the exterior of the camera with an extraneous control that will likely go unused.