Color (9.43)
Many die-hard film photographers attack digital cameras’ abilities to produce accurate colors. While this may be true of low-end digital cameras with low-quality imaging processors, this is not always the case. The Panasonic Lumix LZ2 houses a 1/2.5-inch CCD with 5.36 total and 5 effective megapixels that works with a Venus Plus imaging processor. To test the quality of the processor in terms of color, we photographed several exposures of the industry standard GretagMacbeth color chart and imported the images into Imatest Imaging Software. Using the software, we compared the LZ2’s color output to that of the original chart. The results can be seen in the modified chart below. The outer square of each tile represents the LZ2’s color, while the inner square shows what that color looks like when corrected in a software program. The smaller vertical rectangle represents the ideal color on the original chart.

If the colors look too similar, read on. The same information is shown below in a different configuration. This time, the circles represent the Panasonic LZ2’s colors, while the squares represent the tonal ideal. The most accurate colors are the ones where you can’t even see the squares because the shapes are so close together. The farther the circle is from the square, the less accurate that particular color.

The Panasonic Lumix LZ2 performed quite well on this color test, earning a 9.43 overall color score. Most of the colors are a bit off, but they all remain close to the ideal, except the #4 green and #15 red. This camera will make red lipstick appear brighter than ever.

Still Life Scene
Below is an image of our still life scene recorded with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2.

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

Resolution / Sharpness (3.73)
The Panasonic Lumix LZ2 advertises 5 effective megapixels on its 1/2.5-inch CCD. To test the resolution of the imager, we take several photographs of the ISO 12233 resolution chart and analyze them in Imatest Imaging Software to see exactly how many pixels the camera used to form the image. When a camera uses 70 percent of its advertised pixel count, we consider it a “good” performance; within 80 percent, the camera is designated as “very good” and anything exceeding 90 percent is dubbed “excellent.” The LZ2 received a “good” designation by using 76 percent of its advertised pixels. At its best, the digital camera used 3.73 megapixels to take a picture.

Click on chart to view full Resolution file

Noise Auto ISO (3.22)
When the camera’s ISO settings were set automatically, somewhat noisy images were produced. The LZ2 received an overall auto ISO noise score of 3.22, which is a bit below average for compact digital cameras in terms of auto noise scores. However, average is not the goal and does not mean good in this case. Most digital cameras disappoint when it comes to their performance in the automatic ISO setting, producing noisy images in most shooting situations other then daylight.

Noise Manual ISO (4.63)
Fortunately, the Panasonic LZ2 increased its performed when its ISO ratings were manually set. We tested noise levels at each of the camera’s ratings, which are 80, 100, 200 and 400. We compiled the data into a regression analysis to determine the overall manual ISO noise score, which came out to be 4.63.

The graph above indicates the LZ2 does not handle noise as well as it does color. The graph is designed to indicate the produced noise at each ISO stop; the horizontal axis shows the LZ2’s ISO ratings and the vertical axis depicts the resultant noise. As you can see, there is significant noise at most ISO settings once ISO 100 is reached. The 200 and 400 ratings indicate shooting in difficult lighting will not fair well for photographers with an eye for sharpness and definition.

Low Light (7.0)
To determine how each imager performs in low light, we conduct a sequence of tests administered in diminishing light, without the use of the flash. The camera is set to the highest available ISO rating and put on its Program setting. This is done to isolate the imager’s sensitivity to light and determine how far the camera can be pushed and still capture a visible image. The LZ2 was tested at four decreasing light values, 60, 30, 15, and 5 Lux. These values approximate common low light scenarios; 60 Lux equates to a typical bedroom, while 30 Lux offers roughly the illumination of a single 40 watt lightbulb and 15 and 5 Lux illustrate how the camera will perform in near darkness.

 

Low Light Tests
60 Lux	30 Lux
15 Lux	5 Lux

As you can see above, the LZ2 maintained as light levels decreased. The images gradually decrease in visibility, but the colors remain prevalent. Noise levels drop incrementally with the available light, but the camera’s ability to focus stays strong throughout. In 15 and 5 Lux, the human eye can perceive the setting reasonably well, though the iris is obviously a bit larger – while the LZ2 cannot come close to paralleling the eye, it will continue to capture visible images in almost any viewable situation. Additionally, the ability to focus in 5 Lux is quite rare and speaks loudly for the LZ2’s internal metering and focusing systems.

Speed / Timing
Startup to First Shot (6.11)
Panasonic digital cameras are certainly not known for their astounding startup times. This model follows in the company’s slow footsteps, requiring 3.89 seconds to power up and record its first exposure.

Shot to Shot (8.89)
The LZ2 has three different burst settings, so I tested the camera at each one in addition to the normal recording mode. The High Burst took a picture every 0.31 seconds for 3 shots, then waited 5 seconds before its next 3-shot burst. The Low Burst mode shot in the same intervals – 3 pictures and 5 seconds between bursts – but took them at a slower 0.62-second clip. This mode seemed quite odd and useless to me; in theory, it should take more pictures in a burst if it is going to go slower or it serves no actual purpose. The last burst mode is called Unlimited, but seemed quite finite to me. It took a picture every 0.72 seconds for 4 shots, then rested 6 seconds before taking its next set of pictures. Normal recording rate was noticeably slower than any burst setting and should be reserved for moments when speed is irrelevant and quantity of capture is king.

Shutter to Shot (8.5)
When the camera is not pre-focused, it takes 0.25 seconds to take a picture. When the camera is already focused, there is hardly any lag time at all.