Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8

In the Playback mode, images can be resized to any resolution and compression setting smaller than the original. Images can also be "trimmed" using a feature in the Playback mode, which allows cropping by zooming in on the captured image. There are only two Quality options available, marked by odd graphics: "Fine" is marked by two rows of three squares with an arrow pointing down, and "Standard" records lower-quality images, allowing more to be stored on the memory card at once. Many cameras within this price range offer three compression settings.

Picture Effects Mode (3.5)
The LZ8 has a number of picture effects modes that can be applied before capture. In the Recording menu, contrast, sharpness, saturation, and noise reduction can be adjusted to +1 or -1 in ½ steps.

A number of color effects can also be applied before capture: Black and White, Sepia, Cool, and Warm. In Intelligent Auto mode, color options are limited to Black and White and Sepia. This is adequate, though many similar point-and-shoots offer more Color mode options. In addition, these effects can only be applied before capturing an image – images cannot be switched to black and white in the Playback mode post-capture, for example.

You do get some limited editing options in the playback mode. Here you can crop, rotate and convert the aspect ratio of images. You cannot, however, remove red-eye, change colors or otherwise manipulate images.

Ease of Use (8.0)

The Panasonic DMC LZ8 is very easy to use – it’s made for the beginner who wants a simple camera that takes good pictures. Check out the Testing/Performance section  to see if the LZ8 fulfills the latter. But as far as ease of use goes, the LZ8 works fine. The menus are easily accessible and clearly readable, and the special brightness controls for the LCD are convenient.

The downside, however, is the LZ8’s user manual. It’s miserable, poorly organized, and the pages in the table of contents are 5 to 7 pages off the actual page the information is on. For example, the "Advanced Shooting" section is said to start on page 37, but it doesn’t actually start until page 42. This is frustrating, to say the least. Once you find the page you’re looking for, however, the information is clearly labeled and easy to understand. Have fun treasure hunting for the right page.