Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2S

Model Design / Appearance
The general shape of small cameras have gone in two directions: some are flat, like a deck of cards, and some are boxy, like a Twinkie. The Lumix LS2 is more like the latter. The shape is more stable – the camera isn't apt to tip forward and back as much as the flat ones are. This type of shape is also less glamorous and therefore less expensive.

The design is very functional, and Panasonic's choice of materials and impressive level of fit and finish suggest that the Lumix LS2 will be durable camera.

Size / Portability
At 4.35 x 2.11 x 1.22 inches and 6.5 ounces fully loaded, the Lumix LS2 is small and light enough for some pockets, and many purses and bags. We wish it were sealed better – the telescoping lens assembly has gaps that could admit dust and crud. No matter what it's put in, it should be put inside a case first.

Given its size and weight, we expect many people will use it on a wrist strap, which ought to be a comfortable way of carrying it while shooting.

Handling Ability
The Lumix LS2's boxy shape makes it relatively resistant to tipping, and comfortable to use. On the other hand, the surface is hard and smooth, not rubbery, so it is more slippery than competing cameras with gripping surfaces.

The controls and interface are simple and logical. The flash and lens and other working parts are laid out so that it would be very hard to block them simply by holding the camera. The top and bottom of the camera are pretty much bare on the left side, making a convenient grip for the user's left hand.

Control Button Dial Positioning / Size
The Lumix LS2's shutter release and zoom control are small. The shutter release works with a very slight press, and doesn't have enough resistance when it's pressed halfway, so we ended up taking shots accidentally. The zoom controller would be easier to use if it were larger. On the bright side, the zoom controller's responsiveness is good – it stopped as soon as pressure was released, so it didn't overshoot the setting.

The 4-way controller buttons are flat, and might be difficult to handle for a person with large fingers. The buttons next to the 4-way were wisely placed – everything the user needs to manage the menu-based functions is conveniently close together.

The O.I.S. button is on top of the camera, which is puzzling. It seems likely that most users will leave it on all the time – it could even be a menu item rather than a direct control button.

Menu
The Lumix LS2's menus are subdivided into Shooting, Set-up and Playback. Shooting and Playback menus are only available when the camera is the modes of the same name. The menus appear in a readable font. Some menu items show on a live preview, while most appear on a gray background.

The shooting menus are logically set up, covering key controls such as ISO and White balance, image format, size and quality, autofocus mode and so on. One interesting item allows the user to set the longest shutter speed available in auto mode (1/8 of a second), preventing the camera from taking timed exposures when the user is not using a tripod. Set-up items include monitor brightness, the length of time images appear on the LCD after shooting and the type of battery installed. The offered menu is pared down to just a few items when the camera is set to Simple mode, allowing the user to set only image size, battery type, beep noise and the time.

The Playback menu includes options to crop and downsize images, to run a slide show and copy images, as well as print them.

The Lumix LS2 is a simple camera, and its menus are short compared to more ambitious cameras. The menus are tabbed, so the user can jump from setup to the other active menu. Other than that, there aren't shortcuts to jump around the interface.

Ease of Use
Snapshooters have the option of setting the Lumix LS2 to Simple mode, which thoroughly automates every photographic parameter, and hides them to boot. It doesn't get simpler than that. The custom image presets have help screens explaining their function. The live histogram and white balance preview show the user the effect of some of the manual controls.

The downside of the Lumix LS2 interface is its lack of manual control. Though it offers exposure compensation, there is no direct control of aperture or shutter speed. There is no manual focus control, though admittedly, we've been disappointed with the manual focus modes on other compacts; besides, the sort of manual control that might be offered for only $200 could make some people hesitate.

A user who wants an automatic camera with the option to deviate only a bit from the automated settings will have an easy time with the Lumix LS2.