Initial Performance Assessment

Lens
The Lumix DC Vario lens has 7 elements in 6 groups, with 3 aspherical surfaces, according to Panasonic. It runs from 5.8 to 17.4mm, for a 3x zoom range comparable to 35 to 105mm on 35mm. That's a useful range for snapshots, and a standard one for compact cameras.

We did not have the chance to do rigorous tests of the lens, but we did not notice barrel distortion, which is common at the wide angle end of zoom ranges. We saw very slight color fringing, but not enough to be noticeable in snapshot-sized prints. The lens seemed pretty sharp over the range of the zoom as well.

Speed / Timing
The Lumix LS2 takes a second or two to start up – not long for a compact camera, but long enough that the user should keep it on in situations where a shot might come up suddenly. Panasonic notes that their Venus processing engine speeds up shutter response, though the autofocus system adds a delay between pressing the shutter and the actual shot. Users will have to learn to anticipate their shots a bit. This is common with compact cameras in general, and it's a source of frustration for many users.

The Lumix LS2 has three burst modes, called High, Low and Infinite. Panasonic reports that High shoots at 3 frames per second, and Low at 2 fps. We can't verify those numbers in this first look, but we'd note that burst rate is measured from the first exposure to the last – not from when the shutter is pressed. The shutter lag remains. In either High or Low modes, the Lumix LS2 will shoot 3 Fine quality 5 megapixel images. Infinite mode is much slower, but will continue for as long as there room on the SD card to hold the images.

Noise
All small compact cameras – ones with imaging devices in the range of 1/2.5 inches – have trouble with image noise. It seems to be more or less a law of nature. The problem gets worse as ISOs go up. All manufacturers battle noise with in-camera processing, as the data from the sensor is converted into a JPEG.

The Lumix LS2 is less successful at this than many other compact cameras. Though we found the camera's results at ISO 80 and 100 pleasing, they were noisier than the results from competing compact cameras. At higher ISOs, the Lumix LS2's results deteriorated. We found the images taken at ISO 400 blotchy, and expect that even 4 x 6 prints will show the problem noticeably.

Color
The Lumix LS2 seems to punch up colors, which is typical of compact cameras, and a characteristic that tends to please snapshot shooters. The Lumix LS2 punches up reds in particular, which tends to lead to bright, healthy-looking skin tones. We also noted some saturated greens and blues in our test shots, showing a more balanced color response than we've seen in some other cameras.

This sort of color evaluation is subjective. In our full review, we'll test the camera's color response a controlled setting, and have quantitative results.

Sharpness
The Lumix LS2's image sharpness suffers because of the noise problem, and apparently because of the camera's noise suppression routine. The images do not look as sharp as those from many competing cameras.

Value
For $200, the Lumix LS2 offers very effective image stabilization and 5 megapixel resolution. That's hard to pass up, though Pansonic's Lumix LZ3 offers the same thing, plus a 6x zoom, for another $30. That could be a tough choice.

Image noise is a concern with this camera. There are cameras at comparable prices that deliver lower noise, although they lack image stabilization. Panasonic is right that camera motion ruins more snapshots than anything else. Stabilization is necessary, and it's a bargain at $200. The Lumix LS2 is a great deal for the money.

Who It’s For?
Point-and-Shooters - The Lumix LS2 suits the point-and-shooter. It's simple to use and offers image stabilization, which ought to mean fewer blurry shots.

Budget Consumers - Again, a good fit. The Lumix LS2 is $200, for image stabilization and excellent white balance on the cheap.

Gadget Freaks - On the assumption that gadget freaks love stabilization – it senses your movement and does the opposite! -- we guess that a few of them will see the LS2 as a way to get some tech on the cheap. And did we mention the excellent and unusual white balance options?

Manual Control Freaks - Great as the white balance is, Manual Control Freaks will want more control elsewhere. It's lack of exposure control, and its image noise, with be a turn off for this crowd.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists - This group wants more control and better image quality that the Lumix LS2 offers.

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