Front
The front of the camera is dominated by the telescoping lens: a 5X optical zoom with a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 35mm to 105mm. Above and to the left of the lens is the small window for the active focus emitter and the flash. On the left is the hand grip, it is a sizeable grip that runs the entire depth of the camera.
Back
The major feature of the back of the camera is the 2.5-inch LCD screen that has 230k pixels. To the left and below the LCD are the buttons that form the smart touch control system. You press the buttons to select options and run your finger over them to control sliders and dials. Below these buttons is the play button that puts the camera into playback mode. On the top right corner is the zoom control that pushes up to zoom in and down to zoom out. This is different than most cameras which often use a left-right motion for zooming.
Left
The left side of the camera has no major functions or features, except for a couple of screws and the lanyard loop. The lanyard loop is a little larger than most cameras, but it didn’t stick into the hand.
Right
Much like the left side of the camera, the right side has no major features, although, this shot does afford a nice profile of the small protrusion on the front around the lens.
Top
The top of the camera houses the power button that glows a cool-looking blue when the power is on. The mode dial is also present and has settings for Auto, program, Automatic Shake Reduction, Effect, Scene, Movie and Playback.
Bottom
On the bottom of the camera is a panel that covers the battery and memory card slots. The battery is held in with a clip. This is a useful feature that ensures the battery won’t fall out if you open the camera upside down by mistake. Above this is the port for the camera dock that wasn’t available for photography at the CES show. To the right is the tripod socket.
