Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70S

A smaller LCD and a bit of bulk shouldn't steer you away from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70S. This digicam packs 7.2-MP resolution, a 3X optical zoom, a two-inch LCD, 19 scene modes, and some manual controls.  A noteworthy inclusion is optical image stabilization, which isn't normally found on entry-level models (others include digital stabilization at best). On our tests this OIS technology proved effective when shooting cars driving through Manhattan and also helped combat our hand shakes. Outdoor photos and a shot of a floral arrangement produced pleasant results with accurate colors and crisp focus. The image of our colleague appeared undersaturated, however. Startup time and the time between shots were both speedy, taking less than two seconds for each. The Lumix DMC-LS70S also captures 30-fps VGA video, which is suitable for online applications. Check out our photo-quality comparison gallery to see how this camera’s images compare to other affordable cameras.

 

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