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Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/11/grouptest_touchscreen_compact_cameras_panasonic_lumix_dmc_fx70/

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70

By George Cole

Posted in Hardware, 11th August 2010 07:02 GMT

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Review Panasonic has updated its camera design with the Lumix DMC-FX70, and very nice it looks too, with a stylish curve on the right side of the camera body and a lovely matt black and silver finish.

Panasonic DMC-FX70

However, on switch on, the screen looks a bit cluttered with icons on the top, right and bottom of the screen. Pressing a display button removes most of them, but it’s not the best screen design I’ve seen.

Icons for all menu settings (such as white balance and ISO) are clearly displayed on a single screen and it’s dead easy to make adjustments. The display is large, clear and easy to view, even when sunlight is shining on it.

Panasonic DMC-FX70

Sample Shots

Panasonic DMC-FX70

Click for a full-resolution crop [1]

Panasonic DMC-FX70

Click for a full-resolution crop [2]

Panasonic DMC-FX70

Click for a full-resolution crop [3]

Panasonic DMC-FX70

Click for a full-resolution crop [4]

Panasonic DMC-FX70

Click for a full-resolution crop [5]

Panasonic DMC-FX70

Click for a full-resolution crop [6]

The response wasn’t bad, although you occasionally have to prod the camera into action. The DMC-FX70 also offers a touch shutter system – just touch an on-screen subject and the camera focuses and takes the shot.

Images are viewed by scrolling through with your thumb, but press firmly; otherwise you magnify the image instead. You also get a curious Cosmetic mode, which is designed to improve skin tone – what next, a Botox Button? Pictures were sharp, detailed and vibrant, although noise creeps in at around ISO 200.

Verdict

A smart-looking camera that does most of the thinking for you. The touch screen is large and clear, although the menu layout design could be improved. ®

Next: Samsung ST5500 [7]

Touchscreen Compact Camera Group Test