The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 is another 7.2 megapixel compact camera from Panasonic released today. This one features a 3x Optical Zoom with optical image stabilization (extendable to 4.5x optical zoom), a wide aspect VGA movie mode, 18 scene modes and a 2.0 inch LCD display.

Panasonic Brings Top Line Features to the Lumix DMC-LS70 Camera.Features Include 7.2 Megapixel CCD, AA-Battery Operation and Intelligent Image Stabilization. Panasonic today announced the Lumix DMC-LS70 digital camera, to its 2007 digital camera line. The 7.2 megapixel Lumix DMC-LS70 features Intelligent Image Stabilization with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control, superb optical 3x zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm film camera), and a LUMIX DC VARIO lens. Panasonic is committed to bringing top line features -- like Intelligent Image Stabilization -- to all their digital cameras, making superior imaging a priority.

Panasonic's multi-tasking Intelligent Image Stabilization system makes it easy to capture beautiful photos every time. Today, MEGA O.I.S., which is a standard feature across the entire line of Lumix cameras, compensates for the effects of hand-shake, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos indoors, at night, or when taking macro close-ups. However, MEGA O.I.S. cannot suppress the motion blur caused by a subject moving as the photo is being snapped. In this case, the camera's Venus Engine III image-processing engine -- detects whether the subject is moving and, as necessary, raises the ISO setting and shutter speed according to how fast the subject is moving and the light conditions.

"Panasonic is committed to bringing a variety of cameras to our users to match their digital lifestyle," said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Corporation of North America. "The DMC-LS70 is leading the charge for our 2007 Lumix line as the ideal compact camera that offers more than a consumer would expect for its features and size."

The DMC-LS70 is powered by two simple AA batteries, which can be purchased anywhere. Each camera comes with two Panasonic Oxyride AA batteries, which lets users take approximately 60 percent more shots than available with ordinary alkaline batteries -- approximately 250 images with the DMC-LS70. The camera also accepts large-capacity SDHC memory cards, giving users more flexibility in shooting and recording.

In addition to added features, Panasonic has redesigned the full exterior of the DMC-LS70, bringing a new sleek design and bright 2.0-inch LCD to their most compact models. The user friendly menu and its graphical user interface have also been redesigned, with the colors brightened for easier viewability.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 also features:

* Easy Zoom: Shifts the lens instantly to full 3x zoom power at the touch
of a dedicated button.

* Extra Optical Zoom: Provides additional magnification, extending the
zoom power to 4.5x by using the centre part of the CCD.

* Quick Setting: Lets users quickly and easily access and set the
functions used most often.

* Date Stamp: Allows users to utilize the Lumix date stamp feature in
three ways: (1) Simply stamp the date on photos, (2) Stamp the day of a
trip or event on the photos, and (3) For those precious baby photos,
stamp the child's age in months on the image itself.

* Wide-Aspect VGA Motion Images: Records standard VGA (640 x 480) motion
images at 30 frames per second, and the LS70 records stunning wide-
aspect VGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second. These 16:9
motion pictures look extremely impressive on a wide-screen TV.

* Added Scene Modes: Offers a total of 18 scene modes, including the new
Pet and Sunset modes, making it easy to get beautiful photos in a range
of photographic situations.

LaptopMag has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70S and writes, "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."

Steve's Digicams has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 and writes, " Image quality was good. Our sample images are nice and sharp, with no visible edge softness, and the exposure and color balance are very pleasing. Noise is present at even ISO 100, however, you have to be viewing an image at 100% to see this and it is very unlikely you will see it in your photos. ... the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 is a nice digital camera package, offering some appealing features like 7-megapixels, MEGA O.I.S, etc. as well as plenty of shooting modes for everyone in your household or office. At this price point for a 7-megapixel digital camera you have to expect to give up a few bells and whistles. For instance the smaller than most LCD and movies without sound."

DigitalCameraInfo has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 and writes, "With a budget-friendly $149 price tag, clean layout, and inclusion of custom image shooting modes and a Movie mode, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70 appeals to the consumer who wants picture-taking made easy. Panasonic falls short of the mark for the manual control enthusiast; the LS70 only offers control over white balance, exposure compensation, and ISO. Other drawbacks include a lack of audio recording in Movie mode and a sluggish relationship between the lens and the zoom ring. But even with these shortcomings, features such as optical image stabilization are definitely not a common feature found on cameras in this price range, and their inclusion at this price gives the DMC-LS70 an advantage over competing manufacturers."

DigitalCameraInfo has a review of the Olympus FE-250 and writes, "while an improvement within the Olympus line, the FE-250 falls short of other manufacturers' offerings in this price range. Cameras by Casio and Kodak either offer the same or more features at a lower price. Noticeably absent from the FE-250 are white balance presets. The camera instead relies on its mediocre Auto White Balance setting, so what you see is what you get, odd colors and all. The FE-250 will suffice for the consumer looking for a point-and-shoot that looks slick and is easy to use. However, users seeking manual control, color accuracy, handling confidence, or a more durable design should consider another camera."