It’s with the test of the LS80 that we get our first taste of Panasonic 2008 compacts. Positioned in the entry-level, this camera has what is currently classic and comfortable (metal body, 8 MP sensor, optical stabilization, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD with 230,000 pixels, and auto ISO sensitivity up to 6400 ISO) but at a very attractive price.  Moreover, last year a model with such characteristics would have been in the high end (FX33 without the wide angle).  The cherry on the cake is that it comes in several colors:  black, silver and pink.

Handling

In hand, the most surprising thing about the LS80 are its finishing touches.  Of course, we are far from a compact in the FX category but for an entry level camera, construction is reassuring and it is still relatively thin.  Plastic compartment doors are a bit fragile, but overall the end product is satisfactory.  Like on other 2008 models, the control dial disappears in favor of buttons: one for changing from shooting to review mode and another non explicit "Mode" button that lets you choose parameters: Intelligent, normal image, scene mode or moving images (includes video).  So these are classic ergonomics but likewise practical.  We also find the Quick Menu button which enables quickly setting stabilization, the burst mode, autofocus, white balance and the size of images.  The 2.5 inch LCD screen has a definition of 230,000 pixels with a very fluid display even in low light.  It’s very comfortable. The Lumix LS80 is clearly not a champion in reactivity but overall it is satisfactory:  less than 2 seconds for startup, autofocus around 1 second, and a zoom that functions in less than 2 seconds (3 seconds with the digital zoom and e.zoom command).  One small criticism, the screw thread for a tripod is not aligned with the lens.

Image quality

While the LS80 has nice ergonomics, what about image quality?  The 33-100 mm f/2.8-5.1 optical zoom offers good definition with the 8 MP sensor though without challenging the Canon Ixus 80 IS, a current reference in this domain.  Outdoors, colors are accurate; however, unfortunately as is often the case with Panasonic compacts, white balance is off with artificial lighting (notably incandescent) producing very warm colors.  Despite the presence of an image processor from the previous generation (the Venus Engine III), noise control is quite amazing for a camera in this category.  At 400 ISO, images are clean and smoothing is moderate.  At 800 ISO shots are still usable but smoothing is significant.  Of course, at 1600 ISO a billowing type effect is very present and details are absent although chromatic noise is well controlled.


Image processing eliminates problems with chromatic aberrations and exposure is often correct on classic subjects.  Finally, the flash produces good results while the 5cm macro mode (we could have hope for better) is very convincing.