We have investigated the structural and electrical properties of La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 thin films grown both by pulsed laser or DC-sputtering deposition techniques on SrTiO 3 (100) substrates. X-ray diffractograms and pole figures revealed the epitaxial character of the samples. Resistance vs. temperature measurements without applied magnetic field showed the metal–insulator transition temperature (T MI ) in the range of 220–260K. The magnetoresistance temperature dependence was also investigated and correlated with the thickness of the films, the oxygen annealing treatment and the presence of lattice defects.