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| FZ1000 |
I have been discussing issues around scoring ergonomics for some time.
I now feel ready to take the next step and put numbers on the ergonomic score for various cameras which I have used and tested.
First up is the Panasonic FZ1000 which I named Camera Ergonomics camera of the year for 2014 and which remains my preferred camera for most purposes.
Overall this camera is very enjoyable to use and sets something of an ergonomic benchmark for other makers and models to emulate.
It could be improved however as I will show.
Setup 10/15
I have marked Setup down a bit as I think Panasonic, like other camera makers, could do its customers a big favour by culling, better ordering and simplifying the typical Panasonic menu system. When setting up a recent high end Panasonic camera I have the distinct feeling that the makers have included many features because they can, not because users were clamouring for them.
For instance the multitude of options for autofocus could readily be trimmed with no loss of function.
There is no “My Menu” facility.
Prepare 13/15
I cannot recall testing a camera which does Prepare Phase better than the FZ1000.
There are a few quibbles which prevent a maximum score.
For instance the Playback button occupies a high value position when it could readily make room for a UIM for Prepare or Capture Phase.
Holding 17/20
One of the best cameras to hold, the handle is a good size and shape for average adults and also feels comfortable in smaller ladies or childrens hands. The thumb support is substantial and encourages the optimal diagonal thumb position.
The only oddity is the cutaway shape of the thumb support which just doesn’t fit the anatomy of any hand.
Viewing 18/20
Another high score here. The EVF is excellent and fully adjustable. The rubber eyepiece surround is large and excludes stray light, but could be deeper and softer for comfort.
The monitor is also excellent, fully adjustable and fully articulated.
The EVF refresh rate could with advantage be faster in Burst Mode.
Operating 20/25
A practiced user can carry out just about the entire task list for Capture Phase without having to take the eye from the viewfinder.
There are some issues, none deal breakers but together they prevent a maximum score.
The camera lacks a JOG lever which would ideally be located approximately where the Fn3 button now lives. In order to move the AF box the right thumb must drop down to the cursor buttons thereby disrupting the right hand grip.
I would prefer to have manual zoom as it works faster and feels more natural than the power zoom provided. I assume there is some technical reason for the power zoom, unfortunately it is not the practice of camera makers to explain their reasons for such things.
In order to switch from AF to MF the user must change two UIMs, the zoom/focus lever on the lens barrel and the focus mode lever around the AF/AE-L button.
The Zoom/Focus switch on the lens barrel is difficult to locate quickly with the camera held in portrait orientation.
Review 5/5
No problems here. The Review Phase task list is readily carried out.
Total Score 83/100
It would be possible for a revised version of the FZ100 to score even better. Apart from the items mentioned above there is space for a more elegant layout top front on the handle. This would include a quad control module and a front control dial optimally placed just behind the shutter button, giving full twin dial control.
However we are talking refinements here. Overall the FZ100 delivers excellent ergonomics, better than most cameras which I have tested.
