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The LX100 is a full featured compact camera which tries to pack a lot of functionality into a small space, with variable success. The product development people at Panasonic elected for their own reasons, whatever they may have been, to equip the LX100 with “traditional” controls. They also endowed the camera with the modes and functions which usually find themselves on a Mode Dial but the camera has no such dial.
As a result camera operation requires numerous ergonomic workarounds which could easily have been avoided by doing the obvious thing and fitting the camera with a Mode Dial + Control Dial user interface like most other cameras.
Setup 10/15
The LX100 has a standard Panasonic advanced camera menu system with a few variations specific to this model.
As such it is well laid out and reasonably easy to navigate but could be simplified and streamlined with fewer options, as some of those provided are of uncertain benefit.
Prepare 8/15
Prepare Phase tasks are reasonably easily carried out but the process would be more streamlined with a Mode Dial. There are workarounds in the form of the iA button and the Filter button. Custom
Modes are available but have to be accessed via the main menu or a Fn button, which prevents that button being used for any other purpose.
You cannot tell by looking at the camera if a Custom Mode is in play, if iA has been set or if a filter has been selected.
If iA is set the aperture ring and shutter speed dial are disabled and any setting thereon is not conveyed to the camera’s operating system.
Holding 11/20
This one is quite good for a compact but, as previously described, I rate all cameras to the same standard. I have designed and built a mockup exactly the same size as the LX100 which is very much nicer to hold.
There is a mini handle and a thumb rest which work decently well. It is just frustrating that a better holding design could readily be provided for a camera this size.
Viewing 10/20
On the positive side there is a built in EVF of decent but not outstanding quality and there is a good quality monitor. Both are fully adjustable.
But the EVF eyecup is small allowing stray light to enter and the monitor is fixed. I have to say I never appreciated the value of a fully articulated monitor until I used a camera with one. Having done so I do not care to go back to the fixed variety.
Operating 10/25
Some may think this low score is a bit hard on the LX100. Many reviewers have waxed lyrical about the “traditional” controls. I have explained why I am not a fan at considerable length in many posts on this blog. I refrain from repeating all this material here.
On my analysis this camera works best for general hand held photography in P Mode without the user having to touch either the aperture ring or shutter speed dial.
Review 5/5
The main tasks of Review Phase are readily carried out.
Total 54/100
This score is based on long term use and a series of careful time and motion studies in which I count the number and complexity of actions required to complete the tasks of operating the camera.
When I do that in systematic fashion the LX100 scores low.
The “traditional” control system does not provide the most efficient way to operate a complex, multi featured, modern electronic camera.
Some users may well say they ‘like’ it but an ergonomic score is not about ‘likes’.
Twenty years ago I ‘liked’ using a 4x5 inch large format view camera. But I would never have claimed that it provided a streamlined user experience. Quite the opposite in fact but I enjoyed it for other reasons until my back gave out.
