Lumix GH3 Review Part 7, Ergonomics

Introduction   The Lumix design team has been gradually improving the ergonomics and user interface of it's G-with-built-in-EFV cameras since the original G1 of 2008.  In fact the G1 design triggered  my interest in camera ergonomics and led to the creation of this blog. The G1 was so awkward to use I sold it and spent two years with a Samsung NX10. This camera was some way from ergonomic perfection but had a more user friendly basic design and layout than the G1. The GH2 delivered clear ergonomic improvements, with further upgrades in the G5, leading to the GH3 which represents a big step up in holding and operating compared to previous Lumix models.

Elements of ergonomics  In this article I will discuss Holding, Viewing  and Operating.

Holding  The GH3 is 20% larger than the GH2 by box volume. This has allowed the designers to use a completely different handle and thumbrest design which conforms much better to the natural shape of the adult hand.  Human hands have not changed shape in the last 20,000 years. Camera designers just needed to adapt their products to fit the hands which use them, not the other way around.  With the GH3 they got it right. At last. Better late than never. Holding this camera feels very comfortable and secure, without strain.

These numbers and descriptions will not mean much until you have a chance to hold these cameras and play with them for a while when the benefits of the new design will become readily apparent.

Viewing  I discussed the GH3's EVF at length in Part 2 of this series. Over the years I have used fixed, swing up/down and fully articulated Monitors. The GH3 uses the fully articulated type which I find to be the most versatile and useful. You can hold the camera at waist level in landscape or portrait orientation, hold it at low level or above the head. The Monitor readily enables all these shooting positions.  It can also be turned inwards as seen in the photographs to prevent damage to the screen when carrying the camera or using the EVF.

Transition from eye level to monitor viewing is seamless, with the same information presented the same way on both viewing devices. Both provide a 100% accurate view. Both can be set up to provide key camera data on or beneath the image preview. Both can be configured with maximal or minimal data overlay at the press of the Disp Button. You can have an electronic 2 axis level guide, histogram, Expo Meter display, choice of grid lines, etc...etc.  

The GH3 allows the user to clearly see readouts for the primary and secondary exposure  and focussing parameters. It has the control systems in place to allow each of these to be quickly and easily adjusted.

Operating  Overall this camera provides a very well designed user interface allowing fast accurate operation.

Set and See Modules  The On/Off switch, Main Mode Dial, Drive Mode and Focus Mode functions are all on set and see modules. These allow the user to see at a glance and change as required, without having to turn the camera on which Main Mode, Drive Mode and Focus Mode is set.

Mode Dependent Scroll Wheels  These are the Front (top) Dial, Rear (upper) Dial and Control (rear lower) Dial. These are a huge improvement from the arrangements on previous G, other M43, and indeed most DSLR cameras which I have used.  The first thing you will notice is that there are three scroll wheels. To a user unaccustomed to this many, three may seem overkill but in practice works extremely well. I was previously a proponent of the single scroll wheel approach but having used the GH3 I am now a convert to the multiple scroll wheel system.  It allows users to select whether they want to use the front or rear dial for routine adjustments such as changing aperture in Aperture Priority Mode.

Location  At last they put the front dial in the right place !!  which is just behind the shutter button. The dial is well positioned, 12mm behind the center of the shutter button and slightly angled down and across the camera body. 

The rear dial has also arrived at the right place, where it can be operated by the thumb without having to flex the interphalangeal joint. At last, they got it right. Excellent !!

The Control Dial is now large, has knurled edge and is easy to find and operate by feel. Some reviewers have complained that in their (successful) efforts to prevent accidental activation the Lumix designers have recessed this dial a little too much. I can see their point but I have found that with a little practice the dial is easy to operate. It is much better than the G5 on which I am forever accidentally hitting the WB button by mistake.

Design detail  It is often said that the devil is in the details and that is true of camera design. Previous Lumix scroll wheels were deeply recessed into the body and  had rounded serrations. Those on the GH3 protrude  more prominently from the body and have sharper serrations. The combination of correct position and improved detail design makes them very much easier to use than anything I have previously used from M43 or, indeed any other camera system.

Buttons Most of these are well located and designed, with one partial exception, see below. Most are user configurable however I would like to see all of them capable of user choice as to function. The Playback, Motion Picture, WB, ISO and EC buttons could all have user selectable function. It is just a firmware issue. Most of the buttons are well sized and shaped although I think most could be just a fraction larger (in diameter, they are 6mm and I think could go up to 7mm) and more prominent (they could I think, usefully project about 0.5mm more from the camera body surface).  The Disp button has to be recessed so it is not accidentally activated, which is fine, but it too, could be just a little larger.  The exception is the top trio of WB, ISO and EC. These are in a row 23mm behind the center of the shutter button. Reaching them with the index finger without disrupting grip with the right hand is possible but only just and it's a bit of a stretch. These buttons could be 2-3 mm closer to the front scroll wheel and angled across the camera more to better follow the line of the right index finger. They could also sit up slightly higher with the center one being more prominent than the others and having a different shape to make it easier to locate by feel without looking.

All these picky little details about buttons add up to make the total user experience and are important.

Operations  All the actions required to take control of the camera's function are easily and quickly carried out. The camera does not get in the way of the image capture process but works with  the user in getting on with the job.

I would just say that if the Lumix guys (they do all seem to be guys) want to make the GH line the best cameras in the world they need to fit the next model with a JOG lever, located just between the existing AE Lock and Motion picture buttons (which would have to be relocated of course). If this were implemented optimally they could create a category killer camera design.

Summary The GH3 represents a big step up in ergonomic capability for the M43 system. Panasonic now has a camera and system which make a very good case for DSLR users to change camps.