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| Sony RX100 Mk4. There is nothing wrong with the picture quality achievable with these modern compacts. They deliver very good detail, color and dynamic range. |
In the previous post I identified some ergonomic failings with current model enthusiast pocketable compacts.
In this post I present my Mockup #10 which embodies some of my ideas about ergonomics leading to a design which I submit could enable a more engaging, streamlined user experience than any pocketable compact on the market at the present time.
Many current small compact cameras have very poorly realised ergonomics. I believe one of the reasons for this is that many of them are scaled down versions of larger models. Cameras do not scale up or down for the simple reason that the hands which use them stay the same size.
So with Mockup #10 I used basic ergonomic principles to come up with something a bit different from the standard run of the mill compact design which features in many current models.
Although only 2mm wider and 3mm higher than a Sony RX100 (4), Mockup #10 has a substantial handle and substantial thumb support built in, an EVF of serviceable dimensions built in and always ready, built in flash, a JOG lever for instantly moving the active AF area and other functions, twin dials and control lever, 8 programmable buttons and a fully articulated monitor.
This is a full set of controls to suit the enthusiast user, similar to those you would expect to see on a mid level prosumer interchangeable lens camera.
In order to fit all these control elements in, something had to go or shrink.
In the case of Mockup #10 the traditional 4 Way Controller has gone, its function being taken over by the more ergonomically accessible and efficient JOG lever.
In addition the monitor is smaller than you usually see in cameras this size in order to make 14mm of height available for the built in EVF.
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| Mockup 10 in hand rear view. The hand and fingers are comfortable. The thumb is not resting on any buttons. The thumb can easily swing to the left onto the JOG lever without disrupting grip. |
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| Mockup 10 in hand top view. The right hand has a very secure and decently comfortable hold on the camera. The right index finger can easily move from the Shutter Button to the Control Dial to the Control Lever |
The ergonomic principles on which this mockup is based are as follows:
* I start the design process with a set of dimensions but no drawings, just concepts and some pieces of plywood which I shape freehand.
The concepts are:
* Form follows function and function follows fingers.
* There are four Phases of use, Setup, Prepare, Capture and Review.
* A specification can be written for each Phase of use. This describes which functions the camera should be able to carry out in that Phase.
* Each function requires the user to carry out a task. Each task requires actions by the fingers.
* The number and complexity of actions can be observed. Good design leads to a control system which requires the minimum number and least complexity of actions.
* All control modules must be positioned and shaped for optimum haptics. This means controls are easy to locate, feel, identify and operate by the fingers without having to look at them.
* All control modules are configured for consistent and expected operation to achieve ‘value up’ and ‘value down’. This means, for instance turning a lens ring to the right at the top to make the value (of the focal length or aperture or exposure compensation or whatever is being adjusted) increase.
I think most of us have been trained to expect a movement up or to the right to produce ‘value up’ and a movement down or to the left to give ‘value down’.
Here is my ergonomic specification for the Operating component of Capture Phase of use:
“The user is able to adjust all primary and secondary exposure, framing and focussing parameters using the index finger and thumb of the right hand and one finger of the left hand while continuously looking through the viewfinder and without changing grip with either hand.”
Primary exposure parameters are: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO sensitivity.
Secondary exposure parameters are: Exposure Compensation and White balance.
Primary framing parameters are: zoom and image preview.
Primary focussing parameters are: Autofocus or Manual focus.
Secondary focussing parameters are: Change position and size of active AF/MF area.
Mockup #10 is configured to fulfil this specification. I have not yet encountered an actual compact camera (and very few cameras of any description) about which I could say the same thing.
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| Mockup 10 rear view |
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| Mockup 10 front view |
How does it work ?
With reference to the attached photos:
Holding
There is a substantial mini handle and a substantial thumb support. These allow the camera to be held securely and steadily while still allowing the right index finger unimpeded access to the Control Lever, Shutter Button and Control Dial. The right thumb can swing left to operate the JOG lever without disrupting grip with the base of the thumb.
The left hand can hold the left side of the camera using ‘hand under’ or ‘hand over’ position and in either position can turn the lens ring.
I prefer the ‘left hand over’ position as it allows me to curl the left index finger over the EVF eyepiece to exclude stray light and help set the eye to the optimal viewing distance with the forehead resting on the finger. In this position the third finger turns the lens ring.
Viewing
Mockup #10 has both a built in, always ready EVF and a fully articulated monitor. A swing up/down monitor would be an option.
The EVF eyepiece is 14mm high, sufficient for a large enough panel to provide a decent viewing experience.
The monitor is a little smaller than usual as it must be to fit into the space. Digital cameras a few years ago had monitors this size and smaller. With the excellent modern panel designs the size shown here should be perfectly adequate for good image preview and review.
Operating
The Control Dial adjusts Program Shift in P Mode, Aperture in A Mode, Shutter Speed in S mode and both Aperture and Shutter Speed in M Mode.
The way it works in M Mode is that the Control Dial adjusts Aperture directly and Shutter Speed if it is turned while the ALT key is held pressed with the 4th finger of the right hand. Or it could be configured to do the reverse.
The ALT key allows each control to have a default function and an alternate function. It has been positioned so the 4thfinger of the right hand can operate it without releasing grip on the handle with the third finger. It is also located to prevent accidental actuation.
The lens ring actuates zoom which can be continuous or step, as configured either in a menu or by pressing the ALT key. Or the Lens Ring can be configured for Manual Focus when the ALT key is pressed.
The Control Lever adjusts Exposure Compensation by default or enters the White Balance interface with the ALT key.
Or the functions of the Lens Ring and Control Lever can be reversed.
Autofocus is activated as usual by half press of the shutter button.
The JOG Lever directly controls position of the active AF Area. If the JOG lever is pressed inwards until it clicks it can also control AF Area size.
The JOG Lever also does menu scrolling duty in the Setup and Prepare Phases of use where it works like the familiar 4 Way Controller.
I would allocate ISO sensitivity to the button just to the left (as viewed by the operator) of the JOG lever. This is reachable without unduly disrupting grip with the right hand.
So there you have it for operation in Capture Phase of use. All the criteria of the specification have been met. Not bad for a very small compact model.
The function of each of the remaining buttons is user selectable from a long list of alternatives. Each button can have two functions using the ALT key.
Most users will want Menu, Quick Menu, Playback, Disp(lay) and a selection of preferred modes such as Focus, Autofocus and Drive.
Motion picture can be initiated with its own button or ALT + Shutter Button.
Of course this system does require the user to remember what functions attach to which control modules and what alternate is activated by the ALT key.
The benefit is that the user has control over all of it.
It is also possible to have Custom Modes on the Mode Dial so, for instance some buttons can have certain functions with still photos but different functions with motion picture capture.
Beginners can set the mode Dial to the ‘Auto’ Mode and have the camera operate as a point and shooter with all functions on default settings.
Summary
Mockup #10 is my ‘proof of concept’ demonstration that it is possible to craft an enthusiast compact camera providing a level of user control similar to that of a prosumer interchangeable lens camera.
I would very much like to see some manufacturer build a camera to this design.