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| Motorway LX100M2 |
The LX100M2 provides a level of configuration to suit individual users similar to that of a prosumer interchangeable lens model.
In this post I review dial and button functions.
The conceptual framework which helps me to make decisions about the huge number of options available is that camera use is in four Phases, Setup, Prepare, Capture and Review.
Actions required in Setup Phase involve menus of various kinds.
Actions in Prepare Phase involve making settings accessed by dials and buttons often aided by touch screen functions. This usually involves changing settings in one of the modes, typically Drive Mode, Focus Mode, Autofocus Mode, stabiliser, and so forth.
In Capture Phase adjustments to primary and secondary exposure and focus parameters need to be made easily while taking photos and viewing through the EVF without disrupting the capture flow.
So I would not bring out to a function button some item which I will only adjust infrequently if ever. This can stay in a menu.
Control Ring See Pages 54 and 55 of the Instructions. This ring moves smoothly and easily. Just holding the camera in normal use will nudge it a bit. It can be set to control any one of several functions but I just leave it at Default (Step Zoom) so I can easily see if it has moved at any stage.
Function Buttons There are five function buttons with user assignable effect. Each user will have his or her own ideas about how best to utilise these buttons. If [Direct Focus Area] is assigned to the cursor buttons then ISO, AF Mode, Drive Mode and possibly WB need to be distributed between Fn buttons, Q Menu and My Menu. I have:
Fn1: Level gauge. I put the level indicator here so I can switch it on and off easily.
Fn2: Stabiliser.
Fn3: Q Menu.
Fn4: Quality.
Fn5: Bracket.
Q Menu You can leave the Q menu as it comes with standard options. I find it more useful to use a Custom Q Menu.
I have on the Q Menu:
* Photo Style
* AFS/AFF/AFC
* Flash adjustments (these only become active when a flash is mounted).
My Menu I have allocated to My Menu:
* Format
* 4K Photo
* Min Shutter Speed. This works if auto ISO is set. If a specific ISO is set Min SS is disabled.
* Panorama Settings
* Utilise Custom Set feature
* Shutter Type