Lumix LX100M2 User Review part 6 Ergonomic score 13 November 2018

Many LX100 users including me were disappointed  that the Mk2 did not get an upgraded EVF and an articulated monitor.

However there have been some upgrades to the user interface which make the Mk2 a more engaging camera for the enthusiast photographer than the original.

The graphical user interface for the menus is very nice, clear, sharp and easy to read.

Menu content is at the better end of the spectrum. Menus and submenus are logically arranged, meaningful to a photographer and easy to navigate.

There are few mystery items.

There is a My Menu with user assignable content. Menu Resume operates to make finding items easier.

There are dedicated, well located controls for the most used modes.  Drive mode, focus mode, autofocus mode, stabiliser…etc can be adjusted quickly and easily.

There is a Q Menu with user assignable functions and five Function buttons.

The absence of a mode dial means that access to custom modes and auto panorama takes more button presses than is the case on other cameras.

The camera is acceptably secure in hand for a compact with a mini handle and a small thumb support. But a camera this shape can never be as comfortable or secure as one with a fully anatomical handle.

With an uncomfortable, thin, hard  eyecup and a fixed monitor the LX100M2 has no chance of achieving a high viewing score. The EVF could be larger to advantage and there have been many requests from users for a fully articulated monitor or at least a flip up-down one.

On the plus side both the monitor and EVF are extensively adjustable to suit individual preference.

It is possible but awkward and difficult to change aperture while viewing through the viewfinder. In doing so I almost always bump the lens control ring causing a change to whatever function is assigned to the ring. Likewise it is possible but awkward to change shutter speed while looking through the viewfinder.

I find it much more practical to accept that on this camera the process of changing aperture and shutter speed are best regarded as Prepare Phase activities, not Capture Phase as they should optimally be and are on most mainstream enthusiast and professional cameras.

Other tasks of Capture Phase can be completed in a more streamlined fashion, aided considerably by the touch screen. These include zoom, exposure compensation, change position and size of active AF area.

The camera does most things I expect it to do. Playback of captured images is easily and efficiently managed. It is easy to scroll from one enlarged review image to the next.

Panasonic could improve the review experience by adopting Sony’s “jump-to-focus-point-at-100%-with-one pull-on-the-zoom-lever” feature which makes the review process even more streamlined.

Comment  This is not bad for a compact and an improvement on the original LX100 score of 54.

For comparison the Sony RX100Mk4 scores 52 and the Canon G1XM3 scores 68.

However there some operational issues with the Canon which make the LX100M2 overall a more engaging camera to use in my view. I will discuss these further in a subsequent post.

The appeal of the LX100M2 is enhanced by features like the multiaspect ratio sensor and the number of external hard controls.

Easy- completely redesign the exterior shape and configuration.

The present body shape and control layout are hopelessly antediluvian, a pastiche of some famous manual cameras from the mid 20^thCentury and completely unsuited to supporting the capabilities and operation of a modern electronic camera.

Check out the top scoring cameras on my ergonomic score list. Each has a shape and control layout completely different to the LX100M1/2.