Panasonic FZ80 Review Part 7 Ergonomics

FZ80 wide angle

 A camera with good ergonomics  will allow a practiced user to carry out all the tasks required to control camera operation with a minimum number of actions, each of low complexity.

On this definition the FZ80 rates very well and arguably better than many cameras of any description at any price point.

This ergonomic evaluation and score follows my usual schedule which you can read about here.

Note that I evaluate all cameras to the same standard regardless of price or style.

Setup Phase of use

The FZ80 uses Panasonic’s standard Menu system. This is quite daunting for newcomers to Pana-world but more coherent than the menu mess-ups I have experienced from Olympus and Sony.

Pana-menus have a nice graphical user interface which can be adjusted to suit individual preference.

Navigating the menus is fast and easy with the Cursor buttons and Control Dial.

Menu resume can be set so the last used menu is displayed first next time.  This speeds up finding an oft used menu item such s [Format] which I need to access frequently.

The submenus are Rec, Motion Picture, Custom, Setup and Playback.  I would like to see more user relevant submenus like exposure, focus, drive, etc instead of the hodge-podge which makes up the Custom menu at present.

The good thing is that Pana-menus are consistent across the range with minor variations for each model. So once you become familiar with the system it is easy to navigate and use.

The camera comes with Basic Operating Instructions and a Quick Guide to 4K Photo which give the beginner a good introduction to getting started.

The Operating Instructions for Advanced Features is a comprehensive 300+ page detailed guide to every aspect of camera operation. It looks a bit daunting at first but is well laid out, navigation is easy and the content informative.

Setup score 10/15

Prepare Phase of use

Prepare phase is the few minutes before capture, when the camera needs to be configured for the current photographic assignment.

The user needs to access settings for  various modes and operating parameters without having to enter the main menu system.

The FZ80 is well catered for.

There is a main mode dial with sweep panorama on its own setting and access to three custom modes, a Quick menu button which can be customised to user preference, an easily reached focus mode button, two customisable function buttons (in addition to the Q menu button) and a push-click rear dial which enables quick access to exposure compensation.

The buttons and dial are all well placed, easy to reach, feel and operate.

Prepare score 12/15

FZ80 wide angle

Capture Phase of use

Holding

The handle is substantial and well shaped. The thumb support is well defined and comfortable allowing easy operation of the control dial. The camera is easy to carry by the handle.

If I were to redesign this camera I would make the handle a bit fatter and move the shutter button further to the left (as viewed by the operator) and make the thumb support slightly more prominent, but I quibble.

The camera is comfortable and secure as it is but could be even better with a mild design update.

Holding score 16/20

Viewing

The FZ80 loses viewing points up front because of the fixed monitor.  Having said that the monitor provides a very wide viewing angle and allows overhead and underhand shots easily enough.

There is no eye sensor for the EVF but switching with the well positioned LVF button soon becomes automatic. One advantage of this setup is the elimination of accidental switching when something passes close to the viewfinder. 

The EVF panel itself is not quite up to the standard set by the FZ300 and neither is the eyepiece but both are perfectly serviceable and allow full use of the camera’s capabilities.

In all other respects viewing arrangements are best practice. 

The EVF and monitor can be set to viewfinder or monitor style. Both are adjustable for brightness, contrast and color balance.

Both allow an extensive selection of camera data to be displayed or not as desired.

The EVF has a fast refresh rate with minimal blackout for a smooth shooting experience.

Overlays of guide lines, histogram, MF Guide, MF assist display, peaking, zebras and much more can be enabled as desired.

Viewing score 11/20

Operating

Operating the FZ80 is an engaging, smooth experience with all essential controls for Capture Phase  nicely to hand.

Primary (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and secondary (exposure compensation) exposure and focus

(AF, move AF area)  parameters can be adjusted without removing the eye from the viewfinder and without having to completely release grip with the right hand.

Focus mode, AF mode and Drive mode can also be changed while looking through the viewfinder.

A JOG lever for moving AF area located where the focus mode button now resides would make the shooting experience even more streamlined.

Although the FZ80 controls are the same as those on the FZ70, the reallocation of functions of some of the buttons greatly improves the user experience. 

Small changes can make a big difference for better or worse in ergonomic capability.

If I were redesigning the interface I would interchange functions of the Disp and Playback buttons as the Playback button is better positioned to recenter the AF area, something which I do frequently.

Again I quibble, the thing works well enough as is.

Operating score 17/25

Review Phase of use

The camera does all the things I expect of it in Review Phase.

Playback images can be enlarged quickly with the zoom lever.

Navigation around the frame is quick and easy.

The user can move from one frame to the next at the same zoom level and same position in the frame.

Review score 5/5

Total score 71/100

Comment

This score is below that of the FZ300 and equal to GX8. This I think, accurately reflects my experience using these cameras. 

The FZ80 provides a more engaging and streamlined user experience than some  more expensive models like the Panasonic GX8 or Fuji X-T1/2 for instance because it has a more efficient set of controls which can be operated with fewer, less complex actions.

It is a good score for a budget model although it could be even higher without any major redesign.

Other cameras in the same category (small sensor superzooms)  such as the Canon SX60, Nikon B700 and P900 score much lower as taking control of their operation requires more actions each more complex.