In the previous post I looked at Setup, Prepare and Review Phases
of use. Now I turn to Capture Phase, when the user is in the process of taking
photos. From an ergonomic perspective this
is the most critical phase as many actions must be carried out quickly without
disrupting the work flow.
The three ergonomic elements of Capture Phase are Holding,
Viewing and Operating.
Holding Arrangements for holding the FZ1000 are
generally very good. I have several times carried and used the camera all day
with no problems. However there are aspects of the holding experience which
could be improved in a follow up model.
Things which they got right
* There is a proper handle which has been shaped to fit an
average sized adult right hand.
* There is a distinct notch in the upper part of the handle
for the third finger.
* The rear dial is very well positioned. In fact this is the
best rear dial implementation which I have yet seen on a Panasonic camera, or
come to think of it, on any camera. The
dial is optimally located on the camera body. It projects to the rear just the
right amount to allow the thumb to engage with the dial easily without undue
risk of accidental operation. The dial itself features sharpish teeth which
provide a good grip.
* The rear dial is sitting in the thumb support. My research
shows that this is the optimal arrangement. It causes the thumb to angle across
the back of the camera. This provides a stable hold with minimal muscle effort.
* In many days of use I have never accidentally pressed a
button or moved a dial. This indicates these control modules are all well
positioned.
Things which could be improved
* My index finger is forever wanting to find the shutter
button about 5mm to the left (as viewed by the user) of it's actual position.
* The thumb support below the rear dial has a cutaway shape.
I don't know why Panasonic's designers opted for this shape but it is not a
success. With the thumb in normal hold position ready for camera operation
there is a pressure point where the right side of the thumb bears on the 5mm of
support structure immediately below the rear dial. See the photos for more
explanation.
* The handle could usefully be higher, so users with larger
hands can gain a 5 finger hold. This could easily be achieved by raising the
right side of the body. I suppose the current "sloping shoulders"
shape is designed to reduce the appearance of bulk.
* The right lower rear corner of the body could be more
softly curved making it more comfortable to hold.
* The right side of the handle is a bit flat. If this were more curved it would conform more
readily to the holding hand.
No comments:
Post a Comment