FZ1000 |
I
have been discussing
issues around scoring ergonomics for some time.
I now feel ready to take the next step and put numbers
on the ergonomic score for various cameras which I have used and tested.
First
up is the Panasonic FZ1000 which I named Camera
Ergonomics camera of the year for 2014 and which remains my preferred camera
for most purposes.
Overall
this camera is very enjoyable to use and sets
something of an ergonomic benchmark for other makers and models to emulate.
It could be improved however as I will show.
Setup
10/15
I have marked Setup down a bit as I think Panasonic,
like other camera makers, could do its customers a big favour by culling,
better ordering and simplifying the typical Panasonic menu system. When setting up a recent high end Panasonic
camera I have the distinct feeling that the makers have included many features because they can, not because users
were clamouring for them.
For instance the multitude of options for autofocus
could readily be trimmed with no loss of function.
There is no “My Menu” facility.
Prepare
13/15
I cannot recall
testing a camera which does Prepare Phase better than the FZ1000.
There are a few quibbles which prevent a maximum
score.
For instance the Playback button occupies a high value
position when it could readily make room for a UIM for Prepare or Capture
Phase.
Holding 17/20
One of the best cameras to hold, the handle is a good
size and shape for average adults and also feels comfortable in smaller ladies
or childrens hands. The thumb support is substantial and encourages the optimal
diagonal thumb position.
The only oddity is the cutaway shape of the thumb
support which just doesn’t fit the anatomy of any hand.
Viewing 18/20
Another high score here. The EVF is excellent and
fully adjustable. The rubber eyepiece surround is large and excludes stray light, but could
be deeper and softer for comfort.
The monitor is also excellent, fully adjustable and
fully articulated.
The EVF refresh rate could with advantage be faster in
Burst Mode.
Operating 20/25
A practiced user can carry out just about the entire
task list for Capture Phase without having to take the eye from the viewfinder.
There are some issues, none deal breakers but together
they prevent a maximum score.
The camera lacks a JOG lever which would ideally be
located approximately where the Fn3
button now lives. In order to move the
AF box the right thumb must drop down to the cursor buttons thereby disrupting
the right hand grip.
I would prefer to have manual zoom as it works faster
and feels more natural than the power zoom provided. I assume there is some technical reason for
the power zoom, unfortunately it is not the practice of camera makers to
explain their reasons for such things.
In order to switch from AF to MF the user must change
two UIMs, the zoom/focus lever on the lens barrel and the focus mode lever
around the AF/AE-L button.
The Zoom/Focus switch on the lens barrel is difficult
to locate quickly with the camera held in portrait orientation.
Review
5/5
No problems here. The Review Phase task list is
readily carried out.
Total
Score 83/100
It would be
possible for a revised version of the FZ1000 to score even better. Apart from the items mentioned above there is
space for a more elegant layout top front on the handle. This would include a
quad control module and a front control dial optimally placed just behind the
shutter button, giving full twin dial control.
However we are talking refinements here. Overall the
FZ1000 delivers excellent ergonomics, better than most cameras which I have tested.
Two comments: First, sorry to nitpick but under Total Score you twice refer to the camera as the FZ100. I know you are a perfectionist, as I am, but as I age I also make more and more typos.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I agree that the FZ1000 is likely the most versatile and usable camera out there, and is remarkably free of serious faults, but I and many others are irked by the automatic retraction of the lens after 15 seconds while reviewing photos. It would be far better to leave it up to the user whether or not to retract the lens, in my estimation. Do you see any positive aspects to this feature that I may have missed?
Thanks for your remarkably useful and interesting blog -- I realize a great deal of effort goes into its production.
Robert N.
I just ran across your article on suggested firmware improvements for the FZ1000, so I see you have previously covered this irritating feature.
ReplyDeleteRobert N.