The LX100 is a full featured
compact camera which tries to pack a lot of functionality into a small space,
with variable success. The product development people at Panasonic elected for
their own reasons, whatever they may have been, to equip the LX100 with “traditional” controls. They also endowed the
camera with the modes and functions which usually find themselves on a Mode
Dial but the camera has no such dial.
As a result camera
operation requires numerous ergonomic workarounds which could easily have been
avoided by doing the obvious thing and fitting the camera with a Mode Dial +
Control Dial user interface like most other cameras.
Setup 10/15
The LX100 has a standard
Panasonic advanced camera menu system with a few variations specific to this
model.
As such it is well laid
out and reasonably easy to navigate but could be simplified and streamlined
with fewer options, as some of those provided are of uncertain benefit.
Prepare 8/15
Prepare Phase tasks are
reasonably easily carried out but the process would be more streamlined with a
Mode Dial. There are workarounds in the form of the iA button and the Filter
button. Custom
Modes are available but
have to be accessed via the main menu or a Fn button, which prevents that
button being used for any other purpose.
You cannot tell by
looking at the camera if a Custom Mode is in play, if iA has been set or if a
filter has been selected.
If iA is set the aperture
ring and shutter speed dial are disabled and any setting thereon is not
conveyed to the camera’s operating system.
Holding 11/20
This one is quite good
for a compact but, as previously described, I rate all cameras to the same
standard. I have designed and built a
mockup exactly the same size as the LX100 which is very much nicer to hold.
There is a mini handle
and a thumb rest which work decently well. It is just frustrating that a better
holding design could readily be provided for a camera this size.
Viewing 10/20
On the positive side
there is a built in EVF of decent but not outstanding quality and there is a good
quality monitor. Both are fully adjustable.
But the EVF eyecup is
small allowing stray light to enter and the monitor is fixed. I have to say I
never appreciated the value of a fully articulated monitor until I used a
camera with one. Having done so I do not
care to go back to the fixed variety.
Operating
10/25
Some may think this low
score is a bit hard on the LX100. Many
reviewers have waxed lyrical about the “traditional” controls. I have explained
why I am not a fan at considerable length in many posts on this blog. I refrain from repeating all this material
here.
On my analysis this
camera works best for general hand held photography in P Mode without the user having to touch
either the aperture ring or shutter speed dial.
Review
5/5
The main tasks of Review
Phase are readily carried out.
Total 54/100
This score is based on
long term use and a series of careful time and motion studies in which I count
the number and complexity of actions required to complete the tasks of
operating the camera.
When I do that in
systematic fashion the LX100 scores low.
The “traditional” control
system does not provide the most efficient way to operate a complex, multi
featured, modern electronic camera.
Some users may well say
they ‘like’ it but an ergonomic score is not about ‘likes’.
Twenty years ago I ‘liked’
using a 4x5 inch large format view
camera. But I would never have claimed that it provided a streamlined user
experience. Quite the opposite in fact
but I enjoyed it for other reasons until my back gave out.
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