FZ1000 Ergonomics Part 3 Viewing

Boat Yard
 Hand Held, Focal Length E216mm, 1/1000, f5.6

 

Tasks of viewing

The user should be able to easily see in either the viewfinder or monitor, in bright or dim light, with seamless segue between the two: 

1. The subject at 100% size with brightness auto adjusted to indicate exposure compensation if applied,

2. Primary camera data 

3. Secondary camera data.

Primary camera data is ideally displayed on a black strip beneath the image preview/review (not superimposed over the image)  in landscape or portrait orientation.  This includes Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, Exposure Compensation, White Balance, Battery status, Capture Mode in use, Remaining exposures on card.

Secondary camera data  includes active AF box, grid lines, histogram, manual focus assist indicators and others as required. This data usually displays superimposed on the preview image.

The FZ1000  enables all these tasks to be carried out efficiently.

The EVF is of excellent quality. It is very clear and sharp with good highlight and shadow detail. The eyepiece diopter is adjustable.

The monitor is also of very good quality and also gives very clear sharp preview and review images.

Both the EVF and monitor are adjustable for brightness, contrast/saturation and color balance. Both can be configured to look the same for seamless transition between them.

The monitor is of the desirable fully articulated type. This allows the user to hold the camera in landscape or portrait orientation, overhead, near the ground  or at waist level.

The EVF eyepiece projects 18mm back from the plane of the monitor. This allows the user to look straight ahead when viewing and if desired see directly with the left eye if the right eye is applied to the EVF.

The EVF has a quick refresh rate with minimal blackout time in Burst Mode.

Summary  Viewing arrangements on the FZ1000 are very efficient and versatile. They make the camera a pleasure to use.

The only thing which draws a mildly negative comment from me is the hard rubber eyecup. This is similar in design to the one on the GH4 and I don't like it on that camera either. It is wide and thin with a shape which does not conform well to the curve of the eye socket.  My preference is for a softer, deeper eyecup of more rounded shape for a more comfortable fit with  the adjacent anatomy.