Focus distance indication -- or rather the lack of it.

Once upon a time, the lenses of single lens reflex cameras (SLRs), all had distance markings next to their mechanical focus rings. Some lenses even have depth-of-field guides next to the focus ring. Sadly, this is not true today, even on the lens that came with my brother's brand-new Canon EOS 300D. Those distance markings are a useful guide to know whether the lens is currently focussed one foot away, or at infinity (maximum focus distance). My Sigma camera and lens does have distance markings next to its focus ring. I found manual focussing with my brother's Canon to be less instinctive and `comfortable' than with my cheap and old Sigma camera.

The FZ10 cannot have distance markings on its focus ring because the focus ring is electronic rather than mechanical. Nevertheless, it would be nice if the approximate focus distance was indicated in the electronic viewfinder. This would help the photographer to know if the current focus distance is much further, or closer, than the subject distance. It would also help the photographer to know whether the focus distance is being reduced or increased when the focus ring is being turned (since `clockwise' does not automatically mean `closer' in everyone's mind).

For a `do-it-yourself' solution, see Section (manual focus distance scale).