When I read the first reviews I was turned off by the fly by wire zoom. I'm certainly not a fan.
But I really wanted a small camera for non-photo mission travel, that would still meet my IQ requirements.
So I decided to order one and give it a try.
I had read that Sony included a "step" mode to the zoom. This is accessed:
Menu, Gear symbol, page 4, Zoom Func. on Ring - set to step.
Now you just have to knudge the zoom ring and it automatically steps through:
24/35/50/70/100/135/200 (or nudge counter clockwise and it goes backward).
This eliminates the four turns of the wrist issue, and in my limited testing, it doesn't take me long to get the zoom I'm looking for in a particular setting.
As to why it is included in the first place, I agree with MR's contention that a manual connection would make the lens larger. But also that since they concentrated on video, having a fly by wire zoom means you can have smooth zoom video.
Every camera has its compromises. I think this is a pretty compelling bit of kit. When I don't need FF IQ, this baby is smaller and lighter than just my 24-70 F2.8 lens!
Michael, try the step zoom and tell us what you think?