Flip out displays -- why the resentment?

[lbloom]

I just sold my 60D and got a 5DII late last year and I really miss the articulating screen. It could lay flat facing out or lay flat facing in and be protected while in transport. It was much cleaner, clear, and it I didn't have to stand in front of a mirror to take a self portrait!

I found it most useful for candid shots. People would think I was looking down at my phone (because of course a camera has to be at your eye for you to be taking shots), and I would go unnoticed until the 60D shutter roared...

Now that I have the 5DII, I feel limited in that aspect compared to the options I had with the articulating display. They should incorporate it into pro bodies since it is a very useful feature.

 

[Harley]

@Eye-Broccoli, @dr croubie, @Harley, @Narcolepsy, @Canon-F-1, @7enderbender:
Perhaps some traditionalists don't realize that the Vari-angle screen can remain flush against the body without ever even once being swung out. Canon has recessed it into the camera's back, surrounded by a slightly raised, rounded frame. There's no way I can think of, that it can be accidentally dislodged from this position, even rolling round loose in a sack: only a somewhat forceful action of fingertip/nail can pry it open. To this extent it doesn't resemble the clam-shell design of many small camcorders. In appearance it's very little different from Canon's fixed-screen models. It is more vulnerable once swung out, obviously and of course. One must take care. The hinge seems to be very solid.

Yeah, I'm perfectly aware how it works and that it can remain flush. I'm not a traditionalist, I just actually want a fixed screen on my camera. Simplicity is important. For me personally, an articulated screen is going the wrong direction and I'm not going to buy a dSLR with one.
No animosity towards anyone who finds them useful. No judgment about who is a real photographer and who isn't -- your photos should indicate that well enough and there are certainly plenty of you here who can outshoot me any day of the week regardless of your hardware. Courses for horses, as they say.

 

[thepancakeman]

Simplicity is important. For me personally, an articulated screen is going the wrong direction and I'm not going to buy a dSLR with one.

So you would prefer no LCD? It would be simpler... ???

 

[keithfullermusic]

If there was one that was as sturdy and no more bulky than a built in screen I think it would be amazing. Still, you will have people here who are against them for no other reason that they think they are only for "consumers."

 

[7enderbender]

Simplicity is important. For me personally, an articulated screen is going the wrong direction and I'm not going to buy a dSLR with one.

So you would prefer no LCD? It would be simpler... ???

Perhaps even that. Any time I'm now using my film camera I find myself staring at the back of the body. Kind of makes you realize how much of a habit this has become - and how often this is really just a major distraction. The time "reviewing" the shot and histograms after the shot might be better spend thinking before the shot. It's very tempting to just snap away because of the instant result. Not to speak of the insane number of actuations that digital cameras allow for without penalty (other than early demise of the camera and the stacks of hard drives accumulating).

 

[Tijn]

@Eye-Broccoli, @dr croubie, @Harley, @Narcolepsy, @Canon-F-1, @7enderbender:
Perhaps some traditionalists don't realize that the Vari-angle screen can remain flush against the body without ever even once being swung out.

dosn´t change a thing that i have 4 cameras with a flip screen that are defect because of the LCD.

You went through 4 DSLR's in less than 1½ years? And they all had flipscreens?
Did you use them to cut down trees by any chance? :-\

 

[unfocused]

I don't resent flip screens. In fact, if they can be made durable enough, I don't object at all.

But, I'm also not willing to give up anything to get one.

My first digital SLR didn't have live view. When live view came out, I was really jealous and thought this was something I'd really like to have. Well, I got a 7D over two years ago and guess what? I've used live view maybe two or three times.

My point is that the marketing often makes these features sound a lot more useful than they are. To me, a flip screen might come in handy on occasion, but it's simply a non-factor in choosing a body for me. (On the other hand, if it increases the risk of damage it would definitely be a negative).

 

[danski0224]

I wouldn't mind having a flip screen.

Have one on my G2, and it has been useful.

 

[eos650]

Re: (OT Protecting the screen) Re: Flip out displays -- why the resentment?

Since we're on the topic of the 60D flip-screen, has anyone used "InvisibleShield" on their flip screen? Does it interfere with turning the screen face-in? I've been thinking of doing this on mine.

First off, I believe that most if not all Canon DSLR's have a plastic screen protector, over the LCD. My daughter broke hers on her t2i (picture below) and I was able to buy a replacement from Canon for about $25. It took me less than 15 minutes to replace. There was no damage to the LCD itself.

I do have an additional thin glass protector on my 60D, which based on my statement above is redundant. I picked up this protector on EBay for about $10. The glass is easier to clean and doesn't scratch as easy. It's also easier to replace and less expensive, should something happen to it.

Now to answer your question. If I close the LCD on my 60D, the thin glass protector does prevent the LCD from snapping completely shut. I don't consider this an issue however, as it's much more convenient for me to leave it facing outward. My only concern, would be if it were to take some sort of hard impact (like my daughters did). Of course those that have a fixed LCD run this risk all of the time since they don't have the option to turn the LCD around.

 

[unruled]

Cracked screen? Wow. My 40d screen doesn't even have a scratch and I don't use a camera bag.

I never did get those unsightly screen protectors on nikons. Just unnecessary. (Or should be)

 

[katwil]

The camera should fit what one plans to use it for. I had a T2i for about a week until I realized that life with this camera would be much easier with an articulating screen. That’s because video is a significant part of what I plan to use the little Rebel for. While my 5D mk ii has video capabilities, I bought it to take really good photos. After using the mk ii for video (once), I’ve determined that it does work, and video is what I have a T3i for.

 

[Rocky]

Yup - basically buyers of pro bodies don't want to see consumer features in it - as simple as that. The advocates don't quite understand because it seems like "it doesn't hurt to have it there", however for me, it's kind of like getting a race car and realizing that it comes with "parking assist", "backup cam", "facebook connectivity" and automatic transmission

What is "consumer feature"??? Who is there to define it??? If you go by "tradition", a pro body should be all mechanical, no electronics, no power winder, no auto focus, no auto exposure, no built in meter, etc.

 

[Bruce Photography]

I've got no illusions. My opinion is just another one. But so far I've seen many people talking about supposed short-comings of tilt screens or the possibility that they might be more fragile. The people that actually own and use the 60D already know how useful this feature is. I use it for landscape 10x focusing using manual focus tilt-shift lens and I like having it at 45 degrees because it is more comfortable at lower angles. If you want to know how useful it is, buy or rent a 60D and use it for a month or two and call me the morning after. Then we can talk. p.s. I still use my 5DMK2 for most landscapes and I always miss the really nice and bright 60D screen. It is a honey.

 

[briansquibb]

Live View AF is useless that is why we dont use them

Add to Neuro's comment above: Real photographers don't use Live View AF

Perhaps you would like to demonstrate shooting a bird in flight, handheld with a 400 f/2.8 using LiveView? Or any shot with even a lightweight 300 f/2.8 with arms at full length.

OK perhaps that is too much for you - try a portrait with a 85 1.2@ f/1.2

There are times when I use LiveView - landscapes when the camera is on a tripod shooting tethered and I have time to compose - but then I dont need the articulated screen.

 

[kdsand]

• I'd say soon we'll have wireless tethering supported by Canon
But then again why don't we already have built in GPS, remote flash, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi? Its been added to various inexpensive cameras already so its not a matter of price. Hopefully these features have not been ommited because people are frightened. :-\

If you can link to a tablet or smart phone wireless ly then you could keep all your core features in the camera separate.
Just the other night I had a manic giggle when tethered to my tablet out in the snow a beautiful thing!

Point is I think tech could head back toward a basic combination sensor, glass and Wi-Fi. Then a nice flip out screen won't matter.
Those who don't like options don't have to use them.
There's always the option of finding a nice cave and some charcoal if true purity if ones goal.

O yeah I truely have no idea but --------
How many people have had trouble with their 60D tilt screens?
I haven't had trouble and I move/use it daily now for the past year. darn now I gotta go find some wood to knock on

 

[briansquibb]

• I'd say soon we'll have wireless tethering supported by Canon

... in the meanwhile this is available ( and others I know - but this is easily portable)

http://www.eos-magazine.com/EOS%20Collection/shop/r678.html

 

[briansquibb]

Perhaps you would like to demonstrate shooting a bird in flight, handheld with a 400 f/2.8 using LiveView? Or any shot with even a lightweight 300 f/2.8 with arms at full length.

OK perhaps that is too much for you - try a portrait with a 85 1.2@ f/1.2

As far as I can tell, no adherent of articulating screens have stated that they use the articulating screen every time on every shot.

and neither have the users of the viewfinder said they dont use LiveView

 

[Astro]

don´t know if i would like a swivel display... i can only say i did not missed it yet on my DSLR.

 

[Meh]

Live View AF is useless that is why we dont use them

Add to Neuro's comment above: Real photographers don't use Live View AF

Perhaps you would like to demonstrate shooting a bird in flight, handheld with a 400 f/2.8 using LiveView? Or any shot with even a lightweight 300 f/2.8 with arms at full length.

OK perhaps that is too much for you - try a portrait with a 85 1.2@ f/1.2

There are times when I use LiveView - landscapes when the camera is on a tripod shooting tethered and I have time to compose - but then I dont need the articulated screen.

Why so defensive Brian? You made the statement that "Live view AF is useless that's why we don't use it" and I merely pointed out the arrogance of your bold statement with some humour. This thread was started by and commented on by many who like and use the swivel screen and you said it's useless and we don't use it? Who is the "we"... certainly not the folks who said they use it. So the "we" in your mind must have been you and those like you... real photographers perhaps?

Why make a personal attack Brian and say to me "perhaps that is too much for you"?

Not I nor no one else ever suggested using a screen to shoot a bird in flight or any other thing that would be difficult or impossible using Live View and the associated contrast detect AF so why use that example which is nonsense in the context of this thread.

 

[Meh]

Perhaps you would like to demonstrate shooting a bird in flight, handheld with a 400 f/2.8 using LiveView? Or any shot with even a lightweight 300 f/2.8 with arms at full length.

OK perhaps that is too much for you - try a portrait with a 85 1.2@ f/1.2

As far as I can tell, no adherent of articulating screens have stated that they use the articulating screen every time on every shot.

and neither have the users of the viewfinder said they dont use LiveView

Yes, in fact you did. Let me quote you again:

Live View AF is useless that is why we dont use them