Flip out screens/Vari-angle LCD's

[Cyza]

A thing I'm curious about and thought I'd just gather other people's opinions on is the vari - angle screens found on a select few Dslrs such as the 60/600/650 D
Question I have is why do camera manufactures such as canon reserve it for it's middle band of cameras. I understand why it's not included in the entry level cameras as it gives the more expensive models an "extra feature"
However why is it not found on the higher end, 1,5,6,7 D's

At first I thought it was a pretty gimmicky thing that I'd rarely use, however with time have found my self using it over and over.

In landscape shots, when I'm shooting at an awkward angle or in water from a low angle and don't want to kneel in it.

In Macro photography, once again when shooting from a very low angle making looking through the view finder difficult even when lying down or when shooting at a very low aperture with extension tubes making live view a necessity.

And although I don't do much video recording can see how useful it'd be especially for those with out a magnetic viewfinder eye piece.

So why is it not included on the higher end cameras, it's always optional can easily be left untouched and function as a normal LCD screen.
Maybe the answer is obvious, but I'd love to be informed.

[ameerat42]

So would I, and I guess, a lot of others.
Perhaps it was a good idea at the time. For sure it would come down to costs.
Am.

[Mark L]

. For sure it would come down to costs.

But that cost wouldn't be much for the high end cameras Cyza'a mentioned.
I've found it more useful than I thought it would be.

[Cyza]

Precisely, I honestly did not adjust it from it's original fixed location for months but was really surprised at just how useful it can be.
Would dearly miss it if I were to upgrade to a 5D Mkii as planned.

[Ms Monny]

I have the 60D and use it all the time.....it really helps when the camera is low. Now they just have to make it so that when the camera is low AND on a vertical angle, the flippy screen can bend backwards, not just twist around!

When I upgrade, I KNOW I will miss it!

[Wynny]

I have a 600D and have found the screen very useful. I sometimes take photos of historic buildings which have been fenced in to protect them until they are restored and I find that with the screen I can shoot over and around fences. I have even reached through holes in fences and effectively shot at arm's length around corners using the screen as my eyes. The other use that I find, as has been touched on in other posts, is to shoot from a range of heights to give a different perspective for example shooting "box brownie" style at waist height.

I find it a very useful feature and would have to adjust my style if I upgraded (oh to be able to afford it).

[JM Tran]

Dont know why ppl used to raged and complained or lacked the foresight to see how useful a variable screen could be, for all lines of work. Too traditional I guess.

Even in other reality situations, such as military applications, it is invaluable and a luxury to be able to take shots at the enemy without having to look down the barrel. Already there are technology and weapons to shoot the rifle around the corner without exposing the soldier, and still be able to 'compose the shot'.

I would love to see variable/flip screens appear on higher end DSLRs, would make my job a lot easier or comfortable for many diverse scenarios.

[unistudent1962]

It's probably not found on the higher end models because they're "weather-proofed" and weatherproofing an articulated screen would be an engineering challenge that would add cost and bulk that many find unnecessary.

I rarely use it on my 60D for anything other than video, where it is a brilliant feature.

[JM Tran]

It's probably not found on the higher end models because they're "weather-proofed" and weatherproofing an articulated screen would be an engineering challenge that would add cost and bulk that many find unnecessary.

I rarely use it on my 60D for anything other than video, where it is a brilliant feature.

You will find that many ppl, such as myself, would not mind paying the extra 500 or a grand or whatever on top for that kind of screen on a pro body. Pro bodies are usually 1.5kg roughly in weight, another 500 gram or so arent gonna put professionals off to have something that would mean we will be able to get better/easier shots in many circumstances.

[Homer]

I can't add to why this isn't included in some higher spec'ed models, but I wanted to point out to all who may not know, that it is possible to link an Android phone or tablet to your camera and use it for a display.



Swiped on my Gnex

[JM Tran]

I can't add to why this isn't included in some higher spec'ed models, but I wanted to point out to all who may not know, that it is possible to link an Android phone or tablet to your camera and use it for a display.



Swiped on my Gnex

I can shoot and have the photo shown on the ipad within a second or so but its still not true live view, and its not practical when you are in the field working, ie. in the middle of a protest or celebration with the camera above your head trying to take the shot.

[Epicaricacy]

I wondered that myself a while back, so I did some googling. I read that canon had stated they did not include it as it would reduce the 'robustness' of the camera, creating weak points that are more susceptible to rough handling. Professionals expect the camera to take some weather and banging around, and hinges on a screen would weaken that drastically.

I also wondered about the lack of remote flash control. The reason for that was that the cameras are more used by professionals and a pop up flash, on top of the mega pentaprism the 5d3 has, was a redundant feature. Personally I would love that option, as a bit of fill flash means I have to whip out the 580exii beast and whack it on! Not having to purchase multiple flash controllers as well would have been a blessing!!

[Bennymiata]

I love it on my 60D and really wish it was on my 5D3.

I often take shots ona tripod mounted very low, and it's a real pain with the 5D3 as it means I need to get down really low too.

Personally, I'd trade a little "robustness" for a flippy screen.