What Happened to the Flip-Out LCD?
On my old Nikon Coolpix 5700 digital camera there is a flip-out LCD screen. It’s a fantastic thing, as I previously wrote:
The flip-out LCD is a fantastic thing for tripod-mounted and odd-angled work. Like when I want to hold the camera over my head to get a from-above style shot, I can use the LCD to help me frame the shot, rather than just guessing the composition. I hesitate to say the flip-out LCD is the greatest photographic invention since the CCD itself, but it really is that valuable.
Sherree’s Canon Powershot A80 also has a twist and swivel LCD, and she also uses it heavily.
Sherree’s camera is perfectly functional. It is, however, about five years old and ancient for a digital camera. I’ve thought about finding a replacement for her, but have only casually looked. The flip-out LCD is something she uses a lot and (though I haven’t consulted her) is probably near the top of the list of requirements for a new camera.
I rarely look at the small point-n-shoot cameras, but I was quite disappointed to see that more current models don’t offer the flip-out screen. I suppose it was done in favor of the large screen. On many cameras, it would need to work the other way with a 3” screen and a flip-out lens! So, here’s a short list of the cameras I found with the flip-out LCD, the greatest camera invention since the CCD itself:
- Canon Powershot A650 IS (basically, the A80 replacement)
- Canon Powershot S5 IS (notably larger than the A80)
- Fuji S100 (only has a tiltable LCD, plus much larger and more expensive)
- Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 (only has a tiltable LCD, and is notably larger)
I hope I missed some cameras, but of the nearly-300 cameras available (according to B & H), that’s still a disappointing showing for such an important advancement in photography. Or perhaps I’m overestimating the flip-out LCD’s usefulness?
Comment from Anonymous on November 23, 2008 at 4:46 AM
This may fill the gap until camera manufacturers bring back the flip out feature. It is basically a mirror that adheres to the back of your camera allowing you to see your LCD from odd angles. I use one on my camera G10 and love it. http://flipbac.com
Comment from Dan Wolfgang (replied to Anonymous)
on November 23, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Woah, very cool! That looks like a nice little tool. I may need to buy one!
Comment from Pete S. on November 24, 2008 at 6:05 PM
I agree completely about the swivel LCD. I have a Canon G2, also "ancient", and use the swivel feature 90% of the time -- even when shooting from normal elevations.
So I'm really disappointed to see it's gone away, though not really surprised. I can see that it must increase both bulk and cost a fair amount, and isn't really compatible with larger screens. Also mine has gotten a little "rattly"; it still works fine but I don't know for how long.
The flipbac looks like a useful gadget but I think It'd be hard to get used to aiming the camera with a mirrored mirrored LCD image.
Comment from Dan Wolfgang (replied to Pete S.)
on November 30, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Pete, I think you're right that cost and bulk are probably the big driving forces towards its elimination. That still leaves me confused, though, because I would have thought that both casual and serious photographers could easily see the huge benefit it offers. Of course, I'm dead wrong!