Screen protector or not on cameras with fully articulating screens?

I recently purchased an E-M5.3. Unlike my E-M1.1 and E-P5, it has a fully articulating screen. I have screen protectors on both of those cameras but have heard there may be issues with screen protector thickness when flipping the screen to the closed position.

So, for those using screen protectors with articulating screens - any issues with the screen protectors?

For those who don't use screen protectors (regardless of the screen type), do you get scratches or other wear and tear on the screen?

rsmithgi wrote:

For those who don't use screen protectors (regardless of the screen type), do you get scratches or other wear and tear on the screen?

My cameras get scratches and other wear and tear everywhere except in the (fully) articulating screens. I have used (fully) articulating screen Micro Four Thirds cameras since 2009. I don't use protectors.

rsmithgi wrote:

I recently purchased an E-M5.3. Unlike my E-M1.1 and E-P5, it has a fully articulating screen. I have screen protectors on both of those cameras but have heard there may be issues with screen protector thickness when flipping the screen to the closed position.

So, for those using screen protectors with articulating screens - any issues with the screen protectors?

Ordinary protective film is fine (and I'm using one) but tempered glass protector has an issue.

Some reported that glass protectors make swivel screen unable to be fully closed because they are thicker than ordinary film.

For those who don't use screen protectors (regardless of the screen type), do you get scratches or other wear and tear on the screen?

Never used them. If putting my camera ij a bag where it might get scratched I simply rotate the LCD inward leaving the hard, backside exposed. I generally use the EVF when shooting, not the LCD

I am a bit maniac about keeping my gear free from scratches so i buy film protectots the day before i buy the camera and install them  as from first usage.

Never had an issue with screen protectors.

I use one on my EM1 MkII. It raises the screen about 1mm when folded away which I have not found to be an issue.

I put them on my phone so figured why not on the camera. May not need one of course but it isn't doing any harm as far as I can tell.

I've never even thought of using a protector, and never had much of a problem.

Mike

Moggi1964 wrote:

I use one on my EM1 MkII. It raises the screen about 1mm when folded away which I have not found to be an issue.

I put them on my phone so figured why not on the camera. May not need one of course but it isn't doing any harm as far as I can tell.

I wouldn't if they hurt the camera or my phone screen.

They call them protectors for a reason, afterall..

rsmithgi wrote:

I recently purchased an E-M5.3. Unlike my E-M1.1 and E-P5, it has a fully articulating screen. I have screen protectors on both of those cameras but have heard there may be issues with screen protector thickness when flipping the screen to the closed position.

So, for those using screen protectors with articulating screens - any issues with the screen protectors?

For those who don't use screen protectors (regardless of the screen type), do you get scratches or other wear and tear on the screen?

I've always used one with my fully articulated screen cameras; GH2 and GX8. No issues at all.

I use a thin one on my G9

I think it depends on how you use and store your camera.  I always store with the screen facing inward and for both G80 and G9, often just use the EVF, including for the odd shot review.  So, I never use a screen protector with a fully articulating screen.

I have used protectors, without issue, other than the odd bubble, on my fixed screen Compacts and touchscreen M43 - GM1/GM5/GF7 .

About 6 years ago I bought a 2 pack of film screen protectors for my EM5 II, and yesterday applied my extra one to my new EM1 III. Fit perfectly, and I have zero bubbles or anything like that (I'm pretty experienced at applying screen protectors). Beware of glass ones because they are thicker and may not allow the screen to fully close facing inwards.

As for needing one or not - yeah, why not use one? They're cheap enough, and I've seen people remark about getting scratches on the LCD and not even knowing how they happened. I know some don't worry about the condition of their cameras, but I like to keep mine in pristine condition if I can - it's a hobby and these things are expensive, and "like new" cameras have better resale value.

I have never used screen protectors since the E-500, that was 12 years ago. I have never used one on my smartphone either. All device screens are made with high tempered glasses that can resist scratches against many clothes or household items. Dragging the screen across the concrete floor or rock will definitely does harms to the screen but what is the chance of this happens?

Back in the day when I added an original Sony RX100 to my Olympus gear, the first time I took it out I carried it in my jeans pocket and scratched it on one of the rivets. Since then I’ve always used a screen protector on all my cameras.

It must be said that Sonys had a bad reputation for scratchable screens and I’m sure modern bodies from all manufacturers are a lot better now, but I’ve never had an issue from the protectors and why take the risk?

Tapper123 wrote:

About 6 years ago I bought a 2 pack of film screen protectors for my EM5 II, and yesterday applied my extra one to my new EM1 III. Fit perfectly, and I have zero bubbles or anything like that (I'm pretty experienced at applying screen protectors). Beware of glass ones because they are thicker and may not allow the screen to fully close facing inwards.

As for needing one or not - yeah, why not use one? They're cheap enough, and I've seen people remark about getting scratches on the LCD and not even knowing how they happened. I know some don't worry about the condition of their cameras, but I like to keep mine in pristine condition if I can - it's a hobby and these things are expensive, and "like new" cameras have better resale value.

Scratching the rest LCD weather fully articulated or tiltable is something I have never experienced a d wish I'll never do.

I just can't stand it.

Reason why b'efore even getting the camera i buy its screen protector.

My phone gets banged and dropped a lot so it does have a protector (the original from Samsung - not glass but plastic I believe.  Still looks good after a couple years.

Cameras - I used to with point a shoots but haven't on any Panasonics starting with the GX7, GX8 and now with G9's.  I don't bother turning in the screens either when I slide them into the bag.  Not a scratch on any of those screens after years of use - well, I haven't had the GX7 for quite some time so who knows about it. 

Randy

I always fit the clear plastic protectors , I order them as I order a new camera ( why not, they don`t affect IQ) if you wear tops with zips etc you can gradually damage the screen and there is no doubt about it you get a better price when you sell inc keeping the original box and paperwork.

rsmithgi wrote:

For those who don't use screen protectors (regardless of the screen type), do you get scratches or other wear and tear on the screen?

My Oly E-PL7 (with no built-in viewfinder) needs a screen protector, because if I place it on its back, the screen glass will be in full contact with the underlying surface, and can easily scratch (eg, if sand is present).

My E-M1.2 and 1.3 don't have the same problem, because their protruding (built-in) viewfinders always keeps the screen away from any surface I lay the camera on.

I use a protector and never close the screen. The screen doesn't seal fully with the protector if I were to try, but honestly, I fear breaking the hinge by inadvertently twisting it too hard, perhaps in the wrong direction. My inner self believes the phrase "If it jams, force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway." Unwise, but there it is.