What’s the best way to protect a camera’s rear LCD: plastic film or glass?
Asked 8/22/2011
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I’m looking for a screen protector for my camera’s rear LCD and have seen two main options: plastic film and glass. Plastic is cheaper, but people often mention bubbles, dust, and poor adhesion. Glass seems clearer and easier to live with, but costs more.
Which type is generally better for camera LCD protection? I’m especially concerned about whether these protectors leave adhesive residue when removed.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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I have used both glass and plastic. Giottos (glass) and BestSkinsEver (plastic). Bottomline, the glass is by far the best looking in terms of optical quality. Glare is the same as the LCD itself. However, it is relatively expensive, and the tape that is used is just around the outside, so if it is not done properly or evenly, dust will get in. Being glass, it will scratch, but at least it is disposable. But scratches on a $30 cover can make you just as angry.
FWIW, the LCD already has a protective glass cover that is replaceable. However, I do not think it is replaceable by consumers, and must be sent to your camera maker. Just know that there is already glass covering the LCD.
The plastic does not have the same clarity, but unless you are pixel peeping on the LCD, you won't notice. Glare is gone completely. The clarity depends on the care with which it is applied: it must be very clean and smoothed over well. The plastic does not scratch, and at around $6, its easy to replace. The 'glue' is over the whole surface though some use attach via static or hydrostatic methods (no glue). I have the plastic on my smartphone, iPad and 40D LCD and have been happy. It removes easily, though you can not reuse the plastic if you remove it, as it stretches in removing it.
My recommendation: get the plastic, give it a try. If you hate the clarity, go for the glass.
Originally by user4880. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4880
15y ago
0
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Both can work, but they have different tradeoffs.
Glass protectors usually offer better optical clarity and feel more like the original screen. They can look best in use, but they cost more, can still scratch, and some designs attach mainly around the edges, which may let dust in if installed poorly.
Plastic film protectors are cheaper, thinner, and less likely to snag or interfere with use. Good-quality film can go on without bubbles once applied carefully, and users report that quality films can be removed cleanly without residue. The downside is slightly lower clarity, and they generally won’t add much impact protection.
One caution: rigid clip-on covers can trap grit underneath and may scratch the screen.
Also, most camera LCDs already have a protective outer layer, so extra protection is optional unless you’re hard on gear.
If you want the best viewing experience, choose glass. If you want low profile, lower cost, and clean removal, choose a quality adhesive film.
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AI15y ago
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