As camera LCD display grows from puny 1″ screens to large >3″ LCD screens nowadays, the large surface area gets more and more susceptible to surface scratches, and in some cases, hard impact from buckles, belt hooks, etc.
While there are abundant peel-and-stick plastic LCD protectors available, most of these will not help prevent scratches, especially when the LCD comes in contact with a rather sharp object.
I ordered the GGS Glass LCD Screen Protector from one of my usual eBay stores from Hong Kong for US$9.00 with free shipping to Singapore and it arrived 3 days later.
The packaging is decent and while the instructions are all in Chinese, you shouldn’t need to refer to a user’s guide when installing something like this.
According to the seller (note that the text has been corrected from the usual “China-English”.
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Item information:This GGS LCD screen protector is for Canon 40D SLR camera, which is completely different from the traditional plastic protective film . GGS LCD screen protector is using ultra thin optical glass and special processing, it is high transparency, anti-scrape, anti-bump, anti-aging and easy to install.
This Protector is a product compared to the PVC material screen protector. The thickness of the glass is only 0.5mm in which the level of transparency is guaranteed. Special coating has been applied to strengthen the LCD screen protector in order to prevent it from scratches. It provides high level protection for your camera LCD screen.
Specification:
• It uses a 0.5mm ultra thin optical glass with at least 90% transmittance. It has higher transparency than other LCD screen protector.
• It is as hard as 8H and it can bear a heavy burden (8kg/cm2), also it can prevent from being rubbed, scraped and bumped.
• It is well sealed by 3M double side adhesive tape which is not easy to be unglued and easy to be installed. There is no air bubble or angle occurs during sticking on the equipment. It will not affected by the temperature and humidity.
• It prevents the LCD screen infected by sweat stain, smear, acid and alkali element and prolongs the life of the screen.
• It can be removed and reused if the glue layer hasn’t been damaged.
• Anti-Scratch, Anti-Dust, Anti-Collision, Moisture-proof, UV Protection
I have to remove the previously installed plastic LCD protector that’s installed right now and clean the actual LCD surface. As you can see, the plastic LCD protector has already suffered some scrapes and bumps.
I cleaned off the LCD with a microfiber towel and a glass cleaner, then polished it off with the dry side of my towel to make sure no smudges remain.
Peel off the adhesive protector from the back side of the glass protector and carefully align the corners the screen protector and the camera’s LCD. You can see that the glass protector is solid and can stand on its own when held vertically.
Just like that, you’re done. Knock on the LCD with a pen and you’ll get a solid, glass-sounding *tink* sound instead of the plastic *thud*.
Compared to the cost of a branded plastic LCD protector, the glass protector is a steal, in my opinion. I don’t see a noticeable loss in brightness either. In addition, since the (lousy) Canon LCDs doesn’t sport an anti-reflective coating, you won’t really notice any changes in reflectivity. If you’re using a 50D or a 5D Mark II, however, you may lose the anti-reflectivity when you use the GGS.
I have to add this important warning, though. Unlike soft LCD protectors, you only get one shot to install this correctly. The finished product photos above are taken a week after the first batch of photos because I got a little obsessed with lining the corner edges up and I tried to remove the glass from the LCD. The result was catastrophic.
A friend of mine (thanks Sherwin), advised me to turn on the LCD when lining up the protector, so I took a photo of our white wall and viewed it on screen before lining up the edges. I also made sure that the bottom right corner doesn’t protrude towards the 40D’s on/off switch (main reason why I tried to pry off the first one).
The nice thing about installing a non-bendable screen protector is you won’t have to deal with air bubbles. Just line it up, press it flush, you’re all set. No bubble problems.
Check out the newer models for the Nikon D800 or Canon 5D Mark III and more.
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About David L. Tong
I just picked up a replacement, and now have two different ones. I suspect one is fake, but can’t tell which one.
http://photokaz.com/2012/08/ggs-lcd-screen-protector-real-vs-fake-nikon-d800/
Beast screen protectors. it’s best.
Fitted one to a 600D & the screen doesn't close properly afterwards, total waste of money on swivel screens in my opinion.
I\’d have to agree with this Nick, the glass screen protectors don\’t work well for swivel screens but are meant more for the fixed screens or swivel screens that let you \’store\’ the screen-side facing the body.
To date, there still isn\’t a good screen protector for swivel/rotating screens, unfortunately. The plastic cellphone-like protectors are your best bet but they\’re pretty useless.
I fitted one to my Nikon D5000 and using a Nikon eyepice magnifier DK-16, it clicks shut (not completely) quite nicely with the frame latch lodging under the eyepiece frame.
It's a low-magnification eyepiece but makes a noticeable difference.
I tried a piece of card first but even though it may not shut on vari-angle screens, it's surely not a waste of money if it protects the surface?
Closing the screen to face the camera has no other function than to protect the screen anyway.
Regarding reflection in daylight, two things help…. turn up the illunination one notch and don't clean the screen, fingermarks don't reflect light….not meant to be a joke BTW.
Hi Andrew:
Though I personally haven\’t seen how the GGS would fit a camera with swivel screen, it does make sense to still use it if you don\’t swivel the screen out that often, good point. As for the smudges, hehe, that\’s true, oily smudges reduces glare hehe… I\’ve found that getting cheap stick-on anti-glare plastic screens is a good solution as well. They\’re just a buck or two on ebay.
Thanks for dropping by!
I decided not to try it on the CANON SX30IS swivel because it did not look like it would close properly. The screen of this camera is recessed. The actual dimension is 2.9″ while the viewing area is 2.7″to allow for the adhesive. A actual 2.7 subtracting for the adhesive would have a 2.5 ” viewing area. I believe it would be sufficient. I checked and DealSaver on Amazon could not tell me it they made one that size. Anyway it only costs 5 bucks to find out. I am not even returning it because it was worth 5 bucks to find out. My son may have a non swivel that it can work on.
I actually have to get a friend to do this for me each time I need a protective screen placed on LCD. Pathetic I know, but I always find a way of mucking it up. Great and thorough review Dave.
Oh, you're not alone Tim… Everytime I buy LCD screen protectors for phones/psp etc. I usually end up buying 3 coz I either can't line things up or bubbles galore LOL.
You should also review a screen protector from xo skins. Their skins are military grade and don't have that orange peel texture or rubbery feel.
Send me a sample and I'd be glad to review it.
hi thats gooood i like
Is it possible to post a link to actual camera LCD screen L X W dimennsions? I have a Fuji PinePix J40 with a 3" LCD. I got a GSS 3" LCD optical glass shield, but it was slightly too large. I tried to shave some off with a Dremel sanding cylinder, but the adhesive went away and the whole thing shattered in the end. 3" LCDs do vary, but that variance must be in a very small range. Surely, the dimensions of the various GSS shields could be found out without going to a camera shop with calipers in hand. Let's see now…"Yes, I'd like to take this sharp pointy thing and measure to delicate LCDs of your expensive Nikons and Canons." Can you help?
Hi John, the GGS I think are mainly designed with DSLRs in mind, meaning, there will be a relatively thick black border around the actual 3" clear screen (like car windshields) for a more streamline look.
By 3", camera manufacturers (and subsequently GGS, I presume) measures the LCD based on the actual LCD panel's size, not the external case that covers the LCD panel such as the plastic shell and/or the surrounding black frames.
My son's Panasonic P&S, for example, has a protruded LCD shell over the actual LCD screen, the panel is 3", but the actual surface where you can stick on a protector is a couple of mm larger.
I have one of these on a 50D. It is crumbling at the lower left corner above the playback button. Does so with every use. How can I get this off without damaging the LCD and what is a better alternative?
Thanks
Chris, grab yourself some WAXED dental floss, soak that dental floss in some WD40, Goo Gone, or other gentle adhesive remover. Gently glide the floss between the GGS and the ADHESIVE (not the camera's screen) by keeping the floss touching the GGS.
Basically, something like this. http://www.5min.com/Video/StampBusters-Using-Dent…
Hi, I do think so.
BTW, there's a new version already, by the way. A removable, non-stick version that's integrated to the eyepiece.
You might be interested with this instead.
http://www.linkdelight.com/vmchk/Photography/GGS-…
I just made an order and will be reviewing it soon.
when you say "i dont htink so " do you mean i will still be able to see the scratches ? or you dont think i will be able to see the scratches ? actually have an olympus e520 , i couldnt find that new style of protector for it .
I said, I "DO" think so, to your query of "would this screen protector make them disappear?" :) So yes, the scratches will be visibly covered, hope that clarified the response
:)
That's true, the version III is no longer generic as a viewfinder attachment is involed in the design, until then, you'll have to get the version reviewed on this page.
i noticed you applied it to a already scratched screen , after you applied the screen protector could you see the scratches underneath it ?
Hi,
No, the scratches on the original screen was barely visible after the screen has been attached. Understand that scratches are visible when the REFLECTION of light rays skims across an uneven surface. Since the GGS already covered those scratched areas, the eyes will not be able to see the sandwiched scratches that easily.
thank you for responding so quick . this is a big help !!! so do you think if i have one or two super fine scratches that can only be seen in certain light , would this screen protector make them disappear ? thanks
Well David… it didn't fit the A650 swivel screen. Apparently, the stated dimensions (in this case, 2.5") is the clear, transparent part of the GGS protector. That measurement doesn't include the blackened, opaque frame that's around the edges of the GGS screen. The actual diagonal measurement of the GGS glass is 2 and 11/16ths, which is perfect for flush, non-swivel back LCD screens. But, it's a "no go" for swivel screens that are exacting in size and inset on an articulating back. Nothing ventured; nothing gained… and, I'm pleased to say that my Canon PowerShot A550's LCD now has this impressive and pristine protector to conceal its ugly scuffs and scratches. As for the A650… I'll have to use a plastic film protector that can be trimmed to fit. Thanks again for your advice and insights… Irma
Gotta love your positive approach! :)
Nice to know that at least your A550 still benefited from it. I've never considered the challenge on swivel screens, I must thank you for bringing the topic/issue up.
Have a good day Irma
Dave
I'm considering the purchase of one of these screens for my Canon A650. It has a swivel, variable angle screen… and, my concern is if the this GGS protective glass is thin enough to allow the screen to properly snap shut onto the camera back once it's attached. As it is now… without a protective screen… there's absolutely no "give" (movement) nor much space between the LCD screen and the camera back, itself. Any insights regarding the use of a GGS glass protector on an articulating LCD camera screen? …thanks in advance.
Hi Irma. It'll be a tougher decision for a swivel screen. I suggest you find a proxy sheet of cardboard or something to test thickness first before buying the GGS. Getting a protector that's slightly smaller would be advisable as well.
…thank you for your quick response and wise suggestions, David. I tried the cardboard test at 1mm, which is double the thickness of the GGS protector. And, I'm happy to say that the Canon swivel screen closed easily… without resistance. Now, my A650 has a 2.5" screen and the next size down for protectors appears to be a 2"… a bit too undersized for my liking. So, I'm going to "roll the dice" and buy a 2.5" GGS. In the chance that it doesn't fit within the sides of the A650's display, I'll simply attach it onto my non-swivel back, Canon A550 LCD screen… also 2.5". In any event, I'll let you know whether or not the GGS worked for that swivel screen.
thank you again, Irma
Hi again Irma, please do post your results here. Thank you.
i'm considering buying a ggs protector because i have 3 daughters with nikon coolpix cameras. I've had to replace all three of them within a two year period because the lcd screen cracked. Would this help to protect against screen cracking?
It would if the cause of your previous cracks were direct hits on screen, then yes.
i'm guessing that they dropped the cameras. I'll probably go ahead and buy the screen protectors. It's starting to get expensive replacing screens!
Its a mess to install the protector, but , one might have better luck if you use a credit card (or similar) and support the whole glass across as you slide the card under the LCD screen protector film. Lateral force from one corner puts torque on the glass from different angles.
Thanks!! bought this based on the groups recommendation, fits and works great on my 40D
cheers,
Did you try to remove it from one corner?
You might have better luck if you use a credit card (or similar) and support the whole glass across as you slide the card under the protector. Lateral force from one corner puts torque on the glass from different angles.
How do you remove the glue from the LCD after you remove the GGS Protector.
Adhesive removers such as Goo Gone will work, as will simple distillates such as WD40, just spray some on your finger, rub the surface lightly, then wipe off with tissue paper, then wipe with a dry cloth.
I'm pretty sure that's available in the Philippines, Noel… Try asking Aperture or Echostore :)
I was looking into buying a Delkin lcd protector with hood for my D1x . You know why I need a hood. He,he. But on second thought, this hood can injure me if I forget to pop it closed before taking another shot. It's like getting poked witha teaspoon if one forgets to remove it before taking a sip. So I might buy this one for the D1x and D40. Thanks for the review.
Hi David, I bought a GCS LCD protector off my favorite HK-based eBay store, specifically shaped for a Nikon D60. The OC in me had second thoughts installing it, because it would cover the Nikon D60 logo under the LCD screen, but once I got over that it wasn't so bad. :D The thing is I didn't know about the white screen guide until AFTER I had installed it, and as a result I installed it with a slight tilt. Didn't hamper viewing on the LCD screen itself though, and as I was mulling taking it off and putting it back on straight I saw the picture of the broken protector you had. So I'm not touching mine anymore — until I get a new one, that is :)
Bambit: Haha, yeah, if nothing's protruding, just let it me, it sucks if it breaks….
Andrew: Yes, you’re correct. Canon’s lack of anti-reflective coating in their LCD’s older than the 5DII/50D is annoying, as mentioned in the review. The NUSHIELD you posted is great, I’m sure the readers (and myself) will seriously consider adding that.
As for your query about glare, I’m not certain as to how the viewfinder is affected by the LCD screen as the viewfinder is pretty much recessed and covered by your eye when you use it. Or are you referring to viewing the LCD screen itself as a viewfinder, like most point-and-shoot cameras?
I do have a question, though. I’m really bad at cutting, do you have pre-cut 3″ screens?
It might be a better solution against damage than a thin screen protector film, but it still does not solve the problem of glare on the viewfinder. I would like to know how much of the screen can you see when the display is subjected to sunglare? Based on our work, not much.
You might want to consider purchasing the NuShield DayVue antireflective screen protector film. You can place it over this glass screen protector and it will disperse sunglare and block UV rays from bouncing back to your eyes. You will be able to see the image on the display without having to shade the display. Our film is being used by crime scene investigatiors who have to document accident scenes in daylight and have to make sure that the shot is sharp and details can be seen. You can pick up our Cut to Fit kit which can cover displays up to 4.3 inch diagonal and cut it down to fit your display screen. The package is only $15.00 for two films and cleaning wipes. You can find it on our website: http://www.nushield.com/dayvue.php.
Sam: Frankly, I’ve only had it for a few days, the whole point would be just to protect the original LCD surface anyway, at S$13 bucks, it’s not a big deal if it gets scratched, however, it’s surely a lot harder and scratch resistant than the original (unprotected) screen and plastic screens.
Just for your entertainment, I “wrote” on the glass protector with a ball point pen and rubbed the ink off and I don’t see any scratches even under harsh lighting.
I’m not trying it with an Xacto knife, though LOL :D
hey david,
how did this screen protector fared in terms of durability? is it very susceptible to scratches and hard knocks?
thanks for the review! :)
Nope, zero… Besides, adhesive is extremely easy to remove on a hard surface. :)
Hi david,
Thanks for sharing. I plan to buy one myself for my 450D. I’ve been using the generic plastic protectors. Just a question, did it leave any marks on your LCD after you tried removing it on your first try?
Another good write-up Dave. Have used one on an LX3 and the installation was a breeze compared to those plastic ones (where you have to try to remove those nasty bubbles… grrrrr). Have used plastic protectors before and after a few weeks the corner would snag on something and cause it to peel off slowly.