It was with a hint of envy that I read the new Specs and Product Photos of the Nikon D5000. I know Olympus or someone else already has Articulated LCDs in their DSLRs, but Nikon doing it has pushed it into the "mainstream" and brings home that it is a viable feature for DSLRs.
I anticipate there will be the luddite view that "we don't need no stinking articulated LCDs" or "I use the viewfinder" however similar things were said about Live View, and we all know how useful this has been especially to Macro Photographers, for critical focus situations, for Studio photography, for event photographers for overhead shots etc.
An Articulated Screen would further increase the benefit of Live View. For my personal photography it will make taking overhead shots and Monopod hoisted group photography type shots much easier. I also look forward to having it for when I have the camera set up on a Super clamp on some obscure angle
It does still surprise me how cheapo Canon Point and Shoots have many features that were, or still are, not available in DSLRs (e.g. Custom Self Timer Mode, Spot Metering, Articulated LCDs, Movie Mode, Live View etc.)
But I'm hoping that this move from Nikon will lead to further pressure on Canon to include features such as an articulated LCD
What are you thoughts on the implementation of an articulated LCD?
I'm with you on this. While in most cases I prefer to look through the viewfinder rather than at a LCD image of the scene, in other situations the LCD display is wonderful. I've been using Live View a lot on my 5D II - much to my surprise.
Several years ago I owned a Canon Pro One. It had a flip out and movable screen like the Nikon appears to have. It was a very useful feature when doing macro work, etc.
It doesn't matter what we like; just like it was said there won't be live view, sensor cleaning, video, in camera IS etc in DSLR's and they all appeared, articulated screens will be the norm within a few years even on pro models. Like it or lump it, it's coming. And after everyone has gotten used to it, then the cycle will continue with another feature they said would never happen.
Personally I'd find it very useful in a number of situations. If you don't like it you don't ever have to flip it out and just use the OVF as you always do.
As long as they don't skimp on the important features first in lieu of this.
Sony's articulated LCD is actually very useful because of their unique execution of Live View. The Live view sensor is in the viewfinder prism, that way you can still have auto focus. It's a very smart design. For cameras without this special type of AF, I think the articulating LCD will be less useful.
For overhead or near ground shots an articulated screen is a Godsend. Adding this or eye focusing are probably the only two non-IQ related features that would make me ever think about upgrading a 1DsMkIII.
I think an adjustable LCD is a useful upgrade for doing landscape and macro work. It replace the need for angle finders and LCD loupes. Also as Nathan mentioned^^ it would be nice to hide the LCD.
I had a flip-out turn-around LCD screen on my old Canon Pro 90 IS. Two months later it was back to Canon for major repairs including a new screen Of course we know I get all the luck but I'm guessing that the flexible connection to the screen was failing.
For me it is less of a great feature than it is a source of failure. Not useless by any means, but inherently less reliable than a fixed screen. Therefore it is not something I'd want on a $10k camera.
I'm not against as long as it doesn't cost more or come at the expensive of the mainsteam features. Personally I haven't found much use for LV and prefer the optical VF. What I'd rather have instead are the return of shiftable DEP mode and ECF. I'd pay extra for those items.
Of course we know I get all the luck but I'm guessing that the flexible connection to the screen was failing.