Product Review: LCD protector by GGS

7/4/12 UPDATE: the GGS protector saved my camera's LCD!  Here

One of the things I like about Nikon DSLRs is that they include a LCD screen protector. However, the plastic screen protector is not completely transparent and adds a somewhat milky cast to viewed images.  It also does not completely cover the LCD and dust can get between the screen protector and the LCD.

One alternative to the included screen protector, and which is also available for other brands, is an optical glass screen protector.  I got one for the D300 because the previous owner lost the plastic protector.  I bought mine from Amazon, made by GGS.  GGS makes screen protectors for current generation cameras, each one cut to the exact size of the LCD of the camera it's made for.  Considering the quality and the materials, I thought the price was very reasonable, and in fact costs just about the same as the street price for a replacement plastic screen protector.

For some camera models such as the D300, GGS includes an LCD protector for both the top LCD and the rear LCD.  Both are made of thin glass and the edge has a thin double-layer tape all around it.  Installing the protector was just a matter of peeling the sticker and placing it on the LCD.  According to the product description, the tape is made so that removing it will not leave residue on the LCD.  Unlike a flexible plastic LCD screen protector, there's no need to push out any air bubbles

Once installed, the screen protector looks practically invisible.  The protector is thin enough that you wouldn't notice it unless you looked closely.  The only hint that there is a screen protector installed is that the protector has the GGS logo, which covers the Nikon logo on the lower part of the LCD.

One of the biggest benefits of the GGS protector over Nikon's plastic BM-8 screen protector is the clarity. The GGS screen protector appears completely transparent.  The image looks indistinguishable from the screen without the screen protector.

In terms of protection, the GGS screen protector has both advantages and disadvantages over the plastic screen protector.  On the plus side, the double-sided tape completely surrounds the edge of the LCD protector, so after it's installed, there's no chance for dust to enter between the LCD and the protector.  On the minus side, the protector is made of glass, so I'm supposing the plastic LCD protector would be tougher and able to withstand more impact than the glass protector.  Nonetheless, the GGS protector looks like it can withstand normal use without problems.  GGS claims that there is an anti-scratch coating on the protector and mine doesn't have any scratches yet.  In any case, the GGS protector fits so well over the LCD that you can probably use it together with the plastic protector on those days when you need the extra protection.

If you'd like to get a screen protector for your camera, you can support this blog by buying it through the link below.  Thanks!