I was content with the standard polymer Nikon screen protector, which came along with my D800. It does what it’s meant to do, surely? It shields the screen from being scratched, but doesn’t get impeding the process of viewing the screen. Why would you mess up a good thing? This is what I was thinking until I was offered an opportunity to try the Expert Shield screen protector.
The Screen Protector Expert Shield is pliable screen protector that’s put directly onto your phone’s screen. I’ve used screen protectors similar to these on phones and cameras in the past but always encountered problems with scratches, bubbles and peeling. Is this the same or will I find myself loving it so much that I’d throw away the screen protector made of plastic which came along with the camera? There is only one way to determine.
The Expert Shield comes with very easy packaging and directions. The package includes two screens: a cover for the main screen on the rear and the info screen on top and a clean cloth to get rid of fingerprints or dust prior to application. The instructions are on the back of the box as well as on the screen protector, making the application fairly simple.
I followed the instructions, I was able to get all the dust and fingerprints off my screen. I then removed the first protective layer and put the screen protector onto my camera. Expert Shield cuts their screen protectors to nearly exactly the size of the screen of the device, meaning there’s no chance of error with the software. The initial attempt was not perfect which is why I took off the protector and tried a second time. It’s good news that there’s no remnant that could cause adhesion loss should you need to relocate. After just a couple of attempts, the screen protector came up! It wasn’t perfect however. In my repositioning of my screen protector I managed to get a little bit of dust in it that created a small bubble.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to playing around with it anymore and risking ruining it which is why I left it. I realized that this was something that could happen to many people So why not try to give my review a bit more real? I proceeded using the petite Expert Shield to the top screen of my camera. It was much simpler to apply and I managed to get it perfect on the first go.
I installed on the Expert Shield onto my D800 around the middle of June. This is just in my busiest season. In the last six months, I’ve taken photos of 19 weddings, some high school seniors, as well as events and personal trips. The wedding I photographed took place inside a storm that washed everyone. The storm even made news! My camera not only get through (whew! ) and I’m not sure if the screen protector noticed that it was wet. There was not a drop of water slid its way through both the protector and screen.
In the first few minutes of my initial photo shoot using Expert Shield, within minutes of my first shoot with Expert Shield in my camera, I totally did not realize it was there. It’s completely clear and disappears when it’s applied. There was a tiny dust speck underneath however, I think I grew comfortable with it, and didn’t notice it. It did not cause the the protector’s screen to slide off. After 200+ hours of usage the protector looks almost exactly the same as it did when it was put on. There aren’t any scratches as well as no peeling edge. I’m certain it will remain present on my camera for the duration of my ownership it.
I also tested an anti-glare version using a different camera. In all honesty I was not a fan. It made the screen less easy to see, particularly in bright daylight. It also reduced the image contrast, making it extremely difficult to chime in and ensure that my settings were correct. Some may really appreciate the anti-glare option but my preference is for the clear version.
To test my curiosity I also tried it for the iPhone 5. I’ve never been a fan of screen protectors for my devices however I was eager to give this one a shot. It was more difficult to put on due to the multiple holes that must be lined up however after two or three attempts, I was able to get it. Also, I completely didn’t realize that it was my phone. The touchscreen was flawless and the protector has a glass-like surface that is similar to the phone’s screen. However, within a couple of weeks of having it fitted to the phone I threw my phone face-down in a parking space.
I was certain that I would discover a cracked or chipped screen when I removed the screen protector, but I could only imagine my delight when I discovered that my screen had not suffered any damage! I’m not able to prove this, but the protection slowed damage to the screen and, if it wasn’t in my phone, I can’t imagine how my screen could be able to come off without even scratching.
There are a myriad of reasons that I am awed by this product. It’s simple to apply. It’s beautiful. It’s not a sign of wear. It’s inexpensive. It survives torrential downpours. It may have even saved my phone’s screen! If you’re looking for a better alternative to the protective screen that comes with the camera, I strongly recommend that you think about a Expert Shield.
The price of an Expert Shield is different in different models, but the majority of versions designed for professional DSLR models are just $6.95.