Originally posted by Zebooka 1) It increases camera's size
2) It weakens camera's durability
3) It weakens camera's weather resistance.
Thanks, but no. I need durable and reliable gear to take photos, not gadget for everything.
1) Some of the smallest DSLR or DSLR-like cams have them. So, no, this is not always the case. Your making a generalization that is simply not true.
2) Not sure about that. If you are worried, don't articulate. That is a viable option. I had a Canon A
something (85?) years ago where the screen went funny after 1 month. It was in and out of the warranty repair in 20 minutes because all they had to do was replace the LCD. Much easier to service than a permanently mounted screen, that's for sure.
Also, for ergonomically difficult and low-angle, high-angle shots, one could make a very valid argument that an articulating screen actually makes the shot easier, and therefore it is less likely the camera body will be placed in a riskier position.
3) It's one less long seal around the LCD bezel vs. a small perforation for the wire feed. The LCD bezel could actually be more WR apart from the body of the camera. That may be an advantage.
The knock against articulating screens is fragility; the screen has the option to extend, and therefore leverage with force sufficient to break is more likely. There is yet another moving part in the hinge.
And cost. They add a modest amount to the material and assembly, so that gets passed on tot he customer.
I think it is simply a matter of time before all advanced cameras have an articulating rear LCD. Super thin bezels with OLED screens entrenched across the industry will make it a cost-effective, no-brainer option.