Vari-angle touchscreens, also known as articulating touchscreens, are an advanced type of camera display that can be physically adjusted to different angles, allowing photographers and videographers to shoot from a variety of perspectives while still being able to see the camera’s live view. This versatile screen design has become a common feature in many modern cameras, from DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to compact models. The inclusion of touch functionality further enhances the user experience by providing easy access to settings, focus control, and navigation through menus with just a tap or swipe.
What is a Vari-Angle Touchscreen?
A vari-angle touchscreen refers to a display that can rotate, tilt, or swivel away from the camera body, making it easier for users to shoot from low angles, high angles, or even from in front of the camera. The term “vari-angle” specifically refers to the flexible movement of the screen, which typically pivots on a hinge at the side or bottom of the camera. This adjustability provides greater freedom for framing shots from unconventional angles, which would be challenging or impossible with a fixed screen.
The touchscreen functionality allows users to interact with the camera’s menus and settings directly on the screen. They can adjust focus points, swipe through photos, and access settings quickly and efficiently without relying solely on physical buttons.
Key Features of Vari-Angle Touchscreens
- Multi-Angle Flexibility: The primary advantage of a vari-angle screen is its ability to adjust to different positions. Users can tilt the screen up for low-angle shots, tilt it down for high-angle shots, or even rotate it fully for selfies and vlogging. This versatility is particularly valuable for shooting in awkward positions where it is difficult to look through the viewfinder, such as when the camera is mounted on a tripod or used for overhead shots.
- Improved Compositional Freedom: For photographers and videographers, the vari-angle screen allows for greater compositional flexibility. Instead of contorting their body to see the screen, they can simply adjust the display to an ideal position. This feature is especially helpful for landscape photographers working at ground level or wildlife photographers who need to position the camera in tight or unusual spaces.
- Touchscreen Control: The addition of touch functionality brings a new level of usability and speed to camera operation. With a touchscreen, users can:
- Tap to focus: Directly select the focus point on the screen with a tap.
- Swipe through images: Easily scroll through photos or zoom in on an image with finger gestures.
- Adjust settings: Quick access to camera settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance without digging into complex menus. This can make shooting faster and more intuitive, particularly in dynamic situations like street photography or event coverage.
- Enhanced Usability for Video: Vari-angle touchscreens are a favourite feature among videographers, especially those shooting vlogs, interviews, or self-directed content. By rotating the screen to face forward, creators can monitor themselves during filming, ensuring proper framing and focus. The touchscreen makes it easier to track subjects in video mode or make focus adjustments on the fly.
- Protection and Durability: When not in use, vari-angle screens can often be folded inward against the camera body, protecting the screen from scratches or damage during transport. This folding feature extends the screen’s lifespan, especially for photographers who work in harsh or outdoor environments.
Benefits of Vari-Angle Touchscreens
- Improved Versatility: With the ability to tilt or rotate, vari-angle touchscreens are highly versatile, making it easier to shoot from creative perspectives. Whether shooting from waist level, overhead, or at a low ground level, the screen can be adjusted for a clear view.
- Better for Self-Shooting and Vlogging: Vari-angle screens are an essential tool for vloggers and self-shooters. Being able to flip the screen to face the subject allows creators to frame themselves without relying on guesswork, improving their production quality.
- Enhanced Low-Light Shooting: Touchscreens simplify the process of focusing on low-light conditions. Instead of relying on the camera’s autofocus system, photographers can simply tap the screen to set the focus point manually. This provides a much faster and more accurate way of achieving sharp focus when shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
- Reduced Physical Strain: Without the need to bend or crouch to look through the viewfinder or at a fixed screen, vari-angle displays make shooting more comfortable. Photographers can avoid awkward postures while still getting the shot from hard-to-reach angles, reducing physical strain during long shoots.
- Creative Opportunities: Vari-angle touchscreens open up new creative possibilities for photographers and videographers. For example, a street photographer can position the camera at waist level for a candid shot without being noticed, or a wildlife photographer can position the camera low to the ground to capture unique perspectives of animals in their environment.
Common Uses for Vari-Angle Touchscreens
- Vlogging and Self-Portraiture: The ability to flip the screen around makes vari-angle touchscreens perfect for vlogging and self-portraits. Creators can see themselves while recording, ensuring they stay within the frame and that the focus is sharp.
- Photography in Tight Spaces: In situations where the camera needs to be positioned in a confined area (such as inside a car or around furniture in an architectural shoot), a vari-angle screen allows the user to position the camera as needed and still monitor the shot.
- Overhead and Ground-Level Shots: Vari-angle screens make it easier to take photos or videos from overhead angles or ground-level viewpoints without straining the photographer. This is particularly useful in event photography or macro photography, where precise angles are key.
- Run-and-Gun Filmmaking: For filmmakers shooting in dynamic environments, such as documentary work or sports, the ability to quickly adjust the screen and tap to focus ensures that they can capture the moment without missing critical shots.
Limitations and Considerations
While vari-angle touchscreens provide many advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Durability: The hinge mechanism that allows the screen to tilt and rotate could be vulnerable to wear over time, particularly if it is constantly being adjusted. However, most modern cameras are built with robust hinges to mitigate this concern.
- Bulkier Design: The inclusion of a vari-angle screen may make the camera slightly bulkier than those with fixed screens, particularly in compact or mirrorless camera models. This could affect the camera’s portability for some users.
- Battery Usage: Touchscreens tend to consume more battery power than traditional button-based control systems. Users need to be aware that using the screen heavily throughout a shoot could drain the battery faster than expected.
In conclusion, vari-angle touchscreens are an invaluable feature in modern cameras, offering increased flexibility, creative freedom, and usability for both photographers and videographers. With the added convenience of touch control, they make it easier to shoot from challenging angles, ensuring precise composition and focus. Their versatility, combined with the ability to work in diverse shooting environments, makes them a popular choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.