Zagg 'Invisible' Shield. Yeah, right.......

[froggyted]

Hi

I recently bought a Zagg 'invisible' shield to protect the LCD screen of my new 450D.

I have no doubt that this shield is strong, but it's also very flimsy when fitting. I dropped it when spraying it with the fixing fluid, and it no doubt picked up some dust. Once you've dropped it there's no way of knowing which is the 'sticky' side. It would help if a little coloured transfer was fixed to the front side that you could remove after it's fitted.

Anyway, after a few days drying out, the shield is far from 'invisible'. There are a lot of flaws beneath the surface. Perhaps these were due to dust when i dropped it (or my attempts to gently clean them off), or maybe i used too much fluid. Either way, i'm not impressed, these things are not cheap and are very fiddly to fit.

Does anybody know whether i can safely remove this screen protector without marking the LCD screen, and is there a better alternative you could recommend, or is this really the best thing on the market?

[Sean]

Hi

I recently bought a Zagg 'invisible' shield to protect the LCD screen of my new 450D.

I have no doubt that this shield is strong, but it's also very flimsy when fitting. I dropped it when spraying it with the fixing fluid, and it no doubt picked up some dust. Once you've dropped it there's no way of knowing which is the 'sticky' side. It would help if a little coloured transfer was fixed to the front side that you could remove after it's fitted.

Anyway, after a few days drying out, the shield is far from 'invisible'. There are a lot of flaws beneath the surface. Perhaps these were due to dust when i dropped it (or my attempts to gently clean them off), or maybe i used too much fluid. Either way, i'm not impressed, these things are not cheap and are very fiddly to fit.

Does anybody know whether i can safely remove this screen protector without marking the LCD screen, and is there a better alternative you could recommend?

I'm sure the product works as intended. I just finished up reading a few of the reviews. I'll bet the reason is because you dropped it and it picked up dirt. I'd remove it and try again/replace it.

[Mark]

I wouldn't bother the plastic lcd cover is very strong and cheap to replace...

[PKSmith]

I've used Zagg shields on my cell phone and iPod touch. The shields i have are not perfectly smooth, but when the devices are on I can't tell that they are there. My dad had some trouble with his, because he got it dirty while applying it. You can clearly see the dirt and hair under the shield. However, clean shields are almost invisible when the screen behind them are on.
I did have to remove a piece of a full-body shield when it came loose in the corners. It came off cleanly without leaving any sort of residue. It wasn't on the screen, but I can't imagine it would be much different. Check Zagg's website if you have any questions.

[ef2]

Eh, don't rate a product poorly if you applied it incorrectly.

[Brett]

It's actually a nice product, and probably the most resilient I've seen for the iPhone. But, it's not easy at all to apply. I applied the full-body shield to the back of my phone, but screwed up the front face piece, and ended up having to discard it...my own fault. The front of the phone is glass anyway, so I just go without.

Your LCD has a very tough, scratch-resistant cover on it. I've seen older scratched-up 1Ds that have a perfect LCD screen. Zagg doesn't cover mis-applied shields, so you're probably out of luck there (I tried), but I wouldn't bother trying to apply any kind of shield to something that isn't very likely to scratch anyway. :)

[HyperYagami]

There are a lot of flaws beneath the surface. Perhaps these were due to dust when i dropped it (or my attempts to gently clean them off)

duh...

But having said that, my experience is the shield turns yellow after a while, so yes they will not be invisible...

[mhj202]

Hi

Does anybody know whether i can safely remove this screen protector without marking the LCD screen... ?

Yes, the Zagg protector is made to be removable-- just peel it up and it shouldn't do any damage. If you call them and tell them that the protector is damaged, they will probably send you another one. They do not cover installation errors but are generally pretty good in the cust. servicer dept if you talk to them.

[dliveleyphotography]

I have invisible shields on my blackberry and 40d (both screens) and if applied correctly it is invisible. However I will say any little piece of dust under the shield will cause a air pocket and it will be very visible. Just make sure whatever your putting it on is totally clean before putting it on.

I got one b/c my 40d screen did scratch, not sure how it happened just was there one day when I went to use it.

Your no doubt having problems due to dropping it.

[elader]

i love the one on my bberry. Thinking about one for my new macbook...

[Ivoryplum]

I have a zagg shield on the back of my iphone.
It came with the front and back, but I read that it gives an orange peal look. So I only stuck it on the back..and sure enough, its there. But I dont mind because this thing protects it like crazy.
Wouldn't want it on my cameras LCD only becasue of the orange peel.
Can anyone verify that the camera ones dont give the orange peel effect..?

[keener]

You can remove the shields from your device but it will leave a thin residue (like dried soap) that you'll want to wipe clean. Had to remove my sister's Invis Shield and apply a new one because I applied the first one wrong, like you. I think the spray is just water isn't it?

I have the shield on my iPhone, 40D and 5D Mark II and they are invisible to me on all 3 devices when the screens are turned on. Aside from keeping scratches off the screen, another thing I like about them is that they GREATLY reduce the attraction of body grease. I know this sounds gross, but I used to get grease on the LCD screens prior to the Invisible Shield. With the shield I get no more grease.

[HyperYagami]

I think the spray is just water isn't it?

Has a little bit of soap in there I believe.

[keener]

Has a little bit of soap in there I believe.

Ah, makes sense. Would explain the thin soapy residue left behind, hehe!

[jacobsen1]

Eh, don't rate a product poorly if you applied it incorrectly.

+1

you messed up the aplication process and want to bad mouth the product? I don't get it? Maybe the process to apply it is a bit more than you're able to handle, but that doesn't meant the product isn't worthwhile.

Also, if you have problems with this, I highly suggest staying away from cleaning your own sensor. :lol:

[DennisW1]

Hi

I recently bought a Zagg 'invisible' shield to protect the LCD screen of my new 450D.

I have no doubt that this shield is strong, but it's also very flimsy when fitting. I dropped it when spraying it with the fixing fluid, and it no doubt picked up some dust. Once you've dropped it there's no way of knowing which is the 'sticky' side. It would help if a little coloured transfer was fixed to the front side that you could remove after it's fitted.

Anyway, after a few days drying out, the shield is far from 'invisible'. There are a lot of flaws beneath the surface. Perhaps these were due to dust when i dropped it (or my attempts to gently clean them off), or maybe i used too much fluid. Either way, i'm not impressed, these things are not cheap and are very fiddly to fit.

Does anybody know whether i can safely remove this screen protector without marking the LCD screen, and is there a better alternative you could recommend, or is this really the best thing on the market?

I don't know about "the best thing on the market". That would require being able to sample everything on the market to be able to make a comparison.

What I do know, after using Zagg products on 3 bodies now, is that if they're put on properly they are virtually invisible. The fact that you dropped the shield and it obviously picked up a load of crap is why you're having problems.

Sorry, but I didn't find them difficult or "fiddly" if you followed the very well written instructions.

Sadly, once they're on and have taken a set, removing them destroys the shield. It does NOT do any damage to the LCD, so you can relax, you won't ruin your camera's LCD cover.

I don't agree with the statement made earlier in this thread that they turn yellor after a while, unless someone wants to better define "a while". I do know I've had one on my MkII body for over 3 years now and it's still as clear as the day it was put on.

[Boucher]

So you are giving negative feedback on a product that you used incorrectly?

obviously the shield isn't going to apply properly if you dropped it on the ground..

[dow]

I've used them on my cell phones since before they were ZAGG brand. I've had no complaints whatsoever.

Good product. Does what it says it will.

[daleftw]

It's actually a nice product, and probably the most resilient I've seen for the iPhone. But, it's not easy at all to apply. I applied the full-body shield to the back of my phone, but screwed up the front face piece, and ended up having to discard it...my own fault. The front of the phone is glass anyway, so I just go without.
That's why I didn't bother putting one on my iPhone. I dropped mine two weeks after purchase and cracked the screen.. still works though so I haven't bothered to fix it or claim on insurance. lol

[froggyted]

Ok, the genereal consensus is that it's a good product. There is a difference of opinion as to whether they are easy to apply though. There is also a general consensus that i screwed up! :lol: Ok, point taken, i guess i'll don a flak jacket before i post anything else like this again! I would say though, that they are easy to drop when you have to delicately hold them in order to spray both sides. It's also an expensive mistake to make, given that you can't then clean them without leaving streaks on the film. But, given the overall consensus, maybe i'll buy another and try again. :o

Pendulum 15, you say the LCD screen is easy to replace. Can this be bought as a spare part from Canon? I guess that you'd have to send it in for a service and that the actual service charge could be quite expensive.

[JDubya]

I've been using the invisibleShield for a while. I have one on my point & shoot, iPod, and iPhone. You have to really take your time when putting it on, otherwise you'll be complaining like the OP.

Mine are the older versions which have the orange peel texture (which can't be seen when looking at a powered on LCD) but I hear the new ones are smooth.

[froggyted]

So, i have decided to buy another Invisible Shield and install it where i can't drop it on the floor next time! I bet Zagg make a fortune out of reorders! :) Brett Micahael, i take your point about the toughness of the LCD cover, but it does pick up grease easily, and every time you wipe it you risk scratching it with any grit your cloth may have picked up. The Invisible Shield does seem to reduce the body grease problem.

Just to wrap this thread up, does pendulum 15 or anybody else wish to come back and comment about whether the LCD screen cover can be bought from Canon as a spare part and installed at home, or whether the camera would need to go to a service dept?

[Lowner]

The cover that Canon have placed over the screen is held in place by strips of double sided tape and apparently can be easily removed with a sucker puller. I say apparently because I've never needed to do it.

Again "apparently", the part is very cheap and very easy to replace without sending it back to Canon. Although your camera might enjoy seeing the family again, your bank balance would probably not.

Now it could be argued that Canon have covered the screen to protect it against damage. Another other argument says that theres a great big "SONY" logo on the thing and they wanted to hide it.

[Mark]

The cover that Canon have placed over the screen is held in place by strips of double sided tape and apparently can be easily removed with a sucker puller. I say apparently because I've never needed to do it.

Again "apparently", the part is very cheap and very easy to replace without sending it back to Canon. Although your camera might enjoy seeing the family again, your bank balance would probably not.

Now it could be argued that Canon have covered the screen to protect it against damage. Another other argument says that theres a great big "SONY" logo on the thing and they wanted to hide it.

Yeah, that is correct, from what I understand hairdryer+suction cups is the way to go

That being said, I am pretty hard on my kit and have never scratched one...

[froggyted]

Thanks for the advice Lowner and pendulum15. I'd rather not scratch my LCD cover in the first place, but it's worth knowing that it's cheap to replace if need be. Interesting comment about the Sony logo, although manufacturers have often shared parts. If it maximises quality and keeps the cost down i'm not going to complain!

[Nick5]

You can remove the shields from your device but it will leave a thin residue (like dried soap) that you'll want to wipe clean. Had to remove my sister's Invis Shield and apply a new one because I applied the first one wrong, like you. I think the spray is just water isn't it?

I have the shield on my iPhone, 40D and 5D Mark II and they are invisible to me on all 3 devices when the screens are turned on. Aside from keeping scratches off the screen, another thing I like about them is that they GREATLY reduce the attraction of body grease. I know this sounds gross, but I used to get grease on the LCD screens prior to the Invisible Shield. With the shield I get no more grease.

That is why this olive skin Greek has the Invisible Shield on his 40D.:)
The facial oils on the factory cover have to be wiped every time.
There is an Invisible Shield kiosk at the Christiana Mall in Delaware.
The owner put the Shield on both LCD on my 40D. No orange look to them at all.
I also had them put a full body Shield on my son's iPod Touch and the top screen on his PSP.
I did put a shield on my wife's and my Blackberry. Yes you have to take your time.
I did pretty good work to say the least.

[Trout Bum]

Froggy Ted- Yeah, I hear ya about the flack jacket.
I f*'d up the install on my 40D LCD and it looked like crap. Wasn't hard to do. I guess if I did it all day like the guy at the kiosk it'd be fine. I took the small cover off the top LCD before I sold the camera, lest the buyer complain, although that looked fine. I think the trick is to use a ton of soapy water (and not drop it :))

I don't get these guys saying how tuff the LCD screens are. I made the mistake of buying an UPSTRAP with a metal buckle (!).How can they sell that?! Just putting the camera in the bag was enough to abrade the screen.

Also, I'm still waiting to see one (1!) post from someone who has actually replaced the LCD cover. All I read is "I understand..." or "I hear.., "they say..."
It's a moot point to me now, but how much does the thing cost, and how difficult is it to self-repair, assuming one has suction cups lying around.

Still p.o.'d about my Sandisk rebate...

[froggyted]

Hi Mark

Yeah, in addition to the facial grease (the position of the LCD screen means that, if you look through the viewfinder with your left eye, you wll smear your face all over the screen), the other thing i was worried about was the strap buckle scratching it. Ok, it's the standard Canon strap with plastic buckle, but compressed against the screen with the camera case closed i was worried about scratching. I guess i'm a bit of a perfectionist, and when i get a new toy i hate it getting marked. I was really annoyed when i dropped my A95 p&s onto a hard chalk and lime path on the Ridgeway (UK), which put a lot of abrasion marks on it, and a nice dint in one corner. Amazingly, it's still working perfectly to this day, but prior to that incident i'd had it about two years and it still looked almost brand new. I made a mental note at that moment to always check that the camera case is zipped up before taking the rucksack off! No doubt the 450D will eventually pick up marks in the ravages of the outdoors, and they will become the badges of a well-used camera, but at the moment it's still brand new and i'm treating it with kid gloves!

Anyway, i'm glad i'm not the only one who screwed up the fitting of the shield. :) As for replacing the LCD cover, you are right, nobody has come back with a costing for this. My guess is that Canon would only sell it to authorised repairers: a lot of manufacturers are not enthusiastic about selling service parts to the general public. I'm sure that the cost to the trade would only be $20 or so: after all, it's only a small plastic screen.

[Mark]

Here you go
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=522570

[froggyted]

pendulum15, many thanks for that link, i guess it clears just about everything up. It's great to know how cheap and easy it is to replace these covers. Although the question went unanaswered in the linked thread, my guess is that you apply a very low hairdryer heat to the screen cover with a focussing nozzle and then gently prise the cover out with a fingernail. I'd be a bit worried about the heat from the hairdryer damaging the camera internals though, so i guess a lot of caution would be required.

[Edit] The original advice mentioned suction cups, i guess this would be less likely to stress the camera body than fingernails! Hey, and i don't see any Sony logos on those pictures either! :)

[Tsmith]

I purchased one of these products from them for my BlackBerry and thought it was an overpriced piece of crud. Turned around and bought the $4.00 Seidio screen protector that goes on extremely easy (no wetting anything to apply and doesn't contain any adhesive) and works great.

[froggyted]

I purchased one of these products from them for my BlackBerry and thought it was an overpriced piece of crud. Turned around and bought the $4.00 Seidio screen protector that does on extremely easy (no wetting anything to apply and doesn't contain any adhesive) and works great.

I'd certainly agree it's overpriced for such a small piece of film, although it's generally agreed that it's also very strong. Anyway, looking at the link pendulum15 has posted, an original Canon screen cover is not much dearer than a Zagg shield, and far more satisfactory aesthetically.

[Lowner]

I've never seen these Zagg films. Sounds like the technique used by companies who make plastic vehicle signage and boat names, where the adhesive backed film is wetted in a soapy solution to aid location, squeegied into place and left to naturally dry.

Obviously the use of a product with a sticky surface means it must be done carefully in clean conditions. But it might be possible to wash any crud off with care if it is not too badly encrusted.

[JDubya]

I'd certainly agree it's overpriced for such a small piece of film, although it's generally agreed that it's also very strong. Anyway, looking at the link pendulum15 has posted, an original Canon screen cover is not much dearer than a Zagg shield, and far more satisfactory aesthetically.

They may be more expensive than other films but they have very good customer service and a great warranty.

[DennisW1]

an original Canon screen cover is not much dearer than a Zagg shield, and far more satisfactory aesthetically.


I'm not sure what is displeasing about the Zagg product. Properly installed it's virtually invisible.

Yep, the price is a bit high, but I've gone thru those cheap generic screen protectors and none of them were as transparent as the Zagg shields.

To each their own however.

[Lowner]

My problem with them is the cost. Canon will sell me a replacement cover for virtually the same cost so why bother with a stick-on extra?

[keener]

as already mentioned previously, I and others have found that the Zagg screen can do something that the stock screen can not do, and that is repel nasty human body grease.

[Lowner]

Keener,

I've never had a problem like that!

[keener]

Ya, not everyone does. You're lucky ! Its annoying. But I don't have that problem anymore with the screen.

[froggyted]

Keener has got a point: the Zagg shield is probably better at repelling face grease than the factory fitted cover, and you can be confident that you can wipe it without doing any damage. However, it is far from 'invisible' when the device is turned off (the orange peel effect that others have mentioned is evident), although this is no problem when the screen's in use.

Since my camera is new i wouldn't want to compromise the warranty by applying heat to remove the Canon cover, so i'm going to buy another Zagg shield and try again. However, it's worth knowing that the Canon cover is cheap and relatively easy to replace, so i will keep this as an option for the future.

[harv3589]

I used the Zagg product on my Mac Book Pro and love it, I had no issues putting it on other than it is time consuming so you get it done right. I would buy from them again.

[ef2]

Keener has got a point: the Zagg shield is probably better at repelling face grease than the factory fitted cover, and you can be confident that you can wipe it without doing any damage. However, it is far from 'invisible' when the device is turned off (the orange peel effect that others have mentioned is evident), although this is no problem when the screen's in use.

Since my camera is new i wouldn't want to compromise the warranty by applying heat to remove the Canon cover, so i'm going to buy another Zagg shield and try again. However, it's worth knowing that the Canon cover is cheap and relatively easy to replace, so i will keep this as an option for the future.

How did that go?

I tried this for my G10, and I'd have to say I'm very disappointed in the product. The "application solution" bottle came empty, and their customer service suggested I just fill it up with water and give it a good shake. Found the same results as you described in your first post, and it's easily susceptible to scratches to boot. Their warranty is a joke, requiring you to pay for shipping the new one AND pay to have your old one sent back. That's about 2/3 the price of a new one.

[keener]

hmm, sounds like you got a bad copy. Try sending it in for calibration. hehe.

[Swann1]

I installed two of these recently - one onto my 40D and the other onto my wife's IXUS 80 IS (Powershot SD 1100 in some markets). No problems with either although I did a better job on the 40D as I used the compact as a first go.

I was pleasantly suprised with the 40D kit as it contained film for both the rear LCD and top LCD.

I don't see why people bag this product - install it correctly (follow the instructions) and it's good. If you don't get the results you were expecting you probably did something wrong.

I'd have no hesitation in recommending it. Maybe it's a bit on the expensive side, but if you only have to do it once, then it's probably cheaper in the long run.

[JDubya]

I installed two of these recently - one onto my 40D and the other onto my wife's IXUS 80 IS (Powershot SD 1100 in some markets). No problems with either although I did a better job on the 40D as I used the compact as a first go.

I was pleasantly suprised with the 40D kit as it contained film for both the rear LCD and top LCD.

I don't see why people bag this product - install it correctly (follow the instructions) and it's good. If you don't get the results you were expecting you probably did something wrong.

I'd have no hesitation in recommending it. Maybe it's a bit on the expensive side, but if you only have to do it once, then it's probably cheaper in the long run.

Were they purchased through Zagg recently? Apparently the new films are supposed to be smoother now (less orange peel texture). How are yours?

[Swann1]

Were they purchased through Zagg recently? Apparently the new films are supposed to be smoother now (less orange peel texture). How are yours?
Purchased at a local camera shop when I was in the city two weeks ago. Mine are smooth as and don't exhibit any orange peel texture at all. As I said, I'm quite happy with them.

[gary88]

I have the invisible shield on my 30G ipod and 3G iphone. It's a painstaking process to apply, but so completely worth it.

I wouldn't even bother putting it on a camera LCD though, the screens are tough enough already.

[froggyted]

How did that go?

I tried this for my G10, and I'd have to say I'm very disappointed in the product. The "application solution" bottle came empty, and their customer service suggested I just fill it up with water and give it a good shake. Found the same results as you described in your first post, and it's easily susceptible to scratches to boot. Their warranty is a joke, requiring you to pay for shipping the new one AND pay to have your old one sent back. That's about 2/3 the price of a new one.

I haven't even got around to ordering it yet, ef2, will try to report back when it's installed. There seems to be a difference of opinion here now about whether this is a worthwhile product, but i still intend to purchase another one.

[SillyGuy]

zagg skins are awesome IF you apply them correctly

i have them on a lot of my stuff and you can't even tell i have them on.

[minimi.4214]

zagg skins are awesome IF you apply them correctly

i have them on a lot of my stuff and you can't even tell i have them on.

i totally agree...http://www.temp6783745.dreamhosters.com/BF/Bi.gif:)

[ef2]

How does that explain my fingernails scratching up the protectors? I don't think that has anything to do with being applied correctly.

[midget]

i personally use one on my itouch. its flawless. if you messed up in the application process, then you could get it up, and then try again. i know i did a bit of trial and error when i first did it.

[midget]

How does that explain my fingernails scratching up the protectors? I don't think that has anything to do with being applied correctly.

i cant mess up my invisibleshield in any way. its like indestructible.

[ToddR]

I have an Invisible Shield on my Canon point & shoot, Garmin GPS, and my cell phone. I like them. While I've never applied one to a compound surface (like the contours of an iPod's edges), it doesn't seem that bad for a flat screen. My open-faced phone looks like the day I put it on, as do the other two, though they see much less use.

[Canon Guy]

I have Invisible Shield on my Dell Mini 9 and SD870 and Best Skins Ever on my XSi, Blackberry and ipod touch. They all have an orange peel look when looking at it from certain angles, but are completely unnoticeable when the screens are on. Best Skins Ever are basically the same as Invisible Shield, but are 1/3 the price and ship faster. They are a bitch to apply but well worth it.

[argyle]

I don't use a shield of any type...I bought my gear to use, not stress over any little mark or scratch that may develop. Dust, nose grease, smudges, whatever...wipes off easily with a tee-shirt or microfiber cloth.

Just an observation...there's so much angst about minor scratches and dust, its a wonder that anyone's gear gets used anymore for fear of getting "something" on it once taken out into the wild environs that lay beyond the front door. This also gives me a great idea for marketing a new product for nervous photographers. :D

[iam_indestructible]

I have the Zagg Invisible Shield on my XSi (450D). I got it because my friend was using one for his iPhone and it literally looked amazing. I applied it with care. During the first few days, you may see some air bubbles and water marks but as the description states, it will soon go away. Mine did and I plan to get an Invisible Shield for every new device or camera I buy. Hope this helped.

[Laramie]

its a wonder that anyone's gear gets used anymore for fear of getting "something" on it once taken out into the wild environs that lay beyond the front door. This also gives me a great idea for marketing a new product for nervous photographers. :D

Haha exactly. While I don't in anyway abuse my gear, I get out and use it in lots of situations. Just the other weekend I was out all day climbing through the scrub brush and up and down the hills and over rocks looking for snakes. Had my 40D+70-200 on my R-strap on my shoulder and it went everywhere with me. Lots of brushes against brush, etc but no worse for the wear.

[Alextee]

The invisible shields usually work pretty good. There are other ones that are exactly like it called the best skin ever. They work just like advertised for the things I had that used it (phone). I was just a little nervous introducing anything wet to my camera.