Photography Bay reader, Alan, wants a Canon DSLR, but also likes the swivel LCD found on other cameras.

Alan’s Question: I am looking at upgrading to a DSLR and have come to the conclusion that Canon is my preferred choice (namely the 500D). However I really am taken by the swivel Nikon D5000‘s LCD flip down swivel screen. Not only does it fold up back wards to proteck the screen it also offers excellent viewing of screen at strange angles. SO my question is does any one know of any rumors if future Canon models with this swivel screen feature.

My Answer: There’s certainly been speculation regarding a swivel LCD on Canon DSLRs.  A few months back, Canon asked about the importance of this feature in an EOS customer survey.  I think Canon is definitely thinking about it.  I also think it’s very possible that it could be a feature in the next Rebel model.  Would I bet money on that?  No.  However, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see it.

The Canon 500D / Rebel T1i is a great camera, which can be had at a very reasonable price now.  If you really want a DSLR, there’s always a reason to wait for the next model.  Most of those reasons, however, are not justified in my opinion.

I’ve used the the T1i and the D5000 both.  I don’t think a swivel LCD changes the way I shoot anything but video.  And if you want the camera for video, for most people there are better solutions than a DSLR.  If you want a still image camera, I’d say jump on the T1i and don’t worry about the lack of a swivel LCD.  Just my two cents.

For more on these cameras, you can check out the following resources here on Photography Bay:

Canon Rebel T1i Review

Canon Rebel T1i Reviews and Resources

Nikon D5000 Review

Nikon D5000 Reviews and Resources

Do you have advice for Alan, or maybe some unique knowledge about whether Canon will be plugging a swivel LCD in the next Rebel?  Leave a comment below.  We would love to hear from you.