Expert Shield Screen Protector Review

Expert Shield is a maker of screen protectors. The current generation is called Crystal Clear Expert Shield and is designed to provide protection from surface scratches without affecting display properties, including contrast, brightness, viewing angle and even touch sensitivity, when applicable. These are made to exact measures for numerous cameras, phones, tablets and other electronic devices.

All Expert Shield screen protectors are made of 3 extremely thin layers which work together to provide adhesion, clarity and protection. The protectors use a smooth silicon base to provide adhesion from vacuum and therefore does not leave any residue when removed. These can be reused as they maintain their adhesive property after being removed and washed.

These protectors are packaged in a cardboard envelope, along with a small micro fiber cloth. As particles and dust are problematic for a smooth bubble-free installation, Expert Shield screen protectors come with they own protection! There is a thin plastic on each side, sandwiching the 3-layer protector between 2 additional layers. In the image above, all layers are present which makes the protector less transparent than it actually is. It's helpful to get a photo of it though!

Expert Shield protectors come in exact dimensions for cameras from 11 manufacturers. They also made them for various cellular phones models of 15 brands. It is best to order the protector for an exact model. Even when another device is specified as having the same screen size, there can be a difference in aspect-ratio and frame. The Fuji Finepix S100FS above has a recessed 2.5" LCD, so anything too big would be impossible to use.

The application procedure is extremely simple. The most crucial step is make sure the underlying display is clean. If it's a old camera, it may take a few moments to get rid of all particles and smudges. Make sure to use approved optic clear not to damage the display beforehand. Then, peel off the back layer of film and position the protector carefully onto the LCD. Finally, remove the front layer of film.

Above we can see the results. The edge of the protector can be seen near the top of the LCD. Notice how the image looks the same above and below the line. Hover over the image to see the camera without the protector. Brightness and contrast are very well maintained. The camera moved a little during the application which accounts for the change in LCD luminance.

Most digital camera LCDs are coated with a layer which disperses light in order to provide a wide viewing angle. Expert Shield Crystal Clear protectors have no effect on this and allow the viewing angle to be maintained. In the image above, the S100FS is tilted at 45° and one can see that the screen looks the same above and below the top-edge of the protector.

Crystal Clear Expert Shield protectors provide excellent performance with little impact to the screens they cover. At a cost between $10 and $20 USD, depending on the exact unit, they offer a relatively low-cost protection for an otherwise delicate surface.