Expert Shield Screen Protector Review

I recently received a request from Oliver of Expert Shield UK to do a review on their Expert Shield screen protector line for digital cameras.

Whenever I get a new camera, smartphone or other shiny gizmo with a glass screen, I usually slap a screen protector on it first thing. I think it’s a wise investment, even with gadgets that have hardened glass LCD screens, which despite most marketing claims eventually will scratch.

Having a scratch free screen is not only great for using the camera, but also helps with resell value should you decide to upgrade to the latest and greatest (something I tend to do often). My Fujifilm X-T1 was naked until my install of the Expert Shield and now I’m pretty happy that it’s being protected.

Impressions

The Expert Shield comes in a minimal envelope package paired with a small microfiber cloth for cleaning your screen and the shield itself which is protected by two layers of film on either side with sticker tabs outlining which side to install against the screen. Now I’m not going to sugar coat it: the Expert Shield is a glorified piece of thin clear plastic film.

Expert Shield
The Expert Shield comes packaged with a microfiber cloth.

It’s fairly easy to install without bubbles provided you actually read and follow the instructions, it’s perfectly cut to fit, it’s invisible once it’s installed and it won’t leave residue when it’s removed. Basically it’s everything you should expect out of a screen protector.

Installation

The Expert Shield uses a dry installation method as opposed to those screen protectors that have you install the thing by spraying it with some sort of solution in order to reduce bubbles. Expert Shield recommends installing in a “slightly steamy bathroom” which did the trick at keeping the dust specks at bay. The instructions also spoke of not spreading Marmite on the screen protector and used such language as “jiggery-pokery” and “snuffles”.

To make installation of the Expert Shield (or pretty much any screen protector) easier, I first lined up the screen protector before removing the first backing film and then taped the screen protector in place with a single piece of tape, this way there was no way the protector could go on crooked. This trick wasn’t explicitly outlined in the instructions but I’ve used similar screen protectors in the past that included an adhesive strip to perform the same operation. 

expert-shield-3
Trick for installation: tape one edge in place before removing the backing.

From there, I did a last wipe of the screen, lifted off the protective backing and let the protector fall in place. It quickly sealed itself against the screen, completely free of bubbles. Expert Shield reassures you with a lifetime, no scratch, no bubble, be happy guarantee should your installation fail or the Expert Shield star showing signs of wear.

expert-shield-4
Once installed, the Expert Shield is almost invisible.

Conclusions

Overall, I’m happy with the Expert Shield, particularly since it’s backed with a lifetime guarantee. Time will tell if this thing actually holds up to wear-and-tear. Maybe check back here in September after I bring my camera back from the dusty playa of the Burning Man festival.

You can find the Expert Shield for pretty much every major digital camera electronic gadget here:

Expert Shield available on Amazon

Thanks to Oliver at Expert Shield for providing the screen protector for review.

I’ll definitely update this review after a month or so of heavy use and report back on how the screen protector looks.

UPDATE: Works great!

UPDATE 2: (Nov 12, 2017) After about 2.5 years, my Expert Shield had quite a few scratches from heavy use. I contact Expert Shield and they replaced my screen protector for free, just as their lifetime guarantee promised.

Disclosure

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We are also a participant in the B&H Affiliate Program which also allows us to earn fees by linking to bhphotovideo.com.

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4 Replies to “Expert Shield Screen Protector Review”

  1. Great recommendation. Thanks. I myself use Giotto LCD protectors, made from Schott glass with anti-reflective coating, scratch proof, too. On my old Sony NEX-5N, it even preserved the touch screen ability. Giottos are probably the best of the best of the LCD screen protectors;)

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