That the LCD survived the thumb test may actually indicate that there is a different force in play than just physical abuse. LCD may be strong enough (or flexible enough) to withstand sustained pressure but may crack if for example low temperature changes it physical state and makes it mor suspectible to cracking under pressure or spontaneously (as all cystals can do)
I hate to admit to this, but being a totally pleased Canon SD500 owner and reading tales of horror regarding "spontaneous LCD cracking", I stumbled on a proof positive way to challenge the supposedly fragile LCD screen. I was shopping at one of the mass marketeers for another item, and happened upon the camera dept. The type that chains down cameras, and offers little if any sales assistance. I'm again, not proud of this, but I looked through the viewfinder as if examining the SD500. I'm not a small guy at 6'1" and 225 lbs. I pressed on the very center of the LCD and to my total amazement, the LCD took every last ounce of pressure I could apply. This again, leads me to my contention that, although maybe you got a bad one, that most LCD cracks result from sitting on them in your back pocket, or having your keys, lighter, Rolaids, whatever, concentrate enormous pressure in one tiny spot; resulting in breakage. The concentrated pressure of something small like keys, for example, exerts a lot more pressure than my thumb which I would guess has a surface area of c. 1 sq.in. Canon may have a design flaw, but I just fail to accept that an LCD which held up to my test is just going to, for "some unknown reason", fail the poor buyer who has just parted with c. $500. Hope this alleviates some of my fellow photographer's concerns. I know it did mine. Before the fury of dissatisfied customer befalls me, I would just like to state that I am not neccesarily on Canon's side. I'm just telling anyone concerned what my test revealed. Any thoughts?

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