The size makes a big difference, seemingly out of all proportion to the actual figures. A few cameras still have older 2.5-inch screens, but these seem very small compared to the latest 2.8-inch and 3-inch screens.
The resolution is also an important factor. Basic screens start at around 230,000 dots these days, but this does produce a slightly pixellated display, especially with menu text and icons. 460,000 dots is much better, but the best screens available at the time of writing have 921,000 dots, and are found on better quality hybrid cameras and digital SLRs.
Viewing angle is a third factor and addressed by new OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays. These maintain their brightness, contrast and colour better even when the camera is tilted away from you. OLED displays offer higher contrast ratios, reduced power consumption and faster response times. Samsung uses a variation on this technology (AMOLED) in its latest cameras.
