It can't be a matter simple stupidity or a lack of intelligence, but someone in the R&D deptartment of Canon, Nikon, Pentax etc must have forgotten to build in articulated LCD screens to the new generation DSLRs with HD video capability. Shooting video often requires low angle shots and the ability to frame the subject whilst holding the camera close to the floor and looking into an upturned screen is what I would term a basic requirement.

Some "consumer" vDSLRs have them (Nikon D5000 etc) but why not the more up-market models? Fuji and Panasonic have shown that it's hardly difficult to engineer, and can't add greatly to the cost. Do the manufacturers think we're unusually supple and can contort our bodies into positions they're not made for? Because that's pretty much the only option (other than guessing) to frame a low angle shot. With photography it's a little different, and guessing is a fair option, as several shots can be quickly taken in quick succession, but with video? No, something's definitely wrong. And if you think it's me that's wrong, then just consider this: there's not a modern dedicated video camera in the world, be it consumer or professional, that doesn't have a vari-angle LCD screen.

The only reason I can think of, is that the manufacturers of the DSLR division have been told in no uncertain terms that if they make them too attractive to the customer, with too many video features, then they won't sell many of the dedicated video cameras produced by the video division. Internal politics, with the consumer coming off worst, as usual. Well take note Mr Manufacturer, the days of the video cam are coming to an end, and as the customer demands greater flexibility, features, and device convergence, so you'll need to provide it in the form of very well specced and versatile vDSLRs — if not, you can be sure your competitor will.