A swivel lens is a lens that freely rotates while attached to a camera body. They are used on some compact digital and video cameras (camcorders). These lenses make it easy for a photographer to aim a camera without moving around too much. Swivel lenses come in different sizes and shapes. A swivel lens is also known as a swiveling lens, swivelling lens, and rotating lens.
In contrast, swivel LCDs (also known as articulating screen) are displays that freely rotate while attached to a camera body. Usually, the camera body is much larger than the swivelling display. Swivel LCD devices can be considered as swivel lens devices because the camera body can swivel around the small display; albeit, aiming the camera is more difficult. Most camcorders have a swivel LCD.
Uses
Enables the user to take pictures from unique perspectives and camera angles
Easy composition of images without the need to bend, crouch, or move around