canon lcd panel on top of camera brands

Until a few weeks ago, I ignored the top LCD expect for battery checking. Then one day, I was shooting some long exposure bracketed images with a 10 stop ND filter that were about 4 minutes each using bulb. When using bulb, the back Live view screen goes black. I think that this reduces electronic noise for a cleaner exposure. Anyway, with the rear screen black, you don"t know how long you have to wait for the exposure to finish. I also sometimes forget whether I turned on Bulb Timer, and wonder if the camera is just going to continue the exposure forever.

I had the camera on a tripod very low to the ground. I happened to look down at the top LCD during one of the exposures and noticed that there was a timer. Now, I can see how long the exposure has been if I"m concerned about whether I set the bulb timer.

It"s just a little thing, but sometimes 4 minute exposures seem to last for days.