I just bought a a Miller "Digital Elite" series a few months ago and I'll never go back to the cheap stuff. 4 sensors prevent eye flash from differing welding angles, over 9 square inches of viewing area, 4 settings including cutting, welding and grinding....
Man what a difference! Not cheap, but I can weld for hours without eyestrain or getting flashed, the puddle is much more clear, smoke doesn't get into the mask as easily... I could go on and on....
BTW, I just got the plain satin black version. It doesn't show splatter or scratches as much as the fancy painted up stuff.