How long to DSLRs tend to last?

[Rockworthy]

I am still researching which DSLR to buy. I've decided that I just don't have enough money at all, to buy a brand new camera. I'm going to buy used. My question is: Do DSLRs tend to last for like 10 years or longer like an old film camera, or do they tend to start breaking down after a few years like laptops and computers and smartphones do? Are they designed by their companies to last for decades with proper care, or do they only worry about having their cameras last a few years so that it breaks and you need to go buy a new one?

Thanks forum!

 

[usayit]

Depends on their use..... and the quality of the camera itself.

For the most part, the rat race of technology that so many has subscribed to results in a turnover of DSLRs that is well below their capable lifespan... hence their are great savings to be realized if you don't need to be at the cutting edge of technology.


For the most part, I most of what I buy is used... not just cameras. You just have to be a smart and informed consumer. My professional level cameras have generally come out of studio photographers or journalists shooting in less demanding environments... for obvious reasons. Never had a problem.


PS> Don't forget to look into refurbs too.... great deals there as well on last years models.

 

[KmH]

One of the major components of a DLSR is the shutter mechanism.

The more basic entry-level DSLRs have expected shutter life expectancy of 50,000 shutter actuations.

As one moves up from the basic entry-level DSLRs the shutter life expectancy increases, such that pro grade DSLRs have expected shutter life of about 400,000 actuations.

One also has to consider what environment conditions and care a DSLR camera is subjected to during it's life.

Frequently subjecting a camera to varying humidity and temperatures results in frequent condensation which will reduce the life of the camera's electronics.
Heat has a more negative effect on electronics than cold does.

 

[Awiserbud]

You can check the shutter count on most DSLR's, there is a sequence which you will be able to find online, you might also find the average/expected lifespan of individual DSLR's online too, so if you are buying used then make sure to ask the owner about this. I think it depends on model and naturally the more expensive the camera the better quality the components that are likely to wear out, for example the Nikon D3100 shutter has been tested to i believe 100,000 actuations, whereas the D7000 has been tested to 150,000 actuations,
That doesn't mean they will last that long, there are many factors that will influence this, If you live by the sea for example i would expect a much shorter lifespan since the salt in the air could corrode or wear components, plus there are many other components that could fail a long time before these shutter actuation numbers.
Older film cameras were generally built much better than todays cameras unless of course you buy professional grade models, They are crammed with electronics whereas older film cameras were mostly mechanical, The chances are the electronics will fail long before the shutter gives up, but like all things if it has been properly cared for, never dropped, and properly used then there's no reason why you won't get a good deal.

 

[kundalini]

I have 170K miles on my (bought used) Honda Hot Hatch. I got a good deal on the initial purchase, but have had to spend money on getting a few things fixed (the engine). Although I am a spirited driver, with regular maintenance and care, I expect to reach 300K easily. It's a blast to drive.

Cameras aren't that much different. The electronics are the main thing to be concerned about. Due diligence in its upkeep is the watchword.

 

[Mully]

A good while as long as you don't drop it.

 

[Patrice]

I have a D70 purchased new a bit more than 8 years ago and is still being used regularly. My daughter has adopted it and is an avid but careful photographer. So, don't be afraid to buy a well cared for older camera.

 

[usayit]

In regards to shuttercount....

Yes... do check but two things I keep in mind:

* In most of the consumer (and prosumer) cameras I have bought and sold, most (if not all) are no where even close to 50k shutter count. Short of the niche group of professionals and enthusiasts (like here), many replace cameras every year and their shutter counts are well below the lifespan.
* Replacement of a shutter isn't all that expensive but this is very dependent on model and brand.
* I've seen shuttercounts well above the lifespan as well..... its just a rating rather than a hard limit.

Personally... I check shutter count as an indicator of overall condition of the camera rather than an indication specifically towards shutter condition.

 

[BrianV]

As others have stated- DSLR's tend to last far longer than their typical replacement cycle. Like film cameras, some pro's "beat them to death" and others CLA them to make them dependable. Best to buy from an Amateur that is just upgrading to the latest gear. Tends to have less use and an easier life. My oldest DSLR is 20, still works. The others are 16, 12, and 11.

 

[skieur]

If you take reasonable care of a DSLR, it will become obsolete well before it wears out. Most pros buy a new camera body at least every 3 years.

skieur

 

[nycphotography]

They last way longer than they need to last to become obsolete. Very obsolete.

If you pay $500 for a body, it will last until it's worth less than $50, and you can buy a body twice as great for $100, and the new $500 body is 10x as great.

And that will probably be right about 10 years.

 

[Patrice]

Just for the sake of argument, is a camera "obsolete" because newer models have improved features? If the files from an older camera can still be read and processed by modern software, if current lenses can be used on it, if memory cards for it can still be easily purchased, is the camera "obsolete"?

Older technology is not necessarily obsolete technology. Old does not mean useless. (My wife might disagree on this last point.)

 

[nycphotography]

Well... each release does something better than the last one.... and at some point in time there is a camera that does EVERYTHING much much better than yours does, and does it for a modest amount of money.

While you don't HAVE to buy a new one, if you actually use the camera, you'll almost certainly WANT to upgrade eventually.

 

[christop]

Older technology is not necessarily obsolete technology. Old does not mean useless. (My wife might disagree on this last point.)

That's exactly what I have to tell people about my old computers! A lot of people seem to think that my 30-year-old Commodore 64 is obsolete or worthless just because it has less memory and computing power than today's wristwatches.

 

[snowbear119 50]

I have my D40 for five years. I've had the SD card lock mechanism replaced, but have had no other issues. My shutter activations are well below the 25K mark, so I don't plan on retiring it anytime soon.