Question for DSLR users

[Steve Mack]

I am curious about the longevity of DSLRs. I know that the various companies encourage "upgrading" from last year's (last WEEK's?) models. Are these cameras really in need of replacement? Do they go belly-up after a period of time? I know that my Nikon N80 is supposedly rated for 1,000 rolls of film, and then, I suppose, it is dead in the water. (I think I'm safe from it blowing up on me any time soon.) But how about a DSLR?

Is it necessary to replace them because of equipment failure, or is equipment failure unlikely, if the camera isn't abused? Should I be able to enjoy using one for several years, given care, or not?

Just curious.

What has been your experience?

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards,

Stephen

 

[Colin Corneau]

Some last for a long time, others don't. There's just more parts to go wonky on a DSLR than (most) film SLR's.

What usually blows on a DSLR is the shutter. Like I said, there's a myriad of things to go wrong on them, but as a moving part that's a common one.

Other issues like bumps, dropping etc. would happen to any camera, film or digi, and depend on how solidly built your model is (by way of explanation, I use digital in my job, and once had a strap break on me...dropping my Nikon D2Hs to the concrete 4 feet below. As a 'pro' camera solidly built, the only thing wrong was a cracked body casing and a prism that had to be re-aligned)

 

[JBrunner]

DSLR's are typically rated for a certain amount of shutter cycles. typically 50 to 300k depending on the camera. As this is a digital subject it doesn't bear further discussion on APUG.