How delicate are DSLRs?

[josealb]

I'm asking this question because i like a lot of sports where id like to take the camera but i think that can be dangerous for it. This week for example i'm going for a bike trip where i doubt i'm taking the D40 because i'm afraid of breaking it. Are these cameras more delicate that compact P&Ss for example? Since they have more moving part and all that, are they very affected by vibration or small hits?

[mattdm]

They're pretty solidly built — probably in general better than P&S cameras, but not necessarily in the case of the entry-level models. I'd worry about dropping it, but not the vibration. "Small hits" will be okay if you've got it in a decently padded bag.

[Usuqa]

um id say they are pretty decently built, i normally have my gx10 on me 24/7 even when doing a bit of manual work and its still fine so far.. i just put the strap over my shoulder and let it hang to the side of me instead of over my neck when im doing any sort of lifting or what not.

sure i could put the camera down, but i don't really fancy leaving my camera laying around when there are ppl around i don't know and i feel naked without it on me :P

im not recommending anyone do what i do, i do it at my own risk but i dont like to not have my camera with me and so far the gx10 (same as a k10d) seems solidly build and even without water proof lens (50mm 1.7 ka) doesn't seem to have the rain bother it to much the times it has got a little wet. But then the gx10 is a solidly built camera.

[josealb]

Hmm so you wouldn't care about it gettin too much vibration?

[Sime™]

i've taken mine cycling [mtb] skiing [offpiste / downhill] and it loves me...

The only thing i've had go wrong with my Canon 30D is the shutter button [being replaced today, I pressed it too many times] everything else is great...

I will take it everywhere... i'd rather have it and "get that shot" than wonder if it would have broken and miss out on a great shot...

[GEli]

Depends entirely on the camera. Build quality does seem to directly correlate to how far up the professional ladder one climbs. I would have no qualms with braining an attacker with a MkIII or a D3, but the D40 is a mostly plastic body that felt a bit flimsy when I held it last year when I was shopping around for a DSLR body. Vibration shouldn't be too much trouble, but definitely get it a good, solid case - a case made of metal that you can insert foam into and cut out the exact shape of your camera/lenses in would be ideal. At least, that's how all the pros haul their gear around when they're flying and can't carry it all on.