Digital SLR life span?

[yogijenn]

I've had my Rebel XT for a little over 4 years. I'm wondering, do digital SLRs have an expected life span before their performance starts to lag? (I mean look at how quickly computers age out of usefulness) I realize lots of advances have been made in 4 years time, but I feel like shots taken with my camera just aren't as crisp and balanced as shots I took for comparison with family members newly received, comparable quality cameras this holiday season. (And I have superior lenses in most cases.)

Thoughts?

[Aaron@Catz]

I'm only recently out of High School and the school media department has a Nikon D70, which is a fairly out dated piece of technology now, I've been using that D70 for the last 3 years ('08 '09 '10) and the results are usually at least as good as, often better than my mum's Nikon D60, which is less than a year old.

Yes a new camera will have the advantage of newer technology, but a DSLR is usually a fairly robust piece of equipment and if you look after it and use it well you should be fine.
yes a new body is fun (im getting a canon 5Dmk2 in about a week) but i'd still be happy to use that old Nikon D70 for a whole host of jobs, even though it is getting old.

hope this helps

[RichardTaylor]

I still sometimes use a Canon 350D (Rebel XT), my first DSLR, purchased in mid 2006.
IQ has actually improved as I am now using better lenses then the original kit lens and my technique has improved.

Here is one from about 2 weeks ago.




The only major noticable difference in latter cameras is noise performance, especially at high ISO.
They latter cameras will be easier to use due to improved focussing, better erganomics and possibly better focussing.

[BigFuzzy]

Has everything to do with shutter clicks. Newere models (if I recall correctly) are rated at 100,000 clicks of the shutter. How many does yours have?

Also, have you switched lens between the good and bad photos?
New technique or setting you're using?

I ask all this because it's likely to be something not kit related first.. Could also be the lens' focusing ability has degraded as well and might not be the body at all.

[Raoul Isidro]

DSLR longevity depends on the weakest link of parts.
Based on my experience:
1. Electronics
2. Sealing
3. Shutter and Mirror Box Assembly

While some may say No.3 is the first to go, it depends on how gear is used (or abused)
A studio camera may well have a longer life than a wildlife / explorer camera, given they are the same model.

[nicled]

Its possible your lenses are dirty or might have molds on them. Lens sharpness shouldn't deteriorate because of age. DLSR's however have specific actuations for each type of camera. My Nikon D40x has 55,000, iv'e used 18,500 already which is roughly 30%. there is this site on the net that checks shutter actuations. I forgot the site but you can "google" it.

[phaither]

how do you check the number of shutter clicks you've used?

[charliebear22]

I'm very new here, but it's my understanding that the number of clicks is correlated to your image name/numbering system. So unless you've changed your numbering (I do as I have several canon cameras that all number identically), your image number should give you a very good clue. My old Xti had only 5-6000 clicks on it when I sold it, and I believe it was rated for 50000.

[valleymiss]

I bought a Rebel XT about 4 or 5 years ago. It was great for about 3 1/2 years,then the photos began to be fuzzy,then it got so itb would not fire up. Had my battery charger tested and it was bad,so I bought a new battery charger and 3 new batteries,Tried it again...first time fired right up,turned it off and then it would not come on again... Sent it in to Canon and they told me it would be $193.00 to see what was wrong... Had it sent back,and finally got a Rebel XS with a 18-55 IS kit lens . I bought this one thropugh the Canon Loyalty plan and so far it seems to be working pretty well . I haven't had a chance to really tell much about it. I did make some good snow photos using the kit lense,but still have trouble with the longer ones.THis one was taken with the new camera.










Bettie

[jdepould]

It totally depends on the camera. The more expensive bodies last longer. I preordered my D700 shortly after it was announced, and it's still my main body. The D3s does better in low light (and has video), but my D700 still does better than most of the other cameras out there. I expect I'll still be using it as a backup even after I replace it.