[Ivor_Biggern]

Ive read on the net that the average lifespan of a digital SLR camera is around 150,000 actuations, what happens after that ?

Can you replace something that gives you a new lease of life or is that it ? Forgive me if it sounds a basic question as its just my knowledge is fairly basic in this area, i`m considering buying a digital SLR camera at the min.

[dazza74]

I've had my latest camera for about a year and I reckon I've only clocked up around 4,000 actuations so based on that I've got something in the region of 30-40 years life in the camera. If you get into photography your probably replace the camera within 3-4 years I'd say at the latest with something new I wouldn't worry to much about it personally.

[SomeVorn]

I think that number is for one of the more higher end cameras - eg I don't think my the shutter of my D80 will do that many but the D3 (I think) can do double that.

Its a rough guide I think, some cameras will be dropped, thrown, drowned and take 200,000 shots and it will keep on going - some will reach the 15,000 mark and despite being handled with extreme care, may just need a new shutter.

[RobDickinson]

The life is governed by a few things, but usualy its the shutter assembly thats the main physical mechanical device thats subject to wear and tear.

The low end cameras have less robust shutters and are rated at fewer actualtions, in fact canon dont publish rated shots for the xxxD line , the xxD line is usualy 100,000 or so, with the xD at 300,000 or so.

They can be repaired and replaced but it depends on the cost to do this as usualy after that long theres a newer better model out and repair prices could be high.

Unless your a pro though your unlikely to wear out a dSLR , even with 5-10,000 shots a year (a lot!) , I know someone shooting a 300D still and thats ancient!! :D

[Ivor_Biggern]

Thanks everyone, so the general consensus is that as long as i don`t take 150,000 pics a week i should be ok

[5to1]

Originally Posted by Ivor_Biggern

Thanks everyone, so the general consensus is that as long as i don`t take 150,000 pics a week i should be ok

I would prefer to say, if you get 150k shots out of it, you've got your moneys worth