How long should my new DSLR last?

[Fodrigal]

I've just ordered a Sony a350, it's my first step into SLR's and photography in general for that matter.

Spec wise I guess this camera should be more than good enough for my ability for a few years, but I wondered roughly how long you guys would expect an SLR body to actually last before you get wear and tear type issues.

I know it will all depend on how I treat it and how often I use it, but I was just aftera a rough idea of how long people expect to get out of a camera.

Thanks

Matt

 

[Flash In The Pan]

You'll have decided you want to upgrade to a new camera long before the one you've just order wears out. Treat it well and it will last for years, abuse it and you can kill a camera in days

 

[grumpybadger]

Yup, years if treated well.

 

[andrewc]

Main item that will fail is the moving parts which is the shutter and these are typically rated at a MTBF of 50,000 - 100,000 shots depending on the model. This is an average so there will be some that fail early and some that last for lot longer, but the average is quoted.

Other items will depend on how you use, store and care for your camera. Cack handed cleaning could wreck the sensor for example. Damp storage could cause internal circuits to corrode.

And then there is the freak failure - your just unlucky and something goes wrong.