Get a new camera every 150,000 pictures?

[pedro]

Well, I purchased my 5D3 in August 2012. As I mostly do nightscapes (never did timelapses) I get home from my regional trips with less than 50 frames. Maybe this behaviour goes back to the film days, you had one roll of 36 or 24 slides and that was it. So one didn't fire off too many frames at a time. After about 16 month the shutter count of my device is at 8817. Last frame taken last night. At this rate it is good for at least another 15 years ;-) But I guess once a 5DV rolls out, I might use it less, hoping for better high ISO IQ (25k and 51k) in the overnext product cycle...till then I'll do my workouts with the finest camera I've ever had. Only better high ISOs in an upcoming model can prevent me from using it on a regular base. As I rarely take more than 200 pics during extreme shooting (holidays can get as high as 500 frames), it will last for quite some time.

 

[scottkinfw]

If you are using this camera, you are happy with it, and it is meeting your needs, keep it until it no longer doesn't. Then, either keep it as a backup, or give it away, or sell it with full disclosure. If on the other hand, you are thinking, time to get a new camera, and sounds like it might be near the end of life, well, maybe you just have the bug to buy a new camera?

Whatever you do, I agree that ethics do matter. It is a character thing.

Scott

I take about 78,000 pictures every year with my T3i. I read that entry-level DSLRs can take about 150,000 pictures. I have had mine for about two years. So, it may have taken over 150,000 pictures. Should I sell it and get a new one now?

 

[Marsu42]

I've never heard this and think it is a little funny. You guys know the shutter blades move at the same speed for 4 second photos as they do for 1/4000 of a second right? It is the gap, or time in between the blades moving that determines the shutter speed.

It's Canon *Rumor* for a reason, right ?

I've picked up the "high shutter speed" theory along the way, and as you note several people did so without anyone objecting yet. The theory as far as I remember is that the shutter blades stop more sudden at higher shutter speeds, meaning the exact difference of your statement that's it's the same speed in any case.

I know that the shutter mechanism works differently on different models, on Rebels the shutter movement is coupled to the mirror while on xxd+ it's independent. It would be nice to get more input about this, because I'm actually trying to avoid the highest shutter speeds for this reason.

 

[Maven]

You can get the shutter replaced. I heard it's not that expensive.

I look at service center price: shutter replacement 600D = 182$
I think they may "insist" on camera diagnostics (50$) and cleaning (25$).
It's half the price of a new body. And if some electronics goes off later, or broken usb ports, or LCD - it's cheaper to buy new body from the start.
IMO if selling price + repairs is more than new body, keeping it until it breaks completely is pointless, unless you want to keep money and wait for new model, but need a camera right now and will take that risk.
I've seen used 5D2 with 170K shutter (some pics in series of shots - just black), burned USB-port (only using card reader) and some other things. It was in working condition, but repairing cost was more than 1200$.

 

[dolina]

I'd get a new camera everytime I "need" a new one. All four of my bodies are 4ish years old. If I start shooting as frequently as once a week I may upgrade all of em to the next bodies Canon will release.

 

[verysimplejason]

I take about 78,000 pictures every year with my T3i. I read that entry-level DSLRs can take about 150,000 pictures. I have had mine for about two years. So, it may have taken over 150,000 pictures. Should I sell it and get a new one now?

In my opinion, you only sell your camera if fixing its shutter is worth more or near than selling it or if you upgrade substantially (like from APS-C to full frame or from a rebel type AF to a better AF due to a requirement). As I quote a Filipino photographer, Anthony Barlan,

"It’s not about how expensive your gear is, either. Good photographers could still take breath-taking pictures even with just their cell phones. Photography is about your creative use of your imagination, your ability to see a picture in your mind’s eye even before you capture it in your camera; it’s about your willingness to capture interesting subjects thru skills that you need to continuously work on. So always remember to “invest in your skills; not your gear”.

Some of his work here for inspiration...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthonybarlan

 

[pedro]

I take about 78,000 pictures every year with my T3i. I read that entry-level DSLRs can take about 150,000 pictures. I have had mine for about two years. So, it may have taken over 150,000 pictures. Should I sell it and get a new one now?

In my opinion, you only sell your camera if fixing its shutter is worth more or near than selling it or if you upgrade substantially (like from APS-C to full frame or from a rebel type AF to a better AF due to a requirement). As I quote a Filipino photographer, Anthony Barlan,

"It’s not about how expensive your gear is, either. Good photographers could still take breath-taking pictures even with just their cell phones. Photography is about your creative use of your imagination, your ability to see a picture in your mind’s eye even before you capture it in your camera; it’s about your willingness to capture interesting subjects thru skills that you need to continuously work on. So always remember to “invest in your skills; not your gear”.

Some of his work here for inspiration...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthonybarlan

This is a great quote by a higly gifted pro. And I'd say he's dead on with it. I allowed myself to post this to my fb, mentioning canonrumor.com as source.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

The shutter mechanism can last much longer than the expected lifetime, but it is a lottery in which only a few are rewarded. At the time of the photographic film, the durability of a camera was measured in decades. Considering a wedding photographer who worked moderately with his camera, he could use 10 rolls of film per week, or 520 rolls per year (520 X 36 = 18720). Therefore, the 1-year period the camera could make 18720 shots, and at 10 years 187.200. However, at that time the flash sync speed was around 1/60, and rarely wore faster than 1/200, since the ISO was low. Remember that cameras had no weather sealing, and much dirt came from the back cover every time you changed the film.

 

[NostraHistoria]

I sold it and I got a new T3i. The difference in picture quality is dramatic. I am not sure if there was dust in the sensor or the camera was just worn out, but the old one was producing poor pictures. Great move on my part.

 

[Zv]

I sold it and I got a new T3i. The difference in picture quality is dramatic. I am not sure if there was dust in the sensor or the camera was just worn out, but the old one was producing poor pictures. Great move on my part.

Let me get this straight - so you replaced your old but still functioning T3i with a new T3i because the old one had a high shutter count? And now you see a difference in image quality and blame it on dust?

Why didn't you just clean the sensor? And if you did decide to buy an new camera why did you get the exact same model? Why not a T4i?

 

[IMG_0001]

A little late in the thread now that the OP bought a new camera but still...

I think that an often overlooked bit of information about warranties and reliability claims from manufacturers is that an overwhelming majority of the device population is required to exceed the claimed life expectancy in order to avoid costly replacement under warranty. It can therefore be expected that the claimed life expectancy would actually be that of the weakest fraction of the population that survived child death. In other words, don't worry too much if you are a hobbyist.

Regardsq

 

[NostraHistoria]

I sold it and I got a new T3i. The difference in picture quality is dramatic. I am not sure if there was dust in the sensor or the camera was just worn out, but the old one was producing poor pictures. Great move on my part.

Let me get this straight - so you replaced your old but still functioning T3i with a new T3i because the old one had a high shutter count? And now you see a difference in image quality and blame it on dust?

Why didn't you just clean the sensor? And if you did decide to buy an new camera why did you get the exact same model? Why not a T4i?

I did not look into the T4i, but the T5i does not make better pictures according to one site I read. I am waiting for the new 1DX to come out. If it will have over 20 MP, I will probably get it.

As for the sensor cleaning, I am not sure if that was the problem or what. However, I am still new to DSLRs. My first camera was an old Canon with maybe 3MP. In 2007, I got the Canon TX1. In 2010, I got the Canon SX210 IS. In 2012, I got the T3i. The flagship is next.

I will check out cleaning my sensor in the future. I simply never heard of anyone doing before.

 

[Zv]

I sold it and I got a new T3i. The difference in picture quality is dramatic. I am not sure if there was dust in the sensor or the camera was just worn out, but the old one was producing poor pictures. Great move on my part.

Let me get this straight - so you replaced your old but still functioning T3i with a new T3i because the old one had a high shutter count? And now you see a difference in image quality and blame it on dust?

Why didn't you just clean the sensor? And if you did decide to buy an new camera why did you get the exact same model? Why not a T4i?

I did not look into the T4i, but the T5i does not make better pictures according to one site I read. I am waiting for the new 1DX to come out. If it will have over 20 MP, I will probably get it.

As for the sensor cleaning, I am not sure if that was the problem or what. However, I am still new to DSLRs. My first camera was an old Canon with maybe 3MP. In 2007, I got the Canon TX1. In 2010, I got the Canon SX210 IS. In 2012, I got the T3i. The flagship is next.

I will check out cleaning my sensor in the future. I simply never heard of anyone doing before.

It's very easy to do. Remove the lens and then switch on the camera. Go to menu settings under one of the yellow tabs is an option for sensor cleaning. There's an option to do it manually and it basically flips up the mirror so you can see the sensor. You can do an easy blow air into it method via compressed air or use a cleaning kit if it's really filthy. When done just switch the camera off and the mirror flips down.

It cost's like $10 - 20 to have it cleaned at a shop. They do the exact same thing.

There are Youtube videos for how to do it.

To check wether you need to clean it first just take a picture of a white sheet of paper (make sure the paper is spotless!) and set aperture to f/22. Try defocusing using MF. Then upload to your PC and check every part of the image for dark spots. Zoom in to get a better look. Dark spots = dust and grime.

It goes without saying but I will anyway - make sure the lenses are clean and you are not using a filter.

 

[thgmuffin]

I sold it and I got a new T3i. The difference in picture quality is dramatic. I am not sure if there was dust in the sensor or the camera was just worn out, but the old one was producing poor pictures. Great move on my part.

Let me get this straight - so you replaced your old but still functioning T3i with a new T3i because the old one had a high shutter count? And now you see a difference in image quality and blame it on dust?

Why didn't you just clean the sensor? And if you did decide to buy an new camera why did you get the exact same model? Why not a T4i?

I did not look into the T4i, but the T5i does not make better pictures according to one site I read. I am waiting for the new 1DX to come out. If it will have over 20 MP, I will probably get it.

As for the sensor cleaning, I am not sure if that was the problem or what. However, I am still new to DSLRs. My first camera was an old Canon with maybe 3MP. In 2007, I got the Canon TX1. In 2010, I got the Canon SX210 IS. In 2012, I got the T3i. The flagship is next.

I will check out cleaning my sensor in the future. I simply never heard of anyone doing before.

I hope your rotating lens hood is serving you well

Also, I'm pretty sure you remember that your EF-S lenses won't work on the 1D series...

Especially if you're only taking pictures of books

 

[AcutancePhotography]

I take about 78,000 pictures every year with my T3i.

I just have to ask, what are you photographing that you are averaging over 200 pictures every day of the year?

Yikes!

 

[NostraHistoria]

I take about 78,000 pictures every year with my T3i.

I just have to ask, what are you photographing that you are averaging over 200 pictures every day of the year?

Yikes!

Books six days a week. I think I have over 1.5TB of pics of books.

When I go out taking pictures, I take anywhere from 100 to 1000 pics in one day. It all adds up.

Selling the camera was the smartest move. Now, I have a new camera, warranty, and superior pictures. Now, all Canon has to do is release a super upgraded 1DX so I can sell this T3i and buy the new 1DX.

 

[thgmuffin]

I take about 78,000 pictures every year with my T3i.

I just have to ask, what are you photographing that you are averaging over 200 pictures every day of the year?

Yikes!

Books six days a week. I think I have over 1.5TB of pics of books.

When I go out taking pictures, I take anywhere from 100 to 1000 pics in one day. It all adds up.

Selling the camera was the smartest move. Now, I have a new camera, warranty, and superior pictures. Now, all Canon has to do is release a super upgraded 1DX so I can sell this T3i and buy the new 1DX.

Why do pictures of books require a 1DX type camera that is made for sports/professional work?

If I were taking pictures of books I'd want a high MP with good quality stuff. Something like a 6D/5D MK III will serve you well...

Plus you can use that extra $4000 saved for the sharpest lenses.

 

[bholliman]

Why do pictures of books require a 1DX type camera that is made for sports/professional work?

If I were taking pictures of books I'd want a high MP with good quality stuff. Something like a 6D/5D MK III will serve you well...

Plus you can use that extra $4000 saved for the sharpest lenses.

+1 the 6D is plenty of camera for shooting books. You didn't go into detail about what you shoot beyond books, but a 6D will serve you very well if you are shooting primarily landscapes and portraits and not a high percentage of sports, fast action or birds in flight. The 5D3 is a step up from the 6D with the most notable difference a superior AF system and excellent all-around camera.

The 1D series cameras are awesome and most of us would love to own one. The AF system, build and features are all professional level. If you have the money and want one, go for it! I just don't see any real "need" for a 1D camera given your list of intended uses.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

I take about 78,000 pictures every year with my T3i.

I just have to ask, what are you photographing that you are averaging over 200 pictures every day of the year?
Yikes!

Books six days a week. I think I have over 1.5TB of pics of books.
When I go out taking pictures, I take anywhere from 100 to 1000 pics in one day. It all adds up.
Selling the camera was the smartest move. Now, I have a new camera, warranty, and superior pictures. Now, all Canon has to do is release a super upgraded 1DX so I can sell this T3i and buy the new 1DX.

Looks like our friend Customized Macs (who changed his name) continues photographing books. Nothing wrong with that. However, he continues to ignore the recommendations of the majority of members CR. Why does he keep asking if it will always ignore the answers and do the opposite of what was recommended? Want to buy 1DX for photographing books? Great, go ahead because it's your money. But do not talk out there that the CR community has recommended 1DX for the use you intend. Do not say that the CR community told you that the most expensive camera is always the most suitable for any job. Do not talk that the lens is an item of little importance, because the best camera that will do there best picture, regardless of the lens. Do not talk that the best camera alone will make more accurate adjustments of the photographer behind her. Honestly, for the use you describe seems to me that Nikon D800E + 85mm F1.4 would give you more details to pixel peeper. Even if money is no problem, even so for the job you want 1DX is not the best camera. Do not forget that EF- S lenses do not work on 1DX. However, good news is that the new Canon 18-55mm STM, was designed specifically for use petal-type lens hood, it looks quite cool.

 

[stringfellow1946]

Canon suggested Shutter counts are total rubbish. I had a 1DS Mk3 that the shutter failed at 47000 actuations (canon checked). Yet canon would have us believe that the 1DS Mk3 is good for 250000 actuations, yea right!!
Yours ain’t broke so don’t fix, mine was broke so I got it fixed it. SIMPLES