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General discussion

repair or replace?

Mar 29, 2005 12:32AM PST

I'm looking for comments regarding people's experiences with repairing or replacing broken compact digital cameras. What's the usual lifespan of a compact or sub-compact digital camera? What criteria do you use to decide if you're going to replace a camera, or have it repaired? I'm talking about something in the $300-$500 range, not SLR's. Any comments would be appreciated!

Discussion is locked

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Depends on country, repair cost but here..
Mar 29, 2005 7:46AM PST

It's so expensive to repair that camcorders, digital cameras under 500 bucks can exceed the cost of newer better cameras.

Even an estimate will cost you 25 to 50 bucks...

Bob

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Well, it depends !
Mar 29, 2005 10:50PM PST

Normally, the life of compact digital depends how you use your camera. CCD or CMOS sensor is the main concern for the cost of repairing ( at least $ 100 for replacement ). When expose the camera to the extreme weather & lighting, dusty environment, improver storage, humidity, and improperly camera handling, life of camera and camera's CCD or CMOS sensor quickly gets worn out. My Canon S-40 has been very good for taking pictures for the past 3 years. But,noticable, the pictures - taken during the first year - are slightly better than that - taken recently.

No digital camera seems to last longer than 5 year, disclosed by some experts. The newer model and better features always come up. Shutter life is also another concern. Unlike film cemera ( in which the shutter life endures more than 200,000 shots ), digital camera's shutter doesn't seems to last that long ( normally after 20,000-50,000 shots or so ). Perhaps, the technology design and electronics mechanics have a lot to do with that. While film cameras use the composite or steel plate the camera shutter, many digital cameras use either electronic or magnetic-mechanic the camera shutter instead.

I'd say that if you've used your compact camera a lot for the past 3-4 years, you'll soon need a new replacement. That camera has already served you well. Nevertheless, many may disagree. To me, compact digital camera is like a PC. It depends on how you use it for your works. Good and better PC technology will always show up nearly every quarter, so will a digital camera. But, you don't need to keep up with it. Just spend wisely for what you really need to use for. Good luck.