Are SLR's a good investment?

Question

From my experience digital cameras are made to last about 5yrs and I take alot of pictures. Im looking to buy the Canon 30d and I plan on traveling alot next summer. Should I wait to get it then or will it be ok to buy it now.

I guess basically Im asking if you take good care of it will a SLR last long or will you need to upgrade it after awhile?

Answer 1

Regarding the answers you've gotten so far..
Freddie: The 5D provides better image quality, less features, and it costs about twice as much as a 30D. These two models target different markets.
Dr. Sam: Actually the 30D is tested for 100,000 actuations. The cheaper Rebel line is tested for 50,000. Sound advice & my vote for best answer.
Panacea: When the 30D came out earlier this year, Canon users were 'underwhelmed'. It's an updated 20D really, and it hardly deserves a new model number. Some Canon fans were outright shocked when Canon then announced the cheaper Rebel XTi would have more megapixels than the 30D. Canon needed to make the XTi a 10MP camera to keep up with the competition, but indeed this does create an odd (but not unprecedented) situation within the Canon line-up... which may or may not be ironed out by next spring. Still, the 30D is a great camera and the better build quality and more advanced features fully justify the price difference.
A dude: Canon generally updates or replaces its bodies every 18 months. These updates are usually minor though - as opposed to say, Nikon: they tend to wait as long a four years between replacement models and then make a quantum leap. If you have Canon lenses, it's a no-brainer to stick with Canon. If you don't, you could consider the Pentax K10D, the Nikon D80 or D200, etc.
More than a hat rack: Again, the 30D is rated for 100,000 shots. If you take 200 pictures a week, every week, it should last about 10 years. At that point, replacing the shutter will cost about $300. Like Panacea mentioned however, by that time, you'll probably want to upgrade and get a new camera.
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Bottom line, if you want to take pictures NOW, the 30D is a great camera. There's no reason not to get it.
If you want to save a few bucks, get a 20D, possibly a Rebel XT(i), or wait until spring.

Answer 2

The sensor and curtain in an SLR will have a limited life. This "limited" life is at least 50,000 cycles, though. The 30d might be more, but I am not familiar with the specifications. Many upscale DSLR's are rated at 100,000 cycles. Decide how this fits into the overall scheme of things and decide if it will suit younr needs well into the future.

I read your question again and, if you can WAIT until next summer to buy your camera, go ahead and wait. Well, wait until spring anyway. There will undoubtedly be so much new stuff out there it will make your head spin. Or, the 30D that you want will go down 20% in price. I say wait until spring (instead of summer) so you wil be able to learn how to use the camera before you go away. As far as "obsolete," I say there is no such thing. As long as a camera takes pictures that you like and get use, it is not obsolete. Just because there are newer models or upgrades does not make something obsoletel. If you order a computer, before it is even delivered, it's "obsolete." Cameras are not quite that bad, but there are new models or major revisions at least once a year at any particular price point for every brand.

Personally, I think I agree with Panacea about looking at the Rebel XT (350D), but mostly because it specs out pretty similar to the 30D and costs about $500 less, although the 30D may have more pro-oriented features. I'm not a Canon buff, so I don't keep track...

Answer 3

The 30D is already obsolete. Instead, buy the new Digital Rebel XTi (it's actually cheaper). Buy the body only and invest in a decent lens (which will last as you upgrade the camera years later if you take care of it). Although, 5 years from now, there will probably be dramatic improvements in camera technology, dSLR cameras are already at the point where this is a non-issue for most people. You can only improve things so much before it just doesn't matter anymore for standard applications.

The camera, however, is semi-disposable. Unless you are a hard core professional photographer, the camera will last a loooong time. When it wears out, you will probably upgrade rather than repair it. I expect this will become incredibly cheap.

Answer 4

They are not a good investment, every few months new models come out, and they are cheaper then the one they replace, so the longer you wait, the cheaper it will cost. Lenses are where you make your investment, they have a much longer life.

But, think of all the pictures you might not take if you don't buy it soon, that is the trade off.

And lastly, I must input my .02, check out the Pentax K10d, it looks like a real nice DSLR.

Answer 5

no. lenses are investments. digital SLR's are not good investments from a monetary stance. however, they take excellent photos.

Answer 6

go for Canon 5D