why SLR digital cameras are so expensive?

Question

i was just looking for an older model, like 3- or 4 mp- and the cheapest ones are 300/400$ and up. even a used camera is that much, why?

Answer 1

They offer a lot of benefits compared to regular digital cameras. The main feature is that when you take a picture, it captures the image almost instantly, instead of a normal digital which has a pause of up to a second before it captures the image. If you are photographing wildlife or fast action sports, this is essential.

Older models and used SLRs are sometimes almost as expensive as buying them new because as long as they aren't damaged, they work just as well as a new one.

If price is this big of a concern, I would recommend against buying a digital SLR. After buying the camera (referred to as the body), there are many add-ons that are almost essential. These include lenses, which can be fairly cheap all the way up to several times what you paid for the camera, and filters, which run between $20-$50 depending on the type.

I just bought a digital SLR a year ago, and have since bought several lenses for it. It is definitely a large investment, but if you're really interested in photography, it is worth it. If you just want something that can take pictures at family events and a few vacation shots, you're better off with something simpler.

Answer 2

Even film SLR's were always more expensive than point and shoot cameras.

See you need to have a proper lens mount, a mirror and a relatively fast shutter.

Also, digital SLR's have larger sensors than any compact camera, and sensor cost is based on area (not megapixels!) so, the larger the sensor the more expensive the camera.

A Sony Cybershot may have an image sensor that's about 6 x 10 mm, and cost about $200. Just for comparison, the Hasselblad H3D has a 36 x 48 mm sensor and costs $30,000.

Hope this helps!

Ignacio

Answer 3

Wow if you dont know what the answer is dont bother answering.

SLRs are more expensive because of its build quality, complex system, durability, etc. For digital cameras they are so expensive because they have a large sensor compared to comsumer cameras. SLRs ahve more complex systems to allow for expourse, manuel settings, white balence, a good sensor, etc. If you also notice that they have a stronger build quality than most consumer cameras. A consumer camera just has software built into them to do things automatically which do not always work since difficult light situations freak out the camera.

Answer 4

Here you go ... from Wikipedia ...

The price of SLRs in general also tends to be much higher than that of other types of cameras, due to the internal complexity of the device. Most SLRs use a roof pentaprism or pentamirror to observe the image via an eyepiece, but there are also other finder arrangements, such as the waist-level finder or porro prisms.

This is only aggravated by the fact that additional components, such as a flash attachment or various types of lenses, can be extremely expensive as well. Typically the initial investment in equipment is prohibitive enough to keep the casual photographer away from SLRs.

More details here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-lens_reflex_camera

Answer 5

If todays digital slr's are anything like 35mm slrs; there's nothing the camera can't do for any type of photo situation. 35mm lenses were unlimited as to what the photographer wanted to do.
Unless you really want to LEARN photography and manually set (control) every shot, no need to spend big bucks. You wouldn't need one. Check out the Canon, Sony, Nikon and Fugi brands.
a helpful Website is dpreview.com

Answer 6

With SLR digital cameras, you can fully control the output of your pictures. You get what you pay.

Answer 7

save yourself a ton of looking around, i was given a panasonic lumix digital camera it cost 299oo. it takes a video better than my best digital camera that cost 800 bucks it shows on the 16.9 wide screen like a pro. it takes a two gig card and it last for hour's before needing a charge it is so easy to operate and great to carry all the other driblle they try to sell you is bull the lumix i have is 6.5 mp's and i deffy you to find a better still or video picture any place at any cost.

Answer 8

Because regular digital cameras are more redially available.