why are digital camera's so fragile? we're on our 3rd, wife dropped first 2.?

Answer 1

This point has crossed my mind in the past few weeks. No, I have not broken any cameras, but I was wondering about the differences in film vs. digital cameras and what we have come to expect. I have a Pentax Spotmatic from about 1968 and the only thing that does NOT work on it is the meter. I have a Pentax P30 from about 1990 and it's just fine. I have a Nikon D200 and I just know that it will not last as long as either of the mechanical cameras, in spite of the fact that it cost about 10 times as much.

My question (buried in an answer to you) is, "How did we ever make the leap towards accepting that digital cameras - no matter how expensive - just wont' last as long as film cameras?"

Good question.

My answer to you, though, is that they are what they are. Suppose you picked up your computer and just dropped it on the floor. Just drop it from about 6 inches off the floor. Do you think it would work - ever again? I doubt it. The hard drive wouldn't turn any more. A chip or circuit board somewhere would get broken.

A digital camera is a tiny little computer with delicate plastic parts. Everything is dependent on the computer in your camera remaining intact. If you drop the camera from 3-4-5 feet, it's like throwing your computer off the roof.

I buy 5-year warranties from Mack for my cameras. I have not had a claim, but I think it's not a bad idea. This warranty will NOT cover damage from abuse (including dropping your camera), but just knowing how many delicate parts there are inside my cameras scares me half to death. If your new camera is less than 30 days old, you can still purchase one at a certified dealer, which can be located through http://www.mackcam.com

Answer 2

I don't know why they're fragile but I've read that some cameras aer worse than otheres. Maybe there's a circuit board or other component that can't be jiggled?

When is she dropping it? If it's while carrying, I have my Nikon in a padded case and have dropped it a couple of times with no damage. If she's dropping it while taking the picture, could she have a neuro issue like MS or Parkinsons?

Answer 3

Everything these day is fragile. I rememember my parent's toaster, a featureless 5$ item that lasted for 30 years.

Nowadays, we get fancy smancy toaster with electronic control, bagel option, dials and leds, they cost 65$ and last no more than a few years. We bought 3, from reputable companies, and they all went toast (pun intended). The last one is still working but it became very slow, the elements never become red-hot and it takes 15 minutes to get a piece of toast.

This is libelal capitalism-globalism for you! The objective is sell-sell-sell at the cheapest price.

Answer 4

I think it is just the way the camera's are made. I also have a digital camera and have to be careful with mine also.

Answer 5

Add ruggedness to your list of features to look for on your next cameras: go for metal casing rather than plastic, snap-on lens caps rather than self-contained.
And for goodness sake, keep your wife away from the camera!

Answer 6

I don't think they're any more fragile than other electronics. You ought to tell your wife to be more careful with them!

Answer 7

Maybee you shouldn't let her use it any more. I haven't broken mine in 4 years. Or you could try to find a case to protect it from impact.

Answer 8

only fragile when they are dropped.
I have had mine for over 5 years.
the wrist strap comes in very handy.

Answer 9

i dunno...but i'd stick with disposable if ya since you keep dropping your cameras lol

Answer 10

don't let your wife touch cameras.