Lifetime of a Fuji camera?

[Samuel Jack]

What is the expected physical lifetime of a Fuji camera (or any digital camera, for that matter)?

I know many people change their cameras after a few years, so perhaps not many will have kept one for the whole of its life.

Just interested, since buying a camera is a large investment!

Sam

 

[Cassandra59044]

Samuel,

While I cannot answer your question I do have some thoughts on the subject. Digital technology is changing so rapidly that most models are "outdated" before their physical lifetime comes to an end. On the other hand they seem to be more fragile and prone to problems than comparable film cameras. (My observations and opinions.) For this reason I contacted our insurance company and for a very small fee insured my expensive digicam against loss, theft and breakage. Now I shoot more and worry less!

Cassandra

What is the expected physical lifetime of a Fuji camera (or any
digital camera, for that matter)?

I know many people change their cameras after a few years, so
perhaps not many will have kept one for the whole of its life.

Just interested, since buying a camera is a large investment!

Sam

--
http://welcome.to/cassandras-gallery
http://www.pbase.com/fuji6900

 

[harrier]

What is the expected physical lifetime of a Fuji camera (or any
digital camera, for that matter)?

366 DAYS !! ;-)

But seriously, all components are produced with a predicted "shelf-life".

They will eventually fail but it is always hoped that upgrading is a natural part of consumer life.

Unfortunately this prediction is often made by managers / directors who CAN afford to upgrade their camera every couple of years !!

Not me !

As a point of fact my previous camera (a Kodak DC240) lasted 20 months.
And NO I did not take out an extended guarantee! Have done on my 6900z though.

The repair estimate came in at £110 so it's now collecting dust in a cupboard !

Just interested, since buying a camera is a large investment!

It IS a large investment. I think if the price is right, an extended guarantee is a good thing. If it's too pricey, then the cost out ways the overall price of the camera / replacement camera.

As to reliability, there are a few "problem"posts on this forum but generally I think Fuji have a pretty reliable product.

People with "horror" stories will now jump in. So have a god read and do a bit of searching on this forum.

IF you are about to purchase a camera, I hope you enjoy it.

Regards

harrier

 

[bill sherren]

What is the expected physical lifetime of a Fuji camera (or any
digital camera, for that matter)?

My camera started seriously malfunctioning after 13 months of careful use. This was a replacement to my first 4900 which was faulty from day one! Have written to Fuji HQ in Japan and await their comments with interest.

cheers

bill

 

[Peggy Lawrey]

I have had my MX2900 for about 2 and a half years. Never have had any problems with the camera and I love it. I have taken lots and lots of pictures. I read somewhere that technology wise you should think about a new camera every two years. I am a little slow but I am thinking about the S602.

Peggy

What is the expected physical lifetime of a Fuji camera (or any
digital camera, for that matter)?

366 DAYS !! ;-)

But seriously, all components are produced with a predicted
"shelf-life".

They will eventually fail but it is always hoped that upgrading is
a natural part of consumer life.

Unfortunately this prediction is often made by managers / directors
who CAN afford to upgrade their camera every couple of years !!

Not me !

As a point of fact my previous camera (a Kodak DC240) lasted 20
months.
And NO I did not take out an extended guarantee! Have done on my
6900z though.

The repair estimate came in at £110 so it's now collecting dust in
a cupboard !

Just interested, since buying a camera is a large investment!

It IS a large investment. I think if the price is right, an
extended guarantee is a good thing. If it's too pricey, then the
cost out ways the overall price of the camera / replacement camera.

As to reliability, there are a few "problem"posts on this forum but
generally I think Fuji have a pretty reliable product.

People with "horror" stories will now jump in. So have a god read
and do a bit of searching on this forum.

IF you are about to purchase a camera, I hope you enjoy it.

Regards

harrier

--
Peggy Lawrey

 

[Irwin]

I did that too and now I worry less.

 

[Theo Lumens]

What is the expected physical lifetime of a Fuji camera (or any
digital camera, for that matter)?

I know many people change their cameras after a few years, so
perhaps not many will have kept one for the whole of its life.

Just interested, since buying a camera is a large investment!

Sam

It all depends. I bought 7 DC's up to now, and not one of them ever failed me yet. But others are less lucky.

My Casio QV10A (january 1997) still works like day 1.
My Agfa ePhoto 1680 (december 1998) is still used (heavily) by my brother.

My Fuji FP4900Z still works without problems although I don't use it much anymore.
My Fuji FP6900Z still works without problems.
My Kodak Palmpix: no problems

My Canon PS G1 and Fuji MX2900Z I have sold, both in perfect working order.

Theo

 

[elizard]

Cassandra,
What kind of insurance did you get (and was it expensive)?
-Elizabeth.

While I cannot answer your question I do have some thoughts on the
subject. Digital technology is changing so rapidly that most models
are "outdated" before their physical lifetime comes to an end. On
the other hand they seem to be more fragile and prone to problems
than comparable film cameras. (My observations and opinions.) For
this reason I contacted our insurance company and for a very small
fee insured my expensive digicam against loss, theft and breakage.
Now I shoot more and worry less!

Cassandra

What is the expected physical lifetime of a Fuji camera (or any
digital camera, for that matter)?

I know many people change their cameras after a few years, so
perhaps not many will have kept one for the whole of its life.

Just interested, since buying a camera is a large investment!

Sam

--
http://welcome.to/cassandras-gallery
http://www.pbase.com/fuji6900

 

[Cassandra59044]

One thing I might add to my earlier comments: you will take many more photos with a digicam than you did with a film camera. Digital photography is FUN and well worth the initial cost once you've decided which digicam suits your needs.

Cassandra

--
http://welcome.to/cassandras-gallery
http://www.pbase.com/fuji6900

 

[Cassandra59044]

Hi Elizabeth,

It's a rider on our homeowners' policy for $30/yr and covers the replacement cost of the camera not just its depreciated value. If something should happen to my 6900z they would either repair or replace it with a new 6900z (or more likely an S602). I've heard one can get a similar rider for digicams on renters' insurance as well.

Cassandra

Cassandra,
What kind of insurance did you get (and was it expensive)?
-Elizabeth.

--
http://welcome.to/cassandras-gallery
http://www.pbase.com/fuji6900

 

[Doug Jones]

What is the expected physical lifetime of a Fuji camera (or any
digital camera, for that matter)?

I know many people change their cameras after a few years, so
perhaps not many will have kept one for the whole of its life.

Just interested, since buying a camera is a large investment!

Samuel,

I don't know if CCDs "wear out" but I'm up to 4600 shots on my 6900 and still going strong. Even survived a solid fall which knocked the lens barrel askew at about 20 degrees. Pushed it back into position (accompanied by a plasticy ratcheting sound) and continued shooting with no apparent side effects. If I get to 10,000 shots that will work out at 19 cents (Australian) per image. (but still probably over $1 per "usable" image?)
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au