Does anybody know how long a Camera (5D in my case) last?

There is this limit of the 150.000 - 200.000 shutter clicks. (http://oneslidephotography.com/fact-about-dslr-shutter-count/) . I had to replace the shutter button once, no problems since then. Beyond that, how long does your Cam already last? Did you have defect cameras in the past?

Mine has already 2,5 years, more or less 30.000 frames shot (I wish my Profile had the same size ) and I can`t wait to get a reason for buying a d800

Good question- Here is my a take. You can get a new camera whenever you want to do so. Yes, you can justify your purchase but why? Just get what you want if you can afford why not! Yeah, I could use my camera or computer for five years but I never do! I upgrade usually after 2/3 years and either sell my older equipment or just give it to my family/friend. I love it when my friends keep a computer for 8 years and complain that word 2010 is running slow- they ask me if their computer is a dinosaur - heck, I tell them it is a fossil since a dinosaur is implying that the computer is still a live! The why technology is changing I would even consider after 2 years as long as you have the money and enjoy what you are doing why not!

And when my significant other worries I just tell her how much my  co-workers spend on alcohol per year! Plus I make money on my hobby where my beer drinking co-workers don't lol...

I am back with more- Here is one person told me a while back on when it is time to upgrade your camera- I thought this was a great answer myself!

"Let's be realistic for a moment. You can get a million different answers to your question, but truly there is usually one answer that stands out more than any of the others:

It's time to upgrade your camera when you WANT to upgrade your camera and that's all you can think about any more. When you have the money on-hand and you can't think of anything else you'd rather spend it on...that's when it's time to upgrade. That's what the camera manufacturers want you to do.

Two, maybe three years ago, I made up my mind that I WANTED full-frame. Lucky for me, Canon had just released the 5D Mark II. It was full-frame, it had high-res video, it was nice and solid and heavy. I was a Nikon user. I basically threw away (gave to my wife) all my Nikon gear and ordered the 5D2. I had to have new lenses. I had to have a new flash. I dropped a lot of coin. Thing is, I didn't need it. It didn't make me a better photographer. It did allow me to capture shots more easily that I would have had to work harder to do with the Nikon. I have benefited from the better sensor. I love the larger LCD over the D70. Simply, I WANTED the new camera.

This is the best answer I've got and probably the best answer you'll get. Great photographers can make great photos with most whatever they put in their hands. The rest of us might gain a confidence boost with new gear, and if that's what it takes, so be it.

When you're ready to buy a new camera, that's when it will be time for a new camera. "

Oh, you just open the door to the most popular question. The camera doesn't make the photographer thus you could go out and get a Rebel T2i with kit lenses and make more money that a guy with a Nikon D800E with Zeiss lenses.   Don't over analyze it- I you want it get it. I wanted a two seat convertible and everyone told me it wasn't practical- but you know what? I love my Z370 Convertible...

In the past I had a 5D that must have had a really, really big shuttercount because I used it for years, daily.
Then luckily 5D mkII came along and I upgraded my camera. After a couple of years I started to think about the shuttercount again, and I bought another 5D mkII and started to have the old 5D mkII as a backup body. After that - Peace of mind! I almost always carry two 5D mkII bodies, it calms my mind to know that if one of them breaks, I still have the other one and my photoshoot will be saved just by changing the body!

Exactly one of my points...I will go e.g. on a two month trip soon and wonder if I should get another 5d as a backup (or the d800, which would imply having to have to buy a bunch of new lenses and tons of extra weight to carry). I would be calmer with a backup...

#1 "When you're ready to buy a new camera, that's when it will be time for a new camera."

That covers it.

There was a site with people reporting shutter failures for their camera model. (can't find it now?) I mean one had 50 so obviously something was flawed, it's not valid data. Anyway, say the shutter is rated at 200,000 average life, then my camera at 100,000 is getting there. Like anything else, it could go for 300,000 or pop tomorrow? If it's not broken, don't fix it!

#2 How much would having the camera die on a job, be a BIG problem. For me I carry two cameras, have a 20D as a backup, it will do. The lenses are the same, so I'm covered in an emergency. So what I'm hinting at, is it's more about upgrading when possible and having a backup, than replacing?

With that in mind #1

Other considerations, #3 where is your brand in the cycle of models. Say every two years Canon comes out with a new 5D model, and it's almost time for the next one to be released. Do you want the latest sensor, processor and features, (for top dollar) or want the previous model, after it's all de-bugged and has stability, probably at a discount since it's "old" technology. There's also the whole cards and batteries issue, are they the same, or the latest Wizz-Bang version, which will dig into your pockets for more cash?

I don't jump brands or Mfg. I don't buy "other" Mfg. lenses for my camera. In fact I don't even buy into the Zeiss on your Canon or Nikon theory. A good L lens or top lens by either of those camera makers, is hardly going to be surpassed by some snob appeal, name on a Zeiss. Like my friend who will only shoot a Leica. Folks those days are passed. Fine well made equipment, but you are paying for a designer label!

#4 Are you upgrading? Then it's always #1, isn't it?    Where is the new model in the Mfg. cycle? See #3

What I'm getting at, is you can decide that NOW is always a good time, based on new features, bigger, better, finances or anything else. Shutter count is hardly a major reason. It's unknown and if you aren't over the estimated - design probability - hypothetical number, and won't be missing a scheduled shoot if the camera breaks suddenly and have a backup, then what TAB62 said.

velocicarpo my question is why would you switch from Canon to Nikon when you have (I'm guessing) a supply of Canon accessories and lenses already. Is the D800 that advanced or that much better for some reason, that you will divorce your Canon family and go for the new attractive sexy Nikon that just came into your life? LOL

Found it and I don't want to lose the information in the rambling message.

http://olegkikin.com/shutterlife/canon_eos5dmkii.htm

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Shutter Life Above

Also there are some more for anyone interested: Type your camera into the search box, the page only displays some of the popular models, there are many more.

http://olegkikin.com/shutterlife/

Quote from: tab62 on April 05, 2012, 16:24

#1 "When you're ready to buy a new camera, that's when it will be time for a new camera."

velocicarpo my question is why would you switch from Canon to Nikon when you have (I'm guessing) a supply of Canon accessories and lenses already. Is the D800 that advanced or that much better for some reason, that you will divorce your Canon family and go for the new attractive sexy Nikon that just came into your life? LOL

agree! why switch brands? Happy to welcome you into the Nikon family of course but why would you switch? I don't want to upgrade to the D800 cos the battery is different and I'd have to buy 3 more batteries too *yes I have a phobia of dead batteries, and yes, I'm that tight I baulk at the extra $100 for new batteries, on top of a new body cost* and doesn't it also only take the new CF cards?  the hassle of new accessories is enough of a turn off at this stage. $450 for the genuine grip?!!! ouchie. 

clearly I'm not ready to upgrade!! happy to be in that space.

It may not even matter if your camera was used by a Starship trooper or a Muppet?

I guess that's me covered then - but I am willing to sell him a 5D or 5d MkII at a very reasonable price (no returns).

Quote from: RacePhoto on April 06, 2012, 15:36

Quote from: tab62 on April 05, 2012, 16:24

#1 "When you're ready to buy a new camera, that's when it will be time for a new camera."

velocicarpo my question is why would you switch from Canon to Nikon when you have (I'm guessing) a supply of Canon accessories and lenses already. Is the D800 that advanced or that much better for some reason, that you will divorce your Canon family and go for the new attractive sexy Nikon that just came into your life? LOL

agree! why switch brands? Happy to welcome you into the Nikon family of course but why would you switch? I don't want to upgrade to the D800 cos the battery is different and I'd have to buy 3 more batteries too *yes I have a phobia of dead batteries, and yes, I'm that tight I baulk at the extra $100 for new batteries, on top of a new body cost* and doesn't it also only take the new CF cards?  the hassle of new accessories is enough of a turn off at this stage. $450 for the genuine grip?!!! ouchie. 

clearly I'm not ready to upgrade!! happy to be in that space.

Well, at first, I wanted to purchase some new lenses anyhow (Wideangle and Fisheye - Sigma has a beautiful 8mm - and another one still undefined which goes up to 300mm or more - I got one but a crappy quality one). So I will throw some money anyhow. The second reason is that I just wanna have something new in my hands every now and then. The third reason is that it seems that always one or the other are on top, so I may switch back to canon in two years or use the two at the same time depending on tasks. Fourth reason: Megapixel - I love to photoshop - alot - and sometimes in a extreme way, so I have to downscale MANY images in order to safe the quality.