[Lvlug] Electronic Cameras: Durability of Image Sensors, etc.?

[Scott Piccotti]

On Dec 28, 2006, at 10:15 AM, Randy Kramer wrote:
> This (New) Topic: I'm thinking about buying a used electronic  
> camera (SLR
> type), and not being real familiar with those kind of things, I'm  
> wondering
> what risks I face.

DUST!

In SLR cameras, dust can get into the camera body whenever you change  
lenses. In film cameras, this isn't so bad because you get a new  
piece of film for each picture. In digital cameras, you can take a  
hundred pictures that all have the same friggin' piece of dust on  
each one of them. Either find a body that does dust removal (Olympus,  
the new Canon), or be *very* careful.

> For example, is the image sensor something that "wears
> out" somehow after some amount of time, use, or abuse?  (I mean, I  
> know it is
> a solid-state device and you wouldn't ordinarily expect it to wear  
> out, but
> maybe things can happen that tend to make pictures "bloom" or  
> similar?)

No, it doesn't really wear out. The only place you'll see anything  
like what you're talking about is in long exposures (several  
seconds). When the sensor is left on for a while, heat and other  
factors start to introduce noise into the image. It's not a lasting  
effect though, it's just for that picture.

> Other problems I should watch out for?

I hate to sound like I'm running a commercial, but if you can swing  
it I'd encourage you to stop by Dan's Camera City. I'm not just  
saying that because I work here (full disclosure: I work here). The  
sales folk are far more knowledgeable than I am. Nobody's on  
commission. Ask all the questions you want and try out the hardware.  
I'd say to tell them I sent you, but that may not work in your favor ;-)

I'm in the market for a digital SLR myself, so I'll be bugging them  
while I'm on my lunch hour. Personally, I'm concerned about how the  
controls feel in my hands. I like my Nikon N80 (ok, my wife's N80),  
and I want something that's going to give me the same kind of quick  
control. Your needs may be different. One of the guys (or girls) here  
will be able to help you find something that's the best fit for you.

This page isn't quite done yet, but I'm working on it...
http://www.danscamera.com/Learning/dslr_guide/

  ~Scott
(corporate whore)