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

[Chris]

Randy Kramer wrote:
> OT: Thanks again for the replies on the other topic (re: disk errors that 
> occur while a Linux system is running)--I need to get back into that soon and 
> set something up.  One thing I found already is that my (fairly recent Maxtor 
> 60 GB disk (Device Model:     Maxtor 6Y060L0, Serial Number:    Y2J6SDWE, 
> Firmware Version: YAR41BW0) does not respond very well to the smartctl 
> commands, even to the "-s on" argument (and "-T verypermissive")--after I dig 
> into that a little deeper, I'll post to the list re my progress.  I may try 
> rebooting and setting SMART on in the BIOS (I probably have it off), but I 
> wouldn't think that would have any real effect, especially while I'm running 
> in Linux.
>
> 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.  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?)
>
> Other problems I should watch out for?
>
> (The one I have my eyes on is a Canon EOS Rebel, which, iiuc, was sold 
> overseas as the Model 300-D (or B?)  (It's not the XT or XTi.)
>
> Randy Kramer
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Lvlug mailing list
> Lvlug at thelinuxlink.net
> https://www.thelinuxlink.net/mailman/listinfo/lvlug
>   
I have a Cannon Digital Rebel and love it. I am much more concerned 
about companies supporting Linux these days though and would not 
purchase it again. Cannon does not support it under Linux whatsoever. It 
does work however, but it also uses a proprietary connection method 
which makes it different from most cameras.

The issues I'd be concerned about when buying an used SLR camera are 
related to dust. If the last owner used it heavily and switched lenses 
allot it could be a problem.