Reliability

Foxbat Flyer

Foxbat Flyer

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Chris
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I’ve always assumed that lenses are likely to be more reliable than camera bodies – fewer moving parts and all that - but given the popularity of image stabilising systems built into lenses, is that a true perception, or is a lens likely to fail as much as a body? I know there's an element of luck, but I am hoping to get some general feedback based on peoples experiences.

Was thinking about buying from overseas and the potential cost saving against the hassle of shipping faulty items half way around the world in the event of a fault during the guarantee period.

I have a lens bought as a present from overseas and as the next purchase could well be something like a 60D or a 7D, I’m trying to gather some opinions on the reliability, before hitting the credit card.

Any thoughts or opinions as to the relative reliability of bodies v lens?

Chris
 
From what I gather reading on here, lenses usually have international warranty whereas cameras don't. So a purchase of a camera from overseas is a bit more risky. Reliability wise I'd think that cameras with more parts that can go wrong would be the instrument most likely to go faulty. On the other hand. Drop them both and I know which I'd rather have my money on to survive.
 
Well my camera has 1 moving part (2 if you count the articulating screen) and that's buried within the body. Lenses rely on quite basic screw mechanisms mostly, and now have motors for AF, and IS. Not to mention the whole thing being about 90% glass, I know hat I'd rather have a good warranty on!
 
Both the 60D and 7D wont let you down and funnily enough the prices are coming right down for a UK spec model of both!

As far as reliability is concerned, it may be worth paying the small difference for a UK ship back IF something does go wrong.
 
well both have mechanical parts so both are likely to as fail as each other really.
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But these days its the electronics that fail and cost the most, mechanical stuff is generally reliable, my 6 week old D300s has just had a new circuit board - its pot luck these days and I was unlucky!
 
neil_g said:
extremely true, mass produced consumer electronics can be very hit and miss with reliability.
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Thanks for all the comments & feedback guys.

I think you have it right Neil - hit and miss, luck of the draw etc.

When the time comes, I'll just have to check the warranty situation with whoever I buy from.

All I have to do is make sure I leave my CC at home when it's time to visit Focus on Imaging - I don't need another camera yet!

Chris
 
Dave Pickett said:
But these days its the electronics that fail and cost the most, mechanical stuff is generally reliable, my 6 week old D300s has just had a new circuit board - its pot luck these days and I was unlucky!
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The reliability of any mechanism is subject to statistical scatter (try saying that fast after you've had a few pints). A shutter mechanism, for example, may be rated at 150,000 shots, which means that the majority will last for about 150,000, a tiny minority will last for 300,000 shots and some will fail after a few weeks.

There's also a phenomenon termed the Friday afternoon job. If your product was made on a Friday afternoon, by someone who was tired and thinking of the weekend, then it's likely to be less reliable than one made earlier on in the week.
 
I've always found that electronics either goes quickly or lasts quite a long time. The mechanical stuff tends to be more hit and miss...
 
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