What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

I've had mine just about 2 years, and I'm noticing that the pictures are just not as clear as they used to be. I've played around with settings, but even on the same settings as before, the pictures are not as good.

I have a $100 GC to amazon.com and was thinking of buying a new digital camera. But is 2 years too soon to buy a new one? I don't want to be wasteful, if that makes sense. But I would never rely on the camera for important pictures. We borrowed my MIL's camera when we went to Italy on our HM.

What do you think? The camera would only be $150.

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

Im on my 3rd. First one was purchased in June 2001. Second one was purchased in Nov 2003. Most recent was in Dec 2006. So I've been on the 2 1/2 - 3 yr. cycle. I just found out a friend who bought their last one right before I bought mine (2003) just bought a new one too (I piggybacked on his purchase research both times) so I figured Im doing about average on camera life.

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

WE seem to get a new one every 2 or 3 years just because of the newer technology that comes out.

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

I just bought a new one after 3 years - (Canon). I spent $350 on it then, and now it is only about $99. It broke and it wasn't worth even fixing it - I think they charge like $65 to open it up.

Message edited 1/25/2007 4:38:04 PM.

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

Yay! Now I feel justified in getting a new camera!

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

This thread makes me want to go get a new one, now......

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

I've had mine for more than 1 1/2 yrs and it works just as well as when I first got it. I don't use it everyday, but it's been used PLENTY!

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

We bought one 3 years ago and it completely died on me when we were in Israel a few weeks ago. Mine is HEAVILY HEAVILY used.

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

1.5-2 years for me

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

i have had mine for 3 years. i would like a new one, b/c it has been eating up batteries lately. i also have the same camera on my phone (sony cybershot 2.1). i would like to get a new one when DH and I go to Japan sometime this year. our friends just returned and they bought a nice 10 megapixel camera (not that that really matters unless we blow up pictures) with a cool touch screen. i think a visit to the sony store in Tokyo is in order...

maybe try a new memory stick or card. they do actually get worn out.

Re: What is the average lifespan of a heavily used digital camera?

I've had mine 3 years. I think the quality is still the same.