Just as how cars can fail after a certain number of miles, camera shutters can go belly up after a certain number of actuations (i.e. flapping open and closed for an exposure). If you’ve ever wondered what a heavily used DSLR shutter can look like after it bites the dust, today’s your lucky day.
A time-lapse photographer over in China recently had his Canon 5D Mark II fail after shooting “many more than 100,000 actuations.” The Canon 5D Mark II has a shutter officially rated for 150,000 actuations. This particular photographer mainly shoots time-lapses with an average of 2,000 frames per project, so it’s likely the camera blew well past the 150K mark since being purchased in 2008.
After sending the camera in to Canon China, technicians replaced the shutter and returned both the repaired camera and the old, broken shutter. Here’s a short video showing what the shutter looked like:
https://petapixel.com/2017/03/21/failed-dslr-shutter-looks-like-100000-photos/
What we did learn is that Canon China charges ¥4,237 for the shutter replacement work (about $614).
So $614 for a replacement… seems pretty steep. It’s certainly an important part, the camera doesn’t function without it obviously, but $614? You can buy a new camera for that much. Not of the same quality as a 5D Mark II but still, a new camera.
What does AI have to say on the matter?
Camera parts can be quite expensive due to several factors:
- Precision Engineering and Quality Materials: Cameras, especially professional-grade ones, contain parts that require high precision engineering and quality materials to produce. These parts must ensure reliability and durability under various conditions, which means using expensive metals, high-quality glass for lenses, and advanced electronics.
- Research and Development Costs: A significant portion of the cost is due to the research and development (R&D) involved in bringing advanced photographic technologies to market. Camera manufacturers invest heavily in R&D to innovate and improve image quality, autofocus speed, light sensitivity, and other features. The cost of this R&D is recouped through the sale of camera parts and units.
- Manufacturing Complexity: The manufacturing process for camera components, especially lenses and sensor units, is complex and requires precision. This often involves specialized machinery and highly skilled labor, both of which add to the cost.
- Low Volume Production: Compared to mass-market electronics like smartphones, cameras and especially high-end models, are produced in relatively low volumes. This lower scale of production means companies cannot benefit as much from economies of scale, which keeps prices high.
- Niche Market: Professional and high-end camera equipment serves a niche market of enthusiasts and professionals who are willing to pay a premium for high-quality results. The market’s willingness to pay higher prices for better performance and quality allows manufacturers to set higher prices.
- Intellectual Property Licensing: Camera technologies often involve patented technologies. Manufacturers have to pay licensing fees for using these technologies, which adds to the cost of the final product.
- Import Tariffs and Taxes: Import tariffs, taxes, and shipping costs also contribute to the high cost of camera parts. Depending on where the parts are manufactured and where they are sold, these additional costs can significantly increase the final price.
In summary, the combination of high development costs, complex manufacturing processes, quality materials, and a niche market all contribute to the high cost of camera parts.