Frequency of Repair Data

One of the remaining issues for me in deciding what to buy is the quality of
the body and lenses. There are several features of the Canon D20 I like
(cost and ergonomics not being high on the list), but I am concerned about
the number of posts I see here regarding problems with the camera. I also
know that there are more D20's in use, so it may just be the law of large
numbers at work.

So, my question is, does anyone know of a source that tracks the frequency
of repair of digital cameras? I would like some objective data, rather than
just opinions.

Thanks!

Walt

 

In Australia many pros don't get their cameras repaired immediately,
they buy another body and then, when the repair is done, sell the original.

I got caught in this trap with my first 20D. I sold my utterly reliable
10D to buy the second 20D as a backup. the first one had some firmware
related problems and instead of waiting to get it fixed, I put it back
in on a 1d MkII. The remaining 20D I've kept as a backup camera, knowing
all along it had a problem with close focus on autofocus... It pulled
focus about 6" past the focus point, and a problem of heating up if the
internal flash was used a lot and then it would shut down.

Well winter is setting in here and I'm off for a few weeks holiday soon
so I put the camera into Canon for repair. They quoted me 3~6 weeks!!!
Oh well I would be just as well to use my wife's P&S for happy snaps I
reasoned.

Yesterday (4 working days after I put it in) it came back air freight,
delivered to my door at no cost to me. Priority = normal, said the
invoice. I doubt anyone could complain at that now, could they?

Incidently, it pulls focus on the focus point now. Don't know about the
flash but it saya they replaced a few things...

Douglas

 

Thank you for your reply, but it isn't particularly reassuring. I don't
(won't) have the money to buy two bodies. I need a camera I can rely on.
And while Canon's service appears exemplary, I would be without a camera if
I had to send whatever I buy in for repair immediately after buying it.
That is not the kind of quality control I am looking for.

Can anyone provide reassurance that this experience is not the norm with the
20D? Again, I prefer data over personal experience.

Walt

 

I doubt that you're going to get much in the way of hard data - this
after all a general public newsgroup, not the Canon repair shop floor.

That being said, if a bunch of people report similar problems, there's
cause for concern. If not, I think you're safe.

Canon (and Nikon) have been on the whole very reliable manufacturers
over the years. Aside from firmware issues with both, and the battery
grip on the 20D, I have not heard of any major issues.

Repair frequency tends to depend on how heavily you use your equipment.
With 20k-30k exposures annually, several bodies and a dozen lenses, I
look at about $300 in repairs a year. But no one item is in the shop
more than once every 3 years, unless I have abused it.

My 10D has not yet seen the shop after 16k frames, and the 20D has seen
no repair time with about half that many exposures.

 

That's why I'm concerned. There have been several reports of focusing
problems with the 20D. And the battery grip is one of the main reasons I am
leaning toward the 20D.

I agree. But there have been a number of reports regarding the 20D, which
is the camera I am closest to settling on, and none regarding mechanical
issues with the D-70, which I wish had a vertical grip worth buying and
better high ISO performance, since the Nikon system is much more affordable.

I was hoping that Mr. Scharf or the dpreview folks would have some data, but
I guess not.

Now, if the D-100 replacement comes out next month and has 8.2 megapixels,
great high ISO performance, and retains the vertical grip, my decision will
be much easier, but I'm afraid that is just a fantasy.

Walt

 

The problem appears to have been solved with the late model grips. OTH,
I have an early model grip and have experienced no problems - though I
do make sure it is firmly attached.

I've read about some cases of focusing problems, but that can be easily
tested at the store at the time of purchase or shortly after.

And while there are legit focusing problems with some of the 20D, some I
suspect are due to mishandling or misapplication of the AF system. On
any number of occasions I have been handed camera that the owners claim
won't focus or lenses that aren't sharp (manual and AF). They work just
fine, when used properly.

I tend to shoot wide open or very close to it with fast lenses (1.2 to
2.8). If any of the camera I use (7N, 3, 10D, 20D) had focusing problems
they would go back in a heartbeat.

I'm sure one is on the way. The question is how long are you prepared to
wait. the D70 is an awfully good camera.... (as is the 20D)

 

So, my question is, does anyone know of a source that tracks the frequency

I have no idea where you are going to get hard data. I just know that both
Nikon and Canon have excellent reputations, and I'm pretty sure both
manufactures have programs for professionals that expedite repairs. That
helps a lot when you have a problem. All you can do is find as many user
opinions as you can and make a decision. If you have any Nikon or Canon
lenses already the choice should be easy.

 

That would make it easier, but I sold everything in preparation for the
switch. Everything I had was decades old anyway. Sept. 1 is d-day for me.
That's when I'll have the cash ready. So I guess I still have time to
absorb all of the collective wisdom of the group.

Walt

 

I have no problems with my 20D and I wouldn't need to go around to
announce that, so I don't know how you could get any data. We are sure
that the manufacturers won't disclose any info unless it's very serious,
like the 20D battery grip. it's a nice camera, don't worry about it.

 

Walt...
Although I have had some "bad luck" with 20Ds which I believe is
directly related to having bought early models (the first shipment) I've
looked at the alternatives of Minolta, Nikon and Pentax with a serious
view to changing camps and I can tell you absolutely that If I had to
buy a DSLR today, I'd buy another 20D in a heartbeat.

My 10D was flawless out of the box. The 1D Mk II takes no better
pictures than the 20D and it cost over 3 times as much! The grip I have
on 20D which gave me problems too, was fixed when I bent the contact
wires out to make firmer contact inside the camera battery bay.

Please yourself which you buy but considering the sheer quantity of
cameras Canon sell compared to the rest, you could reasonably expect a
few with problems. Satisfy yourself with your own compact flash card and
a store owned 1.4 50mm lens in the store that the camera is autofocusing
correctly and you probably won't have anything to worry about.

Douglas

 

That's a good idea. I'll definitely be taking the body for a test drive
before I buy.

Walt

 

You have to remember that anything like this you read in a newsgroup is not
from an unbiased sample in the statistical sense.

It is simple human nature that people with problems tend to post and those
without don't.

Lester

 

That's true, but do you have reason to believe that it is more true of Canon
users than of Nikon or Pentax users? Anyway, as I said initially, I want
data! As a scientist, it's in my nature.

Walt

 

I doubt if it is more true, but keep in mind when counting complaints that
Canon has better than 60% of the DSLR market to Nikon's 35% or so and
everyone else's less than 5% share. All things being equal, you should see a
lot more Canon complaints vs. Nikon or other DSLR brand because there are
more Canon customers.

 

Yes, and if you'll read the entire thread, that's almost exactly what I said
in the original post and the reason I asked for a source of objective data.

Walt