Second hand DSLR cameras?

How long do you think second hand dslr canon and nikon cameras last? 1 year? 2 years or more?

I just sold one (Nikon D100) that was made in 2002 and it still produces excellent images, no different then when it was new ($2, 000 with no lens at that time).

If a camera is protected from physical damage, they last for a long, long time. I have a Nikon F4 that was made in 1988 and it is still performing perfectly.

Look for good used dSLR cameras on craigslist in a city near you.

Why? Because you can check it out before you spend your money and do not have to deal with the cost of shipping.

Buying used is always a risk. Not just because of longevity but how has it been treated? Has it been beaten up? Wet? Dropped? And any number of other possibilities. It's amazing to me how little care people take for their camera gear. A professional, like me, can make a good camera last 15-years.
Some people can't make them last 15-minutes.

Thing about all those things before buying. And, as David mentioned, be sure you can shoot with it, look at the photos once uploaded, inspect the camera and lenses before spending a single dime.

It depends on the condition of the camera when you got it and how you take care of the camera when you already have it. I have purchased secondhand Pentax and Nikon dSLR's a couple of years (or more) ago for my wife and teenage sons and they still work perfectly today.

Well depends on how it is handled and how many shutter actions.

Pro's handle their gear better but also allot more then the usual amateur. So amateur might sell a DSLR with only 20.000 actuations [mirror movements]

While the pro might own one at 80.000. But on the other hand. The pro also is more willing to repair the camera. Yes if the pro feels that the cameras shutter needs repair the pro gets it repaired. And that "resets" the shutter lifetime.

So with a pro there's more use on the body but you also know what it has been through. Plus pro bodies are stronger build.

Entry level bodies are made of cheaper materials and their shutters have less a lifetime then the pro bodies. BUT in return. The amateurs doesn't shoots at much.

As you see it balances out, yes you can find some lovely second hand DSLR"s on the market. They can offer you I say 3-4 years yes. Maybe longer. In specs they will be old fashioned but even entry level bodies are well enough build to last at least 5-10 years. YET depending on use.

Buy one from an owner that doesn't smokes.smoking kills electronics.