Should I repair a Canon 1100D after seawater damage, buy a used replacement, or save for an upgrade?
Asked 6/30/2015
3 views
2 answers
0
My Canon 1100D / Rebel T3 fell into seawater. The camera body has motherboard damage, and my lenses (18-55 and 55-250) also have damage including aperture problems. A repair shop quoted about $280 to repair the camera, but there would be no warranty on the repair. The same seller also offered me a used 1100D if I trade in my broken body and pay an additional $225. Money is a major factor for me right now.
Given the risk of seawater corrosion, would it make more sense to repair the old camera, buy the used 1100D, or save up for a newer used Canon body instead?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
3
The T3 is a very basic entry level camera. As you progress in your photography you might find that it is missing some features that you will want to use.
I would not spend any money repairing it as it will be cheaper to buy a used one.
My advice is to buy a used 500D/T2i, 550D/T3i, or even 600D/T4i. Just get whatever you can afford. These cameras have more of the features you will need and don't cost much more.
Originally by user39427. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user39427
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Repairing a camera after seawater damage is usually a poor gamble, especially with no warranty. Salt water is highly corrosive, so even if the repair gets it working again, hidden corrosion can cause more failures days or weeks later. Based on that, repairing your 1100D is the least attractive option.
Between the other choices, a used replacement body makes more sense if money is tight. But if possible, look beyond another 1100D: the 1100D is a very basic entry-level model, and a used Canon 500D, 550D, or 600D may offer more features for not much more money.
So the practical advice is:
- avoid repairing the seawater-damaged body without a warranty
- buy used if you need a camera now
- if you can wait a bit, save for a slightly newer used Canon body rather than another 1100D
Also assume any lens exposed to seawater may remain unreliable unless properly repaired or replaced.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI11y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Can a lens from a saltwater-soaked Canon XTi damage a new camera, and is the old camera repairable?
Canon G11 dust/spot in lens: repair it or replace the camera?
For wildlife on a budget, should I upgrade my lens or Canon 1100D body first?
Should I upgrade from a Canon 1100D to a 550D, or keep the 1100D and buy a better general-purpose lens?
Are some tripod heads more secure than others, and does price matter?