Servicing DSLR, whats required?

[RR5L]

Im looking to buy a new or possibly second hand DSLR camera, and I'm curious as to what kind of servicing is required for these cameras, at what intervals and by whom. Without getting into a ford holden type debate can you please list what is required for both Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras.

[dmdigital]

As long as its been well looked after and is clean and dust free, not a lot. The sensor should be dust free (no spots in same place on every photo). Main thing to watch would be the shutter actuation count as depending on the camera it can vary from 20,000 to over 200,000 before failing. There's a few places on the web that tell you how to check this and what each camera is capable of.

[big guy]

In brief, NOTHING.

When something goes wrong, its usually terminal.

[sandyian]

The only real moving part in the body is the shutter. Older base models like the 20d are good for about 30,000 frames, the Nikon D3 is good for about 300,000 frames. There are a few dust and water seals in the higher end models but you don't really service those, and most of the cameras wouldn't be old enough for the rubber to rot yet.

The focus motor and aperture mechanicals are generally within the lens these days so the body itself just has contacts, so with regard to your question this means less parts in the bodies to wear out. Some older Nikon lenses require the body has a focus motor, so that's one more part that could wear out, but the lower end bodies don't have this feature so it depends on what model. The Canon EOS lenses all have their AF motors in the lens as well as the aperture control so other than the shutter there isn't much to wear out.

[rocket scientist]

My 20D is well past 30,000 frames and still going strong. I think the critical figure for the Prosumer DSLR's is 100,000 frames, but remember there was never a frame count concern with film cameras, and the mechanicals are really no different.
I use a sensor swab with no problems, though you just need to be careful, and make sure you get the right one.

[RR5L]

Thanks for the replys so far, I asked due to various comments Ive seen on evilbay like the nikon had service intervals at 20000 exposures, the sensor just been cleaned etc.

[dmdigital]

...but remember there was never a frame count concern with film cameras, and the mechanicals are really no different...

The frame count applies to any camera shutter. They will eventually wear out. Film camera's are just as susceptible as digital. What has changed over time is the type of shutter.