Is this DCS 520 camera still any good?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the DCS 520 camera, exploring its current value, functionality, and potential as a collectible item. Participants share personal experiences and opinions regarding the camera's usability compared to modern devices, as well as its historical significance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the DCS 520 is based on the Canon EOS-1N and questions its future value as a classic versus being outdated.
  • Another participant suggests that the camera may still function but raises concerns about its reliance on discontinued batteries and memory devices.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the camera's value, comparing it to other vintage cameras that have not retained worth.
  • There is mention of the camera's complexity, with one participant considering it potentially too difficult to use compared to modern cameras.
  • Concerns are raised about the camera's performance relative to smartphones, which may produce equivalent or superior images.
  • Discussion includes the importance of having good lenses, as they may retain value better than the camera body itself.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about their experience with photography and the challenges of learning to use complex equipment.
  • Another participant humorously refers to the camera as a "doorstop," indicating a lack of confidence in its usability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the camera's value and usability, with no consensus reached on whether it is a worthwhile item or merely outdated. Some believe it may still take decent pictures, while others doubt its practicality compared to modern alternatives.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various limitations regarding the camera's usability, including potential issues with battery life, data transfer, and the complexity of operation compared to contemporary devices.

Evo
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I have this camera, unopened in a box. "The DCS 500 series of 1998 was also based on the Canon EOS-1N, and comprised the 2-megapixel DCS 520 and the 6-megapixel DCS 560, which initially had a suggested retail price of $28,500."

I have the DCS 520 6 megapixel.

Of course, it's not that valuable now, maybe $400? Any of you that know cameras can tell me about it? Will it become a "classic" or an outdated old camera?
 
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"Any good?" Probably functional if it isn't running on a discontinued battery or memory device. "A valuable collectors' item?" Depends on how many like it get landfilled over the next century. I've got four 35 mm cameras, plus lenses, that cost me a bundle, and they're all now very nice, expensive junk. Last time I hit a camera show antiques (Graflex, Hasselblad, Leica) weren't down to "dime a dozen," but aren't going to cover retirement. They may come back the way LPs and turntables are coming back for fad hobbyists, but I'm not holding my breath for it any more than for a return of VCRs, 8-tracs, portable typewriters.
 
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Yeah, I saw some for sale and they were in the $400 price range. My mom had a great Leica, I have a Nikon, Cannon, and just about every other name. I was going to give this one away for Christmas, if it wasn't a PITA to use. I know it was a "professional" model, so it might be too much trouble to learn to use.

Eh, I'll see if this person has an interest in it, it supposedly had some unusual abilities. Heck, it's FREE. it could be a paperweight.
 
Evo said:
I have this camera, unopened in a box. "The DCS 500 series of 1998 was also based on the Canon EOS-1N, and comprised the 2-megapixel DCS 520 and the 6-megapixel DCS 560, which initially had a suggested retail price of $28,500."

I have the DCS 520 6 megapixel.

Of course, it's not that valuable now, maybe $400? Any of you that know cameras can tell me about it? Will it become a "classic" or an outdated old camera?

You have one of these cameras:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/kodakdcs520
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/cameras/dcs560/dcs560Index.jhtml

Unopened in a box? Even though it's not my business, I'm curious how this came to be...

Either one is effectively worthless now. Hopefully you have some good lenses- good lenses, unlike camera bodies, retain their value over time.
 
The camera was given to me about ~13-14 years ago. It looked frightening, so I never opened the box. I was hoping someone might use it, it's such a shame. It may not be up to today's standards, but surely it takes decent pictures?

My first husband was a camera buff, and tried to teach me, all of the f stops and aperture, using a light filter AAARRGH. I wanted to point and shoot. He had tons of weird filters and lenses, he accidentally took our wedding photos in infra red film, he had a dark room, he handled photography for NASA at one of their contractors. I just found it too difficult to meet his high standards. He felt "you've had two days to learn this". :oldcry:
 
Evo said:
<snip> It may not be up to today's standards, but surely it takes decent pictures?
<snip>

Probably, but it's going to be much more difficult to use than a cell phone, which will take equivalent (or even better) photos. Then there's issues like battery life/charging, getting the data off the camera, etc... presumably it can output a standard data format. I found this site that may be helpful:

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/professional/products/ekn017489.jhtml

Honestly, it's really about the lens- if you have decent lenses for the camera, it may be worth resurrecting- OTOH, for $400 you can get a modern DSLR body that outputs jpgs.
 
Andy Resnick said:
Probably, but it's going to be much more difficult to use than a cell phone, which will take equivalent (or even better) photos. Then there's issues like battery life/charging, getting the data off the camera, etc... presumably it can output a standard data format. I found this site that may be helpful:

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/professional/products/ekn017489.jhtml

Honestly, it's really about the lens- if you have decent lenses for the camera, it may be worth resurrecting- OTOH, for $400 you can get a modern DSLR body that outputs jpgs.
Thanks...so, it's a doorstop. That's what I was afraid of. :(
 
Evo said:
Thanks...so, it's a doorstop. That's what I was afraid of. :(
Well, um, if you have boxes and boxes of these $400 doorstops you want to get rid of, I have a truck, and can be over in the next few days.