Sony a100 dslr camera ?

You are a lucky girl, the Sony A100 is a fine camera that will last you for many years.

You may not be aware that Sony bought Minolta, so every Minolta AF lens made since 1985 works on your Sony, there are hundreds on eBay. You can also get Sony "A" mount lenses from Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, CZ etc.

Enjoy it, great camera.

I have working DSLR cameras around the lab here that are 7 years old. These are not throw-away cameras, although there are a few that die an untimely death. Stuff happens. If you take care of the camera, as mentioned by several posters already, that A100 will last many years.

It is also a damn fine camera to begin with, your Uncle gave you quite a gift.

I think your Shift key is sticky. I also think your worry too much. Just use your new old camera and have fun with it. Even if dSLRs lasted for only two years, I'm sure there will still be a group of people beaming pride to own such exceptional pieces of equipment. No, dSLRs last a long time as long as you take good care of them. The 2 years limit is crazy!

Where on earth did you hear the daft saying that DSLR's only last 2 years?? No of course its not true. Look after it (don't drop it, get it wet, you know - the obvious things) and it'll be fine. It might get outdated in a couple of years, but that's only a media driven thing in any case - if it takes images, it's fine.

It should easily last several more years if you treat it well. Just don't expose it to water and sand, avoid dust getting into it when you change lenses, and keep it clean and in a bag when you don't use it - then you should be fine.

Enjoy your camera - there is no point in having one but not using it out of fear that it may break. Also, when it finally breaks, then it's time to upgrade to a new one anyway.

I am still using a DSLR that I brought 6 years ago this month.