Quote Originally Posted by Anbesol
DSLR's have pentaprisms which slap up and down with each shutter release; generally speaking a solid nice build body could expect at least 100,000 shutter actuations. However, in point and shoots this is quite a bit different, namely because there is no pentaprism, and the primary sensor is in use constantly (it is what produces the electronic display). So there is not even close to any realistic way to give an expected longevity of a camera in how many shots it has taken. I've seen them in several thousands to several tens of thousands. Some things worth noting: when not being used for extended periods, remove the battery and replace when you want to use it, and always keep it in a dry place. The carrying case you chose can majorly impact how much wear and tear reaches the camera, look at some of the Pelican cases.
Thanks Anbesol. Yes, I am looking at point and shoot type cameras – but on the upper range i.e. $200 -$250 or so. Thanks for your estimates. (At least you understood my question).

Quote Originally Posted by Anbesol
It used to be CF pin damage, back when CF cards were being used in digital cameras. They are in no current point and shoots, and have even been pretty much phased out of consumer level DSLRs. Pointing to the sun - no, it would need to be staring at the sun for a while before any remote thing could happen to it, and 'sudden contrast' and 'changes in light setting' would have absolutely no impact. Aside from CF pin damage, I would bet that LCD smashing is the next most common problem, followed by lens telescoping damage (the bearings in those electronically controlled zooms get out of track). But there are lots of ways, dust moisture and sand are rarely friendly to cameras. With DSLR's its usually damage to the pentaprism or sensor.
I thought pointing to the Sun would hose a Digital Camera right away. Thanks for pointing that out.