Hehe. Kinda reminds me of my beat up old point and shoot camera. Can't afford to get a new one yet. But perhaps sometime when I have a decent job I'll be able to get a decent dSLR or something.

But I currently still have a Canon PowerShot A630 that I've used for several years now and taken over 16,700 pictures with it. I'm just surprised it still works, honestly. Considering what I've put it through. Used to have issues with the flash not working, but I think I managed to fix that problem. Overall, not a bad little camera. And with the use of CHDK software, I can have some more slightly advanced features that aren't available on the camera's own stock software. Like taking pictures in RAW formats, or forcing a longer-exposed image. Can't wait to eventually get a dSLR though. However, I've also considered a compromising choice and go with a super-zoom camera. Not quite the picture quality that a dSLR may have, moreso in low-light conditions. But they are pretty good cameras with a great zoom range with more advanced features, usually. And a fair bit cheaper than a dSLR too. The Nikon D3200 does sound like a nice camera though!

I don't remember if the 6xx series was out yet when I got my 520. I do know that some of the first iS versions were starting to pop up. I was still in high school when I got mine, so I couldn't afford much more than the 520. I think I paid $150 for it brand new. While I was at the store, I looked at what that same amount could get me now. Goodness, technology has moved a lot since then. And then there's the size of the cameras now. Just so tiny!

But I really, really couldn't be happier with how long that camera held up. And for the age, and it's specs compared to what's out there now, it really did perform quite well for me. I grew to absolutely love the Manual mode on it. Sadly, a couple years ago, the lens cover quit opening on its own. I could still use it by flicking it open with a finger, but it just started becoming more and more of a hassle for me. That, and I really don't like shooting with flash, but many of the scenarios where I'd want to use it (family get-togethers and stuff) had poor enough lighting that using it was pretty much necessary. But the flash was pretty weak making it hard to get a shot that I actually find worth keeping.

Durr. Just realized I keep calling it a 520. It's a 530. Not sure where my brain was last night.

hehe. no problem there. And yeah. It's pretty crazy how durable these cameras can be too a lot of the time. Though the lens cap shutter thing does tend to be a common thing that goes wrong with it. Usually from sand or something getting in there and making it get stuck. I know i've seen it happen to the barrel too, making it hard for it to zoom. I've taken at least reasonable care in not getting dirt and stuff in it. But it has definitely been banged around a fair bit.

I really am surprised that this things still works though with the number of pictures taken on it. Heh.

I think mine was more of a motor or gear issue with the lens cover. The last couple months that it worked, it was definitely struggling to do so, still. Made some noises that generally shouldn't come from a camera. Then it seemingly stopped trying altogether. At least it didn't lock shut, so I could still force it open.

I'm generally like this with all my electronics. My MP3 player is older than that camera, and I'm still using it, and the stereo I have in my bedroom is at least 12 years old at this point (one of those cheap bookshelf units with a 3-disc changer). I never see a need to replace stuff until it's broken or rendered useless.

lol.
I have to say that http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2626558/ is probably one of my favorites that I've taken with it

I wish I had the new camera already back at MFF. I'd have taken far more pictures, and could have probably gotten the exposure a bit better on that one (had to spend too much time fiddling with getting it operational >.<)