Why are digital SLRs so expensive?
The main reason is the sensor. While still smaller than a 35mm film frame, digital SLRs have very large sensors. In fact, current digital SLR sensors are among the largest chips of any kind ever mass produced. Chip cost grows dramatically with chip size. Moreover, progress has been very slow in reducing chip cost per unit area. Historically, semiconductor prices have gone down and functionality has gone up as a result of shrinking feature sizes. Contrary to the hopes of many, there is little historical basis for rapid decreases in cost per unit area. The upshot: Don’t expect an inexpensive full-frame digital SLR any time soon. Note: Sony’s latest 6MP APS-sized sensor, which is believed to find home in the Nikon D100 digital SLR, is expected to cost $750 a piece according to this PC World Article. Current digital SLR prices suggest that significant economies have been achieved, but that large sensors remain expensive. Secondary reasons for high digital SLR costs are the electronics. Dig
