And you wondered about the build quality of entry level DSLR's

[flake]

This is a story from Fredmiranda about a Rebel XT (EOS 400D ?) which fell to earth during a skydive. It hit the ground at an impact speed of between 100 - 110 MPH but it still works!

[duncan22]

And still in one piece...Amazing !
Canon should use this as an Advert !
No further need for the more expensive aluminium camera bodies !

[Gonefishin]

Amazing!
From what height wast it dropped?
Did it still work after you pressure jetted it clean?

[nikonian]

Obviously it impacted on grass covered mud which would soften the blow. Tell you what, go upstairs and lob your camera out of the bedroom window onto the concrete driveway then tell me that its OK. Build quality refers to moving parts that snap,shear or sieze.For example apperture blades, shutter blinds, mirror lifts.

[flake]

It all still works so the moving parts must all be OK, but I don't agree that build quailty refers only to moving parts. Features such as a magnesium alloy shell, or weather proof sealing are both aspects of build quality, and design of electronics which mean that a flash will work for as long as the life of the camera without the bulb or circuit burning out.

Electronics are notorius for being damaged in even small drop tests (phones are normally tested for a 1Metre drop onto concrete). The fact that the circuitry stood up to the impact is also testament to the build quailty.

Build quailty in this case is also about things moving when they're not supposed to normally!