dSLR new technology release dates - buying curve?

Tamron SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical IF for Canon

01/19/2006 09:57:22 AM · #1

Hypothetically speaking:

If one were considering a change from his P&S for something like this:

CANON D-REBEL XT BLACK DSLR BODY ONLY
$1049.99CAD

SIGMA 18-200MM F3.5-6.3 DC CANON/62MM
$549.99CAD

But he probably wouldn't use it too much until around May/June. Might prices on this equipment drop significantly in the four/five months between now & then to make it worthwhile to wait?

Do camera prices drop like computer prices do?

What's the curve look like?

Are some new technological breakthroughs going to be released soon which will move pricing down?

Thoughts?

nards656

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

01/19/2006 09:59:43 AM · #2

Camera prices appear to significantly drop over time. Availability is typically determined, however, by the NEXT generation of cameras. Thus, if a new Canon just ONE notch better than what you want comes out between now and when you want to buy, prices should go down.

The lens, however, won't change much.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/19/2006 10:09:04 AM · #3

If they replace the XT between now and then (which I doubt) the XT will become very hard to get new and the replacement will cost more then the current XT does. However, it will also be a better camera.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/19/2006 10:11:25 AM · #4

Dang, they make it tough to buy at a sweet-spot.

notonline

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

01/19/2006 10:11:49 AM · #5

yes they should drop. If not I can promise you the same pricew then if thats what your worried about. Actually I can probably get it lower for you. Just gotta come into Mississauga to get it.

dahved

Canon EOS-50D

Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] macro for Canon

01/19/2006 10:30:44 AM · #6

I've seen the Rebel XT for sale online for less than $900. Oops, you're talking Canadian dollars--never mind...

Message edited by author 2006-01-19 10:31:31.

hankk

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

01/19/2006 11:08:24 AM · #7

Yes, prices drop in a similar manner to PCs, but Canon seems to try and keep the price points the same by introducing new models with more features, just like some PC companies (e.g. Dell). There seems to be an 18 month cycle on cameras, rather than a 9 month cycle like on PCs.

Canon occasionally offers rebates. They did a "tripple play" in December of 2004 and 2005 where if you bought 1 item, you get 1x rebate, 2 items 2x rebate and 3 items gets you 3x rebates. The items were the camera body and lenses (and a couple of printers in 2005.)

Canon also had a rebate in the summer, IIRC. I think the rebates come out before they anounce the next generation of products (this seems to be around Feb/March and around September).

IMO, wait till Feb/March when Canon announces the 35D and possibly other new models. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if Canon introduces an entry level DSLR for less than $500 in February or September.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

01/19/2006 01:00:13 PM · #8

My main concern would be if a model came out with 10MP at the same price point, and this 8MP model dropped in price by $200CAD or more.

In that case I'd pull my hair out.

If less than $200CAD difference happened I'd be happy to have the body for the extra few months.

I'm usually too impatient for my own good.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

01/19/2006 01:03:47 PM · #9

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

Then go for it. It ain't gonna be replaced anytime soon.

R.

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

01/19/2006 01:08:56 PM · #10

Impatient, yeah, me too.

I would wait until Feb/March.

On paper, that's what I AM doing.

I might consider jumping earlier though if something 2nd hand comes along.

Now, having said that, I checked around the price of second hand models currently, and have made a decision about how much I am willing to pay for what I want, so I am going to keep my eyes open for new deals that might approach that level.

Digital equipment always loses value.

Whenever you buy, the price will always be lower in a month or two. To prevent post-purchase depression, I have personally found it important to deal with the issue head-on and simply accept that I paid what I paid and that I need to focus on the device itself.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

01/19/2006 01:11:22 PM · #11

Hey - if you are not going to use it until May/Jun I would wait. Prices always drop, at least somewhat. If nothing else package deals are offered. I would use the time to cruise the internet weekly looking at what deals are out there.

And then I would buy a Nikon D-200. LOL.

Prof_Fate

01/19/2006 01:16:05 PM · #12

I had the same issue when i got my rebel 300 a year ago. About 5 weeks later the 350xt came out. It was more money and the 300 dropped in price. I don't regret my purchase at all - having it 5 or 6 weeks longer was deal.

I just bought a color laser printer. I am pretty sure that a new model is due out next month, or march at the latest. i was going to use my tax return to buy it. but there is a rebate now, and it works fine for my needs. I'll take the savings and the printer and pay the credit card interest for a month.

A new camera $800
a new lens $400
having it NOW - priceless!

acrotide

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

01/19/2006 01:20:05 PM · #13

If you're just looking for the XT body, I'd suggest looking on Ebay. I just got mine (with the kit lens, an extra battery and an extra 3-year limited warranty) for $999 + shipping in CANADIAN funds. Just the body is going for $929 Canadian + shipping from the same seller.

I've had it for a week now (only had to wait 2 days from the time I purchased to the time I received it) and I'm happy with it.

If you want more info, let me know.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

01/19/2006 01:25:19 PM · #14

As Da_Bear posted, the XT almost certainly won't be replaced this Spring; looks like the 20D gets the update, as expected. I would not expect a steep price drop on the XT between now and late Spring, so it appears to be a better bet to buy now and get the use. FWIW, I bought the 5D at introduction, knowing it would drop: I could get it now for $300 less, but I feel the use I got out of it since September was worth it to me.

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/19/2006 01:33:50 PM · #15

I'd suggest that you could get the XT cheaper than that at FredMiranda.com even now (and yes, I know it's CDN). I would suggest trolling the FM buy/sell forum until you find something like what you want and getting it then. Less wait, more shopping - always fun. :)