The economy is in a slump, Canon dSLR sales dropped (were predicted to for this year, that is) for the first time in years. Price cuts spur sales. The 7D was $1500 not long ago, the 6D could be had for that price last week, from B&H.
The economy is in a slump, Canon dSLR sales dropped (were predicted to for this year, that is) for the first time in years. Price cuts spur sales. The 7D was $1500 not long ago, the 6D could be had for that price last week, from B&H.
Couple of thoughts.
1. Tech prices always fall - Glass I am a bit surprised, the 24-105 is clearly being heavily discounted.
2. Erosion from the bottom up - the "dread" cell phone camera has all but cannibalized the basic P&S market,
3. Sensors are getting better and when 99.9% of photos are shared on the web it is arguable how much "value" is there in the next increment in image capture.
4. Smaller sensors were 1st do to manufacturing issues, perhaps now they are coming back because of image quality that is "good enough," Light gathering etc is being addressed as I have seen recent "Noctagons" for 4/3 being developed and/or speed boosting adapters. Again, 99.9% of the images being for the web/small screen vs. giant wall sized enlargements. (I will stipulated that larger photosites are better photosites)
It isn't any one thing, rather a broad erosion on several fronts. I still think it is a wonderful time to be interested in image capture, etc. as a consumer. Trying to be a manufacturer is something too complex and dynamic for my participation.
A bit off topic, but imagine a super functional little body/sensor w/ a likewise lens wirelessly connected to your google glass "EVF." No more having to bring the camera to your eye kind of stuff. Oh such fun.
If you see me with a wrench, call 911
I think we could blame the rise in prices a few years ago on an economic slump. The dollar lost strength against the Yen in 2011 and 2012. New lens prices jumped substantially. I don't think we could blame the prices dropping now on an economic slump in the US, it is the opposite the dollar is strong against the Yen.Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
I have been hoping prices would come back down because of the dollars strength, but it is far easier for a company to raise prices when the economy dictates. But once they have us buying at the higher prices the tend to not lower prices, why would they when they can make a windfall.
Camera sales are down and possibly they over built certain models. Perhaps some of the price drops are clearing the supply chain of excess. I would think they would decrease production and try and maintain prices at the levels that everyone will buy.
It would be nice to see some of the pricing come down on the high end gear. It probably will only happen with great reluctance because those who can afford this gear for the most part a slow economy does not leave them without money. They have us willing to pay the inflated prices.
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