Historically, when are the best camera deals?

[pittsburghmom]

When do you typically find the best camera deals? This can apply to used, refurbished, and new. Black Friday? Share your tips and strategies for getting quality gear at a good price!!

 

[photo_chick]

Canon has some really great sales from time to time on refurbs. For used KEH can't be beat. IMO. Not just for fair prices but they also stand behind what they sell.

 

[Frantasmic]

Share your tips and strategies for getting quality gear at a good price!!

I wanted to purchase the Canon 6D. I was really only interested in the body. I watched Canon Rumors website for about 2 months. They would show various outlets selling the 6D for low(er) prices, but these deals were generally only hours long. Some of them were from gray market vendors, so I was wanting one with a guaranteed warranty. B and H put up a deal for a Canon 6D with the 24-105 L lens for under $2000 one day and I snapped that up. No rebate needed. It was just a good deal that saved about $400-$500 from what it would normally cost. I've never seen that deal come again, but I am glad I got it.

Otherwise, check used/refurbished from Adorama, B and H, and the Canon website. If you don't mind chancing a gray market deal, e-bay and other outlets have decent deals all the time. It has been my experience that the best deals for your average outlets (Costco, Best Buy, local camera stores if you are lucky enough to still have one in your city) occur around end of May/June for graduation and Father's Day or around Thanksgiving, but not necessarily Black Friday deals.

 

[Frantasmic]

Wanted to add that local camera shops will often send out ads attached to when the corporations are offering rebates on lens, cameras, or select lens/camara combos.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I found my best deals soon after new models are announced/released. If you don't need the "latest and greatest", you can find deals on the older model. I recently did this when Pentax released the K3. The K5iis fit my needs better at a cost less than $700. Canon released a series of T_i cameras over a relatively short period of time. Each one used the same sensor, but had a new or upgraded bell or whistle. By evaluating what you actually need, deals could be found. This strategy does not work for everyone, because some just have to have the "latest and greatest". But that's okay, because that lowers the price of the cameras that I buy! And as others have said with used at outlets like KEH, this strategy works even better. I picked up a used K5 with 678 shutter actuations for less than $550 after the K5ii and k5iis were released.

 

[pittsburghmom]

Thanks for the responses. I have been watching my local Craigslist without much luck. Might be a possibility for a lens, but people are trying to sell their cameras for hundreds more than refurbs and/or KEH For example, there is a Canon 60d (body only) on there for $800...while on KEH you can pick one up for under $600.... I am looking into the Canon loyalty program, as that might be a good deal if they still offer it....

 

[havoc315]

I found my best deals soon after new models are announced/released. If you don't need the "latest and greatest", you can find deals on the older model. I recently did this when Pentax released the K3. The K5iis fit my needs better at a cost less than $700. Canon released a series of T_i cameras over a relatively short period of time. Each one used the same sensor, but had a new or upgraded bell or whistle. By evaluating what you actually need, deals could be found. This strategy does not work for everyone, because some just have to have the "latest and greatest". But that's okay, because that lowers the price of the cameras that I buy! And as others have said with used at outlets like KEH, this strategy works even better. I picked up a used K5 with 678 shutter actuations for less than $550 after the K5ii and k5iis were released.

I was going to say the same thing. Even if you want the latest and greatest, you should usually wait at least a couple months for a small discount. And as the product is being discontinued, that's when you see the biggest price drops.

In deciding whether you want the "latest and greatest"... it helps to look at the increment of the upgrade. Sometimes a new model has some significant upgrades,that you will regret not buying if you opt for the older model. In many other cases, the upgrades may be very tiny, and you won't even notice any difference between the old model and the new model except for a significant savings. (For example, for the most part, the Canon Rebel hasnt changed dramatically since around the t2i except for improvements in video AF and a touch screen, etc -- Features that may be worth a couple hundred more dollars to some buyers, but totally irrelevant to other buyers).

 

[pittsburghmom]

I was going to say the same thing. Even if you want the latest and greatest, you should usually wait at least a couple months for a small discount. And as the product is being discontinued, that's when you see the biggest price drops.

In deciding whether you want the "latest and greatest"... it helps to look at the increment of the upgrade. Sometimes a new model has some significant upgrades,that you will regret not buying if you opt for the older model. In many other cases, the upgrades may be very tiny, and you won't even notice any difference between the old model and the new model except for a significant savings. (For example, for the most part, the Canon Rebel hasnt changed dramatically since around the t2i except for improvements in video AF and a touch screen, etc -- Features that may be worth a couple hundred more dollars to some buyers, but totally irrelevant to other buyers).

Yes, exactly. Actually I have been back & forth between a rebel vs. a 60d...I realize they have the same sensor, but the 60d's sturdier build is winning the race right now. I called Canon's loyalty program last night and got a quote of $460 for a 60D....I know I could get a Rebel for a little less, but I'm not sure if I'll regret it or not...anyway....what would be everyone's thoughts about starting out with a f1.8 50mm lens as a starter lens until I can save up for the f2.8 17-55? Canon offered me the kit lens 18-135 for an additional $150, but I'd rather put that money towards one of these lenses. I've read reviews that the 50mm is a good/inexpensive lens to get started with....mainly kids and will be shooting my sister's small wedding ceremony next month...


Edited to add: I am using a Canon S100 p&s right now and rarely use the zoom...

 

[Luvscrappin]

Pittsburghmom,

Could you tell me a little about the Canon loyalty program? I have been a canon user for over 15 yrs and I have been seriously considering upgrading to the canon 70D. Also, I have the 17-55mm f/2.8 and i love it! I saved for about 6 month (including telling all my family and friends I wanted cash for holidays as I was saving for that baby!)

So is that pricing on a new or refurbished camera? Any details are greatly appreciated! TIA

 

[havoc315]

Yes, exactly. Actually I have been back & forth between a rebel vs. a 60d...I realize they have the same sensor, but the 60d's sturdier build is winning the race right now. I called Canon's loyalty program last night and got a quote of $460 for a 60D....I know I could get a Rebel for a little less, but I'm not sure if I'll regret it or not...anyway....what would be everyone's thoughts about starting out with a f1.8 50mm lens as a starter lens until I can save up for the f2.8 17-55? Canon offered me the kit lens 18-135 for an additional $150, but I'd rather put that money towards one of these lenses. I've read reviews that the 50mm is a good/inexpensive lens to get started with....mainly kids and will be shooting my sister's small wedding ceremony next month...


Edited to add: I am using a Canon S100 p&s right now and rarely use the zoom...

I don't know Canon lenses particularly, but within every brand, the 50/1.8 is a fantastic lens to start and learn with. It's a good focal length for portraits. It can be a bit too long (too telephoto) for some shots, but you can usually make it work for walk-around type shots. The 1.8 aperture is great for natural light.
And a prime lens really makes you think about your composition, makes you learn to zoom with your feet. It is a bit of "forced learning," but that can be really great for someone starting out.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Pittsburghmom,

Could you tell me a little about the Canon loyalty program? I have been a canon user for over 15 yrs and I have been seriously considering upgrading to the canon 70D. Also, I have the 17-55mm f/2.8 and i love it! I saved for about 6 month (including telling all my family and friends I wanted cash for holidays as I was saving for that baby!)

So is that pricing on a new or refurbished camera? Any details are greatly appreciated! TIA

When I used it for my daughter's p & s' (twice), you turn in a broken (real or imagined) camera for a refurbished upgrade. What they offer and the price depended on what you were turning in and what was available or in stock. I believe there was a 90 day warranty. Its been a few years since I used it so if anyone has any updated or different info, feel free to correct me.

 

[photo_chick]

Yes, exactly. Actually I have been back & forth between a rebel vs. a 60d...I realize they have the same sensor, but the 60d's sturdier build is winning the race right now. I called Canon's loyalty program last night and got a quote of $460 for a 60D....I know I could get a Rebel for a little less, but I'm not sure if I'll regret it or not...anyway....what would be everyone's thoughts about starting out with a f1.8 50mm lens as a starter lens until I can save up for the f2.8 17-55? Canon offered me the kit lens 18-135 for an additional $150, but I'd rather put that money towards one of these lenses. I've read reviews that the 50mm is a good/inexpensive lens to get started with....mainly kids and will be shooting my sister's small wedding ceremony next month...


Edited to add: I am using a Canon S100 p&s right now and rarely use the zoom...

Not to derail the thread into a comparison discussion. But the 60D really isn't built much studier than the Rebel line. With the 50D it was true, I used to have that body and it's a solid feeling camera. But with the 60D Canon took a lot of that out in favor of a lighter body which makes it feel very similar to a Rebel, just a little bigger. And don't let the Rebel's small size and light weight fool you. They are tough little cameras. I've got an old XT (circa 2005-ish) that I've been really hard on and it's still going strong. I have an even older 35mm Rebel G from the 90's that's also been used hard and still no issues.

The 50mm f/1.8 is a great, cheap entry into fast primes. While I love that focal length on a crop body many people find it too long. You will probably have some difficulty trying to shoot a wedding with just that lens. Then again, I'd strongly caution against trying to shoot any wedding, no matter how small, with a camera that's so new to you.

 

[hakepb]

FWIW, I believe 50mm on a Canon crop body gives you a 80mm field of view. It is basically like being stuck at 3.3x zoom on the s100.
It would be nice quality if you can plan and adapt for that focal length.

 

[mom2rtk]

FWIW, I believe 50mm on a Canon crop body gives you a 80mm field of view. It is basically like being stuck at 3.3x zoom on the s100.
It would be nice quality if you can plan and adapt for that focal length.

Agreed. It's largely a matter of personal preference. And while I would love to have a 1.8 lens to shoot a wedding, I wouldn't love being married to that focal length (pun intended ).

 

[pittsburghmom]

Pittsburghmom,

Could you tell me a little about the Canon loyalty program? I have been a canon user for over 15 yrs and I have been seriously considering upgrading to the canon 70D. Also, I have the 17-55mm f/2.8 and i love it! I saved for about 6 month (including telling all my family and friends I wanted cash for holidays as I was saving for that baby!)

So is that pricing on a new or refurbished camera? Any details are greatly appreciated! TIA

I'll give you what limited information I have gathered so far! This is all new to me as well. If you google "Canon Loyalty Program 2014" you can find some discussions about it as well.

Basically you check the Canon refurbished website, and if you see the camera that you are interested in, you need to call #1-800-385-2155 and inquire about the model you want. They will let you know if it is available and let you know what the discount is. I believe it's up to 20% off refurbs. I was definitely quoted 20% off for the 60D, but it may be lower for newer models. If you decide to purchase, they will e-mail you a shipping label that you will use to send in an old Canon camera. It doesn't even have to work. If I decide to go this route, I will send my old Powershot Elph. You can call the above # to speak with someone to confirm how things are done. The man I spoke with was very kind and helpful. There are a very limited selection of lens available if you purchase a body under the program as well. Just not the ones I was interested in. Hope that helps!!

Edited to add: Just checked Canon's refurb website and they have a 70D for $959.20....if the Loyalty Program is offering the 20% for that model, you could get one for around $767

 

[pittsburghmom]

Sorry, don't know how to respond to multiple people in one post, but wanted to thank everyone once again for the great feedback...always very helpful! Now I'm even more back and forth between the rebel vs. xxD LOL. It's all good...I tend to overthink things waaayyy too much. My husband is so tired of me talking about upgrading cameras, he's put a deadline on the purchase. LOL Great feedback about the 1.8 lens...I'm leaning in that direction for sure, knowing that I'll be getting a zoom lens in the near future. I understand the comment about shooting a wedding with a "new to me" camera. I have the same reservations! I was planning on shooting with my S100 and playing around with the new one as well. As you might have already figured out, if she was willing to have her wedding shot by a p&s, she is not too picky about the photography

 

[Luvscrappin]

Thanks Gianna's Pappa and Pittsburghmom for the info. This is great to know. All I need to do now is convince DH to let me buy the 70D! Good luck with shooting that wedding. I did my niece's a few years ago and it made me very nervous. She couldn't afford a pro and I was the best she knew, lol. She ended up being thrilled, although I saw all my faults. I'm sure you will do the same. Good Luck!

 

[pittsburghmom]

UPDATE: I pulled the trigger and ordered a refurbished Canon 60D ($460) and a Canon 50mm f1.8 lens ($70.55) through the Canon Loyalty program. My total after tax was: $563.22 I am happy with that!! The body was 20% off and the lens was 30% off.

The man that I placed the order with said that once I get the camera, I just print out the pre-paid label they e-mail me and then use that same box and send in the old/broken Canon camera. According to my calculations, by purchasing the refurbished body & lens through the loyalty program, I saved $145!