Will DSLRs go on SALE after Christmas?

[Ilivetogo]

We are going to get a DSLR for my daughter - most likely for Christmas. She's got her heart set on a Nikon - not sure exactly which one yet. She's heading off to photog-college next fall so she needs one. She uses a P&S right now.

Anyway, since these are such "specialty" items, do you think ANY of the cameras and/or lenses will drop in price at all after Christmas? Should I wait, or purchase to give to her actually ON Christmas?

Also, is there a better place than others to buy from? Are websites better or stores?

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[annnewjerz]

Last year there were some Black Friday sales on Nikon entry-level DSLRs, although I can't remember where exactly they were...maybe Sears and Ritz? I would think that you should start hunting around for deals now and see where the prices go so if they drop for Black Friday, you can jump on a good deal.

 

[photo_chick]

Many college photo programs use 35mm SLR's for the first semester, so you may have some time there. Also, most of them have equipment check out.

Now as to the sales... the main price drops I've noticed are when new cameras come out. The prices are pretty close form place to place, unless you do catch the odd sale here or there. And some stores run specials like when I got my Canon 50D, rather than have it on sale, I got a gift card from the store. It wasn't exaclty a sale, but it made it a good deal. If you see a camera for a lot lower than where it is most everywhere else, I'd be a little suspicious.

 

[gwishmael]

As was said before, the prices usually drop when its replacement is introduced to the market. The manufactures pritty much set the prices for the autherized dealers so the prices at repruitable dealers are going to vary very little. Arround this time of the year, the manufactures usually offer special rebates and package deals though.
Do yourself and her a favor and don't buy the bottom of the line. She will out grow it in no time and you'll be buying her another one.
Is she aware that the average professional photographer only make about $34,000 per year and works 60 per week. Thats only about $10 per hour.

 

[Poohbear5]

The price does not seem to vary much until the next model comes out, but some of the Black Friday and Sat. morning sales before Christmas would add in extras such as camera bag, or other extras. Ritz did a bag, photobook, Photo Cd and prints.

 

[photo_chick]

Another thought I just had... since she is going to school it might be worthwhile for her to look into the schools equipment checkout and see if they also offer lenses in their checkout dept. If they do, it's very advantageous to have the same brand of camera that the school uses so you have access to all that glass. If she's studying for four years there it's something to consider.

I'm not trying to sway your brand choice or anything... It's just a lot of people never consider the checkout department on campus and it's part of what tuition pays for.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

Another thought I just had... since she is going to school it might be worthwhile for her to look into the schools equipment checkout and see if they also offer lenses in their checkout dept. If they do, it's very advantageous to have the same brand of camera that the school uses so you have access to all that glass. If she's studying for four years there it's something to consider.

I'm not trying to sway your brand choice or anything... It's just a lot of people never consider the checkout department on campus and it's part of what tuition pays for.

I can't agree more. My biggest investment is not in my camera, but in my lenses (commonly refered to as "glass").

Adorama.com runs some good deals on Refurbished DSLR bodies, not sure about the Nikons, but I know the refurbished Canon Bodies carry a 1 year warrantee, same as a new one. Not true for refurbished canon cameras from every source.

Also, a few things to also consider, I can't speak high enough of a Blue Crane Digital DVD about the camera, it really goes through all the bells and whisles, I'm a pro and I get them for my cameras and love them.

And don't forget, memory cards, spare batteries and a tripod. All of these things are great gifts other family members can get her too.

 

[WDWFigment]

Best deals, if any, will be before Christmas. Since it's gone mainstream, Black Friday sucks. Most stores don't discount that heavily because the general public has a perception that BF will have great deals, so that's the "it day" to go shop.

Your better bet is to wait until Cyber Monday or set up a deal alert on SlickDeals.net for "Nikon." Amazon has been running a ton of unadvertised package deals lately, but in the DSLR department, most have been for the Canon T1i and T2i. I generally purchase online due to cashback and the lack of sales tax; additionally, I think most online stores have lower overhead.

Good luck.