When to buy - time of year

[stacey magee]

I am looking at buying an SLR and was curious if there is a "best" time of year to purchase for price etc.

Like buying cars people say October for sales.

Black Friday etc.

I am not in a hurry.

I am gonig to Hawaii in Oct 2011 an then Africa in 2012 which is my real reason for the SLR. (which I am sure I will be posting with questions soon on SLR vs 4/3'etc).

I currently have a Panasonic MMC-ZS3.

 

[Simon97]

I'd say December into early Jan. This is the time when the holiday sales are on. After that, many new camera models are announced. Another time is after a new model is announced that replaces the older one. Depending on the previous model's popularity, the older model can be had for a good price.

To tackle your other question early, 4/3rds and the APS-C SLRs can give you equally good images. Some APS-C SLRs may do a bit better at High ISOs although the 4/3rds tele lenses can be smaller and lighter.

I prefer a SLR with a good hand grip when working with tele lenses. Nikon and Pentax have grips with a good feel on most of their cameras, IMHO.

 

[stacey magee]

Thanks Simon..

I was asking the question now...as I was thinking I should look this holiday season.

And way to start me off on my 4/3's question....I wll post in a few days about my needs etc.

 

[Photog23]

Last year the prices were cheapest at Christmas. I never saw prices this year that were as cheap as last Christmas. Never.

One way to get an idea of the fluctuation in camera prices is to go to CamelCamelCamel, the Amazon price tracker. Look for the item you want to purchase (or something similar that has more history) and see what its historical pricing is.

 

[PeterToronto]

People tend to wait until just after major annual camera trade shows. Others wait for seasonal sales, while some scour Internet sales year round.

I have always advocated getting something when you need it. It's a bonus if it happens to be on sale. If you wait, you run the risk of missing shots in the meanwhile.

Peace
Peter

http://www.peteranthonyphotography.com

 

[stacey magee]

Thanks everyone...

Quick question..I know probably not good for here, but is there a way to get an email sent to you when there is a response.

 

[JulesJ]

I think June because if you bought one in April and it rained and would be sad to get it wet. But then if you got it in August it might get too hot, so perhaps december would be better. but then if you didn't keep it warm it might freeze up, that is if you live in the northern hemisphere, the arguments would be different if you lived in Australia of course. Now we pay our tax in April in the UK so we are a bit poor then so that's not a good month and about now I am saving for Xmas so don't have much spare cash and my mother in law is coming to stay. She's ok you know, but you know how they can be. Better the house clean and our cat is having trouble with his 'wrong' end which can be embarrassing and.....What was your question. no it wasn't very important was it. Just buy one in October, or February could be good too. Yawn. I'm off to bed. night.
Jules

--
Julesarnia on twitter

 

[SteveJL]

Life is all about trade-offs, compromises and balancing. Every month you spend waiting for the perfect price is a month of missed learning and photographic opportunites. Something to think about.

 

[romphotog]

I am sure this was stated, but unless you want the newest gear, buy at end of year. November is a good time. Actually, I was about to get a Fuji, when Canon came out with the SX30, so even though it's new, and costs more, it's a better value. I knew that by Nov price will drop, but I needed it.