[rmassey]

keeping this in general terms and not specific prices....

I've been looking to buy a D90 for a while now and notice the typical etialers - Amazon, J&R, B&H, etc offer it for around 11-15% off MSRP.  Older models have some better discounts.

Is this typical for new model releases.  Heck the D90 has been out since Sept.  I would expect to see a bit better pricing give the economy and these are generaly luxury items for most buyers.

I can go buy a $4k Martin/Gibson/Taylor guitar for 40% off list all day long.  Why the tight pricing on DSLRs?

Honestly this is what is holding me back on the purchase. I do not want to buy it this week and then see a big price drop with 30-40% discount just after I buy in.

[thunderbrick]

I worked in camera stores years ago and the margins on cameras are VERY tight.  My local store, and the one I worked in and still buy from both tell me the same. 
If there were enough profit margin to offer 40% they probably would.  Maybe the list price on the guitar is BS that has no bearing on ANYTHING.
You'll find that the markup on accessories, filters, bags etc is quite a bit higher to keep the dealers from starving. They'd go broke if it weren't for the add-ons, and there is nothing wrong with that.

[JohnR]

The price will drop when the next model comes out...

[rmassey]

No doubt that guitar prices are pure BS.  You are essentially a fool if you buy new without a 40% discount.  I guess I assumed (incorrectly) cameras were similar.

Hmmm, So 11% off a D90 is good then?   I see the canon Xsi is discounted about 19% and has been out longer.  Perhaps it has higher volume sales which present better discounts.

[thunderbrick]

I really think that MSRP has nothing to do with it.  A higher discount from a padded list price is irrelevant.

The fact that the selling prices are similar reflects the fact that many dealers are cutting it pretty close to the bone.  My local dealer has to work very hard to find gear he can sell at a competitive price.  I'd guess the profit margins are somewhere around 10% at best, pretty poor for ordering, unpacking, stocking, selling, teaching the customer to use it (they have GREAT service), and sitting on the inventory until it sells.

That is not to say that Nikon and Canon don't have rebates to dealers when models are discontinued, or gives the big dealers bulk pricing, but then again the cost of doing business in NYC is probably a lot higher than out here in the hinterlands.  I think the prices seldom change very much anyway, so waiting is just an opportunity cost because you'll be unable to learn it and use it out of fear that it might go down in price.  I doubt that very few people who bought early are kicking themselves for not waiting a few months to save maybe $50.

[rmassey]

I think we may have different perspectives....

I am not looking to buy from a local dealer, expecting pre/post sales support, nor do I want to pay for such service.  I'm looking to buy from an authorized etailer and expect nothing more than the best price, prompt shipping, good cummunications and perhaps a no hassle return/exchange policy, if necessary. 

The D90 to me is a mass produced, high volume product.  I've done my research, I know it's limits and capabilities.  I don't need any 'support' or 'service' so my expectation is the get the best possible price from an authorized reseller period. I don't need to have a full price/full service retailer to show me how to use it or hold my hand. Seems to me a better discount is possible.

[viggen]

I sold cameras during the early '90s, and the profit margin were huge anywhere between 30% to 50%.

Maybe something changed since then.

I read somewhere that Nikon recently implemented a strict MAP policy.

So, maybe you can call Adorama or B&H and haggle with the sales person to take extra off their list price.

[thunderbrick]

I think we may have different perspectives....

I am not looking to buy from a local dealer, expecting pre/post sales support, nor do I want to pay for such service.  I'm looking to buy from an authorized etailer and expect nothing more than the best price, prompt shipping, good cummunications and perhaps a no hassle return/exchange policy, if necessary. 

The D90 to me is a mass produced, high volume product.  I've done my research, I know it's limits and capabilities.  I don't need any 'support' or 'service' so my expectation is the get the best possible price from an authorized reseller period. I don't need to have a full price/full service retailer to show me how to use it or hold my hand. Seems to me a better discount is possible.

I am not suggesting that you buy from a local dealer, just talking about the challenges dealers face.  I am not sure I would call DSLRs mass-produced and subject to much price pressure.  Their shelf life, before they are superseded, is quite short, and the last thing you want to do is have new D50s sitting on the shelf, for example.

[thunderbrick]

I sold cameras during the early '90s, and the profit margin were huge anywhere between 30% to 50%.

Maybe something changed since then.

I read somewhere that Nikon recently implemented a strict MAP policy.

So, maybe you can call Adorama or B&H and haggle with the sales person to take extra off their list price.

Not in my experience, and certainly not in the higher end gear.  There is a reason why there isn't much price variance,and it is not because all the dealers got together and said "let's make a bundle on this stuff".  Dealers keep prices low to be competitive and I suspect they are operating on as slim a mark-up as they can.

YMMV

[SET Man]

The price will drop when the next model comes out...

Hey!

   Yup, that won't be long these days. Every time I turn around there is a new digi cams out. 

    But by than you might want to get the new model anyway.

Take care,
Buddy

[SharkyRivethead]

 I just bought a a Nikon D60 for 349.00. It includes the general kit and 18-55 lens. Your standard setup from any box store, who sells them for 599.00.

 What I found out is that mine will not come with a US warranty. They call this a Grey Market camera. If I had wanted the US version it would have costed me another couple hundred dollars. We would have gotten it sooner than the 6-10 week delivery time. We used a program through PayPal to get it, so it will be covered.

 So, there are ways of getting cheaper cameras.

[rmassey]

Good luck with that....  I'll stick to authorized resellers with a full US warranty myself.  I've had my share of warranty claims on other electronics in the past, so I consider it a valuable part of the purchase price.  These new DLSRs are essentially computers, so things can/will go wrong.

I know the lower price is tempting and I hope it works out for you.

[WerTicus]

You are essentially a fool if you buy new without a 40% discount.  I guess I assumed (incorrectly) cameras were similar.

If your looking for value for money and the best bang for your buck I would be looking at more than canikon.  The halo marketing effect is a powerful one and your not actually looking at their high end gear here.  In fact unless your going full frame, canikon are a poor choice imo.

[rmassey]

WTH - both B&H and Adorama are out-of-stock on the D90 body and Amazon has it at LIST price.  Wasn't this released in Sept. 2008?  Shouldn't they be slashing the prices by now?

[Doublej]

WTH - both B&H and Adorama are out-of-stock on the D90 body and Amazon has it at LIST price.  Wasn't this released in Sept. 2008?  Shouldn't they be slashing the prices by now?

Nobody is going to reduce prices if supply can't keep up with demand but as soon as the inventory starts piling up the prices start plummeting.

[jermmd]

You are essentially a fool if you buy new without a 40% discount.  I guess I assumed (incorrectly) cameras were similar.

If your looking for value for money and the best bang for your buck I would be looking at more than canikon.  The halo marketing effect is a powerful one and your not actually looking at their high end gear here.  In fact unless your going full frame, canikon are a poor choice imo.

So what's the best bang for your buck DSLR?

[tanchiro58]

You are essentially a fool if you buy new without a 40% discount.  I guess I assumed (incorrectly) cameras were similar.

If your looking for value for money and the best bang for your buck I would be looking at more than canikon.  The halo marketing effect is a powerful one and your not actually looking at their high end gear here.  In fact unless your going full frame, canikon are a poor choice imo.

If you mean "canikon" as canon and nikonActually I would not agree with your opinion. Canon and Nikon full frame camera bodies are the best DSLRs in the market nowadays.

[BikeWNC]

You are essentially a fool if you buy new without a 40% discount.  I guess I assumed (incorrectly) cameras were similar.

If your looking for value for money and the best bang for your buck I would be looking at more than canikon.  The halo marketing effect is a powerful one and your not actually looking at their high end gear here.  In fact unless your going full frame, canikon are a poor choice imo.

So what's the best bang for your buck DSLR?

In the Canon line I would say the 40D in the crop sensor or the 5D in the FF.  Either can be found used with low mileage.  Most people take good care of their gear so I wouldn't be afraid to buy used on a site like FredMiranda.com.   

[jqp]

So what's the best bang for your buck DSLR?

Nikon D40 is a great discount DSLR, I see it for about $400 everywhere. With the nice 18-55 lens.

Also it is significantly smaller and lighter than many cameras. It is a great all around camera and can become your backup camera when newer more expensive cameras are more desirable in the future.

This small camera has plenty of features, great flash synch setup. With the 18-200 VR lense, attached, the camera still fits into a front pocket of my backpack. I take it everywhere.

[tanchiro58]

If I buy another Nikon body I will get either D200 or D300 (own one before upgrading to d700 FX).

D40 and D60 are cheap but they are limited to some good lenses.