[Dave Bullard]

Hi all

No, this isn't a plug! We've just posted a press release from Canon on how they've slashed many of their prices, and it's got us excited.

For example, all of a sudden the EOS 550D Super Kit I've been looking at is $1449, down from $1949. Massive!

Anyone else in the market?

Cheers
Dave

[Ken Gracey]

Don't say that, I just bought a new Canon camera, 6 weeks ago, not a high end one of course, but damn i missed out on a discount ... Bummer

[lumeswell]

Good to see a supplier responding to the shift in the dollar value, but I have to say you should be able to beat the RRP prices and still buy in Australia.

I have no connection to Digital Camera Warehouse (www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au) other than as a happy customer, but a couple of examples:

5D MkII with 24-105 Canon new price $4499, DCW - $3799

550D with 18-135 (Super kit) Canon new price $1449, DCW - $1362

These are not sale prices, just the regular price from their website, and you will probably get similar results at most larger camera shops - I think very few of them charge RRP any more - its to competitive.

[bitingmidge]

I am not so sure about all this.

Canon appear to be one of many large companies who have not recognised quickly enough that the dollar has had a large swing in a particular direction.
While I wouldn't be in a hurry to criticise as I would hate to be in their shoes if next week it moved just as quickly in another direction, the retailers response has been at best cynical.

I have had terrific dealings also with the company you mentioned, but if you look at for instance the price of a EF70-300 lens you'll see it listed at $1685 and a footnote that says all "camera' prices are below retail, perhaps implying that it's OK to sell other bits a tad above? In this case (and I hope I'm mistaken) it looks to be 50% above in fact.

Canon in this press release says"EF70-300IS EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens Old: $1199 New: $949 "

While my favourite large HK retailer has what I am fairly sure is the same product for $561.00 and for Bill Shorten's benefit, that price is quoted including GST.

Now the item may be some sort of aberration in the price structure, (I haven't checked any others), but when an overseas retailer can sell something at just above half the price to which recommended retail has been so emotively "Slashed", it seems to me there is a cautionary tale to all consumers!

I am not at all trying to sink local retailers here, I am happy to pay a premium to be able to wander in to a shop and hold something in my hand and talk to a human being about it, but I am not prepared to pay three times the price to buy by mail!

If I have made an error in the above comparison I would be pleased (actually delighted) if it could be explained!

Cheers,

P

[lumeswell]

bitingmidge, on 05 August 2011 - 01:43 AM, said:

While my favourite large HK retailer has what I am fairly sure is the same product for $561.00 and for Bill Shorten's benefit, that price is quoted including GST.

And shipping?

Just kidding, I know you can do even better by looking overseas, which is why I specifically said you could still do better and still be shopping in Australia.

I am still old school, and like to know there is a physical place I can go if I have a problem. I also run my own business, and while im not in retail i still like to support local when I can. That said, such a wide difference in price for a lens is hard to understand. So for the camera body I would prefer to buy here, but for accessories like lenses, battery grips etc I am happy to look around.

I guess what I am trying to say is it pays to look and ask around, particularly in a market as competitive as digital cameras.

[bitingmidge]

lumeswell, on 05 August 2011 - 07:00 AM, said:

I am still old school, and like to know there is a physical place I can go if I have a problem.

I am very much of two minds. As someone who used to sell product with a large premium over competitors, I know that there is value to be found in shopping locally, however these days I spend more than half my time in places other than Australia, so having easily available service is problematic any way.

I have been saddened to discover that after a lifetime of loyally supporting local businesses, the service provided is often not of an "international" standard!

Quote

I guess what I am trying to say is it pays to look and ask around, particularly in a market as competitive as digital cameras.

I'm not sure what I'm saying actually! There is certainly more to the decision making process than just price, but there gets to a point where price becomes unsustainable!

cheers,

P