Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Predicting cost decrease?

Mar 12, 2005 10:01AM PST

Does anyone have any tricks for predicting whether a camera is likely to become cheaper? Is there a certain number of months after which price tends to either decline or stop declining? Does it have to do with newer models coming out? I'm wondering whether either the Canon SD300 or the Casio ExZ50 is likely to cheapen significantly in the future.

Thanks

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
My prediction.
Mar 12, 2005 10:26AM PST

Cost remains costant, but you get more lens, megapixels and storage or features such as WIFI.

Bob

- Collapse -
Crystal Ball
Mar 12, 2005 12:08PM PST

You often see the manufacturer offering rebates on cameras, just before a replacement camera is about to be announced. This is to reduce their inventory of the old model.

This usually only occurs if there is to be a drastic change in the new model.

Casio has already announced a replacement for the Z55.
It is the Z57.
Not much change, just a bigger LCD.
Amazon says it will be available on April 10 for $380.

You might find a local chain store discounting their stock of a certain model as the new model appears. Big chain stores don't like to maintain an old model when a new model appears. They also tend to sell the old display models at a big discount.

You have to keep checking in with the store and be there about the same time the new model arrives.

I don't see the SD series of cameras decreasing much in price anytime soon.

...
..
.

- Collapse -
SO . . .
Mar 12, 2005 1:31PM PST

If I wait till early April, the new Z57 is likely to press down on the price of the Z55 and thus on the Z50?

- Collapse -
Maybe.......
Mar 12, 2005 10:31PM PST

But at a local store....not on a national basis.

A store may decide not to carry both the Z55 and/or Z50, and instead only carry the Z57.

Talk to the clerk and see if he has any insight.
Years ago, I picked up a Canon S230 at a Circuit City store this way. Tough little camera, it's been dropped twice and it just keeps on ticking.

...
..
.

- Collapse -
Thanks
Mar 13, 2005 4:07AM PST

Snapshot you're a digital angel.

My little ExM2 was surprisingly tough like that, due to my stupidity it fell about 6 feet onto rocks and dirt, while on. The battery shot out and the rocks gouged the little protrusion, very close to the lense. No problems.