Is a new Digital Rebel model coming soon?

[feenomenal]

I've been looking to purchase a Digital Rebel, and every location in my hometown that offers them is out of stock. The guys at Best Buy have told me that in their computer system, the DR has an "end of life" code, usually indicating that a new model is coming out. They can no longer order them. I can get one from a great camera shop in town, but before I put down a grand for a digital camera, I want to do my homework. :)

So what's the word? Is a new model coming out, or do I just order it? I fully realize that retail salesmen might not be the most reliable news sources, which is why I'm turning to the pros. ;)

[benyl]

Didn't it just come out less than a year ago?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Way less than a year ago,. it was September...

No it is selling like hotcakes... and it is brand new.

[tpinchback]

I don't think so, but I will check tomorrow when I go to work.

[nosquare2003]

I don't think so.

But it seems that the price gap from 10D to 1D Mk II is quite large. Will Canon sell a downgraded version of 1D Mk II at 2/3 price, like Drebel vs 10D, end of this year?

[CoolToolGuy]

At the risk of getting smacked down by the speculation police, I think that before too long you will see more than four models in the Canon DSLR lineup. They have six active film models (in the USA), and the tide has turned to digital. Personally, I would like to see a prosumer DSLR with a 1.3 crop factor. 8) :) :D

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[defordphoto]

I've been looking to purchase a Digital Rebel, and every location in my hometown that offers them is out of stock. The guys at Best Buy have told me that in their computer system, the DR has an "end of life" code, usually indicating that a new model is coming out. They can no longer order them.

That's ridiculous. Best Buy is quickly becoming a reliable as Ritz/Kits/Wolf Shack. The last few times I have been to their stores I have been sorely disappointed in their lack of customer service and lack of knowledge of their so-called sales people.

No offense to the BB folks we have here. I know they're not all that way, but BB is now on par with Radio Shack and the fine folks at Ritz. They lie to make sales. They lie to sell whatever they're promoting and that is just simply unfair salemanship. I refuse to buy ANY big ticket items at BB anymore and am real close to not shopping there ever again.

So, basically, the people at Best Buy have lied to you. The DR is NOT discontinued or anything close to be discontinued. Take your money somewhere else. Buy a camera from a camera store and not someone that sells refrigerators and vacuum cleaners.

Would you buy a car from a shoe salesperson?

[NickC]

Methinks people start some of these "new model" and "discontinued" rumor threads just to try and get someone's goat. Or two. Or more.

It's getting really ridiculous, and I am NOT amused.

[CoolToolGuy]

Methinks people start some of these "new model" and "discontinued" rumor threads just to try and get someone's goat. Or two. Or more.

It's getting really ridiculous, and I am NOT amused.

What a lovely way to welcome a new member to the forum. :?

I think most folks come here for the first time to find out the answer to some question that has been bugging them. They hear about this cool forum where people can ask questions and get answers from folks that have 'been there'. So they post the question and hear some frustration form the regulars that have heard the question a thousand times in the last month. Yes, repetitive questions can be frustrating. But give it a break, willya? :x

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[Belmondo]

It's not an unreasonable question to ask. There's a lot of disinformation out there, and what better place to come to confirm or dispel it?

Truth is, there are at least two other Canon digital SLRs that are likely scheduled for replacement before the Rebel: the 10D and the 1Ds., both of which have been around quite a while longer already. Best estimate for those is fall, 2004. Rebel should be around at least that long.

[robekert]

Truth is, there are at least two other Canon digital SLRs that are likely scheduled for replacement before the Rebel: the 10D and the 1Ds., both of which have been around quite a while longer already. Best estimate for those is fall, 2004. Rebel should be around at least that long.

I agree. The Rebel was one of the featured cameras at PMA Las Vegas last month. It was overshadowed by the 1D Mark II but still had a presence. Even if it was to be replaced in, oh say September, who cares, it is an extremely capable camera now.

Rob

[defordphoto]

Methinks people start some of these "new model" and "discontinued" rumor threads just to try and get someone's goat. Or two. Or more.

It's getting really ridiculous, and I am NOT amused.

Feenomenal was not starting any rumors. Feenomenal was just reporting what they were told. That's really an unfair accusation upon this new member. It's BestBuy you should be slamming and now one of our newest members.

And welcome to the forum Feenomenal. And shame on me for not recognizing this was your first post.

As Belmondo mentions, there is a lot of bad information out there and some extremely unscrupulous salespeople and storefronts out there. Please, please be careful when purchasing any camera equipment.

[CoolToolGuy]

So, after that brief interlude, back to the topic.

Since Canon's product life cycle for all but the most expensive models seems to be one year, it would be likely that the Drebel is due for some sort of change around the end of the summer. As I mentioned above, the tide is turning from film to digital, and Canon has six current film bodies (in the USA). It would make sense for them to increase the number of DSLR's to keep their market share and make the switch. With only one 'consumer' DSLR, it may make sense to add to that market by either replacing the Drebel with two (one basic, one more upscale) or adding an upscale Rebel (but I wish they'd change the 'Rebel' name) to the lineup. :idea:

The above is speculation only. I have no information to support any of the above. I am only guessing (but I am allowed, correct?) :? :) :D

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[feenomenal]

Methinks people start some of these "new model" and "discontinued" rumor threads just to try and get someone's goat. Or two. Or more.

It's getting really ridiculous, and I am NOT amused.

Feenomenal was not starting any rumors. Feenomenal was just reporting what they were told. That's really an unfair accusation upon this new member. It's BestBuy you should be slamming and now one of our newest members.

And welcome to the forum Feenomenal. And shame on me for not recognizing this was your first post.

As Belmondo mentions, there is a lot of bad information out there and some extremely unscrupulous salespeople and storefronts out there. Please, please be careful when purchasing any camera equipment.

Thanks for the welcome!

Well, I'm new to this forum, but not to forums in general, so I can't really be offended by a couple of responses to an admittedly newbie question. I did glance through the forums before posting though, to see if this had been discussed recently and didn't see anything immediately. So I posted.

:)

I don't think the BB guys lied per se, I just think that they made an assumption based on a code in their computer and their inability to order new stock (although one guy did try to push a Sony Cybershot at the same price as the DRebel). One reason I do like BB is that their salespeople don't make commission and they generally are helpful and friendly with no sales pressure.

And it's a quarter of a mile from my house. ;)

But it looks like the consensus is that there's most likely not a new DRebel coming out, at least until fall-ish, and that's the info I was looking for. I just might go get it from my local camera shop today.

I'm upgrading from a Kodak DX3500 point-n-shoot digital, so color me enthused about the new one! I sold my ancient Canon ftb 35mm camera some time ago, and haven't had the ability to take decent photos since.

Hey, while I'm asking, what do you think about the stock lens that comes with the kit? Should I look into a better lens, or is the one that comes with it pretty good? I might be interested in some lower light photography (bands, etc.) from time to time, so I just wondered how it does.

[Jmurman]

I've been looking to purchase a Digital Rebel, and every location in my hometown that offers them is out of stock. The guys at Best Buy have told me that in their computer system, the DR has an "end of life" code, usually indicating that a new model is coming out. They can no longer order them. I can get one from a great camera shop in town, but before I put down a grand for a digital camera, I want to do my homework. :)

So what's the word? Is a new model coming out, or do I just order it? I fully realize that retail salesmen might not be the most reliable news sources, which is why I'm turning to the pros. ;)

Maybe you can order one from Best Buys web site?

[Belmondo]

Hey, while I'm asking, what do you think about the stock lens that comes with the kit? Should I look into a better lens, or is the one that comes with it pretty good? I might be interested in some lower light photography (bands, etc.) from time to time, so I just wondered how it does.

I think the general consensus is that the 18-55 lens is a heck of a deal. It’s a particularly useful focal range for a camera with a 1.6X crop factor, and the image quality is decent. There is no question that eventually you’ll want to improve your optics, but the kit lens is an excellent way to go while you learn the camera and refine your technique. For low light, the most affordable entry level lenses are the 50mm f/1.8, and the f/1.4 (more expensive, but faster).

Tom

[CoolToolGuy]

Hey, while I'm asking, what do you think about the stock lens that comes with the kit? Should I look into a better lens, or is the one that comes with it pretty good? I might be interested in some lower light photography (bands, etc.) from time to time, so I just wondered how it does.

Get the kit. The kit lens costs you an extra $100. It is very good for that price, and it gives a pretty decent range. If you get something to supplement it, it is small and stores easily in your bag. If you want to get rid of it, you can usually get more than $100 for it on eBay. :wink:

Welcome to the forum. Hope to see you around here.

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[Avarond]

Hey, while I'm asking, what do you think about the stock lens that comes with the kit?

I got the kit lens and it takes excellent pictures for a $100 lens. If you are going to get a Pro quality wide angle lens as your first lens I wouldnt get it, but you could get the kit lens and then go after something around 50 mm and above.

[tpinchback]

I've been looking to purchase a Digital Rebel, and every location in my hometown that offers them is out of stock. The guys at Best Buy have told me that in their computer system, the DR has an "end of life" code, usually indicating that a new model is coming out. They can no longer order them.

That's ridiculous. Best Buy is quickly becoming a reliable as Ritz/Kits/Wolf Shack. The last few times I have been to their stores I have been sorely disappointed in their lack of customer service and lack of knowledge of their so-called sales people.

No offense to the BB folks we have here. I know they're not all that way, but BB is now on par with Radio Shack and the fine folks at Ritz. They lie to make sales. They lie to sell whatever they're promoting and that is just simply unfair salemanship. I refuse to buy ANY big ticket items at BB anymore and am real close to not shopping there ever again.

So, basically, the people at Best Buy have lied to you. The DR is NOT discontinued or anything close to be discontinued. Take your money somewhere else. Buy a camera from a camera store and not someone that sells refrigerators and vacuum cleaners.

Would you buy a car from a shoe salesperson?


Ok, I am not saying that every Best Buy sales person never lies, but I just dont understand why that person would say that it is discontinued, when in truth it is not. We have no incentive to lie to people to make sales, because we do not see a dime in profit from the sale (even if we sell service). We do not even make a bouns if we hit budget for the year! The only bonus we do get if we stop people from stealing in the store, which we do just about everyday.

Sometimes around the holidays you will find a couple of employees that dont know what the hell their talking about, because they have never used a camera in there life (just seasonal employees). Other than that (at least my employees) the sales people usually know what they are talking about.

I will check later when I go to work to see if they discontinued the sku. Now saying that, I have seen Best Buy discontined a product 6 months before the camera was accually gone.

Ohh, by the way, the 10d is discontinued, at least in there computers.

[Belmondo]

This sounds vaguely familiar....

When Dell realized that they were giving away the 70-200 f/2.8L IS, that's what they did in their computer system---they discontued it.

This could just be BB's way of saying they don't want to sell something they're not making any money on. It's an unfortunate choice of terminology, however, because it does infer to most people seeing this that the camera is going out of production soon. I think we all generally recognize that's not a likely scenario, however.

On the other hand, just when we think Canon has become predictable, they up and surprise us.

Safest answer: 'Who the hell knows?'

[tpinchback]

This sounds vaguely familiar....

When Dell realized that they were giving away the 70-200 f/2.8L IS, that's what they did in their computer system---they discontued it.

This could just be BB's way of saying they don't want to sell something they're not making any money on. It's an unfortunate choice of terminology, however, because it does infer to most people seeing this that the camera is going out of production soon. I think we all generally recognize that's not a likely scenario, however.

On the other hand, just when we think Canon has become predictable, they up and surprise us.

Safest answer: 'Who the hell knows?'

Trust me, they are making money on the Drebel. My discount allows me to get the camera at cost.

[theoldmoose]

I think a lot of folks (at least initially) were focused on the idea that *Canon* might be replacing the Digital Rebel.

Given Best Buy's track record for not stocking a wide variety of competing SKU's, I would imagine something rather different:

One of their trusted top buyers has seen the handwriting on the wall, concerning the introduction of the Nikon D70. They know that as soon as that puppy hits the shelves, that sales of Digital Rebels will take a definite nose-dive.

Now, if you had the choice of stocking either the Digital Rebel or the Nikon D70, and let's imagine that you got essentially the same margin from the sale of either one (or in the case of the D70 kit, even better), which would you want on your shelf starting the end of next month?

For bonus points, how many Digital Rebels would you like to have as 'remainders' in stock, taking up precious storage/shelf space, and having to be dumped at a lower, more competitive price (since Canon won't do a thing to reimburse distributor or retail channels if they subsequently drop prices -- ask any retailer or distributor who they would rather do business with, and just listen to them vent about Canon's treatment of the channels and their customers).

Nikon is producing 800,000 D70's for their first production run. I believe they will sell every one of them immediately if not sooner, and they will then be as difficult to get as 10D's, these days.

[NickC]

Folks, if you look at my response, I referred to "people" who start rumor threads, not "feenomenal." In general there's a lot of repetitive rumor chaff on the forum, and I know a lot of you are tired of it. So don't go chiding me for expressing the same thoughts.

I apologize to feenomenal if they thought it was a slight on them. It was a statement in general, and yeah, a bad welcome (but I don't look at anyone's number of posts anyway).


Seems to me that a lot of the B.S. here is because of Best Buy's business policies. I'll redirect my ire toward them, by not patronizing them.

Thanks, and sorry for the commotion.

[NILOLIGIST]

Yeah,

Best Buy told me that the new Palm Tungsten T3 was being discontinued too. I called Palm and they said it just came out.

These sales people will tell you anything when they don't have an item in stock that you want.

I really like Best Buy but getting the wrong information that can influence my purchase is not good. I don't listen to them anymore.

Contact Canon or check with people here at the forum, sales people these days don't really know a lot.

I go into the stores nowadays and they are empty, not making a lot of sales, everyone is getting everything online nowadays. They need sales badly.

Rebel is a very hot item, sales are great, there is no need for them to come out with a new one yet.

NiL,