5d2 for $2k shipped, again

It's back up, again really limited quantities. http://www.ilikecheaps​tuff.com …ra-body-21-1mp-new-usa-2/

I suspect you're going to see a lot more discounts on this body with the new model rolling out shortly. If I were looking to buy a 5D MKII (and I am) I'd wait until after March.

av8r wrote in post #13873871
I suspect you're going to see a lot more discounts on this body with the new model rolling out shortly. If I were looking to buy a 5D MKII (and I am) I'd wait until after March.

Here's the thing, and I get into this discussion with a lot of people about cameras. The 5d2 was originally $3300, it's now selling for less than 1/3rd less than it was when introduced. Aside from the tsunami that has slowed production across the tech world, you can't continue to play the waiting game.

If the 5d2 does what you want it to and you have a need for it, buy it today. The fact that you'll save $200 or $300 more a month or two from now doesn't mean the value of the camera is any less or it will perform any worse. In fact, when the replacement comes you'll probably want that. It's how the cycle goes.

If photography is only a hobby for you and you are a budget, I can understand waiting. But at the same time, I've been hearing the "it's coming" story for well over 6 months now and I personally came across a killer deal on a barely used 5d2 back in Sept, knowing a replacement was "coming soon" and bought it anyway. For me, having a 5d [classic] that was sold to fund the 5d2 camera was the right choice based on the work I was doing, as I make money shooting my cameras and the added dynamic range and higher ISO were needed. The difference between selling my old 5d and buying the 5d2 was made back up again after a single shoot and I've since been reaping the benefits of the 5d2.

If you continue to wait for the next big thing to come, or continue to wait for the price to fall even more [with any technology] you'll never buy anything.

Mike Panic wrote in post #13874266
If you continue to wait for the next big thing to come, or continue to wait for the price to fall even more [with any technology] you'll never buy anything.

The fact that I'm careful about the timing of what I buy is the reason I'm able to afford the gear that I want and then some.

But everyone has to do what works for them.

Mike Panic wrote in post #13874266
Here's the thing, and I get into this discussion with a lot of people about cameras. The 5d2 was originally $3300, it's now selling for less than 1/3rd less than it was when introduced. Aside from the tsunami that has slowed production across the tech world, you can't continue to play the waiting game.

What is your source for this $3300 figure? Canon's MSRP at release was $2499 and it is still $2499. Currently the major retailers are selling them for just under $2200, there have been specials as low as $1969. The only time I saw them sell for more than MSRP was when they were first hitting the streets and the people with money to burn were willing to bid them up to over $4000 on eBay.

K6AZ wrote in post #13875382
What is your source for this $3300 figure? Canon's MSRP at release was $2499 and it is still $2499. Currently the major retailers are selling them for just under $2200, there have been specials as low as $1969. The only time I saw them sell for more than MSRP was when they were first hitting the streets and the people with money to burn were willing to bid them up to over $4000 on eBay.

Sorry, that was the price with the kit lens - the original MSRP of the body only in 2008 was $2699

av8r wrote in post #13874285
The fact that I'm careful about the timing of what I buy is the reason I'm able to afford the gear that I want and then some.

But everyone has to do what works for them.

I agree that you do you, but I'm also saying waiting 3.5-4 years after the introduction of a camera until it drops into your price bracket still means you're using 4+ year old technology. That's not to say it won't still be a pretty amazing camera, but it does mean that when the mark3 version comes you'll see [By my speculation] the classic 5d drop to around $700 on the used market (with grip) and the 5d2 to drop in the $1400-1600 range. My guess is that the warehouses full of new 5d2s are drying up now, just like hard drives.

Mike Panic wrote in post #13875474
I agree that you do you, but I'm also saying waiting 3.5-4 years after the introduction of a camera until it drops into your price bracket still means you're using 4+ year old technology. That's not to say it won't still be a pretty amazing camera, but it does mean that when the mark3 version comes you'll see [By my speculation] the classic 5d drop to around $700 on the used market (with grip) and the 5d2 to drop in the $1400-1600 range. My guess is that the warehouses full of new 5d2s are drying up now, just like hard drives.

I seldom buy anything new...including cameras. Way too many low click cameras out there for me to take the initial depreciation hit. Just like with cars...I prefer to let someone else pay retail...I'll take the 40% off deal in 6 months.

It's never about the equipment anyway. Like 99.9% of the other DSLR owners I'll never *need* to have the latest model. A decent photog can use a 10D with a kit lens and outshoot most of us posers walking around with 5K worth of gear!

Mike Panic wrote in post #13875463
Sorry, that was the price with the kit lens - the original MSRP of the body only in 2008 was $2699

I just had to dig through four years of Canon releases but it was indeed $2699 at release. I do recall people bidding them up to ridiculous prices on eBay, one sold for nearly $5k. I didn't buy one until it was readily available well under MSRP which by that time was dropped to $2499.

I just bought my 5d2, no use waiting for 5D3 since I've heard of talks about it coming out since end of 2010/beginning 2011. And lo and behold, still nothing.

I'm playing with my 5D2 now and it's amazing. Even if the 5d3 does come out, it doesn't mean the picture quality of the 5D2 will depreciate. It will still take amazing pics.

Another reason I bought a 5D2... It uses the same battery as my 7D and my 60D. 5D2 is my portrait, 7D is for sports, and 60D as my back up.

I think the only problem with the "waiting game" is if you don't have any camera at all while you wait. I doubt that is true for most folks here, especially ones considering buying the 5D2.

From a hobbysit standpoint, unless you have a compelling need for a newly offered feature, or a compelling wad of cash in your pocket, it certainly seems wise to wait a bit and buy lightly used gear or at least buy new after initial excitement has dropped and MSRP is a little flexible.

mpix345 wrote in post #13894872
I think the only problem with the "waiting game" is if you don't have any camera at all while you wait.

that is what happening to my buddy, he sold his 5d 2 years ago, but instead of buying the 5d2 he decided to wait for 5d3 because of rumors said that 5d3 was about to come out (2 years ago )
The fact is he has a bunch of L glasses but no camera body to shoot with, to me, is ... very sad.

Heck, look at the 5Dc. That has been out for seven years and people are still taking and posting beautiful photos with it.