...Always seeking to save a smidgeon of scarce specie. (Should I now annoyingly adopt "A" appellations to assist in alleviating "S" alliterations?) Note that you get the camera, normal zoom, telephoto zoom, and the vertical grip for $380 off the usual price of $1,179. But I don't know how reliably the really righteous rebate will remain.
Featured Comment by Hugh Crawford: "Anglo American amateur alliteration association, applauding any and all attempts, accomplishments, and achievements advancing alliteration, acclaims above accomplishment and accordingly admits aforesaid's author as an affiliate."
Question from robert e: "There seem to be substantial instant rebates on select SLR's from just about all the major brands (including Hasselblad!). Any idea what's going on?"
Eamon replies: The instant rebates (with the possible exception of Hasselblad's) would be mostly in reaction to yen/dollar exchange rate fluctuations (and only secondarily in response to other business conditions).
For most of 2008, the yen gained value against the dollar and finally, in late 2008/early 2009 most of the U.S. camera sales subsidiaries raised many of their prices to account for the lower value of the dollar.
But in the past two months, the dollar has rebounded a bit against the yen (10% or so). That means Japanese cameras have gotten cheaper to import again, and rebates are by far the most common mechanism used by the U.S. subsidiaries to pass savings from lower import costs on to the consumer.
Could be they are clearing old stock, before the launch of the A330
http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2009/05/02/alpha-330-future-model/
Posted by: Andy | Monday, 04 May 2009 at 06:26 PM
Absolutely Awesome! Superb System!
Always Sorry.
Posted by: KeithB | Monday, 04 May 2009 at 07:01 PM
The camera body is already listed as discontinued at B&H.
$800 is a nice buy but you can get the Rebel XSi w. 2 lenses at Costco for 850, so it is nothing to jump up and down about.
Posted by: Jay | Monday, 04 May 2009 at 09:02 PM
Well, that grip alone goes for $150, so it's like getting it and a lens for free. btw, the 850 price on the XSi kit is also available at B&H and other stores, thanks to a $200 instant rebate.
Speaking of which, there seem to be substantial instant rebates on select SLR's from just about all the major brands (including Hasselblad!). Any idea what's going on, Mike?
It's not just older models, either. The one I find more intriguing than any of the above is the $100 rebate on the E-620 2-lens kit, a camera just barely released. Cuts the two lens kit to $800, same price as the one lens kit. Touch choice.
I should probably disconnect my DSL cable now.
Posted by: robert e | Monday, 04 May 2009 at 11:30 PM
This is a nice deal, but also a little worrying. I assume these rebates reflect the industry's response to the present economic downturn, and they may indicate deeper issues. Of course, I would not complain if Nikon had something like this for the D700. (I know, only in my dreams.)
Alex
Posted by: Alex Vesey | Tuesday, 05 May 2009 at 06:50 AM
Am hoping that Mystic Mike gets a look at that 55-200 zoom. I keep hearing that it is better than it has any right to be.
Posted by: Clayton Lofgren | Tuesday, 05 May 2009 at 08:38 AM
An altogether amazing achievement. Alternatively, an absolutely assinine assignment. Although as an admitted alliteration appreciator, Adam approves.
Posted by: mcananeya | Tuesday, 05 May 2009 at 10:51 AM
Alliteration's all right, about as awesome as assonance.
Posted by: Matt Buedel | Tuesday, 05 May 2009 at 11:43 AM
Thanks, EH.
Alex, the rebate on D700 is $300. BH final price is 2370.
I have to note that one can buy a D700, and more, w/ the instant rebate on the Hassy H3DII31/80mm kit.
Posted by: robert e | Tuesday, 05 May 2009 at 05:01 PM