When is the best time of year to buy a digital camera?

Question

My brother keeps telling me to wait until they go on sale...but when is that?? Do all the stores put them on sale at a certain time of year?

Thanks!

Answer 1

New model cameras come out mostly in the late spring, so prices drop on the old models throughout the summer. New models start at list price, but will will drop 10% or so in the months after introduction.

Usually the new models offer more features and capability at a lower price than the old models, so prices on the older ones have to drop to be competitive. (However, some stores keep the original prices on the older model, thinking that custmers won't know the difference. It pays to know what year the camera came out.)

Sometimes these price drops are not marked as "sales". The price just quietly drops. My 2005 Sony DSC-H1 started out in spring 2005 at $500; by summer 2006 (after the 2006 H2/H5 came out), I found it many places for $350.

Prices are also somewhat lower in the winter after all the holiday business settles down. Then the prices are often marked as "sales" to stimulate business.

Of course, those are just general trends. Some stores are slower to react than others. Also, there may be manufacturer rebates at odd times if they have too much inventory.

If you can wait to buy, it pays to study the market and decide on a few cameras that would be good for you. Then watch the prices to see who is selling at a good price and what the history of the price is. Then you will know what and when to buy.

The pro reviews on the internet usually show the prices at introduction, and a collection of "sponsor" prices at the present time. Search on "digital camera" and "review".

Happy Shopping!

Answer 2

Camera companies are constantly making new models and discontinuing old ones. Old models are sometimes discounted to get rid of remaining stock and you might find a bargain. On the other hand, the new models are usually better and they often sell for the same price as the old ones originally did.
Like the previous answer said, there are a few industry trade shows when 10 or 15 models are introduced at the same time. The next big one is Photokina, in Germany at the end of September. If you want to keep up with the latest announcements (and gossip) you can keep an eye on http://www.dpreview.com
My advice would be to just get the camera you want now, and start taking pictures. Unless you're buying a +$700 set-up, playing the waiting game won't save you a fortune.

Answer 3

Here's what I do anytime I want to buy a digital camera (which is a lot because I always get great prices).

Check techbargains.com every day. I'd say at least once every two weeks, Dell runs great 25% off deals that make the camera prices awesome.

Alternatively, you can use pricegrabber.com to find the lowest price on a camera that you like.

Answer 4

Sales for electronics usually occur after technology conventions and the arrival of new better models.Thats usually the best time.Just look out for the release of a brand new model of the one you want to buy,then go get it.It will be much cheaper,coz they will be trying to get rid of Old stock.

Answer 5

the price of certain camera keeps going down every year.
it means there1/100 chances to get camera.
LOL!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

springtime, right before mothers day, and of course camp out on black friday.