Since the days of the original Canon Digital Rebel (300D), DSLR manufacturers have seemed to equate "small" with "entry level" and "cheap". Doubtless there has been improvement over the years in this respect. The Olympus E-620, Nikon D5000, and Canon XSi/T1i are all very fully featured and capable yet small DSLRs. However, there is a list of features which we usually don't get in today's small SLRs:
- Weather resistance
- 100% coverage in the viewfinder
- Magnesium-steel alloy construction
- Top level autofocus (whatever that may be for a given manufacturer)
- Top level metering (whatever that may be for a given manufacturer)
Not only are these features missing in the smallest class of DSLRs (D5000, T1i, E-620, etc), they are also missing in the middle weight class (D90, 50D, E-30, etc).
With the introduction of the new K-7, Pentax has parted ways with this old, restrictive thinking. The K-7 offers all of the above features and does so in a body which is quiet, has in-body stabilization, and remains smallest in class.
Kudos to Pentax for putting their very best into a light-middleweight camera. It's one solid step closer to what I really want to see, which is all of the above features plus a 35mm full frame sensor in the lightweight (D60/E-620) class.
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Nikon DSLR users looking for the most compact possible kit may be interested in the new and difficult to find AF-S 35mm f/1.8 lens. I've started that lens through some testing against an older, FX (35mm full frame) lens, the Nikon AF 35mm f/2D. Some of the results have surprised me.
To follow the ongoing testing, check out this thread in the Camera Work Forums.
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Example 1: Sigma DP2 has been recently released in small quantity with high demand. Amazon and B&H are sold out at $649.99. 47th St. Photo is selling them on Amazon
for an 8% markup ($699.99). Thus if you want one badly enough to pay the premium, you can get one now or simply wait for greater availability at the "normal" street price.
Example 2: Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 has been out for a while now, but no one can keep them in stock for more than a few minutes at the normal price of $199.99. No one can keep them in stock for more than a few hours at a 10-20% markup price. If you're really desperate, Tristate Cameras will sell you a gray market model at 25% markup without a warranty or a US model at a full 50% premium ($299.99 plus shipping).
Example 3: Pavilion Electronics has the black Panasonic LX3 in stock (additional 2-3 day processing time) and is selling on Amazon
for only $749.99. Measly 75% markup. Just $50 (plus shipping) more than a black D-LUX 4.
The term frequently applied here is "price gouging", which implies mistreatment of customers. Is this poor behavior from the retailer or just a reasonable business practice when dealing with in-demand items? From a business standpoint, it makes sense to maximize profits unless doing so is going to impact customer loyalty. From a consumer standpoint, would you rather see "Not in Stock" everywhere or have the option to buy at a premium?
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June 15, 2009. That's all I have got to say.
More information about June 15th at 1001 Noisy Cameras.
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I just noticed that a few of you have pre-ordered cameras (and one Kindle DX) through the Amazon affiliate links on this site. First, I just want to say, thank you! Ordering from those links doesn't change your price and the bit of money that comes from Amazon helps me fund gear tests and other projects like the Camera Work Forums. The main reason for this post, however, is to share a bit about pre-ordering from Amazon since I have plenty of experience in this area.
Amazon says that they fulfill pre-orders in the order they are received, and this is generally the case. When you pre-order, your order goes into a queue, and Amazon adheres to the sequence of the orders. What is important to know, however, is that any change in your order will move you to the end of the queue. For example, let's say that you pre-order a Panasonic GH1 kit (includes 14-150mm lens)
today and choose the "Free Super Saver Shipping" option. Then in two weeks you change your mind and decide overnight shipping would be better. If at that point you call Amazon, the customer service representative will tell you that you can change shipping methods without going to the end of the queue. I know they say this because I've asked them. It isn't correct. Every order placed prior to your change of shipping method will be filled before yours.
With relatively low volume items like GH1, I have had best results pre-ordering early and avoiding any changes to the order. That way one has the best chance of shipping with the first batch received at Amazon.
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