Camera Pricing News
The prices for two recently announced cameras seem to have been ironed out, as the Canon C100 and Sony NEX-VG900 now have prices at B & H. Meanwhile, the 5D Mark II has an increased rebate.
When it was announced, the price of the C100 was listed at "around $8,000" though there was talk of it being closer to $6,000. I have to admit I was doubtful, but lo and behold the Canon C100 is currently priced by B&H at $6,499.00. That's still a lot of money, considering it doesn't do higher than 30p, is 8bit and HD and records in AVCHD. It competes with the NEX-FS700, which gives much higher frame rates and will have 4K support in a couple of months. And costs $7,999. Which is best? Ehhhh.....
Meanwhile, the Sony NEX-VG900, the full-frame E-mount offering is now priced at B & H at $3,298.00. I still don't know what to make of that camera. Maybe the reviewers will love it, but personally it doesn't appeal to me. It seems a bit expensive for what is a consumer camera, as much as a "full-frame" camera is interesting. I think I'd save my money for the C100 or FS700. Assuming I had three grand lying around in the first place.
Finally, the rebate on the Canon 5D Mark II has increased to $400, resulting in a price of $1,799. It's thought that they are clearing out the end of the inventory, so if you've been thinking of getting one, now might be the time.
Meanwhile, the Sony NEX-VG900, the full-frame E-mount offering is now priced at B & H at $3,298.00. I still don't know what to make of that camera. Maybe the reviewers will love it, but personally it doesn't appeal to me. It seems a bit expensive for what is a consumer camera, as much as a "full-frame" camera is interesting. I think I'd save my money for the C100 or FS700. Assuming I had three grand lying around in the first place.
Finally, the rebate on the Canon 5D Mark II has increased to $400, resulting in a price of $1,799. It's thought that they are clearing out the end of the inventory, so if you've been thinking of getting one, now might be the time.
Comments
The C300 is world-renown as an incredible camera with a great image. It's used everywhere now - news, doco, and broadcast TV dramas like the upcoming Nashville. Why? Because it's good. The camera is built well (I've certainly battle tested it by now) and is a joy to work with and to grade even for a big screen. The FS700 looks flat in comparison. It has high speed... so? 95% of people's work is in 24/25/30p. If one really needs high speed they'll buy or rent a competent high speed camera. The price for the C100 is pretty amazing for what you get - essentially an AVCHD - based C300. If I didn't need the MXF 50Mbit for speed, I would seriously consider switching to the C100. The FS700? no way.
I included 8bit because people talk about it, and also because there's now competition (the Blackmagic Cinema Camera) that's 12-bit.