Price drop?

[Blade Borge]

How much has DVX100a/b shifted in price since their birthdate? I'd like to buy one soon but if there's a consisent and significant shift each year in price, i'll wait. Also, are prosumer cameras like computers, in that they become fairly obsolete afters 18 months or so? Thanks in advance.

 

[The Machinist]

The DVX doesn't really experience price drops.

But they are offering a $350 mail in rebate till September I think. Plus the other extra goodies. So i'd say now is as good a time as any.

 

[Zack Birlew]

Panasonic definitely would make an absolute killing if they lowered the price of the DVX, I mean, what beginning film student will be without one then? But the real question is how much it costs Panasonic to make a DVX, if it costs $1,500 per one, then there won't be a price drop anytime soon. Yet, if it only costs something like $60 per one, then I don't see a reason why they couldn't lower the price. It would also be a good thing at this point since HD is getting into everything, look at Canon's A1, an obvious DVX100 killer.

Still, it's not my place to say, I have no idea what Panasonic has in store to combat the Canon A1 and other low cost HD cameras, whether it's a price drop or new line of cameras. Guess we'll just have to see.

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

Prices are set based upon R&D cost, advertising, manufacturing, and finally market comparison. When comparing the Panasonic DVX with any other model offering similar features, form, and performance the DVX remains a complete steal and bargain.

When discussing price, regardless of which product you are looking at, the cheapest is never the best and the DVX has carved out a very specific and well established market. When you compare the price and performance the DVX is a bargain even if it was without the rebate.

-Jeremy

 

[HorseFilms]

When you compare the price and performance the DVX is a bargain even if it was without the rebate.

Absolutely! Just look at all the people who are using the DVX for TV and movie projects when they could afford much more expensive cameras. There's a reason for it.

 

[-D-]

Originally posted by Blade Borge
Also, are prosumer cameras like computers, in that they become fairly obsolete afters 18 months or so? Thanks in advance.

Well, the DVX100 was introduced in late 2002 and it is still going strong. Whilst there have been revisions to the camera, there haven't been any major changes such as chipset or form factor alterations. So I don't think Moore's Law necessarily applies here.

However, with the ever-growing popularity of HD, it is likely that the DVX will eventually be phased out. A better question might be: will SD be obsolete in 18 months. I don't know, probably not, tough question, but that's probably a greater consideration than the DVX going out of date, because its already stood the test of time.

Additionally, the DVX100 debuted at MSRP $3995 and a DVX100B now retails at $3499 at B&H (a reputable source), so the price has "shifted" by $500.

 

[Barry_Green]

The first DVX was $3795. The DVX100A had a price increase to $3995. The DVX100B maintains that $3995 price, but has a rebate on it.

 

[Zim]

just looking at the price of the DVX 100b at B&H. It is $3100 after the rebate. Not a bad price. $3500 before rebate.
The new Canon will be under $4,000. Will Panasonic lower their price. Might not be a bad move. Drop it to $2900.

Better yet a DVX100 with AVCHD so it could have 16:9 and for under $3700.