7D: What's the "Too Good to be True" Price Cutoff

[Noel_Carboni]

I was a little surprised to see the Canon 7D online at $1379 today (via Google products). And a couple of sponsored links offer it for even less. But there are bunches of them at $1600 or more.

Is the $1600 cutoff roughly the "below this it's likely a scam" price?

Have they really gotten this cheap?

-Noel

[Jerry Skrocki]

I paid $1699. from amazon.com last December. Prices seem to be averaging around $1500 - 1600 now. Check to see that the price is for a NEW camera, not used or refurbished.

I really love the EOS 7D. There is a slight learning curve required for the advanced focusing system because it has so many options. Once you have mastered it, you wonder how you lived without it.

The 7D was the second DSLR I have owned, the first being the original 1Ds that I bought in 2003. The crop frame sensor took a little getting used to as my wide angle zooms were no longer wide enough. I don't own any of the EF-S lenses but I think I will be investing in the 10-22mm. The 18 megapixel
files are extremely detailed but do required some additional noise reduction. ACR 6.1 provides an excellent set of tools for that purpose. I was so used to the relatively clean files from the 11 Megapixel full frame 1Ds. Larger pixels definitely make a huge difference.

Overall this camera is fast, autofocus and focal point linked metering system is extremely accurate.

[Martin_Doudoroff]

I will be very disappointed if the 7D’s focusing system doesn’t make it into the (admittedly speculative) 5DMk3.

[DougAxford]

Check that you have a real 'Canon' warranty. I bought a Canon flash a few years back with a 'US' warranty that I assumed meant Canon - not so. With a flash, I wasn't overly concerned but with a camera, I would be. Instructions were a photocopy. It is a genuine Canon but I would guess out of the back door.

[Noel_Carboni]

Thanks, guys.

I've been experimenting with 7D raw files from DPReview.com and if I do get a 7D I think I see that even with the photosites that small that I will not be feeling a drop in noise performance over my current 40D.

Special thanks on the US Warranty vs. Canon Warranty... I think that's part of the scam behind this one:

https://fumfie.com/product/255.5/adwords

-Noel

[KevinStecyk]

Originally Posted by Noel_Carboni

Special thanks on the US Warranty vs. Canon Warranty... I think that's part of the scam behind this one:

https://fumfie.com/product/255.5/adwords

They're ratings aren't too bad Noel. Whenever I want to shop from an online retailer, I always, always check their ratings.

fumfie (see also: JerseyPhotoStore) - fumfie.com - Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings [8.3]

[That said, be sure to read the comments from prior shoppers. If it were me, based on some of the comments, I'd shop elsewhere.]

B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio - bhphotovideo.com - Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings [9.8]

Adorama - adorama.com - Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings [9.3]

Unique Photo, Inc. - uniquephoto.com - Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings [9.6]

When I see ratings plunge into the 6s and below, I stay clear.

Here's a post on a different board that discusses USA versus Canon warranty:

B&H Photo - USA Warranty vs. Canon USA Warranty: Canon EOS-1D / 1Ds / 5D Forum: Digital Photography Review

[JohnFletcher]

Canon has had a $100 promotion on the 7D that reduces the USA warranteed MSRP from $1699 to $1599 and is scheduled to expire soon. Although they may make it permanent, it's worth checking out. Earlier this month I bought the 7D with the 18-135 consumer lens for $1899 from Amazon and immediately sold the lens for $450. Good deal for me and for the purchaser.