Buying a DSLR camera can quickly become very expensive, especially with the latest increasingly advanced technologies. There is no magical formula to pay less, but several proven tips can help reduce the cost without sacrificing essential quality.

Buy a Less Expensive Camera Without Sacrificing the Essentials

Opting for an older or lower-range model often saves several hundred euros. For example, models like the Canon EOS 250D or Nikon D7500 remain more than adequate for beginners and those progressing in photography. These cameras offer good handling, performant APS-C sensors, and advanced features like Dual Pixel autofocus—but at much more affordable prices than the latest releases.

eBay and Buying Used: A Gold Mine

The secondhand market is the primary source of savings. Platforms like eBay are full of DSLR cameras in very good condition for a fraction of the new price. However, it is important to be cautious: choose reliable sellers, verify the condition of the gear, check the shutter count, and ask for detailed photos before purchasing. Good knowledge of the equipment requested minimizes risks and allows for great deals.

Waiting for the Next Model Release, But Not Too Long

DSLR prices often drop when the next model is released. It may be wise to wait for the next generation before buying. However, one should not postpone buying indefinitely, risking missing the most advantageous period and occasional promotions. Knowing when to buy is key to getting your DSLR at half price.

Track Prices on Amazon

A very useful tool for not missing the best deals on Amazon.fr is camelcamelcamel.com. This free service allows you to track the price history of cameras and get alerts when a DSLR reaches an attractive price. This helps avoid impulsive purchases and ensures buying at the best market price.

Going to Japan: A Good Deal if You’re Ready

Japan is known for offering some of the lowest prices worldwide on camera gear, especially DSLRs. This is due to a very dynamic market and intense retailer competition. However, you must be prepared to pay in cash, even for large sums, which is not always easy. Also, you should know customs rules well to avoid surprises upon return to Europe. This option is especially interesting for enthusiasts willing to travel and handle these constraints.

So, we decided to change the web site (this is actually an underground and near-invisible activity, I have to admit) to remove Google Analytics and start using a solution fuly integrated into the web site itself (with possibly private data being stored exclusively in France). Now, we use the Matomo open-source solution.

In the coming weeks, the web pages mentionning the use of Google Analytics will also be manually updated to reflect this change.

There should be no impact on your daily navigation here. But, feel free to inform us if you observe some incident possibly related to this change.

• Download the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV user manual in English
• Télécharger le mode d’emploi du Canon EOS 5D Mark IV en français
• Descargar el manual de usuario del Canon EOS 5D Mark IV en español

Happy reading.

Then, we’ll probably see more about the Nikon D4, the Nikon D800, the Sony Alpha 77. And maybe some more.

• Japan Red Cross Society: http://www.jrc.or.jp/index.html
• American Red Cross:  Donations can be made by accessing www.redcross.org or by texting REDCROSS to 90999
• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: http://www.ifrc.org/
• Salvation Army USA: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/
• Doctors Without Borders: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

Several web sites are showing photos of the camera taken through the glass of the showcase. Here are those coming from PhotographyBlog.

The camera is not displaying any name tag, so the Alpha 750 moniker may not hold. However, it is presented with a battery grip and an unmarked lens.

The viewfinder size seems compatible with nearly any option (traditional optical VF or Electronic viewfinder / EVF). We find the usual AF mode rotating control now under the left hand.

We can observe that Sony is moving more and more toward a somewhat “rounded” shape (far from the Alpha 900 and Alpha 850 big shapes).

It is quite visible that HD video (AVCHD) will be available; No surprise here. But if there are less buttons than on the A700, there is a new top-side LCD display (an important improvement for many users).

If many controls are reproduced on the grip, it is clear that some A700 controls are gone:

• No White Balance
• No direct ISO control
• Image stabilization control only available through menus (most will not complain)
• Picture delete and play buttons are moved on the right of the LCD (the Menu and Display buttons have moved up) but this is clearly a consequence of the large size of the LCD display on the back

Obviously some new controls are appearing too:

• Movie capture mode
• The now-Sony-usual On-Off control around the shutter button

Most users of the Sony Alpha 700 will not be disturbed much by these changes which seems to be maintaining a very good man-machine interface. Controls for AF/MF focus mode and Exposure mode are still there. The two rotating controls are still there (one in the front and one in the back).

And the function selector is displaying exactly the same set as a current Alpha 700. The Sony Alpha 750 is not ready to add new functions here.

Since this is still a mockup and not a prototype, the fake top-side LCD is visible but no detail can be read and we will have to wait for a later presentation.

Sony did not disclose dates for an official launch or for availability, but the word is out that the Sony Alpha 750 will reach shelves in May 2011 (possibly late in April). The big questions still open are the final features to be available (sensor resolution, type of viewfinder, continuous shoot speed, maximum usable sensitivity). We will have to wait until some leak is found.