If you are a photographer, you might have wondered: when’s the best time to buy a camera?
Buying a camera at the right time means you can make great savings. You can use those savings to invest in accessories and gear!
In this article, we’ll share some tips on how you can find the best price for your next camera.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Camera?
Seasonal Sales
The biggest sales are in January, just after Christmas. Some items, especially electronics, can have huge discounts. Because the high demand has passed, shops compete to create compelling offers.
Towards the second half of the year, companies try to boost sales by discounting items. This means you can find great camera deals around July and August.
Companies often want to get rid of old stock before Christmas so they can market newer options. This can mean massive discounts on cameras and many products. So keep an eye out for Black Friday (usually around the end of November) and Cyber Monday (three days later) deals.
New Camera Releases
How to Get a Better Deal on Cameras
Check Out International Offers
The price of electronic goods in some countries can be pretty high. This is down to a high tax on electronic goods and a lack of competition.
There are many sites where you can compare the price of products in different countries. These include eBay and Amazon, the two biggest online shopping sites. Other websites like B&H Photo, Adorama and KEH Camera will also help you compare prices.
Remember that shops may also have their own sales and offers. Countries might also have different dates for seasonal sales.
Buy From Friends and Extended Family
If you have friends or family who are photographers, check if they can help you find discounts. For example, they might have a brand sponsor, or their school may qualify for a discount at certain shops.
Also, if you know that a photographer is looking for a brand-new camera model, they may want to sell their old one to you. When buying second-hand, look for wear and usability before purchasing it (more on this below).
Buy Cameras Online
You may also find that shopping online will beat the prices found in-store. This is because online stores don’t have to charge you for the overheads that come with running a physical shop.
You may receive a further discount when buying more items together. You can also search for online promotion codes. If you are lucky, you can run into a discount coupon and save money.
Bear in mind that you may have to deal with shipping and delivery costs when buying online.
Buy a Used Camera
If you feel that you don’t need the newest model or a brand-new camera, consider buying used cameras. You can find used cameras at photography shops or online. You can also look for local private sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Make sure you check out the quality of the camera before paying.
When shopping online, read the description and look for signs of wear. Look for condition rankings such as Excellent, Mint, Near Mint.
If buying a used camera in person, check whether the camera functions properly. Photography shops usually offer services for checking second-hand cameras.
On sites like Amazon and eBay, there is a guarantee that the product will match the description. This ensures that you get the quality that you paid for – or receive a refund.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get the best deal when buying a digital camera.
If you liked this article, check out our post about the cheapest full frame camera options!
