Daniel Hindes: July 2009 Archives

My take as of July 14th, 2009: I've been hearing rumors of an upgrade to the a700 for at least six months. None have any definite release date. It could be announced next week, or in November some time. Who knows? The typical reaction to a new model is that people read the specs and everyone declares they will get it at once. In the beginning supply is limited, and the price is high. Both the Minolta Maxxum 7D and the Sony Alpah a700 started selling (actual price to buy) for around $1400, and for about 6 months you couldn't get one for less. Then the price declined as supply increased, and cost stabilized around $1000 (with some bargain hunting). With the 7D, when it was discontinued, for about six months after you could get one for $600 through various clearance outlets. So if and when the replacement for the A700 comes out it might start selling for $2000, or for $1800, or for $1400, depending on what it is (cheaper version of the full frame a900, or just a tweaked version of the a700). Six months later (or about this time next year) it will be down to $1000. They might still be selling the a700 at that point, and if it is not discontinued it might still retail for $800 or so, $600 if it has been discontinued. If you have an a700 and take good care of it I predict you will probably be able to get $600 for it on eBay in August 2010.

So, when is a good time to buy?

It's always a good time. It's always a bad time. But I hope this information is helpful.