MRHooker2u Loc: Kingston, WA

This is a follow-up to a question I had recently regarding camera rental sites. First of all I appreciated all the response and help I received. This question is posed to those of you who have purchased Nikon cameras in the past, especially at a time new models are being released. As previously mentioned, I am interested in a D750 and have plans to use it on an upcoming vacation. The Nikon Rumors website suggests to wait purchasing this camera as new models will be coming out in the near future. The D750 is currently listed at $1696. My dilemma is this, to rent the camera will cost me about $200. If the price of the camera is reduced by only about $200 it is a wash. I would purchase the camera now instead of renting and waiting. If the price of the camera reduces $300 - $400 or more then it might be prudent to rent now and wait for the price drop. For those of you who have bought a camera after new models are released, realistically, on average how much do Nikon prices drop? This is my first foray into this so I have no clue what to expect. Thanks in advance for your response.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, prices do drop after the initial release. I bought one in March of 2015 for about $2,300. A month later, I bought another one for the same price. Within a day or two, the price dropped by $400, and Robert's Camera refunded the difference. It's a question of whether you want to wait to buy it for a lower price. I could have saved $600 by waiting three years - not something I would do.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

So, while you make this decision and wait for a rumor to be realized at some unknown date, you don't have a camera. There's always another model. That next new model doesn't magically turn your current model into a lemon that you have to replace every year or less. If you want to save on an older model, why don't you already own a D700 or D800 or D600 / D610 and so forth? Is your small savings so much more valuable than the time that could have been spent with an actual camera rather than you unrequited lust?

If you really want to save money, why are you not shopping for a refurbish or a used model? That's where your savings are.

MRHooker2u Loc: Kingston, WA

I am not chasing new models every year. The D750 will probably be my forever camera as it has all the features I am interested in and need for the photography I plan to do. I am really hesitant to buy a used model. The reviews I have read regarding refurbished models have been all over the board so I am reluctant to go that route as well.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You would be alone, in my analysis of anecdotes, in hearing issues about refurbished ... You might take a moment and consider the validity of your sources.
All but one of my cameras was purchased used. If it's rated to 150,000 actuations coming out of the box, how could a used model represent an issue just because it's been in someone else's hands? Depending on where you shop, you can also obtain a 2-week no questions return policy and even a limited warranty, because there might actually be an issue. The refurb can be returned too and comes with a warranty, assuming you're shopping from a credible source. All these options would have placed a camera in your hands in what is now the past.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

In the first place, as you have seen renting gear could be expensive. You seem to want that D750 badly and I am in agreement that NOBODY knows when new cameras will be released. Have you considered a refurb D750?
Cameta sells refurb cameras at attractive prices, practically brand new and with a one year warranty.
I have nothing against buying refurb, I have done it in the past without issues. I also believe in old cameras at attractive prices, after all they are only tools.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

There refurbs and then there are refurbs.
If you get a factory refurbished camera you can be darn sure it is well done. And they have some kind of warranty. (The last refurbished camera I bought was4 tears ago and I forget what exactly the warranty was)
On the other hand a refurbished camera by a 2nd (or 3rd) party is always questionable and will not include the manufacturers warranty

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Do you have, and can you afford to spend, the $1696, MrHooker?? If yes, go for it!!! There are always newer versions "coming" but I bet you really want your camera now!! Buy it and never look back.


Enjoy your new camera!!!

tcthome Loc: NJ

Purchase now if you can afford it. Think of all the pics your not getting with it. Nikon usually have sales twice a year with good prices including the vertical grip. I think the next 1 will be closer to Christmas.

wildweasel

The D750 is an awesome camera, buy a refurbished from a reputable dealer like B&H or Adorama and get out there and shoot some photos.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

First things first, the price of $1696.00 is the current SALE price of the D750.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082599-REG/nikon_d750_dslr_camera_body.html?sts=pi

Even if Nikon comes out with a D760, the price of the D750 will not reduce much from it's current sale price. HOWEVER, what Nikon may do is include a battery grip at the current sale price, they have done so twice now since Christmas. If your interested in that deal Nikon will again offer it. And they will also discount the Nikon 24-120 lens to 1/2 price if you buy it with the D750 With the battery grip. So, there you have it in a nut shell so to speak. Wait or buy, it is all up to you.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

It is too difficult to predict how much the price will drop when a replacement model comes out. I would consider a factory refurbished body, and Cameta Camera is always my first choice because they add nine months to the Nikon 90 day warranty. I have never had a single issue with a Nikon factory refurbished purchase. My D7200 had fifteen clicks on the shutter when it was delivered to me. I would have purchased my D750 as a refurbished unit but Nikon had an incredible sale at Christmas that included the grip essentially for free at about the same price as refurbished. Cameta may not have any in stock right now, but call them and talk to them, they may be able to tell you when more stock is arriving. If you are still skittish about the warranty, you can buy and extended warranty from them. Good luck, and get the body, you will not be disappointed.

Jim750 Loc: Easton,Pa

At Nikon USA you can purchase a refurbished D750 for $1349.99. I purchased one a while ago for $1549. and I’m very happy with it. Good Luck

ssiretire Loc: Warsaw, KY

I have been thinking of buying a NIKON R 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens. After reading this discussion I visited the Nikon site and was very pleased to find a refurbished lens at a price I can afford. Thanks to all the comments I feel confident in my purchase. Thanks all.

Stephan G

Another aspect to consider. What price do you place on your photographs? That is, to you? Let say $10.00. Let's assume that over the lifetime of the camera you shoot 10,000 frames. And that would make the cost of each shot $0.17 at the full price. At the $200 discount, your cost goes down to $0.15. At $400.00, down to 0.13. The point is that you do have to consider several aspects of buying the camera. One of the aspects is the photos that you may miss while waiting for a price drop.

The rental can be considered the cost of learning the camera while taking it on a test ride. It may save you from getting something you may not want. However it does not connect with your purchase unless you are doing a rent-to-buy plan.

"What ifs" do not really save much money in the long run.

When purchasing a large ticket item, I look at my over all cost divided by my potential use. I wish you well in your choice.