Body value depreciation

[SkvLTD]

Read some guy on DPR board complaining how his D4 lost so much value on the street market in mere 2 years, and it made me remember looking up what used 5100s go for these days (in a mere year of my ownership of a fresh one) - about 50-60% of the original value.

Unlike that guy though, I feel pretty good about that fact- my 51 taught me probably 2 college years worth of camera operation and photography in about a year; I wouldn't want to part with it for so little money given that it's only at about 1/2-1/3 the shutter life (and that's not that expensive to replace if it comes down to it) so it'll stay by my side until a worthy reason to part with it comes along; and lastly, it actually made me about the price I got it for in the past year.

Kind of starting to appreciate this hobby/career much more than some of my previous ones simply because the limits are quite vast in this one. Seems like the real investments and gear worth getting attached to are the lenses here, since bodies but enable us to use them to their fullest/out preferences.

 

[Eduard]

Glass always retains value. I can give you a very recent example. I bought a D300 brand new in December 2007 for about US$1800. At the same time I also bought a used 17-55 for about US$950 - that lens still sells for US$1400 new today. I sold both a couple weeks back. I recouped around US$450 for the body and US$725 for the lens.

When I go back and analyze my Lightroom catalog, upwards of 75% of my images were made with the 17-55. If a D400 had been released, I would still be using the lens. At a cost of US$225 for a solid 5 years of use (or US$45 per year), that lens was a bargain.

 

[gqtuazon]

Excellent point Eduard. I have made a significant investment on lenses and I am sure that they will keep their value better than my DSLR.

The D4s for example is very appealing but we all know that 4 years from now, their value will by reduced by 50%. However, for pros that requires such technology and cannot wait, that issue is irrelevant since it can make money for them.

 

[Moab Man]

I'm sure the guy complaining about the loss in value would be no more willing to pay what he thinks his camera is worth than anyone else for a used camera. Thus proving the point, it's not worth what he thinks it's worth.

 

[crashton]

Most all my cameras & lenses were bought used. Lost of money to be saved when folks jump to the next new thing. Doesn't happen as often with lenses, but people flip bodies at a pretty good clip.