Buy Now or Wait

I am going to buy my first DSLR soon, (have been using a Canon Pro1 for a few years) and I have decided on buying into the Oly system. My thought is to buy an e-500 kit on e-bay direct from Olympus or one of the other reputable sellers for the going rate of about $500, then pick up the new 70-300 lens when available.

My question is, would you buy now, or do you think that there may be price drops for the remaining 500 kits or possibly even for a 410 or 510 kit before the end of the year.

Thanks

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Originally Posted by Arch Stanton

I am going to buy my first DSLR soon, (have been using a Canon Pro1 for a few years) and I have decided on buying into the Oly system. My thought is to buy an e-500 kit on e-bay direct from Olympus or one of the other reputable sellers for the going rate of about $500, then pick up the new 70-300 lens when available.

My question is, would you buy now, or do you think that there may be price drops for the remaining 500 kits or possibly even for a 410 or 510 kit before the end of the year.

Thanks

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Certainly the longer you wait the more the price will drop. As newer models come out everyone upgrades to the newer camera. I am not sure though with the release of the E3. It's a fairly high end camera. I have seen the 500 as low as $450.00 for a one lens kit. Also the 500 is a very good entry level camera that is easy to learn on. It was my first DSLR. to answer your question, I would get a DSLR as fast as I could. I have really enjoyed not having to worry with wasting film or developing cost.

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Originally Posted by Greg McCary

Certainly the longer you wait the more the price will drop. As newer models come out everyone upgrades to the newer camera. I am not sure though with the release of the E3. It's a fairly high end camera. I have seen the 500 as low as $450.00 for a one lens kit. Also the 500 is a very good entry level camera that is easy to learn on. It was my first DSLR. to answer your question, I would get a DSLR as fast as I could. I have really enjoyed not having to worry with wasting film or developing cost.

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Thanks, I think I'm going to get the E-500. The prices seem to have bottomed out, and with the two lens kit, I can't think of any brand/system that provides comparable value now. Also, there is a very sensible upgrade path, as I envision perhaps getting an E3 in a year or two when prices have moderated somewhat.

Just to clarify, I've been using digital for a few years, just not an SLR. The Pro1 I have is an "SLR-like" or prosumer model.

Good luck with your shopping Arch. I have been very happy with the Four Thirds System. Please come back and share a few pictures.

Arch,

Due to circumstance, I am looking at selling my E-500 and related equipment. If you haven't already made a purchase let me know and we can talk. Feel free to drop me an email at garthur@carolina.rr.com.

Greg