This is the year of miracles and wonders. Not only do we finally get the Pentax Unicorn but now we have a Foveon sensor that is breaking the APS-C glass ceiling. Sigma has two new SD-series interchangeable-lens cameras, the Sigma SD Quattro H with an APS-H sensor, and the Sigma SD Quattro with an APS-C sensor. These are mirrorless cameras that take Sigma SA Lenses that are part of the Sigma Global Vision. No prices and no pre-order options as of the time of writing, but having product pages is a step in the right direction.
25% off 4-Year Extended Warranty for Lenses at Get Olympus with coupon
The official Olympus USA store, Get Olympus, is offering 25% off 4-Year Extended Warranties for Lenses with coupon PROTECT25 added to the shopping cart. This brings the price down from $80 to $60. This is good for M43rds and Four Thirds Olympus lenses. Check the aforelinked page for details, conditions and restrictions. Coupon ends 2/29/16.
Buy 1 Get 1 for 10% off on 100+ Refurbished Nikon DSLRs, Mirrorless, Lenses, Coolpixies [Refurbished]
Also bubbling around among the eBay Deals is a big promotion from BuyDig’s eBay store. A total of 101 items are participating as of the time of writing, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, Lenses, and Coolpix cameras. It is a “Buy 1 Get 1 at 10% off” offer. It activates in the shopping cart when you add any two items to your shopping cart.
The value of the least expensive item is discounted, so strategically this works best if the items you are buying have similar prices (or you are buying two of the same). You can see all eligible items at the BuyDig Certified Refurbished promotion. Make sure you also check pages #2 and #3 over there, or sort by price (High or Low), or use the Categories on the left hand side of the page over there to drill further down.
Pre-order new Sigma MC-11 E-mount Converters for $249 (Sigma Canon OR Sigma Sigma Lenses)
I forgot to include this one in the Sigma block below, so here it comes on its own. If you have Sony E-mount cameras, and also Canon or Sigma SLR lenses, this new Sigma MC-11 E-mount converter allows you to mount Sigma Global Vision lenses (Canon EF or Sigma SA) to Sony E-mount camera bodies. This critter is available for pre-order for $249 for either Sigma Canon EF Mount Lenses or Sigma SA Mount Lenses.
Pre-order Sigma 30mm f1.4 DN DC for $339 [m43, E]
It’s not just Mobile World Congress in Barcelona [Travel Tip: do not wear Real Madrid t-shirts while in Barcelona!], there’s also the Japanese CP Plus happening at this time of the year [see Trade Show Calendar] and with it it brings lots of new camera gear.
We start with Shiguma, they have a new “mirrorless” DN prime lens, it is part of the Contemporary series, it is the 30mm f1.4 DC DN with a pre-order price of $339 and available in the following options:
Fuji X-T10 with 18-55 f2.8-4 OIS and 35mm f2 WR for $1249 [corrected]
This is an “if the stars align” type of a deal, if you need the Fuji X-T10 camera, and the 18-55 f2.8-4 R OIS LM lens and the 35mm f2 WR lens, you can get them all together as a bundle for $1249 with free expedited shipping at B&H Photo in either the silver-black kit or the black kit… In comparison, the X-T10 with 18-55 kit goes for $950 on its own and the 35/2 lens goes for $400 on its own. The X-T10 body only goes for $650, and the 18-55 lens goes for $500 on its own…
CORRECTION: the 35mm lens is a 35mm f2, not a 35mm f2.8. Thanks to Mike in the Comments for pointing it out!
Panasonic G7 with 14-42mm and $100 Gift Card for $600
For a limited time (good until 2/20/16 at 11:59pm ET), B&H Photo is bundling a $100 B&H Photo Gift Card with the purchase of the Panasonic G7 with 14-42mm kit for $600 total. The gift card will be automatically included by B&H while this promotion is running.
If on the other hand you want/need (or don’t mind trading/selling) an Audio-Technica AT8024 camera-mount mic (goes for $250 on its own) you can get the G7 with 14-42mm and said microphone for $600 at Adorama in either the black G7 or the silver-black G7. You also earn 4% promotional rewards (around $24).
Optionally you can triple the original warranty by submitting a mail-in rebate to Panasonic. The PDF file with the details is available at the aforelinked pages.
Needless to say, there are many camera and kit options for M43rds shooters, it can be an interesting/frustrating experience trying to figure out which one to get. That’s why the internet is full of gurus and self-appointed authorities telling you what you need to buy 🙂
Fuji X-System Instant Savings (Cameras, Lenses, Combos)
If you are interested in the Fuji X system, there is a new round of instant savings promotions featuring X cameras, X lenses and X combos. You can find all eligible items nicely organized at B&H Photo, with the different tabs (body, lens, kit, B&H kit, etc) an easy way to filter your items of potential interest.
UPDATE: you can also find a variety of Fuji X Instant Savings offers at Adorama. They have an ever-scrolling style page, so keep scrolling down to see more options.
20% off Olympus Outlet (refurbished) with coupon
The official Olympus Outlet store is having a Valentine/President sale, coupon code PRESIDENT gets you 20% off the current prices over there. These refurbished items come with a 90-day Olympus warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee (excluding shipping). Free shipping with orders of $100+. Offer ends 2/16/16 at 11:59pm ET.
With the coupon factored in the price, among the refurbished E-M cameras you can get the E-M10 body for $288, E-M10 w/14-42 for $320, E-M5 body for $384, E-M5 w/12-50 for $576, and the E-M5 II body for $576. Some are available in both black and silver.
Also participating in the sale are E-Pens, Superzooms, Toughies, and the Stylus 1 rawsumer for $416.
Also participating in the sale are 13 Lenses including the 11-22mm f2.8-3.5 for $512, the 35-100mm f2.8 for $1415, the 17/2.8 for $192, and more.
The items mentioned above are factory reconditioned (refurbished) and the prices are AFTER the 20% off coupon is factored in. I did most of the math in my head, so the chances of 20% off math-errors are elevated. The prices drop after you add the item to the shopping cart and then you enter the coupon PRESIDENT at the Apply Coupon field further down the page.
Olympus 45mm f1.8 with $15 rewards for $300
The Olympus 45mm f1.8 Micro Four Thirds lens is not only on sale for $300 at authorized dealers, but B&H Photo is also including 5% promotional rewards ($15~) to be used on future purchases at B&H. This offer is available in either black or silver.
Pre-orders now accepted for Sony a6300, 85/1.4 GM, 24-70 f2.8 GM
It is Wednesday, which means, among many other things, that last week’s Sony new FE lenses and a6300 APS-C camera (see Cameras and Lenses of 2016 page) are now available for pre-order. The a6300 body goes for $1000, with the 16-50 lens for $1150. The 24-70mm f2.8 GM (G Master, not General Motors) goes for $2200, while the prime time 85mm f1.4 GM goes for $1800. You can find them all nicely organized at Adorama.
PS: No price (or pre-orders) yet for the 70-200mm f2.8 OSS GM.
UPDATE: they are also available for pre-ordering at B&H Photo.
Samsung NX1 with 16-50mm f2-2.8 S OIS & Battery Grip & Extra Battery & Audio Technica Camera-Mount Mic for $2200
The Samsung NX system did not hitch a meteoric ride on the popularity of the Galaxy phones, but on the other hand, it’s still around, which may have been the “tide lifts all boats” impact of the Galaxy phones. Regardless, the current Samsung NX1 body only goes for $1100 at authorized dealers with some offering 4% promotional rewards ($44~) such as B&H Photo and others while retaining the same $1100 price offer a free Audio-Technica AT8024 mic (Adorama; the mic goes for $250 on its own).
On the other hand, if one is looking for a “serious kit”, the NX1 is bundled with the 16-50mm f2-2.8 S ED OIS lens for $2200 with 4% promotional rewards ($88~) at B&H Photo.
But if you want a better bang for the buck power-user deal, at Adorama you still pay $2200 for the NX1 with 16-50mm f2-2.8 S OIS but instead of the 4% promotional rewards, you get the Samsung ED-VGNX01 Vertical Battery Grip, an additional Samsung battery, and the Audio-Technica AT8024 camera-mount mic. So that’s three additional items instead of $88~ to be used in future purchases.
In-stock nao: Fuji X-E2S body (black) for $700
Early adopter alert! The black color scheme of the Fuji X-E2S body only is, as of the time of writing, in-stock and ready to ship at its starting price of $700 at Adorama. The other kits have a February 15ish release estimate.
Panasonic GM5 with 12-32 and $17~ rewards for $440
If of all the M43rds cameras past, present and future it is the Panasonic GM5 the one you want, the GM5 with 12-32mm is a closeout special at Adorama for $440 with free shipping and $17.60 promotional rewards in the black color scheme or the red color scheme. Offer ends 2/29/16, or earlier if sold out.
Canon EF-M 22mm f2 STM with $25 Rewards for $250
B&H Photo is offering 10% promotional rewards on select lenses. We start with a prime for the Canon EF-M mirrorless system, the 22m f2 STM EF-M lens goes for the authorized dealer price of $250, but B&H Photo also includes 10% promotional rewards with it (= $25~) which can be used on future purchases at B&H.
Panasonic GH4 body with $300 Gift Card for $1300
If you are interested in the Panasonic GH4, there is a hot new deal at Adorama. You pay the standard authorized dealer price of $1300 and receive the GH4 kit along with a $300 Adorama Gift Certificate and a 32GB Transcend SDHC memory card!
This is one of their many Panasonic Cameras and Lenses specials good until 2/20/16 or earlier if sold out.
Nikon 10mm f2.8 CX 1-System for $147
It’s Prime time for the 1-System shooters with the Nikon 1-System 10mm f2.8 Lens on sale for $147 with free expedited shipping in either black or white, and with 4% promotional rewards ($6~) at B&H Photo.
Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 OIS with $100 Gift Certificate for $800
In a parallel f2.8 promotion, Adorama is bundling the Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 OIS lens with a $100 Adorama Gift certificate for the authorized dealer price of $800 with free expedited shipping… This is one of their many Adorama Panasonic specials (page further down over there to see the Gift Certificate Bundles)…
Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 OIS with $150 Gift Certificate for $900
More temptations for Micro Four Thirds photographers in the Adorama Panasonic specials (page further down over there to see the Gift Certificate Bundles). The Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 OIS lens is bundled with a $150 Adorama Gift Certificate for the authorized dealer price of $900. The $150 Gift Certificate can be used on future Adorama purchases. Optionally you can triple the warranty via a Panasonic mail-in rebate (the PDF with the details can be found on the product page over there). The sale ends 2/20/16.
New Sony a6300 and three new serious FE lenses – Pre-orders next Wedn AM
Sony continues with their two-parter announcement/pre-order, instead of the conventional same-day approach. They have revealed a new 24mp APS-C E-mount camera (a6300) along with three FE lenses (24-70 and 70-200 f2.8s and 85/1.4 prime). Pre-orders will be accepted on Wednesday 2/10/16 in the AM. The a6300 body will start at $1000, the 24-70 at $2200, the 85/1.4 at $1800. The 70-200 price is not available yet… These too have been added to the Cameras and Lenses of 2016 tracking page…
UPDATE: for more details on the new camera and lenses, you can also check the B&H Photo product pages.
Valentine’s Camera: Pink-Silver Panasonic GF7 w/12-32 for $389
Valentine’s Day means, among many other things, a resurgence in pink cameras. Which brings us to the pink-silver Panasonic GF7 with 12-32mm in new condition with Panasonic USA warranty for $389 with free shipping by Cameta on Amazon (if you have Amazon Gift Cards to spend) or by Cameta directly… Or if you need a variety of basic accessories, they have a $400 bundle with 11 different freebies (37mm filter, extra battery, 32GB SDHC, 50″ tripod, cables, cleaning kits, etc)…
Panasonic G7 w/14-42 and Audio Technica AT8024 Camera-Mount Mic (goes for $250 on its own) for $598
The silver color scheme of the Panasonic G7 with the 14-42mm lens is bundled with the Audio-Technica AT8024 Stereo/Mono Camera-Mount Microphone and 4% promotional rewards (around $24) for $598 with free expedited shipping at Adorama. The Audio Technica mic on its own goes for around $250, so if you don’t need it, you can always gift it or trade it or sell it… Optionally you can purchase this kit with other Panasonic M43rds lenses for a combined purchase discount. Expand the yellow “Special Offer” area to see all the options… Offer ends 2/20/16 or earlier if sold out…
Rokinon 50mm T1.5 Cine DS for $379 (C/N/m43)
Prime time for video, double puns intended, the Rokinon 50mm T1.5 Cine DS lens is on sale for $379 with free shipping and 2% promotional rewards at Adorama in the Canon mount and Nikon mount and Micro Four Thirds mounts. Offer ends 2/7/16 or earlier if sold out.
New Sony Instant Savings Promotion: Cameras, Lenses, Flashes, Cybershots
Sony launched a new 2-week promotion good until Valentine’s Day (2/14/16) offering instant savings on some of their Lenses, and Flashes and interchangeable Lens Cameras, and Cybershots. You can find all participating items nicely organized at B&H Photo.
Sony a7 II Body + $170 Rewards + Sony Case for $1700
If you are interested in the Sony a7 II body only kit, there is a special offer at B&H Photo, you pay the standard authorized dealer price of $1700 and in addition to the camera kit, you also receive the official Sony soft carrying case kit (LCSELCB) and 10% promotional rewards ($170~) to be used in future purchases.
Sony a7R II Body + $200 Gift Card for $3200
If you were about to pull the trigger on the Sony a7R II body only from an authorized dealer, B&H Photo is sweetening the pie a little bit by including a FREE $200 B&H Photo Gift Card with your order. Look for the tab with the “Free $200 Gift Card” sign on it at the B&H Photo Product Page.
Pre-order new Olympus E-M10 II w/14-42 Limited Edition for $900
Never a frown with silver-brown! Olympus has a new Limited Edition of the E-M10 Mark II micro.four.thirds camera along with a 14-42mm lens available for pre-ordering for $900 at Adorama and B&H Photo and Amazon itself.
Pre-order new Olympus Pen-F for $1200
It’s the universal law of film camera name revival. The longer digital runs, the more film camera names and designs will be brought back. And sure enough, the Olympus Pen-F with a 20mp M43rds sensor is now a real thing, available for pre-order in either black or silver-black color schemes for $1200 at Amazon and Adorama and B&H Photo.
Coming along with and for the Pen-F is a $130 Metal Grip and a $50 Jacket Grip [corrected both links!]. But that’s not all in the way of accessories. Olympus is also going into Leica territory with a $500 Premium Leather bag and $150 leather wrapping cloth. Which means smart Etsy artists/sellers can make a nice profit by making more affordable lux-accessories for the Pen-F 🙂
This has been added to the Serious Cameras and Lenses of 2016 page which already looks like a respectable starting line-up with two Nikon flagship FX/DX dSLRs, a Fuji flagship mirrorless, a 100mp (“real” megapixels) medium format camera, a smartphone with a flat “real” optical zoom, a more affordable Big Sensor Prime, and a Leica collector’s dream, an element-proof body. Because some of those display cases are not 100% proof against dust and moisture and nano-particles and cosmic radiation 😉
Refurbished Sony 55-210mm (SEL55210) for $150
To the eBay Deals we check upon where we find BuyDig’s eBay store offering the manufacturer refurbished Sony 55-210mm f4.5-6.3 (SEL55210) offered for $150 with free shipping, with a limit of five per customer. As of the time of writing, 300 of these had been sold per the eBay page over there. The listing says “1 Year Parts & Labor” under Warranty.
Olympus E-M10 with 14-42 and 40-150 for $700
There’s always trade-offs when a newer generation camera comes out. Latest vs value, extra items vs newer items and so forth. This is a value stock-up type of an offer. The first generation Olympus E-M10 with the M.Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R and the M. Zuiko ED 40-150mm f4-5.6 R Lenses is offered, in new condition, for $698 with free expedited shipping at Adorama.
The second generation M. Zuiko ED 40-150mm f4-5.6 II Lens on its own goes for $400 with $25 promotional rewards at B&H Photo and Adorama, which sets up yet another set of trade offs.
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