Confused about used pricing at DVinfo.net

Mike Petrucco · February 8th, 2009, 09:55 PM

I have been watching ebay for a couple of months now and at times am shocked at the high resale value/used prices that the EX1s are going for. For example, if you look at this auction that just ended:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=250366914280

, I estimate that the total value of everything in this auction would come to around $8000 at B&H, but just sold used (although very lightly) for $7471. Am I missing something here?

Here is a buy-it now that just went for $200 less than the price of new:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=220354335766

One other benefit of going used is the lack of sales tax, but even still I am surprised at the high resale value. For my sake in looking at getting into an EX1, I wish that the used prices were a little lower. The savings don't seem like enough to offset the risk of buying used to me. Is this normal for cameras at this level of quality and features?

Perrone Ford · February 8th, 2009, 10:15 PM

The EXx series of cameras are an anomaly in the market. They have zero competitors that can do what they do.

Shoot 1920x1080, with a pro codec that DiscoveryHD, NatGeo, etc. will accept, and can shoot uncompressed HD if desired. And do it all below $10k. Nothing else can touch that right now.

In fact, I don't believe there is another camera under $20-30k that can shoot full 1080p uncompressed (or maybe even compressed for that matter).

Keith Moreau · February 8th, 2009, 10:27 PM

I'm always surprised how much used non-obsolete video/cinema gear goes for on eBay. As a seller this is great, however as a potential buyer it can be disappointing.

For example I've been in the market for a Lowel Pro-light, not necessarily a really 'hot' item like a EX1 and trashed units were going for 70% - 80% of what you could get brand new with a warranty. It's not worth it when you can get a new unit.

I've also been in the market for a nice Nikon zoom to put on the end of my Letus Extreme, again, trashed lenses are going for 80% of new street price.

You might be better off on Craig's list or just getting the best deal you can get new. What I find good about eBay are new foreign-made commodity items, like cheap step down rings, hoods and the like, or very obscure used items.

Good luck.

Mike Petrucco · February 8th, 2009, 10:32 PM

That makes sense. That second auction I mentioned really shocked me. The prices on these are fixed at $6100, and I know of one retailer selling some demo units for a few hundred less, but that's it as far as I know for looking for a deal. But, that one that just went for $5900 did save on tax, which for a NYS resident would amount to $488, so buying at that price would save me $700 minus shipping, so around $650. Not to bad, especially since these cameras have no moving parts other than the lenses.

Brian Luce · February 8th, 2009, 11:39 PM

I can't back this up, but I think tapeless cameras feel like a safer bet "Used" than anything with a finicky tape transport system with an unknown past. Can't hurt.

Mitchell Lewis · February 9th, 2009, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Moreau

I've also been in the market for a nice Nikon zoom to put on the end of my Letus Extreme, again, trashed lenses are going for 80% of new street price.

We bought the Nikon lenses we use with our Letus Ultimate, used from KEH.

KEH Camera: Used Cameras, Digital Cameras, Film Cameras, Laptop Computers and More.

I was very happy with the quality of the lenses. They were exactly as described on their website....if not a bit better.

Paul Kellett · February 9th, 2009, 06:07 AM

People get caught up in bidding wars on ebay, some people just have to "win".

Paul.

February 8th, 2009, 09:55 PM	#1
Mike Petrucco Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 98	Confused about used pricing I have been watching ebay for a couple of months now and at times am shocked at the high resale value/used prices that the EX1s are going for. For example, if you look at this auction that just ended: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=250366914280 , I estimate that the total value of everything in this auction would come to around $8000 at B&H, but just sold used (although very lightly) for $7471. Am I missing something here? Here is a buy-it now that just went for $200 less than the price of new: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=220354335766 One other benefit of going used is the lack of sales tax, but even still I am surprised at the high resale value. For my sake in looking at getting into an EX1, I wish that the used prices were a little lower. The savings don't seem like enough to offset the risk of buying used to me. Is this normal for cameras at this level of quality and features?

February 8th, 2009, 10:15 PM	#2
Perrone Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 4,100	The EXx series of cameras are an anomaly in the market. They have zero competitors that can do what they do. Shoot 1920x1080, with a pro codec that DiscoveryHD, NatGeo, etc. will accept, and can shoot uncompressed HD if desired. And do it all below $10k. Nothing else can touch that right now. In fact, I don't believe there is another camera under $20-30k that can shoot full 1080p uncompressed (or maybe even compressed for that matter). __________________ DVX100, PMW-EX1, Canon 550D, FigRig, Dell Octocore, Avid MC4/5, MB Looks, RedCineX, Matrox MX02 mini, GTech RAID, Edirol R-4, Senn. G2 Evo, Countryman, Moles and Lowels.

February 9th, 2009, 06:07 AM	#7
Paul Kellett Trustee Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bristol UK Posts: 1,273	People get caught up in bidding wars on ebay, some people just have to "win". Paul. __________________ Round 2 GH5,FZ2000

February 8th, 2009, 10:27 PM	#3
Keith Moreau Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brisbane, California Posts: 530	I'm always surprised how much used non-obsolete video/cinema gear goes for on eBay. As a seller this is great, however as a potential buyer it can be disappointing. For example I've been in the market for a Lowel Pro-light, not necessarily a really 'hot' item like a EX1 and trashed units were going for 70% - 80% of what you could get brand new with a warranty. It's not worth it when you can get a new unit. I've also been in the market for a nice Nikon zoom to put on the end of my Letus Extreme, again, trashed lenses are going for 80% of new street price. You might be better off on Craig's list or just getting the best deal you can get new. What I find good about eBay are new foreign-made commodity items, like cheap step down rings, hoods and the like, or very obscure used items. Good luck.

February 8th, 2009, 10:32 PM	#4
Mike Petrucco Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 98	That makes sense. That second auction I mentioned really shocked me. The prices on these are fixed at $6100, and I know of one retailer selling some demo units for a few hundred less, but that's it as far as I know for looking for a deal. But, that one that just went for $5900 did save on tax, which for a NYS resident would amount to $488, so buying at that price would save me $700 minus shipping, so around $650. Not to bad, especially since these cameras have no moving parts other than the lenses.

February 8th, 2009, 11:39 PM	#5
Brian Luce Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,290	I can't back this up, but I think tapeless cameras feel like a safer bet "Used" than anything with a finicky tape transport system with an unknown past. Can't hurt.