How to save up for a new DSLR?
Hi, I'm looking to buy a
Nikon D700 with battery grip [ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._Pack.html ] <--Is this the right battery grip?
But, I need to get my financial standings in order. I have around $200 saved up [I know, I know, how sad]. But, I will be selling my old DSLR body [nikon d90] and like to get around $6-700 for it.So, with that let's say I have $800 saved. The nikon d7000 is $1100-1200. That means I still need $400 for the camera body. The battery grip is around $150 [I ALWAYS OVERESTIMATE]
With all of that being said, I need $550. I'm an amateur photographer [apparently good enough to charge] I make around $65 a session and have anywhere from 1-4 sessions a month. This is the camera I want so please don't give me any reason not to get this camera because this is what I want! My current session fee is $25 [please don't laugh. ]. Should I beef it up a bit. The extra $40 is the CD with all the images on it. Are there any ideas on raising my prices or saving? Any ideas/help is very much appreciated. Please, please, do not get rude in answering this question. Btw, I know how to use DSLR's so don't tell me I don't.
Consider every last single purchase that you make, right down to that bag of chips that costs a buck. Think if you Really need it. If you don't, when you get home, stick that buck (or whatever the amount was of the unneeded item) in a bank and don't touch it. You would be amazed at how fast money adds up. I do that a good bit, because I used to be terrible about impulse buying. It's a good practice in general and also helps you realize what you really need.
I would also suggest not factoring in the grip. That isn't a need really. I would concentrate on getting the camera and maybe an extra battery. Then when you have the money for your grip, you have your extra battery, but in the mean time you still won't have to worry about running out of juice.
Search for a used D7000… That will help you knock a few hundred off your price right there. Find one with a low shutter actuation count, and you'll be good to go for a LONG time.
If you simply must have it brand new, keep an eye out for sales at local stores.
Good answer from IPATWIL above me, but I would add that I think you are allowing too much income from the sale of your D90. Digital camera values drop like a rock once you purchase them. By the time you have the rest of the money saved, more time will have passed and the value of your D90 will be even lower.
Check these auctions at the end of the day and see what a used D90 body actually sold for.
This one is a factory refurb from a reputable dealer and it comes with a 1 year warranty, which would add to the value:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...53e5addc1f
Here's one from a private seller asking $699 and he can't get a bid:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...45f80fd2e8
Here's one from a private seller with a 100% feedback score. He includes everything but the lens, so the value is higher. At this moment, he is getting $565 for his D90:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...1e60ce55b3
More from Cameta, factory refurbs with 1 year warranty, ending today:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...53e5af134b
http://cgi.ebay.com/...20b6775a95