Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
| Category: | Industry |
Money Worries - Matt Barker, founder of MPB Photographic tells us what we can expect for the rest of 2009.
Posted: 19th March 2009
Add Comment
Jargon Buster: Off
The rest of 2009 is expected to be an interesting one for photography. The launch of several high-spec and high-priced cameras has ruffled the feathers of many enthusiasts, yet the industry as a whole has been surprisingly resilient towards an eclipsing retail recession. So, how has the market remained so focused? Well, it has always seen the bigger picture. Manufacturers and marketing figureheads have stuck close to the consumer and are acutely aware that although the economy and income has suffered, money is still being invested into new and used equipment.In 2008, the photofinishing and retail camera industry in the UK generated over £1bn in revenue and commentators have forecast further growth for this year. A host of top brands, such as Nikon, Canon and Sony, are introducing upgrades on existing models and preparing to pump additional money into advertising, marketing and recruitment. Some positive news the retail industry desperately needs right now.
Matt Barker, founder of MPB Photographic, who are an online retailer of quality used cameras and equipment, attended Focus this year and was overwhelmed and reassured by the current market activity. “The show is a notoriously busy occasion, but this year seemed even more bustling and engaging,” recalls Matt. “All the usual faces were in attendance and every major manufacturer and distributor presented themselves with enthusiasm and hospitality. What I love about the show in particular is the atmosphere; the vibe was extremely upbeat and it was very clear, due to the interminable queues of people that were seeking the best show-only deals available, that most were prepared to spend cash – and lots of it!”
“With the show providing a plethora of experts, everyone gets the opportunity to listen and talk to some of the most influential people in the industry,” continues Matt. “I had an illuminating conversation with Nick Millen from Canon UK (one of the Canon’s EOS experts) regarding the two new Tilt and Shift lenses that have recently been announced and were on display on the Canon stand. I also challenged him on the new 24mm TS-E II and how it compared to the old one to justify the difference in price - the new lens has an RRP 50% higher than the previous version. I wanted to determine whether this price difference was due to currency fluctuations or other factors and Nick was keen to stress that comparing the new 24mm TS-E II to the 24mm TS-E MK1 was similar to “comparing chalk and cheese” and the higher price was mostly due to the high cost of manufacture of such an incredibly sophisticated lens. Both new lenses looked stunning and Nick promised much improved edge to edge sharpness compared with the original TS-E lenses.”
“I was able to speak to Rob Gooch from Sigma UK about prices,” adds Matt. “He was keen to highlight that Sigma UK had to react to Sigma Japan saying “Our hands are tied by our manufacturers in Japan” and admitted to “a clean sweep of price rises across the board. However, we do not expect any further prices in the near future”.”
“While recent talk of price increases were focused on the DSLR and lens hardware, price rises on accessories are also starting to come through,” says Matt. “Mark on the Giottos stand explained to me how almost all accessories from tripods to bags to batteries are manufactured in China and are therefore influenced by the strengthening USD. Giottos prices, for example, will be going up from 1st April as a result.”
Just when we are all accustomed to new prices, manufactures will raise them again. Some have been guilty of sneaking them up over the year and it’s the retailers and distributors who receive the brunt of hostility from consumers. The high street is the front line for the battle against the recession, so some aid from the big brands is required if they are to survive.
“In regards to new product launches, there appeared to be less compared to previous shows, but this could be indicative of the times with no new innovative DSLR offerings from Canon, Nikon or Sony,” continues Matt. “All I could see were the two new lenses from Canon that could only be viewed though a glass cabinet and Bowens had all their new studio gear exhibited which was immensely popular. Naturally I was keen to discover what was happening with used equipment, but the majority of retailers had either little to tender or talk about it. I overheard on several occasions prices being quoted for part exchange by certain retailers, and in all honesty, they were extremely poor. Most of the retail reps showed very little interest in this area. However, here at MPB we are about to experience our biggest month to date in terms of quantity of stock on offer, so this is solid representation of our flexibility and ability to consistently offer the best prices for used equipment in the industry.”
It is the established brands, however, that still pull the strings in the market and each and every consumer that is attached to one of these are so with a precarious thread. Money was being spent at the show, which illustrates the passion and commitment within the industry, but this will not happen every day during this year. Manufacturers need to instinctively know what the consumers wants and needs are, and for now that means reacting accordingly and offering products for everyone’s budget. The economic climate is still overcast, but fortunately for photography and after a prosperous Focus on Imaging 2009, bright sunshine is on the horizon.
Words by Matthew Crick.
Explore More
Join ePHOTOzine and remove these ads.
Comments
Prices may be effected by exchange rates etc but warranties shouldn't be.
US customers get 4 years on a Nikon 70-210 2.8 lens whilst UK customers get 1 year on the same lens.
If the suppliers have enough faith in their product to provide a 4 year warranty to US then they could use that as a sweetener for the UK customer who has been so badly hit. If the product is that good it shouldn't cost them very much at all.
Maybe Matt can take that back to his suppliers and try and get a fairer deal for UK customers. Then we might not feel so unfairly treated. A bit of a sweetener like this would almost certainly make people happier with the brand if not the price they have to pay.
Tony
- Original Poster Comments
- Your Posts
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
