Bokeh Market Tracks The Market Value Of Used Camera Gear

How much is my camera equipment worth now?

Bokeh Market is a new website that enables users to determine the current market value of a used camera or lens. They claim the information is real-time value of used equipment.

Users enter their requests into a Search Bar, much like all other search engines. The results will be displayed in a Product Page. It will feature the products specs, a price chart for trusted and individual sellers, plus listings for the product's price as listed in popular sites like Amazon, eBay, Adorama, B&H, Fred Miranda, etc.

Registered Users get more functionality, like price alerts and current value of one's camera equipment inventory or future purchases. The site wants to be the Kelley Blue Book of photographic equipment gear. The service is free but the website has affiliate links and any purchases through Bokeh Market generates commission for the company.

Canon #1 In DSLR and Compact Camera Sales 13 Years Straight

TOKYO, March 29, 2016 - Canon Inc. announced today that the Company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and compact-system cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market for 13 consecutive years from 2003 to 2015.

Canon, which develops the key components featured in its interchangeable-lens cameras - the CMOS image sensors, image processors and interchangeable lenses - employs these cutting-edge technologies across its entire product lineup, from entry-level models to professional-use flagship cameras. Through its robust product lineup that effectively responds to the needs of a wide range of users, Canon has continuously secured the top global share within the industry.

In 2003, the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D Digital in other regions). This groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, captured the top share of the global market and set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of epoch-making products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series which, equipped with a 35 mm full-frame sensor, paved the way for digital SLR video recording.

During 2015, Canon introduced an impressive lineup of new interchangeable-lens camera products that supported the Company’s achievement of a 13th consecutive year at the top of the global market. In June, the Company released the EOS 5Ds and 5Ds R digital SLR cameras, which realize the world’s highest pixel count with approximately 50.6-megapixel resolution; while in April the EOS 8000D (EOS Rebel T6s or EOS 760D) and EOS Kiss X8i (EOS Rebel T6i or EOS 750D) digital SLR cameras were released. Also, in March, Canon launched the EOS M3 compact-system camera.

Additionally, further bolstering Canon’s product lineup designed to meet the specific needs of a diverse user base, the Company announced in February this year the introduction of the EOS-1D X Mark II, capable of high-speed 14 frame-per-second continuous shooting, and the EOS 80D, which combines full-fledged still image-capture performance with exceptional movie-shooting operability. Also, the extensive EF lens-series lineup, production of which surpassed the 110 million unit mark in June 2015, currently comprises a total of 98 models and represents one of Canon’s biggest strengths, supporting the EOS series by enabling a wide array of shooting possibilities and rich expressive capabilities.

Through the further refining of its diverse imaging technologies, based on the Company’s core optical technologies, Canon will continue striving to create attractive and reliable products aimed at contributing to expanding the culture of photographic and video imaging.

Canon Direct Store Sells Refurbished Equipment With One Year Warranty

My readers know I am The Wildlife Ho-tographer utilizing Canon equipment for almost 30 years. Over the decades I have used almost every film and digital EOS camera and EF lens in Bird , Wildlife and Travel photography. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

As a general rule, I always own the cameras and lenses in my equipment bag but have access to other gear on an as needed basis. I purchase the equipment new as they are announced but also buy high quality refurbished gear for backup. For those who are hesitant in buying used or refurbished equipment, read my earlier post on this topic.

In a recent interview with Jason Fligman, Director of Service Operations at Canon, he gave the following answers :

"When items are returned to Canon, primarily through customer stock balance returns, they are inspected by Canon Virginia (CVI) – Technology Center and if they meet specific criteria, directed into our refurbishing operations.

Canon products returned to Canon USA, and judged by Canon to be eligible for refurbishing, undergo a rigorous refurbishment process. Our trained Canon technicians perform comprehensive quality assurance inspections, replacing any needed components with genuine Canon parts. 

Before being offered for sale by Canon USA, the refurbished product is subjected to a comprehensive technical evaluation, which includes functional testing and assessments against quality control standards by Canon USA’s trained technical staff. Refurbished products are then packaged with the appropriate manuals, cables, and accessories. All refurbished products are backed by our standard 1-Year limited warranty."

As you also know, I do not accept any advertisement or commissioned link on my Blog or website and do not endorse any company. I am completely unbiased and do not accept any form of compensation from any company. The Canon Direct Store in the U.S. has an extensive list of consumer and professional refurbished equipment. Unfortunately, the professional gear are snapped up almost as soon as they are listed. Check the following links and see if you can find something you want at a reasonable price. The equipment is covered by a one year Canon warranty, just like a new purchase. Good luck and keep checking back.

• Refurbished DSLR
• Refurbished EF and EF-S Lenses
• Refurbished Powershot Cameras
• Refurbished Printers
• Refurbished Speedlite Flashes
• Refurbished Camcorders

'DSLR' Quality SmartPhones To Challenge DSLR Cameras?

* * *  Read the latest post on how Apple iPhone 6S plans to challenge Canon  * * *

Recently, Qualcomm deliberately made a headline-grabbing claim, by boasting their, soon-to-be-released, SnapDragon 820 chip would be able to "support superior DSLR-quality photography and enhanced computer vision", all in the palm of your hand, via a smartphone.

This incendiary statement flies in the photography world of reality. The new chip runs on the new 14-bit Qualcomm Spectra ISP and Qualcomm claims 4K video capability at 60 fps, 25 MP at 30 fps, 40% less battery consumption, 40% faster processing, superior autofocus, and last but not least, NO shutter lag.

Clearly, no thinking person, let alone informed photographers will pay much attention to such a sound bite but I reference the Qualcomm claim in this post to highlight my point - too many people think equipment alone makes a better photographer. Take a look at my recent posts on Smart Phones vs DSLR Cameras and  Photography with an inexpensive camera.

Advice On Buying Your First Canon DSLR Camera

Well, let us start with some hilarity on buying your first DSLR camera with the guys from DigitalRev. My readers know I have been a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for 25 years. I started out with Minolta cameras before settling on Canon. There are many reputable camera manufacturers out there and I try to be brand agnostics. The best camera is the best camera and the best value is just that, best combination of performance and price, regardless of the manufacturer.

In the world of DSLRs, owning a camera body means buying into a proprietary lens system and most photographers are very reluctant to sell their old gear and acquire new ones just to change to a new manufacturer.

Canon's current lineup of DSLRs range in list prices from about $400 to $6,799. Some models are released recently while others are a few years old. I have picked four recommended Canon cameras for four different categories. You can also read my recommended list of Canon travel and wildlife lenses and see my work on MichaelDanielHo.com.


The best DSLR camera on the market - Canon EOS-1D X

Ever since the introduction of the Canon EOS-1 series camera in 1989, I have made this body my main piece of equipment and have upgraded to almost every new model through the decades. I am not the type who craves the 'latest and greatest' gear but once in a while, a new camera introduction can fill a gap in my equipment lineup. So when the EOS-1D X was announced, it seems to be the camera I am looking for so I placed my order and anxiously waited for the delivery.

The camera arrived last summer and I have put it through some real world, wildlife photo shoots all over the globe, from Alaska and the high Arctic to Africa, Europe and Asia using the Lexar 1000X UDMA 7 memory cards to take full advantage of the 12-14 fps burst rate. Read my review above to get the full details. After the release of Firmware 2.0.3 in January, the camera is even better than before.


The best value Canon APS-C DSLR for advanced users - EOS-7D Mk II

Canon announced the EOS-7D about 4 years ago. Although it does not have the 'latest and greatest' technology, it is still my pick for the best in class. It has an APS-C 18 megapixel CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, with ISO range from 100 - 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. It comes with the new, all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes.

It also has an Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely new technology, provides approximately 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. Read my review above to get the details and performance of this camera. The EOS-7D Mk II was announced September 15, 2014. I have taken delivery of this camera and wrote an extensive review on it after a rigorous field test in the sub Arctic photographing Polar bears.


The best value Canon full frame DSLR for advanced users - EOS-5D Mk III

Canon announced the EOS 5D Mark III in March 2012. It is a full frame camera and comes with a new 22.3 Megapixels sensor. The newest member of the EOS-5D family features a DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor, 61-point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF) System, 6 fps continuous shooting speed (50% more than 5D Mark II), dual memory card (1 CF and 1 SD) slots, enhanced video features with better noise reduction, longer video recording times, a built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring and an improved weather-sealed body.

The 5D Mark III shares many features of the Canon EOS-1D X, including the DIGIC 5+, 61-point AF array with up to 41 cross-type points and five dual cross-type, plus the ability to AF @ f/8. The only non EOS-1 camera capable of this feat in Canon's lineup.

The EOS-5D Mark III is well designed for cinematographers and independent filmmakers. It can capture 1080p Full HD video and 720p HD recording. It also has the new H.264 video compression formats for data storage efficiency. The camera can also double up as a Travel and Wildlife body with its ample megapixels for cropping and adequate 6 fps for action shots. Check out my post on the EOS-1D X vs. EOS-5D Mk III comparison.


The best value Canon APS-C DSLR camera for beginners - EOS Rebel T4i/T5i

The EOS Rebel T4i is not Canon's latest body but is an excellent choice for those who wish to leave the point-n-shoot camera behind and enter the DSLR world. The plastic body makes it lighter than higher-end cameras, but the feel is solid. It comes with the APS-C 18 megapixel hybrid CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5+ processor with a 9-point AF system and ISO range from ISO 100 - 12800.

In addition, it is the first DSLR camera to feature a side-hinged, articulating touchscreen LCD monitor. When mated to the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens, it can focus with almost complete silence, a feature many videographers love. It is a camera with the proper mix of performance and price for the beginner/amateur DSLR market and therefore is my pick. Check out my post on the Rebel T5i vs. Rebel T4i comparison.