I was not too surprised to read that Sony is laying off so many people, I do feel sorry for them at this time, or anytime, of the year.

I am more surprised to find out that the EX3/EX1 has just had a price hike by 10% and that a further 20% hike will come into effect within the next two weeks.

I purchased my EX3 today and managed to get it at the pre increase price.

Vincent,
Right now, times are rough for eveyone right now.
It's not only Sony.. Believe me.

I meant to add; given that Sony is in financial trouble, why on earth do they think increasing the price will boost sales. Surely a drop in price would be a better move.

Let's hope poor management decisions doesn't mean more job losses

I believe these price hikes are just a marketing ploy that allows retailers to claim a bigger discount. Sony's consumer products division has gotten killed by companies such as Vizio, Olevia, etc.. Raising prices in a down economy is not a smart thing to do.

I agree that it had to have been a marketing ploy. I know when I heard that they were raising prices, I scrambled to get my Ex3.....but the price never went up....either way, I was gonna buy it, but it seems like a good idea for people who are on the fence, get it before we raise the price.

I looked yesterday and the price was £5399, today it was £5699 it goes up by 20% in two weeks time. Fortunately the dealer let me have it for £5475 inculding vat and delivery. So I made my move

A lot of uncertainty in the economy worldwide. I wouldn't be surprised if the price increase is tied to the FOREX.

Originally posted to XDCAM EX -- moved to Industry News where it belongs.

The cost of parts is going up for Sony. That's why the price increase. It's the strong YEN vs other currencies that's the cause. They're backed into a very bad corner.

This article mentions the impact the strong YEN is having although not how this is impacting the price of parts manufacture.

Sony to slash 8,000 jobs, shut plants - Dec. 9, 2008 (http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/09/news/international/sony_cuts.ap/index.htm)

DVInfo sponsor B&H is selling the Sony EX1 for $6349 which is the lowest I've seen and they have demo units for $5900 so I'm not sure how these prices are comparing to what's happening in the EU.

Originally posted to XDCAM EX -- moved to Industry News where it belongs.


Chris this posting was intended for Sony EX1/EX3 users - just in case someone is thinking of buying the camera(s). Not sure what the rest of the industry is doing price wise, but I felt it was relevant to Sony users.

Interesting to hear that the EX1/EX3 is increasing in price.
The Z7 has been dropping like a rock lately. Wonder why?


-Bill

I also think raising prices is the wrong thing to do.

Look at the weak economy and the competition (RED, which, arguably, doesn't have a camera in the price range of the EX1 etc. at this point, but they have announced great things at very low prices...) I don't think this is a good thing to do.

Anyhow, glad I bought my EX1 a couple of months ago.

Talking to my contacts at Sony they say the correct figure is actually 800 jobs worldwide by 2010. That's something like 0.5% of the workforce which is no big deal really and most of that would come from normal staff turn-over.

800 or , I think, 8000?

The price over here in some shops is 20'000 PLN for EX1, including VAT 22%. That's about 6666 $US. The official Sony Poland price is 21'000 PLN (~7000 $US).

The EX3 is about 28'000 PLN inc. VAT 22%. ~That's about 9333 $US.

The Z7e is 18'500 PLN inc. VAT 22%. ~That's about 6166 $US.