I just noticed on both B&H and AbelCine that these cameras do NOT include a SxS card anymore AND the prices have not changed for the cameras.

Is this due to the economy or is the 16GB card not made anymore (I can't find it on either website)?

At least Sony could have reduced the price of the cameras or included their adapters.

That is what you might call a "soft" price increase.

You pay the same but get less. The only difference between Sony and Bryers is they couldn't reduce the camera to 48 ounces instead of a full half gallon like they did with the ice cream.

That is what you might call a "soft" price increase.

You pay the same but get less. The only difference between Sony and Bryers is they couldn't reduce the camera to 48 ounces instead of a full half gallon like they did with the ice cream.

Speaking of this and inflation, look at orange juice and just about most boxes of juice which have been reduced from 64oz to 58 or so.

Its the new NORM for price increases.

I boycott EVERY product and manufacturer I catch doing it. I've not bought my favorite ice cream now for 3 years.

I would rather they be honest and not do that covert crap.

/soapbox dismount.

I wouldn't call it 'covert'. They must do it OR they must raise prices. Many companies have raised prices to an acceptable maximum; thus, their only other option is to reduce the amount of product. Core inflation and the CPI (Consumer Price Index) have not been talked about much due to the poor job economy. Many core products such as eggs, oranges and beef have seen large price increases. However, I can't explain why Sony has dropped the included 16GB SxS card, but I would bet that they need less expenses due to losing billions over the last couple years.

There is a used, low hours, EX1R for sale in the DVINFO classified section.

I'm guessing demand is still pretty high for the EX1R and EX3. They were back-ordered for quite some time. This keeps the price high... Only if the demand drops will we see a price decrease. (I would only expect that if the replacement is announced at NAB)

It might have been due to the Tsunami. SxS card production was affected, although I believe is back on track again now. However it can take a little while for shortages to work through the system.

But as said it may just a way to keep prices constant despite the recent large increases in manufacturing costs brought about in part by increased wages in China, the cost of energy and fuel.

This was discussed in April when the EX1R/2 appeared. See here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdcam-ex-cinealta/494515-sony-pmw-ex1r-2-a.html

Steve

It appears that Sony is once again including a 16gb SxS card with the EX cams.

Sony PMW-EX1R (http://www.armatosvideo.com/sonypmw-ex1r.aspx)

Sony is pleased to announce a significant enhancement to the popular PMW-EX1R and PMW-EX3 camcorders. To reflect this enhancement, effective immediately, the product cartons will be labeled as PMW-EX1R/3 and PMW-EX3/5. Both the PMW-EX1R and PMW-EX3 will be packaged with a 16GB SBP-16 SxS Memory Card.

Rebates are also available.

Mine did! Hehe. Wasn't supposed to. Invoice said no card, but there it was - 16 GB. Must have grabbed the wrong box. My lucky day.

I hope there is adequate stock of the /3 soon, I'm about to plunker down for the EX1R and Nanoflash combo and a 16GB card would mean I wouldn't have to solely rely on SDHC adapters.