DP Merrills Rising in Value?

[Samouraï]

I've been looking around for a DP1 Merrill recently (as I have the other two already), and I've noticed that while this is the least impressive lens of the trio, its price has remained a full $999 on BHPhoto, while the DP1 Quattro has dropped to $699 (could be a temporary sale, I don't know). The DP2M and DP2Q are priced the same 699. And the DP3M is completely gone.

Even on Ebay, the DP1 Merrill is rare and selling for over $500 (which is more than I remember it going for around the time of the Quattro release). And the DP2 is sitting at around $500 itself. The DP3 is similarly highly priced. By rising in value, I mean the used market, they seem to have bounced back.

Are these cameras just that rare now? I do believe they have quite a bit more magic in them than the Quattros, but I find this surprising.

 

[FrankS]

If true, then only until the next improved model comes along. Digital is not a mature technology.

 

[GaryLH]

In a recent interview w/ CEO of Sigma he mentioned best current selling Quattro was the DP2q and that the dp0q was doing much better than expected.

The Merrill's are definitely still holding their own.. Not sure if Sigma is still making them or selling out the warehouse inventory. The look of the pre-Merrill vs merrill vs Quattro all have a different look... If the high Merrill price holds up, then people are definitely voting w/ their wallets. The sd1q seems to be a bit over due now.. Could be Sigma is having second thoughts about the Quattro line.

B&H has always adjusted their pricing to match w/ overstock. I expect once their overstock issue is eliminated, the quattros will sell at their normal price. I do agree that the Merrill price is unexpected.

Gary

 

[Michael Markey]

UK prices from one dealer ... new and used.

http://www.ffordes.com/category/Digital_Cameras/Compacts_/Sigma

 

[ampguy]

The Merrill DP2 appears to have an instant rebate, at least in the US, good until 2/2016 through authorized dealers, this puts it at about 499 from say B&H.

 

[Samouraï]

UK prices from one dealer ... new and used.

http://www.ffordes.com/category/Digital_Cameras/Compacts_/Sigma

Take a look at BH and Ebay instead for a larger picture. I don't feel that those two used Dp2M copies represent anything significant as far as market forces, but in USD, they're sitting at $426 anyway, which is pretty close to being in line with what I noted.

I suppose the new Dp1 Merrill selling for $999 is the real shocker considering its age.

---

But it sure is curious that we haven't seen a Quattro SD camera. Hopefully Sigma will skip it altogether and launch the next SD camera with a new, 1:1:1 sensor design.

 

[lonemantis]

The DP1M for $999 at B&H is probably an oversight - the Merrills have a devoted cult following (myself included), but are largely unknown even amongst the photographic community. They probably reset the listing at some point, then forgot to discount it from its original MSRP.

That said, the used market for Merrills is definitely much thinner than it used to be. This is likely due to the Quattros being so highly divisive - it's an entirely new category of camera rather than a Merrill replacement. With no new cameras in sight to satisfy Merrill devotees, I suspect many are snatching up older used ones instead.

 

[GaryLH]

Well 2016 brought massive sale

Well 2016 brought massive sale

http://www.adorama.com/als.mvc/nspc...tes&hotlink=t&svfor=5m&utm_source=rflaid63773

As much as 300 bucks off the DP quattro series..

Gary

 

[jsrockit]

I looked at recent finished ebay auctions (past two weeks or so) and the DP2 went for anywhere between $340 and $460. The DP1 $300 - $525.

I think you need a little patience and the same prices are still available.

 

[fireblade]

Yes, that little black brick has a cult following.

 

[j.scooter]

http://www.adorama.com/als.mvc/nspc...tes&hotlink=t&svfor=5m&utm_source=rflaid63773

As much as 300 bucks off the DP quattro series..

Gary

Thanks for the heads up
B&H has them for the same price and the DP0 is in stock

I am seriously temped...

 

[GaryLH]

Yep 699 is a good price. Should c a lot of dp0 go for that price. The Quattro definitely has more contrast compared to the Merrill though.

Let's c what happens next...back to traditional foveon design or will we c the sd1 Quattro or a Quattro w/ different HW?

Gary

 

[xayraa33]

Those Quattros are so darn freakin' ugly.

 

[Samouraï]

Those Quattros are so darn freakin' ugly.

I think the DP2Q is really quite attractive, and definitely functionally designed. While traveling, I have gotten many interested/enthused commenters and curious onlookers due to the styling.

The only thing I find ugly is the use of glossy, black plastic on the lens barrel. Completely gaudy and non-functional.

 

[GaryLH]

The styling of the camera.. I would say u either hate it or love it. I like the result I get and that's what counts for me. I actually maybe one of the few who ended liking the new grip. I hate the rubbery sd card door.

Just picked up a dp0 to go w/ my dp2 Quattro. Just couldn't resist the 699 sale price 🙁 😀

Gary

 

[btgc]

ugly...attractive...do you date your cameras? 😉

to me, DP1 original one, with terrible screen, it's not for dark stadium sports shooters but it's camera I still like to use. I'm also not using bottle opener to brush teeth so no complains.

 

[Michael Markey]

Just picked up a DP1 for £99 ($142)

 

[kuvvy]

Just picked up a DP1 for £99 ($142)

Nice one Mike.

 

[Michael Markey]

Hi Paul

Well , as you know, I usually carry the 2 and the 3 together with a GRV in a small Billingham .

This gives me an alternative to the GRV when I don`t want speed or higher iso.

 

[jsrockit]

ugly...attractive...do you date your cameras? 😉

Yes, we walk around the city together as I push all the right buttons at the right time. 😉