Are Cameras Actually More Expensive Now Than Ever Before?

In some respects, particular cameras are less expensive than previous models once you factor in all the improvements over the years. The lower priced consumer and prosumer models have features that before would have only been found in their higher priced siblings making them relatively inexpensive.

But there are plenty more examples of camera systems that overall are more expensive now. Leica cameras in themselves can be considered relatively priced, but the lenses are astronomically over priced. And top-of-the-line models from other manufacturers have even more features, including video capabilities that didn't exist twenty years ago. That keeps their pricing on the steep side of the market.

In general, you can find plenty of examples where today's prices are comparable with yesterdays once inflationary factors are tabulated. It took me a months pay to buy my first Nikkormat with a 50/1.4. A D610 with a 50/1.4G today would only cost me three quarters of a months pay. But I make more a month now than I did in 1972 once you factor in inflation. The price of a new D610+50/1.4G today is $200 less than the adjusted price of my used 1972 Nikkormat+50/1.4 non-Ai. So that one came out less expensive.

PF