Camera Cost Comparison 2018
Photography can be expensive, but how much does it cost? How much do you need to own a camera and accessories? Let’s see the camera cost comparison for 2018.
Background
Back in July 2016 I shot with Canon but was wondering about switching to Fujifilm. The technical considerations were attractive, but so was the cost. I imagined a scenario of an experienced photographer using a high end camera but not the brand’s flagship, with a battery grip and an additional battery.
Assumptions
This photographer also uses some popular lenses, like the 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8 and a 50mm f/1.4 or equivalent. This person uses a smaller camera body with a kit lens, and another fixed lens between 30 and 50mm and f/2.8 to travel. He or she could also use the second camera as a backup body.
Finally, this photographer uses two flashes with a guide number of 45m or higher, from the camera manufacturer. (Please notice I changed this assumption from my original analysis).
As of March 2018, with prices from the Adorama website, the updated cost table looks like this:
Camera Cost Comparison (March 2018)
| Item | Canon | Nikon | Sony | Fujifilm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLR-style Body, Non Flagship | $3,299 | $3,297 | $3,198 | $1,599 |
| 24-70mm f/2.8 | $1,749 | $2,397 | $2,198 | $1,199 |
| 70-200mm f/4 | $1,949 | $2,797 | $2,598 | $1,599 |
| 50mm f/1.4 | $329 | $447 | $1,398 | $599 |
| Vertical Grip | $297 | $397 | $298 | $329 |
| Battery | $64 | $60 | $78 | $67 |
| Small Body w/kit lens | $1049 | $1847 | $1,498 | $1299 |
| 35 or 40mm (equiv) | $149 | $287 | $448 | $449 |
| 43 GN Flash | $299 | $327 | $328 | $450 |
| Total | $9,483 | $12,183 | $12,370 | $8,040 |
I considered the following gear to make the table:
Canon
EOS 5D Mark IV Camera Body
BG-E20 Battery Grip
LP-E6N Battery
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM II Lens
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II Lens
EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens
EOS 77D Camera Body with EF 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Lens
EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens
Speedlite 430EX III-RT Flash
Nikon
D850 Camera Body
MB-D18 Battery Grip
EN-EL15a Battery
AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens
AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens
AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G Lens
D7500 Camera Body with 16-80mm f/2.8-4 Lens
AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D Lens
SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash
Sony
Alpha A7R III Camera Body
VG-C3EM Battery Grip
NP-FZ100 Battery
FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens
FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens
Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZALens
Alpha a6500 Camera Body with 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
FE 28mm f/2 Lens
HVL-F43M Flash
Fujifilm
X-T2 Camera Body
VPB-XT2 Vertical Power Booster Grip
NP-W126S Battery
XF16-55mm f/2.8R LM WR Lens
XF50-140mm f/2.8R LM OIS WR Lens
XF35mm f/1.4R Lens
X-E3 Camera Body with XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 Lens
XF27mm f/2.8 Lens
EF-X500 Flash (this flash exceeds the 44m guide number)
Summary
Looking at the table, we can say that Fujifilm is still the least expensive system and, Sony is the most expensive. However, these costs apply to assumptions made at the beginning of the post. You can save by using third party lenses, batteries, grips and flashes.
I really hope this camera system cost comparison was helpful to you. I’ll keep updating it regularly.
Would you like to add to the conversation? Leave a comment below!
