Anything new from Sony at Focus?

[harvey]

I asked Jacobs how much the A900 vertical grip was - around £260 I think. They said the price would
go up dramatically after the show.
But I did not get one - I have only used my 800si grip a few times (came free with the camera).

I was chatting to someone at The Flash Centre who was of the opinion that the camera manufacturers
are like the printer ones, they want to make margin on the accessories. I have no idea what
the economics are but it is clear that some of these alpha accessories are pretty expensive. I can't imagine
the componet parts are very expensive and there is not much R&D cost in something converted from
the KM range.

[TallPaul]

The grip was like £229 a while back, now it seems to be £279, I think I will wait for the price to fall a bit again, unless I see a killer deal anywhere.

I just started a portrait course at the local college, and I can see the advantage of one for portrait work for sure, but the camera still takes a good picture without one!

[Dusty]

I was chatting to someone at The Flash Centre who was of the opinion that the camera manufacturers
are like the printer ones, they want to make margin on the accessories. I have no idea what
the economics are but it is clear that some of these alpha accessories are pretty expensive. I can't imagine
the componet parts are very expensive and there is not much R&D cost in something converted from
the KM range.

Yes, it seems that the Sony flash shoe converter is almost 10x the price of aftermarket. I hope aftermarket manufacturers come up with a grip as well. I don't mind paying for a good camera, but accessories at those prices make me say no thanks!

Dusty