The PetaPixel Photography Podcast Are Cameras ACTUALLY More expensive now?
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Jan 20, 2026 The hosts dive into whether modern cameras have become disproportionately expensive. They discuss recent sticker shock with everyday items and critique Evoto's controversial AI headshot generator, raising privacy concerns. A unique subscription camera aiming to replicate film surprises is also examined. Through comparisons, they reveal that while some camera series have seen price increases, many remain stable or even cheaper than before. Plus, they share their own New York adventures, from street photography to local favorites!
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GR4 Monochrome Sticker Shock
- Chris expected the GR4 Monochrome might land around $1,800–$1,900 but it launched at $2,200.
- He still expects it to sell well despite sticker shock among buyers.
Inflation Skews Memory Of Price Changes
- Comparing historic launch prices adjusted for inflation reveals perceived price hikes often shrink or disappear.
- Jordan's experiment shows many camera series maintained similar real prices over time.
Nikon D700 → Z6 III Price Drop
- The Nikon D700 launched at $3,000 (about $4,370 today) while the Z6 III street price sits around $2,700.
- Jaron and Chris conclude that Nikon's enthusiast full‑frame lineage has become cheaper in real terms.