What's with the lack of photography equipment at the moment?

[Amp34]

First I pop into Digital Depot (couple of weeks ago) and they don't have much stock at all, apparently because of a massive shortage, even european stock. This line comes from another couple of other stores as well as discussion on here.

The synic in me thinks it's perhaps the manufacturers sending stock to places they can make a bigger profit... Is there actually another answer?

 

[Kaouthia]

Underestimating demand is the "official" excuse.

 

[Gaz81]

nah, a big problem is a lot of the companies that make the electronic bits (chips, semiconductors etc) slimmed down during the recession, shutting foundries down etc.

No the demand is back there isn't the capacity to keep up with demand.

 

[whiteflyer]

There was a piece on BBC R4 just the other day about the shortage and delay in spare parts for cars, so I'm going to agree Gary (Gaz81)

They slimmed right down and have yet to get back up to full capacity.

 

[Diego Garcia]

As said global recession has slowed down production and oddly the supply cant meet the demand as it seems a lot of people are still trying to enjoy life and buy it. The issue Canon face it that their SLR range is of course selling to videographers who want the excellent HD offering and as such, bodies are like hens teeth. Apparently.