Canon Upgrade Program

[flowrider]

From what I have gathered on this forum, members do not seem to be aware of the Canon Upgrade Program. Canon doesn't advertise it, and it appears to be mostly word of mouth.

It is not available online, only through a telephone number in the US:

(866) 443-8002

But, be aware that all of the folks that answer the phone may not understand the program and may only give you regular prices.

I called four times during a couple of days last week, trying to order a Canon R5. Finally, on the fourth call, I was able to connect with a young lady who understood the program, and I ordered the refurb R5 for $2,159.10, before taxes. Also, be aware that this is an upgrade program, and you will need to provide the SN of the item you are upgrading from. In my case, it was a Canon R.

Lou

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

What exactly is this program, Lou? How does it work? And is it only available in America?

 

[flowrider]

^^^^I really don't know if it's available elsewhere, but in the US - Yes. I've used it three times now with good results. As posted, Canon doesn't advertise it. It's available to owners of Canon products who want to upgrade to a like product. It can be a new or refurbished product. I chose refurb because, as we all know, Canon's refurbs come with a full warranty and are, in most ways, equal to new But, come in a brown box.

Lou

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

But how does it work? You give them your old equipment and they give you a discount? Isn’t that just a trade in?

 

[flowrider]

No, No Trade-In - You just supply them with the SN. You keep the device In fact, I will be selling my R once my R5 arrives.

Lou

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

You keep the device?! Wow... that is a nice program indeed!

 

[LtDave]

You keep the device?! Wow... that is a nice program indeed!

definitely a loyalty program.

i remember way back when the refurbished gear program was going on, you had to turn in an old Canon piece. it was recommended to just pick up an old Canon point and shoot, didnt matter if it worked or not, to trade in.

 

[MMP]

Someone on the POTN forum told me about this years ago. I had no real intention of buying a new camera, but I called Canon and spoke with a rep, fully expecting them to laugh at me. I told her I'd like to know how the upgrade program works, she asked me what camera I was interested in purchasing, and no more than 3mins later I was giving her my CC # for a refurb 5D4 at a significant discount.

Used the serial number of my Canon S40 ( https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons40 ) Loved that camera back in the day...it was built like an absolute tank.

 

[LtDave]

Someone on the POTN forum told me about this years ago. I had no real intention of buying a new camera, but I called Canon and spoke with a rep, fully expecting them to laugh at me. I told her I'd like to know how the upgrade program works, she asked me what camera I was interested in purchasing, and no more than 3mins later I was giving her my CC # for a refurb 5D4 at a significant discount.

Used the serial number of my Canon S40 ( https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons40 ) Loved that camera back in the day...it was built like an absolute tank.

i LOVE my 5D4. i wish they could have kept the series going or at least kept the EF mount going in newer cameras.

yeah, ive got the Canon adapter for EF to RF mounts for my R6deuce, but that adds extra length to already too long of lenses...

 

[MMP]

i LOVE my 5D4. i wish they could have kept the series going or at least kept the EF mount going in newer cameras.

yeah, ive got the Canon adapter for EF to RF mounts for my R6deuce, but that adds extra length to already too long of lenses...

I agree. The 5D4 is probably my favorite DSLR camera to date. I was an early adopter of the RF system, and I rolled with the adapter for awhile because the RF lenses were too expensive, still large, and there was nothing even available to replace my 35L for about 5yrs. My EF 70-200L, 100-400L, and the 35L and 85L were annoying to use with the adapter.

I won't rant anymore and take us too far off topic, but I will say that when I look at the release timeline of the RF lenses combined with the blocking of 3rd party lenses, it seems Canon really stuck it to their loyal base.