In case you haven't noticed all of Sony's higher-end accessories are priced the same at all retailers (it was effective June 1). Check B&H, Adorama, Berger Bros, etc and you will find they are all MSRP (or what I now like to call MMRP - Manufacturer Mandated Retail Price). It is called the Sony SURE program and is apparently being watched by the industry to see how it goes
Sony SURE Program Has PRO's Attention - 5/19/2008 - TWICE.
One upside many have suggested is that it will help the smaller camera stores by putting them on equal price footing with the larger volume dealers such as B&H, etc. All that I have seen is a rise in prices.
I personally can't see how this is a good move. Sony needs to be a better value than the competition. Raising prices is the opposite of what the need right now IMO. And I happen to like a free market.
So what does every one think? What if Canon, Nikon, etc follow suit? Is this good in the short term, long term?