Private sale but new (won it).
I will check the actual bulb time but I could get it for $700 CDN (basically USD these days). That said, stuff is still a bit more expensive here.

Seemed fair to me based on what a few have posted on pricing at BB in the US.

I'd say that if the bulb is new, you're getting a heck of a projector for $700.

I'd say that if the bulb is new, you're getting a heck of a projector for $700.
According to projectorcentral, the HC3000 has been discontinued. The Mitsubishi HC1500 is similar, trading a bit of contrast for a whopping 60 percent increase in lumens. You can buy that new in the mid-700s in the US.

you can get a brand new hc1500 for around 750.00 USD all day long. i'd go that route...or look at the 5000BL which you can get for 1600.00 new in the box online. at the projectorplace.com

Oh no , here we go again ... :(

Firstly ... the HC1500 is not 60% brighter than the HC3000 when in comparable modes (remember that these marketing numbers get tossed around like candy) . See both units in action and then tell me the 1500 is 60% brighter (oh and then ISF each one and see the actual results) ;) .

Secondly ... the HC3000 is superior to the HC1500 on almost all counts (other than the 1500 is a bit brighter... just not 60%) . So if you require those extra lumens due to lack of light control then certainly consider the 1500 .

Third ... the Mitsu 5000 does not throw a better over all image than the HC3000 unless you consider 1080p and brighter to equal better (the added resolution is a wonderful thing for shorter view distances however) .

So basically just make sure of what your needs/wants are before you purchase any PJ ;) . The HC1500 has become such a big seller in the entry level PJ market that people keep trying to convince themselves that it is better than the HT designed HC3000 (with an Iris) that had an MSRP of more than double what the HC1500 was released at .

* The HC3000 at that price is a heck of a deal , nothing else out there that I know of can beat it for that price . Also my suggestion would be that if you need brightness but still want an amazing image without spending over $1K then look for the InFocus 7210 (this PJ will best any entry level 1080p model) .

Best of Luck ,
-- Jason