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INTRODUCTION
With digital cameras now quickly replacing film equipment, consumers need to gain knowledge about this new and rapidly changing technology. There are many good sites providing reviews & other information on digital imaging, buying options are seldom addressed.
• Where to buy?
Once you know what you want, click links above.
These pages will help you decide where to get it.
There is a wide range of retail outlets for digital equipment. It can be difficult to find some models locally and online or mail order might be your only options…but there are traps along the way.
Example: I recently spent three weeks trying to buy a popular model, contacting 27 vendors, ordering from seven web and two eBay sellers. They all claimed to have this item in stock & ready to ship. In most cases they did not, they would inform me of this days, sometimes hours, after placing an order, providing credit card information and shipping details.
Waiting a couple of weeks isn't a problem for many. But judging from the complaints posted on ratings sites, two weeks can turn into many more, as dealers make continuing excuses. It's a good policy to make it clear, via an email, that the order will be cancelled if not shipped within an agreed time.
Click to read a Yahoo article about rip-off artist New York area camera dealers.
"Web buyer beware: Our undercover shopping expedition revealed doubtful deals, padded prices, and pushy salespeople."
Your Buying Options
This site is here to help buyers decide where to purchase new digital cameras. I have found from experience, this information is not easy to come by, the web is good at telling you what’s out there, many sites will search for dealer and prices. Most have a rating system but I've found often they are not very reliable.
If you're just looking for a simple camera, happy with a limited selection and higher prices, the national chain retailers will provide all you need. Some offer specials but usually these are snapshot models.
However, if you are a serious amateur, or professional photographer, you will usually find a better selection and prices by looking elsewhere.
Your Credit Card... the best protection
When buying online, or by phone, it pays to use a credit card. If the merchandise does not arrive as promised you can contest the payment... But
Keep Records: Emails, a printout of the website with the product you're buying, outling what you will get. If they don't mention warranty, or other important details, email them so you have a record of their answer. This is your best protection.
The Links...
See the links bar at right for good sites that provide information on digital equipment. For detailed reviews of most current models StevesDigicams will provide more information than you will ever get from a manufacturer.
There are others providing tips and information on using these cameras, some with tutorials on the basics of photograph. This information will also be helpful in buying decisions.
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