|
|
CONSUMER MODELS UNDER $1000
There are five options when buying these cameras...
But before you decide on any, visit one of the links, at right, and read camera reviews. Steve's Digicams is a good place to start.
Your Buying Options
1. Retail chain stores, Target, Best Buy, etc.
These stores offer hassle free convenience, some even have knowledgeable staff. They have a limited selection, consumer models only, and higher prices than online vendors.
2. Local camera stores
A limited selection of consumer & professional equipment. Knowledgeable staff but higher prices. A good choice if you're not sure what you want and don't want to spend time researching what's available.
3. Catalog & online vendors
Here, there is an endless selection, from snapshot cameras to $5000 SLRs.
There are two types of online Vendor, plus eBay.
A. Large consumer only vendors, selling everything from garden equipment to golf clubs and electronics. They offer a wide selection and prices are very competitive. Some are more reliable than others, so checkout a store's rating before you buy at ResellersRatings.com Just type in the store name and they will provide detailed ratings and comments from customers.
B. Online Camera stores. These stores, mostly in the New York area, offer the best selection of cameras, lenses, flash cards and other accessories for film & digital equipment.
However, Buyer Beware!!
Many of these stores advertise low, low prices, bait & switch is common. They often advertise "In Stock with US warranty." But after you have ordered, providing your credit card number and shipping information, they then inform you the model you just ordered does not come with any warranty, might not ship for three weeks.
Shipping costs are not mentioned on some sites, you have to go through the ordering process to find out. Prices can be inflated too, one charging $80 for UPS ground, for a 18oz. camera!
Fortunately there are a handfull, perhaps four, that you will find don't use these deceptive methods. Some don't offer discounts, charging as much as your local camera store, including local taxes.
Others offer a more realistic discount than they ones advertising very low prices...
this is more likely to be the real price.
Before you even consider buying from NY area dealers, go to ResellersRatings.com You will save a great deal if time and grief.
You will read many horror stories from customers for a high number of stores.
You will also read heaps of praise for the few good ones.
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."
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.
|
|
 |
