buying a DSLR online

[roses5682]

Hi everyone,

I am new to DPS and I have recently decided to upgrade to a DSLR from a point and shoot. A collegue recently told me that the DSLR's sold at stores like best buy and online are not the same quality as those bought from photography stores like Ritz even if its the same model. Does anyone here know if thats true or not? I would think the quality of model x would be the same no matter where you bought but then again I never bought expensive photography equipment before so I really dont know.

[emeraldln]

I suspect he is mistaken. The kit/lens offerings might be different, depending on where you get them. I bought my Rebel T1i at Costco, because they had the best prices for what I was looking for. I could have gotten the same camera from the local store for $100 more, minus a lens and bag.

[jml79]

I don't think any company wants to risk getting caught playing that game. It would be a huge scandal. Plus running 2 lines of T2i's (for example) would likely cost more than the savings.

You might be able to buy better camera's at a camera store like a 60D but I would think that a T2i is a T2i is a T2i whether you buy it at Walmart or Adorama.

[roses5682]

thank you that makes me feel better about shopping around for the best price.

[zona5101]

Still need to be wary...there are less than reputable dealers out there who attempt to sell you stuff that comes with the camera...or accessory kits you don't need...or off brand lens when they infer it's the name brand...or ones that sell gray market or refurbished without your knowledge...
You certainly can save money by buying on line...but stick with well known, reputable stores My 2 favorites are Adorama and B&H Photo Video.

[dakwegmo]

If you shop based strictly on price you're likely to get burned. There are a lot of dealers online that offer too good to be true prices. Once you place your order, you'll get a phone call from a sales rep telling you that things that should be included like the manual and the battery are extra, or that it's on back order, but you can pay extra to get it expedited from the manufacturer, or any of a number of other things to get you to pay more than you intended. If the price is substantially lower than anywhere else online, then you can pretty much guarantee that you're going to get ripped off if you give them your credit card. Occasionally, one of the more reputable online retailers will have a sale that isn't' matched by the others, but I've never seen more than about a 10% difference in prices among those reputable dealers. If you have any questions about the deal your getting, check out the store on Store Ratings & Reviews - ResellerRatings.com - Find Trusted Stores If they have anything lower than a 9, I would avoid them.

[SusanH1970]

Another vote for B&H. I've gotten pretty much all of my equipment from them, minus my studio lighting which I got from the manufacturer. B&H is reputable, had competitive pricing, and excellent customer service.

[roses5682]

thanks for all the warnings. I am not soley driven by price. I was planning to buy from BH Photo until my collegue told me that its not the same quality of equipment as going to ritz camera.

[RLucas]

One more vote for B&H!

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by roses5682

thanks for all the warnings. I am not soley driven by price. I was planning to buy from BH Photo until my collegue told me that its not the same quality of equipment as going to ritz camera.

your collegue would be mis-informed. Now you can buy GRAY market and USA warenteed items from B&H (as well as other retailers) but it is the same exact gear with a different warentee.