HelenOster Loc: New York

Thank you!

;-)

sbesaw Loc: Boston

Geeeeesh,

Took me 10 minutes to find out that TriState is pretty much a rip off. Good suggestion for a New User. Of course most would know this immediately as Nikon does not offer a d3200 body only. I would be real leery of someone selling something that Nikon does not sell.

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/34710797

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-7593_102-100583/tristate-camera-in-new-york/

http://www.epinions.com/pr-Online_Stores_Services-Tri-State_Camera_Video_and_Computers?sb=1

I also said "There are those that simply don't have access and those that would rather save a nickel that shop locally and that's what makes this country great, a little something for everyone." Meaning access to a local shop. I mentioned that twice. Also said "something for everyone. meaning I like visiting camera stores when possible. I didn't say you shouldn't shop on line. I have an Amazon account. To each his own, I was pointing out why I like camera stores

I never said anything about you in the following statement, "For someone getting into DSLR Photography and who wants Nikon, the D3200 w/18-55 is a good choice. Lots to learn and the 18-55 is a good lens to learn with. After time and practice you will be in a better position to decide what type lens you need to broaden your portfolio, landscape, macro, portrait, sports, etc. That's when a trip to the camera store becomes special as you can try the lenses and see the results." It was simply my opinion. Why so defensive?

BTW I also love and have visited B&H and Adorama both in person and on line. Great customer support

Los-Angeles-Shooter Loc: Los Angeles

B&H is good. So is Samy's Camera. I had an awful experience with Cambridge Camera and would not touch them with a 12-foot lightstand.

Extended warranties are pretty much a gyp, especially with electronic cameras. Salesmen sometimes push them pretty hard, because they are so immensely profitable for the store.

I mainly use Nikons but no comment on the model. The companies bring out new models so often no one but a camera reviewer has a hope of keeping track of them. Especially since the companies use meaningless and confusing number sequences rather than the sensible alternative of giving them easy-to-remember names. (Eg., the Nikon Jackass II or the Canon Wart Hog III)

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Maybe best buy has changed their policy on restocking fees. I hope so.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I think you only pay sales tax if the store selling you the item ships it to an address in the same state they are located in

mel Loc: Jacksonville, Florida

I always check out amazon. I bought my Fuji X20 through them and it was a great deal.

HelenOster Loc: New York

Not quite correct; Sales tax is actually required to be paid whenever you purchase something online. The only difference is that if the retailer does not have a physical presence in the State to which an item is being shipped, the consumer is required to report and pay it, rather than the retailer.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Thanks Helen, googled and found this link

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/06/tech/web/internet-sales-tax/

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Or move to Oregon where we have no sales tax. (But they make up for it with taxes on EVERYTHING else.)

FL Streetrodder

One thing you should be aware of if you are considering an online purchase is if the camera is advertised as "grey market". They are usually priced less than others, but do not carry a warranty that is valid in the USA.

HelenOster Loc: New York

"Grey market" refers to products imported directly into the US, rather than through the manufacturer's authorized agents / distributors. It is perfectly legal to directly import & sell these products in the US; the term "grey market" was coined by manufacturer's authorized distributors who wanted to discourage consumers from buying these (less costly) goods.

With no factory authorized middle-man involved in the import of these products, costs are lower, so the price is lower to our customers. Many items which are in short supply or not imported at all by the manufacturer's authorized distributors are available in direct import.

I can't speak for any other retailer, but as far as Adorama is concerned any of our products which are being sold as such will be clearly marked, and you are more than welcome to contact me directly should you have any concerns regarding a specific listing.

There is no difference in the actual products. Occasionally manufacturers will name them differently for example the Olympus USA Digital Stylus Cameras are called Olympus MJU Cameras in Europe

On direct import products purchased from Adorama, we offer the same warranty as the USA warranted products carry for a period of one year. The only difference is that you would need to ship it to Adorama, rather than the manufacturer, for warranty service.

For, I think, about the past 10 years, the policy of Canon USA has been to honor their warranty for any unit sold though an authorized Canon reseller, whether it has been imported by an authorized agent or is direct import.
All the customer requires is original receipt to verify the reseller and the date of sale – apparently you don't need the warranty card - and even if you do have the warranty card, you will still have to provide the receipt.

Some consumers believe that the only practical reason to buy a USA warranted lens is if you think you may require warranty service outside the USA.

Equipment classified as USA, purchased from an authorized dealer in the United States, will be eligible for Canon warranty service (almost) anywhere in the world. "USA" equipment is specifically categorized for distribution and sale in the United States through the network of Canon dealers.

They will service any Canon item with a fee if it is otherwise not under warranty, but Nikon USA will not service a direct import item at all, whether the customer is willing to pay or not.
(BTW, I understand that this company is a Nikon authorized repair center, and WILL service all Nikon units, including direct import:
http://www.nikoncamerarepair.com/)

Budnjax Loc: NE Florida

there may be some new model cameras out by Christmas that would tickle your fancy more...but at the very least you will see a lot of photo gear on sale between now and New Years. I agree that B&H and Adorama as well as Amazon are good companies to deal with. As far as extended warranties go, normally if something electronic is going to go bad it will show the defect early in it's life. Most "consumer advisors" like Clark Howard will strongly caution against buying extended warranties since most of the time it's just gravy for the warranty seller. If I was buying very expensive gear that might get used under hazardous conditions I might consider an extra warranty, assuming it's priced right, but most the time I will pass.

alby Loc: very eastern pa.

my brick and mortar matches any legit prices for me. bought 5 last year. p510, sx50, and 3 t3is. saved a lot and they love to see me coming. and yes they are a wealth of info. bought 3 year guarantee for each, very reasonable, total replacement as long as you can make out serial #. yes in writing.... great little store

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

Hi Karen ... most will probably call me a dinosaur for this but I'll suggest it anyway. Find yourself a local camera store that has reasonable prices and carries professional gear as well as consumer products and buy from them. As you do this get to know the person who connects with you.

The objective is to build a relationship. I did that years ago, I picked a local store that was privately owned and I built a relationship. Initially the prices weren't that attractive but I bought anyway. Later as I established the relationship the prices dropped, I always get a discount for whatever I buy and often its better than online pricing.

What's even worth more to me though, I can get unbiased honest advice. Sometimes I can't make up my mind on which to buy, having that relationship helps me make up my mind. I get amazing service too. Sometimes I've been unable to get a product because it's no longer in production, my contact always manages to find one for me.

If you were buying a point and shoot camera I wouldn't care where you bought it. It has no real accessories in the future and you throw it away when it doesn't work. But when you're buying an SLR you will want to add things to it as you get better and having a trusted relationship will make that a lot easier. An SLR is like a marriage, you really need a trusted friend to grow it effectively.

As to a warranty, if you are a sloppy kind always dropping stuff I suppose you might consider a warranty. If you're generally careful I'd advise against it. I've never bought a warranty and I've never regretted that decision. Keep in mind warranties are major profit centres for retailers because no one ever collects as a rule.

And last year I learned another reason too. A friend had an extended warranty on a product and took it back for repair. What they did instead was to refund the warranty cost instead of fixing the product as promised. It was cheaper for them to refund the cost of the warranty, and of course a hell of a lot more expensive for my friend to finally get it fixed elsewhere.

I think warranties are a waste of money.

I should add as well that when it comes to accidental damage or theft, a typical home insurance will cover those kinds of issues. So the warranty wouldn't be needed for that either.

And welcome to our forum, it will be a delight to help you any time.

sbesaw Loc: Boston

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