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.

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

Hello. I want to thank everyone that contributes to this site. There is so much wonderful information! I am looking to purchase my first digital SLR camera and, after researching my options, I am seriously considering the Nikon D3200 with the 18-55 mm lens. I think I talked my husband into purchasing it for me for Christmas and I would like to take advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals. I have been tracking the price and there are a few websites pricing the camera at $499. Does anyone have any thoughts on the best way to choose a seller? Also, should I consider purchasing a warranty? Thank you in advance for your input! -Karen