MontanaTrace

I am about to buy a Canon SX60. I've seen it at Target for $549, same price at Best Buy. Online stores I recognize offer it at the same $549. Then there are other online stores i've not heard of, that offer it at prices 10% - 17% less, But........ most often, reviews are poor. Some buyers report shipments don't include a battery and power supply, Import Duty is hidden and separate, deliveries are very late, not everything in the box, even, an empty box, etc.

I'd like the savings but have a very bad temper. [smile]

Help! Any trusted online sellers that discount and don't have gimmicks (Hong Kong, China, etc.) or bad reputations?

Maybe I'm safer and happier to pay full price and walk out with camera in hand. I live in small town America. Only one camera shop, 40 miles RT. Maybe I'll do that.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Raider Fan Loc: Lake County, IL.

My suggestion is this. If u r going to buy online at least buy from an American company like Adorama, B&H or any of the other fine online merchants that do business. You NEVER know what you are going to get, or how long it will take to get something from
an Asian source. But that is just me. I don't mind pay a few extra bucks to get it right and timely.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Well, my husband actually bought my Nikon D5100 at Target. It was during a special weekend sale only. It was fine, and he was able to 'gift' it to me for Mothers Day. I have also purchased big items from Amazon and since I did not have to pay shipping or tax, it was like getting them at a sale price. I bought my SX50 at BB. It was on sale on their web site, but not in the store, and the store would not honor the web site price. So...I bought it on line and picked it up at the same store an hour later. LOL. Plus it included a camera bag.

I would recommend that you only use highly reputable online stores.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Those major brand stores are the best. On Amazon or Ebay only buy from the ones they endorse or list as part of their network. Example: I just ordered a backup hard drive from Walmart, paid with PayPal, connected to a BofA Visa Debit card. Three different major businesses that want to keep me as a customer and have good satisfaction coverage departments. On ebay I buy only from those who accept PayPal for its backing of satisfaction.

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

Seems to me that you have answered your own questions as well as any of us could.

You don't say what your local camera shop charges for the SX-60 that you want,but if it a bit more than B and H, Cameta, etc. it's worth it for the support they can offer.

You might also find some sites along the way to the shop that give you opportunities to take photos for the joy it gives you rather than
just a tool for business.

MontanaTrace

I have just learned our little local camera shop has gone out of business. Nearest small biz store is 240 miles RT. I live in northern Montana. We do have box stores about 40 miles RT. Might be best to use them.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Schools of thought:
1. Brick and Mortar gives you a place to go back to if you have any issues. (Temper, temper.)
2. Online gives you a whole world of places, but you have to wait, sometimes eat S&H costs, and if you have any issues Good Luck. (Temper flares, but to no avail)
Often, online = no sales taxes. That can be a big plus.
But you can deal with the "Locals" here on UHH via online. They have a vested interest in your being happy. And I've found they are generally faster with their service.
3. Take the best price you can find online, to somebody you want to deal with and ask if they'll match it. Often yes, but sometimes no.

I often do my research online, but look locally. Generally, local for me is a ways away. Unless Costco, Sams Club, or Walmart has it. My "Best Buy" is the worst buy.
Amazon.com is dangerous for me. It has "One Click".
When everybody else was on Back Order for my Big Tammy lens, I found one locally on line about 25 miles a way and grabbed it at a little camera store chain (3 stores).

So you sound like you'd be better off locally. That way you'd have somebody to yell at if you have a problem.
Take an Internet ad with you, and ask.

Edit In:
Montana.
http://www.cameracottage.com/equipment

Grammieb1 Loc: New Orleans

I used to make purchases from my local cameras store which unfortunately closed down. I trust B&H, adorama & Amazon as I have never had a problem dealing with any of the above. The prices & service have always been good & the return policy fair. Bab

MarkD Loc: NYC

B&H has it for the same $549. Any price much lower than B&H may not be legitimate. There are a lot of crooks in the photo business, and they prey on people looking for a bargain.

J. R. WEEMS Loc: Winchester, Virginia

I also live in no where. Most of what I buy these days in online-- I got long tired of going from store to store looking for what I needed. Just too much trouble. Northern Montana? Just drive down to COSTO's in Missoula. Make a day trip, or even an overnighter out of it. You live in GOD'S country-- enjoy the ride. If my health was better and I wasn't so old I would move there in a NY minute. :)

MontanaTrace

I live not far from Whitefish. Kalispell has box stores. RT under an hour. Best Buy and Target have the Canon SX60. $549 at each. Might go on sale for Christmas.

Last night we picked up a few inches. Lightly snowing now. I live 17 miles from Glacier National Park. 18th year. Love it. Deer, bears come right in the yard.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

http://www.cameracottage.com/

This is MT Shooter's business in your state. He's been a valuable resource to everyone here, he helped solve on of my camera issues today. Give him a call, support a fellow Hog who has proven himself here again and again. He'll give you straight advice.

J. R. WEEMS Loc: Winchester, Virginia

HA! Spent two weeks in the park in 2012-- saw ONE bear briefly as it crossed the road a mile or so from the back gate. :) THe trip ended up being 11,030 miles. :)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

If you buy online, look at Cameta. You will pay the same, but you get extras that are worth something.
My last purchase from them I negogiated the cheap backpack, tripod and cleaning kit etc and traded it all for two extra(no name) batteries, a charger and a usb3 card reader that I did not have. It all cost the same as every other popular online store but got the extras as well. :thumbup:
SS

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Extremely rare to hear a complaint about these stores - and they are authorized dealers which means the USA warranty will be with the camera...

Shop B&H Photo & Video here
Shop Adorama here
Shop Cameta Camera here
Shop KEH Camera here

It is recommended to stay away from gray market items (non-USA items) as explained in this article by Nikon.

Personally, I buy refurbished - have not had any problems, excellent service, reasonable prices - generally no taxes and free shipping...