Question about camera dealers (Page 2): I think I'm going to go with one of the D5500 bundles from Cameta. Wish I could pick and choose my options--I really don't need a tripod, have...

rsumners Loc: Washington

I think I'm going to go with one of the D5500 bundles from Cameta. Wish I could pick and choose my options--I really don't need a tripod, have an old Gitzo 1026 that still serves me well, and the reviews on the Precision Designs telephoto and macro lens attachments I've read, that are offered with the more expensive kits, are less than stellar, but really would like the flash unit and other stuff. Thinking of getting a Sigma 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM lens in addition, so don't really need the attachments anyway.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

rsumners wrote:

I think I'm going to go with one of the D5500 bund... (show quote)

Call them and tell them you don't need all the stuff and tell them what you want and they may make a deal. Need a phone number?
Order Toll Free (800) 991-3350 International (631) 389-2138

frankwhite.nc Loc: Durham, NC

traveler90712 wrote:

I scanned their site and the one thing I did not see was a confirmation that their stuff was warrantied in the States (so Nikon here can repair/replace them. I did not see "banners" saying they were authorized dealer of Nikon.

I'm pretty sure its a seller warranty. Some seller's have top notch in house repair facilities but most don't . I'm considering a grey market lens and if I pull the trigger for it, that means I'm willing to pay a third party to service it.

I read your quote wrong, I some how skipped the word "not". disregard my comment

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

rsumners wrote:

Greetings, br Looking to buy my first DSLR camera,... (show quote)

They are not reputable.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

traveler90712 wrote:

Cameta is less the miles from me. I do buy 90% of my gear from them.

I have dealt with Cameta many times in the past(when I lived on LI) and can recommend them. Having said that, I'm also recommending you check out COSTCO, which is headquartered in your state.

DalerDad73

It's buyer beware when you don't go to an authorized dealer. That being said I have bought a grey market lens without trouble, but its admittedly a roll of the dice. Your basically buying a product overseas (as if you were on vacation) but it'd be safe to say you just made a final sale; don't count on returning it, no matter what's wrong with it.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

traveler90712 wrote:

...snip....
The questions I would ask;
a. Are you an authorized dealer for Nikon.
b. If they are not warrantied by Nikon here in the states.
c. Is the camera a refurbished, if so what is the warranties come with them.

Even though the ABC sites are higher, all of their cameras carry US warranties with generous return policies.

I would advise and suggest you stay with those on line (ABC) stores

I wouldn't expect them to give me answers I don't want to hear, if they are not a reputable business.
As to being a Nikon authorized dealer, I would put more faith in this list than in the say-so of a dealer:
http://cdn-6.nikon-cdn.com/where-to-buy/nikon_img_auth_dealers.pdf
Canadian customers can find the dealers here (just keep in mind that if you want results beyond Future Shop and Best Buy, you need to pick an expensive camera from the list...):
http://en.nikon.ca/Nikon-Products/WhereToBuy.page

Elaine2025 Loc: Seattle, Wa

rsumners wrote:

There is a company called "BuyDig" that offers a decent bundle with an 18-55mm lens and wide-angle lens, plus accessories, for $896. They specifically state "Brand New, USA Warranty", and I have seen the site listed on online lists of "recommended sites"--unlike Tri-State, which the more I look into it, they shadier they seem. Has anyone dealt with BuyDig?
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E1NKD55001855BK

I have purchased from Buy DigDig several times a few years ago and never had an issue

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

traveler90712 wrote:

I would ask;
a. Are you an authorized dealer for Nikon.
b. If they are not warrantied by Nikon here in the states.
c. Is the camera a refurbished, if so what is the warranties come with them.

Even though the ABC sites are higher, all of their cameras carry US warranties with generous return policies.

Warranties: Be sure it's a Nikon US warranty. A gray market camera may have a "US" warranty where the work would be performed by a somebody other than Nikon in the US or perhaps shipped elsewhere. Some Nikon repairs can be done ONLY by Nikon's two US repair facilities. Others can be repaired by Nikon-authorized repair facilities. Confusing? Yep. That's why I buy first from my local Nikon dealer, then from the big "ABC" stores.

Jean Chang Loc: Massachusetts

Speaking of buying cameras, lenses, etc., what about Amazon? I know sometimes they state that their items are "only available from third-party sellers." I would never buy those, but what about things that Amazon fulfills the order on? Are they okay? I bought my D800 from Amazon, and everything seemed fine, but I must admit I was on pins and needles wondering if something would go wrong with the whole experience.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rsumners wrote:

Greetings, br Looking to buy my first DSLR camera,... (show quote)

I see this is going on to two pages, so I'll add to what's already been said.

The makers set the prices, so they will all be about the same. As for those bundles with lens cloths and tiny, useless tripods - forget about them. If you see a camera advertised for a low price, ignore it. Buy from any authorized dealer, and you will get good treatment.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Jean Chang wrote:

Speaking of buying cameras, lenses, etc., what about Amazon? I know sometimes they state that their items are "only available from third-party sellers." I would never buy those, but what about things that Amazon fulfills the order on? Are they okay? I bought my D800 from Amazon, and everything seemed fine, but I must admit I was on pins and needles wondering if something would go wrong with the whole experience.

Yes, Amazon does deal with third party sellers, but I have never had a problem with them. Sales are backed by Amazon. I read somewhere that Amazon is the largest seller of photographic equipment, and I believe it.

DaveD65 Loc: Queen City, Ohio

I've had a lot of luck with Beach Camera. When the Canon SL1 first came out they were competitive in price, but included many extras. What sold me was one of the freebies was a copy of Photo Shop Elements 11 and Premiere Elements 11 along with the other superficial freebies like filters and cleaning supplies. Check them out.

rdmesser2 Loc: Central Florida

rsumners wrote:

There is a company called "BuyDig" that offers a decent bundle with an 18-55mm lens and wide-angle lens, plus accessories, for $896. They specifically state "Brand New, USA Warranty", and I have seen the site listed on online lists of "recommended sites"--unlike Tri-State, which the more I look into it, they shadier they seem. Has anyone dealt with BuyDig?
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E1NKD55001855BK

I bought a d7000 refrub from BuyDig about 8 months ago. Bought on e-bay. they are an authorized Nikon dealer and give good fast service. and will answer your questions and have a return policy (don't remember the terms but plenty of time to look at it and see if you are getting what you paid for}. I was very happ with them.

Tools Loc: Eastern Nebraska

rsumners wrote:

There is a company called "BuyDig" that offers a decent bundle with an 18-55mm lens and wide-angle lens, plus accessories, for $896. They specifically state "Brand New, USA Warranty", and I have seen the site listed on online lists of "recommended sites"--unlike Tri-State, which the more I look into it, they shadier they seem. Has anyone dealt with BuyDig?
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E1NKD55001855BK

Have purchased a few items from Beach and they arrived in boxes labeled "BuyDig". Guessing they are associated or same company. No issues, ok pricing, but selection and availability of specific items is much more limited.