Deeply discounted on-line cameras

[Mike McCarty]

I get inquiries regarding these highly discounted on-line retailers. I'm skeptable, as my daughter used to say.

When on-liners like B&H are charging $1299 for the Nikon D70 kit, and others are charging $899 and less, there is room to be skeptable.

I personally believe that through less than up front advertising, they are describing something other than apples for apples.

If you have had experience with these so called deep discount on-liners please share them with us.

[Julie Deane]

Hi Mike -

I remember seeing an ad awhile ago on a popular camera magazine's site from a firm based in Holland that claimed to be selling cameras and other popular items in order to raise money to "save the whales". The website looked impressive, but they wanted the equivalent of a money order sent to their address. A little on line research revealed warnings to the online community from some poor souls who had been fleeced.

As far as other more legitimate businesses, many of these great camera deals are for cameras that have been returned and/or repaired. Or from the "gray market", that is, cameras produced for markets other than the U.S., and possibly without valid warranties.

Let the Buyer Beware......

[Cindy Procious]

That was my understanding when researching cameras online. I saw those "great deals" and was sorely tempted, and then I read (can't remember where - sorry) that most manufacturers will not honor a warranty if the camera is bought from someone other than an "authorized dealer".

[Mary Sparrow]

Did I prompt this post Mike?

I finally made my decision and while you all made your case on the Nikon, my decision was ultimately based on money, the fact that I couldn't buy the Nikon locally and that I do have the rebel film camera and the lenses are interchangeable.

I also searched endlessly on the internet and with all of those links that had the very low prices I looked up "reviews" on those stores. Everyone of them had horrible reviews from customers. That was enough for me to not deal with them. I was close to ordering from from bandhphoto then I had the bright idea to check Walmart, they were offering the rebel for $897 online, and Sears, less than a mile from me beat it by 10% plus a year free financing. So Since I am low on money now, that was that...in the end it cost me 70 dollars more than the online stores but I have a year to pay it off. (not to mention it didn't immediately take from my pastel pot I have been squirreling aside)

So, I have just walked in with it, let me go put it together and read the directions!!! And mail off my $100 rebate.