I know this is off topic, but I posted in the photography section and have not had any response so far. I need a digital camera and I'm thinking of buying a Canon A160 and/or a Panasonic DMC FZ30. I plan on ordering one of these today or tomorrow. Checking prices on the net, the lowest seem to usually be at Butterflyphoto.com or BuyDig.com. Anyone had any experiences with these sellers, or can recommend another? TIA

Beware of grey market sellers.

Check the seller out here Reseller Ratings

A couple of places that have reviews:

Steves

DP Review

Regards,

Terry

Look at the Nikon Coolpix 8800. You won't regret it. Great scene mode and have built in steady lens.

I used it in Africa

Sprig

Second on the Nikon! I bought one, excellent photo's with it, and I second the "You won't be sorry"

Some of the cheaper online retailers sell grey-market goods, practice stock-splitting (accessories normally included with the item are removed and sold separately) or sell a different lens than the one you are supposed to receive.

I would buy from B&H Photo or Amazon. You'll pay a slightly higher price, but you cannot beat their customer service (and they won't disappear tomorrow).

George

I second what George said.

Some of the graymarket cameras do NOT have the normal warranties, since they are not US models.

This can be true even if you get a very recognizable name brand like Canon or Minolta.

Read the fine print and/or stick to sellers who spell out that the normal US warranty applies.

I had ordered a camera once a bit ago from butterfly because their price was so good. Never did get it, after a month or so when I called them it seemed as they were out of stock being oversold and it would take 4 month or so to restock about the typical BS statements you'd expect

quote:

Panasonic DMC FZ30

Newegg has the Panasonic and Canon Canon A160you are interested in.

I just bought a Canon A520 shirt pocket digicam from them. Great price, fast ship and everything offered on the site has customer reviews to guide you. I've also done business with zipzoomfly.com Both these internet retailers are first class IMO.

Gatogordo,I've purchased two cameras from buydig.com. Fast shipping, no problems. I was leary because the prices were almost too good to be true; however, I had no problems whatsoever and would buy from them again.

I bought an Olympus C740, which has a 10X optical zoom, from Beach Camera which I took to Botswana and RSA last year. I have sold at least 4 of them since just from people looking at the photo's I took. Excellent camera and great price from http://www.beachcamera.com
Dave

I have been buying from Camera Land New York recently. Doug there is sponsoring a couple of forums on 24 Hr Campfire, and is "hunter friendly".You can talk to Doug or email him. If you do, tell him I sent you.

jim



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I've also had good experiences with Beach Camera. Abe's has tried a bait and switch on me a couple of times, so I no longer even consider them.

All of your advice is very much appreciated. Considering the shipping costs, etc. Beach Camera is close to the cheapest and based on the personal recs here, their higher general satisfaction ratings, etc. I'm going to order both cameras from them tomorrow.

try CNET SHOPPER...its a great site
daniel