is online purchase is more popular then from showrooms?

I might shop in stores but always take notes then back home to read reviews then check prices at amazon, etc. Never look at those NJ dealers we read about so where did I buy? Online.

Bob

If you buy from a local camera store (a store that only sells cameras), you will get a knowledgeable sales person that can answer your questions.

If you buy from a department store (camera department), you may (or may not) get a knowledgeable sales person to answer your questions.

If you buy on-line, you should be knowledgeable of what you want, and who you are buying from.

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On line sales can usually save you some money (and maybe sales tax) but there are drawbacks.

Only order from a reliable source.
If you find a price that is too good to believe....lookout.
There are a number of on-line sources that are dishonest.

Rule of thumb:
If the website shows the merchant is in Brooklyn, NY.....lookout.
If the website does not tell you where the merchant is located.....lookout.
If you order an item on-line and then get an email that you should call them to confirm the order......lookout.
...This is usually a sign of a "bait and switch" dealer.
...If you don't buy more stuff....you will not get the stuff your ordered.

Before buying on-line from a source you are not familiar with, do a Google check:
...Go to Google.com and search for the name of the merchant followed by the word review

There are several sites that review on-line merchants and rate them as to honesty and ability. Epinions.com is one such site.

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Which is the best channel of purchase?
The one that works for you.
I use all three.

It depends upon what I am buying, how fast I want it, and at what price I want to pay.

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I have bought three camera's online, Why, COST.
I saved a lot of money buying online, after I studied Cnets reviews.

I had a problem with one online store, they wanted to sell me everything they had. I asked that the sale be cancelled and it was. I just went to the next one on my list and it turned out fine.

For the past 25 years or so, I have bought most of my camera equipment from a single salesman -- a man who showed himself to be honest and knowledgable. He always has good solid recommendations, and has steered me into very good buying decisions. For example, when I bought my wife a point-and-shoot (my first digital experience), I was looking at Canon and Nikon. He sold me a Sony that had Carl Zeiss optics -- a magnificent camera and cheaper than any I was looking at. When I bought my first digital SLR, I was interested in the Canon digital Rebel, but he convinced me to spend a few extra bucks and get the EOS 20D -- a decision that I am still thankful for making.

I have lived in two additional states since since I first became his customer, but I always call him first. Can you imagine a camera salesman that even gives an out-of-state customer his homee address and phone number to make buying equipment easier?

I always spend 2-3 days researching online before I purchase most cameras, and I am glad that I do. I spent several days looking in stores, researched online, visited with friends who are "into" cameras, and, although I could have saved $75 buying online, I purchased in a local store because the salesman was generally knowledgeable and deserved some "credit" for the sale. I want local stores to remain available!

I love my camera, the Sony DSC-H5. I took unbelievable pictures on my trip to Italy, especially because of the high-speed shutter setting. I am sure I took over 3000 pictures, and only about 10 are blurry, even those taken on the high-speed train!

I try to purchase at least half of my computer/electronic purchases in local stores to make sure they don't close up shop. We need them, too, and sometimes just that dollar bottom line is not as important as local availability.

Prior to purchase, I read online camera reviews at places such as http://www.dpreview.com , so I didn't need a salesperson's help in selecting a model.

Amazon.com had the camera I wanted on sale. I gave my local bricks-and-mortar camera store an opportunity to match this price. Not only wouldn't they match Amazon.com's price; they wouldn't lower their price a penny. I bought at Amazon.com. (Not an Amazon.com partner.)

The camera shop is a great place to get a feel for the camera you want. After a friend bought a new digital camera. I went to the camera shop and looked the camera over. I decided to buy it and went online to purchase the $799.00 camera for $529.00 including shipping.

I usually purchase online because the local stores have limited choice (usually lower end equipment). Some time ago I went to a local camera store (a very popular major camera chain store) and look at the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS lens, the sales people were nice. But I found that it was missing the hood and a cap. On further questioning, they admitted that they have been renting out that lens. But they were going to sell it to me as a new lens with a price tag of $2000. Of course I went home and bought it online from www.bhphotovideo.com, for about $1700 plus shipping. So even reputable local stores may not always be reliable. You have to research carefully and examine the items closely. I usually use the local stores to get my hands on the equipment and try it out if available.

I got my digital from the local supermarket because they were selling a very well known make at a very competitive price.