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General discussion

Online Store vs. Physical Store

Jun 14, 2005 6:30PM PDT

I see alot of online stores have great prices on the camera I want: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20. At the ritz camera in the mall as well as online they have it priced at $599. Meanwhile I see on here there are online stores that have the same camera starting at $429. Can anyone tell me a good reliable online store to purchase this camera at or know if these stores have a physical precense like Ritz camera does. And do the stores offer any type of added warranty to have the camera fixed in my state to avoid me having to ship the camera off to be fixed at their store or to the Panasonic factory? I would hate to be without the camera when I need it. Which would be just about all the time. With the factory warranty you have to wait weeks sometimee to get the camera back. Any info would help. I know i'm asking alot, but I want to be cautious before investing in an expensive item.

Discussion is locked

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Online/ Physical Store
Jun 15, 2005 12:56AM PDT

I would prefer actually going to a camera shop and buying the camera there if you have one nearby. First, you don't have shipping and you don't have to wait for the camera to come. Second, some online camera stores charge a lot less than the regualr price but demand add-ons which are way overpriced to balance the payment out. There wa a recent discussion on some of the bad camera websites. If you must buy online, I would recommend www.beachcamera.com, or www.bhphotovideo.com. Both stores are very reiable and they are located in New Jersey and New York. Only buy online if the website is well-known and you should check with these forums or at epinions.com . Many people have gotten ripped off from camera websites. If you have a camera store nearby, go there. It is better to pay more money to get a camera which includes everything and is brand new than a cheap camera which doesn't come with a battery or you have to pay extra for the American model.

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B&H Photo and Video is my favorite right now. They have low
Jun 15, 2005 7:07AM PDT

prices, and there is no question about their honesty. Also, Amazon.com has surprisingly good prices on a broad range of cameras. Just do a search on their web site.

You usually don't anticipate much need for repair with these cameras. If there is a need, you will probably have to take it to a manufacturer's facility. If this bothers you, you should probably buy from the local store. Of course, DOAs would be replaced by the online outfits.

Much in the way of advanced equipment can only be obtained online. Thus, it is quite common for advanced users and pros to purchase this way. Just don't try to get too cheap. There are a lot of shady vendors out there. Look around for ratings of the store if you have a question.