Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

The Best or Worst place to buy camcorders?

May 19, 2006 1:25AM PDT

I recently was looking for the Sony DCR-DVD505 camcorder online. I noted a link to bestpricecameras. (this is no way an ad for this place) The price was $499. I called them and the salesperson told me that only the camera was for that price and that I would need to buy a battery and a charger, all totalling over $800. The salesperson then asked if I wanted an extended warranty. He told me a 4 year would be $299. I told him I had a budget and did not want to spend over $1000. He then said he could have do the extended warranty, throw in some lens filters ($229 value) and have the camera to me the next week for $999. I told him that I would think about it, and call back.

The next day, after seeing I could buy the accessories much cheaper, I placed an order online for only the camcorder. I received an email, to confirm the order by calling one of the sales representative. The salesperson, again tried to get me to buy the camera plus accessories. When I told him I didn't want the accessories, he told me the soonest I could get the camera was in 6 to 8 weeks, and that I could cancel if I wanted.

I suppose you get what you pay for, but whether this is good business practice or not, I am not sure. I would like to hear any experiences that you all have had. And to beware some of these online sites.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
That's a classic rip off. Don't walk! Run away fast!
May 19, 2006 8:10AM PDT

Some places to look for equipment at a reasonable price are Amazon.com and B&H Photo and Video. They are both very reliable, and their prices are competitive. Amazon offers its stuff through other stores, but stands behind them.

- Collapse -
Don't gat a DVD camera.
May 25, 2006 5:02AM PDT