Help time to buy new camera, decisions decisions

[sr71]

So I am shopping for a DSLR camera, particularly the Nikon D80 and found a huge price range, some too good to be true. For example stores like best buy and circuit city are charging 700-800 for the body and about 1000-1100 with the 18-135mm lens. When I Google the Nikon D80 I see prices range from 400-1200 with lens. I know that the lens is not the same specs but how can they sell for so low and is this legit? Here is some links to those sites. TIA for any advise

http://www.expresscameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=620990&up=620775&start=1

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=679296

http://www.1wayphoto.com/prodshelf.asp?dept_id=10267

 

[JGoslee]

Have you looked here... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
This is where I bought my camera and my lens from. It was recommended to me by a bunch of people as a good place online to buy from.

 

[BeakerBob]

Some vendors are not reputable and once the order is placed, will high-pressure you to "buy" the other items that normally are included in the box (ie battery, strap, charger, etc.). They are not very nice about it and difficult to understand.

In addition, you want to watch out for "grey" cameras, cameras that do not have the USA warranty. While the initial cost may be slightly lower, the repairs can be expensive and difficult to find someone to repair them if needed. Also watch for cameras sold with the one year warranty by the vendor....it's gray market product and the repair is covered only by the vendor where the camera is purchased.

JGoslee has pointed you to a very reputable and well recognized vendor. Amazon.com is another place to look...free shipping!

 

[surfn]

yeah, there are allot of places that scam....and even run their own review sites so they look legit.

 

[revhtree]

+4 for B&H...

Also check places like sams and office depot online prices. They will usually match them in the store with proof. That's how I got my macro lens.. I got bust buy to match somebody else's sale online.

 

[edwing206]

Another vote for BHphoto. I got my Nikon and lens from there. Great place to buy from.

 

[sr71]

Wow, thanks for the tips guys. I think I'll go with Ritz camera, they have a pretty good deal right now. If anyone else have more suggestions please bring it on. Oh here is the Ritz's site, LMK what you guy/gal think

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/SLR1169.htm?bct=t1134

 

[sr71]

anyone else

 

[J. Montgomery]

If it sounds too good to be true, then its probably not true.

When I got a Canon Rebel XTi, Amazon had the best price.

 

[twon8]

here is a review of your first post, .69 out of 10
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Express_Cameras

check the others out yourself and you'll likely find the same thing.

 

[sr71]

Thanks Anthony that's a great site

 

[FateX8]

i got my macro lens from bh and their shipping is just nuts, i was impressed
i also got my point and shoot from ritz so i like them too, not the brightest people at the stores though, didnt know what a step up ring was and had to get the manager and he didnt know either
but instead of getting the 2 lens package i would get the 18-135 lens, thats probably the better kit lens that nikon offers

just found this out, but at ritz right now you can get 10% off using paypal

 

[sr71]

yeah thats why I was look at ritz for the 10% off with paypal. Well I am not buying the camera after all. I am getting this instead. Thanks for all the info

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1270750

 

[JuniorMC8704]

yeah, i have a d80, and its a great camera, and the 18-135 is a great lens. the 70-200, or 70-300 i dont remember which one they off in the pacake deal, but both are nice zooms for high light, outdoor shots. but it doesnt have a low enough aprature to alow lower light situations from a distance. But you arent paying that much for it either. i would pick up the larger telephoto as well, or just get a macro lens. IMHO, tamron 90mm macro is the best macro lens out there for the nikon, and underwater photos. f-stop can go as high as 51!