Please help....

[kamilla]

Hi.

I just come across this unbelievably great deal from photoconnection. It is just too good to be true; I’ m being a little suspicious. Has anybody purchased equipment from there? . Thank you fro any help.

Nikon D80 Executive Package (18-70mm f3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX + 70-300 f/4-5.6G ) (D80KIT7) Includes the Following:

D80 10.2 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera W/ 3D Color Matrix Metering IIRegular Price: $747.00

18-70mm f3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor Autofocus LensRegular Price: $329.00

SD/MM High Speed Card ReaderRegular Price: $48.75

Full Size Lightweight Tripod with 3 Fluid-Head and Quick ReleaseRegular Price: $178.10

Universal Digital Camera Screen ProtectorRegular Price: $18.90

Deluxe 5pc Photo/Video Lens and LCD Cleaning SystemRegular Price: $18.90

Esquire 100 Camera and Camcorder CaseRegular Price: $74.62

70-300mm f/4-5.6G Zoom Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor Autofocus LensRegular Price: $179.00

Lens Cap KeeperRegular Price: $19.00

Lens Cap KeeperRegular Price: $19.00

4GB Elite Super High Speed Secure Digital Memory CardRegular Price: $289.00



Regular Low Price:$2658.02 You Save: $1559.02Our Price Today: $1099.00

 

[Big Mike]

They have a good rating at resellerratings.com...but there is only one review.

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Photo_Connection

 

[auer1816]

I can't find anything on these guys, and I've never heard of them. Generally speaking, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

I had one experience with one of those places online that sells cameras for less than everyone else, and it was a bad experience. These types of places will sell you a camera cheap, then send you an email telling you to call a number to either verify your order or expedite shipping. When you call, they try to sell you all these add-ons at a very high price. If you refuse to buy a bunch of overpriced stuff, they'll tell you that your camera is out of stock (even though the site says it's in stock) and it will be delivered in 12 weeks or so. My father rescently had an identical experience after I warned him to not even bother with those types of places.

You can try to place the order and see what happens, but if you experience these types of things -- CANCEL IMMEDIATELY! My advice, check Amazon and some of the more trusted photo shops like B&H or Adorama.

 

[Jeremy Z]

The part that's too good to be true is their claim that you save $1560.

Their claimed "regular prices" are VERY inflated on some items. For example:

• (2) Lens cap keeper @ $19 ea? I don't think so. Try $3 ea.
• Tripod for $178.10? BS. $25 is more realistic.
• 4 GB memory for $290? Again, BS. More like $100
• Generic camera bag for $75? No. More like $25
• Lens cleaning kit for $19? No. That cheap Chinese thing would be more like $5

Basically, I would consider this whole kit worth the price of the camera & two lenses. Maybe $25 more for the rest of it. Compare their $1100 for that stuff to other stores' prices for just the camera & two lenses.

 

[BAB]

Check to see if it comes with a battery and charger. Typically these are items that come with the camera. I have however heard of some retailers selling cameras without including these essential items, then when you place your order they say oh by the way, you need a battery and charger at an additional cost and then the price no longer seems that attractive.

 

[kamilla]

:hug:: Thank you all

 

[Jeremy Z]

I think I would probably just avoid that retailer altogether, if it were me... Selling a package is one thing, but being dishonest about prices is another. Take a look at how B&H does it. They have one price for just the camera body. Then another price with the kit lens, usually $80 more or so. (maybe more for this one, since it is a slightly nicer lens than the typical kit lens) Then another price with 2 kit lenses. Then another price with an accessory package. They don't try to swindle you into buying all this stuff unless you actually want it.

 

[henryp]

Hi.
I just come across this unbelievably great deal from photoconnection

http://www.donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/h0226.htm

 

[Jeremy Z]

Quite interesting Henry. I'm surprised how many of those guys operate out of their house.

I take it you're a part-owner of B&H? Some other employee?

For everyone else's info, here's B&H's storefront, which looks a tad more professional than some of the others...

For the sake of completeness, could you tell us if there are any other NY shops that may be respectable? (i.e. Adorama?)