Given the choice, I usually prefer to buy from Camera shops. If we don't support our local camera shops, they will disappear. Heck, most of them have already.
The good thing (for us) about those big box stores, is that they they sometimes have lower prices, but even then, I'd just use them as a price match and buy them at a camera store. One thing to check is the return policy (and maybe extended warranty, if that's something your interested in). Sometimes the box stores have a good return policy but often, they don't. They will certainly try to sell you on an extra warranty...which is usually something to avoid, but it may give you peace of mind...but read the fine print.
Compare the policy to what you will get at a camera store or London Drugs etc.
For me, the choice is usually between buying from a local camera shop or ordering from one of the big camera stores in New York (
B&H or
Adorama). For a long time, the US prices were much, much lower. Even with shipping and a lower Canadian dollar, it was still cheaper to order from the US.
Now, the Canadian dollar is practically on par with the US dollar, but more importantly, the Canadian market has finally aligned itself more closely with prices in the US. Now, most cameras & lenses are about the same price here or there, so it makes a lot more sense to buy locally.
In fact, some of the prices are even a lot better in some Canadian stores. For example, the Canon 5DmkII was on sale at Vistek for $1999...which is $700 off the regular price. Unlucky for me, I bought one three weeks earlier from another camera store, where it was $500 off. Their price match policy was only for two weeks after purchase.
I though there used to be a Vistek in the GVA, but I just checked and it doesn't look like it. I've never dealt with Broadway Camera. so I can't say anything about them...but why are you wary? (I did just read a bad review for Broadway Camera in Richmond (search didn't turn up any in Surrey).
You might also check out London Drugs, they usually have a pretty decent photography section. Probably as good or better than Best Buy or Future shop etc. I don't know if they price match, but they might.
