How to save up for equipment?

[IByte]

The difference is that when you ask questions at B&H they actually know what a 70-300 is. Hey, the person you speak to might even own a camera and have shot a few pictures. Best Buy's business model and payroll structure makes it essentially impossible for them to hire skilled employees.

True, but that why we have forums, interwebs, consumer reports etc. If you go into any store without a clue of course you would be taken advantage of.

 

[analog.universe]

The difference is that when you ask questions at B&H they actually know what a 70-300 is. Hey, the person you speak to might even own a camera and have shot a few pictures. Best Buy's business model and payroll structure makes it essentially impossible for them to hire skilled employees.

True, but that why we have forums, interwebs, consumer reports etc. If you go into any store without a clue of course you would be taken advantage of.

For sure, my point is that anyone can sell a product. I'd rather give my money to folks who at least have the potential to help me out in case I need it. I'll probably never ask for purchasing advice, but you never know when you'll need warranty service or some such... In that case I know exactly who I _don't_ want to be responsible for my gear.

 

[480sparky44 43]

......... I buy gym equipment so I ...... have a good body ...........

 

[IByte]

For sure, my point is that anyone can sell a product. I'd rather give my money to folks who at least have the potential to help me out in case I need it. I'll probably never ask for purchasing advice, but you never know when you'll need warranty service or some such... In that case I know exactly who I _don't_ want to be responsible for my gear.[/QUOTE
No.doubt I go to B&H first and foremost, just saying Best Buy has it's time and place, and I'm very familiar with their warranty policies so I know what to expect.

 

[IByte]

Hell yeah, I've been meaning to post a picture in the "Post Your Portrait"

 

[sovietdoc]

I've never made a cent with photography. Even when shooting weddings and events I just do it free because I love to. How can I afford expensive toys?

1) Have a good job
2) My car costs a lot less than what's in my camera bag
3) Don't have any other expensive hobbies (besides GF)

In reality, this gear took years to save up for. Some people build their kit over the years, slowly evolving the quality and replacing things. I tend to follow a different approach. I just save up for years, then go and get it all at once. It just works better for me. For my current kit, it took me 5 years or so to save up for. Next time I upgrade, I am hoping I won't need to pay $2500 per lens.

Also, some of the more expensive lens, if you ever buy one, it will keep it's value fairly well over the years so next time you want to upgrade, you don't need to shell out 2500 bucks. The upgrade may cost you only 500 for the top of the line stuff. Camera bodies are similar but only within 1 or maximum 2 generations. After that they're almost worthless because technology goes in such great leaps.

 

[Infinite_Day]

On the Best Buy v. Amazon front - I don't know why anybody would want to buy a TV over the web without first seeing the picture it can produce. I do agree that Best Buy is killing themselves on business. Their prices aren't competitive but occasionally you can get a good sale from them. I bought my small chest freezer from them because they had the best price for a good brand. It would be nice if they carried a wider range of photography equipment but they are simply selling to the majority consumer crowd. Most people who go into that store aren't looking for a $1500 lens. They're looking for a $200 P&S that they can use to shoot pictures of their kids playing soccer from their huge SUV while they're wearing their ginormous sunglasses and talking on their cell phone. (how did that turn into a rant?)

 

[Alex_B]

Usually you do not buy everything at once, but build up over the years. Then you run into some sort of saturation. E g. i myself might have alot of expensive equipment, but over the last three years my only investment was one additional tripod plus head.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

On the Best Buy v. Amazon front - I don't know why anybody would want to buy a TV over the web without first seeing the picture it can produce.

Like you can't go into Best Buy, look at them, decide, and order it from Amazon?

 

[IByte]

Like you can't go into Best Buy, look at them, decide, and order it from Amazon?

No warranties

 

[2WheelPhoto]

On the Best Buy v. Amazon front - I don't know why anybody would want to buy a TV over the web without first seeing the picture it can produce.

Like you can't go into Best Buy, look at them, decide, and order it from Amazon?

Exactly. A business analyst was explaining to me the other day "Bestbuy IS Amazon's storefront"

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Like you can't go into Best Buy, look at them, decide, and order it from Amazon?

No warranties

No manufactures warranty, or the add on Best Buy Warranty?

 

[IByte]

No manufactures warranty, or the add on Best Buy Warranty?

I should have been a bit more clear I usually shop at Best Buy and B&H because of their extended warranties. If Amazon would included an extended warranty I would shop their more for my electronics.

 

[480sparky44 43]

Extended warranties are usually wasted money.

 

[IByte]

Extended warranties are usually wasted money.

To some extent, but when I dropped my d5000 body and heard "egg cracked" when the body and the lens seperated, manufacturers warranty would not cover that. Most of my high priced electronics are covered.