Is it a bad to purchase a camera from

[Rgollar]

Canon EOS-5D Mark III (Body) - AmericaCameras.com - Your number one source for Digital Cameras
Is it a bad idea to purchase a camera body from some place thats not a real known site like B&H Photo. I want to purchase a Canon 5d3 but I see prices from $1925 to $3300 for a new body. How can there be such a price difference? Would it be stupid to buy from america cameras over a reputable store like B&H photo I mean that a huge price difference? Thanks

 

[Braineack]

They will call you after you order, and ask you to pay the full retail price.

it's a bait and switch company: 54 AMERICA CAMERAS Complaints and reviews @ Pissed Consumer

These are all too common anymore. It would be VERY stupid to "buy" from them.

 

[Designer]

The first tab I clicked on was the warranty tab. I have heard that if the merchandise is "gray market", that you may have difficulty getting any repair work done in the US.

The extended warranties seem priced reasonably, however I could not tell if Canon will honor the warranty.

Gray market cameras are usually "not for import" into the US, and the manufacturers will not consider such merchandise to have a valid factory warranty.

That is part of what you pay for when you purchase from a reputable dealer.

 

[Rgollar]

Well I had a feeling the price difference was to good to be true. I guess I just better stick to B&H photo or find a good deal on craigslist.

 

[Rgollar]

Would Adorama be a safe place to order from?

 

[Overread18 6]

In the camera world there is very little room for price wiggling - as a result if a shop is selling something for vastly less than major retailers like B&H its generally a very good sign that its a scam (or at the very least that you need to do some serious research into them).

Bait and switch is very common in this - they'll price it low online and then phone to confirm. At that point they hard sell to you and will typically tell you a huge pack of lies. The supplied battery is bad, here is a good one that will give you more than 10 shots - if you want we can upgrade you to the improved weather sealing version - the camera doesn't come with a camera cover or eyecup you'll have to buy those - oh wait it doesn't come with a charger that is extra etc.....

Basically if you jump through most of their hoops you have a chance that you will actually get the item - because by that point you will have paid as much if not more than the normal going rate for the camera. The bait and switcher has gotten their profit so unless they are going to close down their company and change names (commonly done in this market) they will generally send something out to you to get the good reviews (confuses the market a little). If its closer to them ending that company name and starting another they'll just run with your money.
If you don't jump through any hoops some will just cancel your order out-right - others will just say its "out of stock" forever. They've still got your money and are banking that you'll wait long enough that things like paypal dispute windows will end before you challenge or cancel the order (because remember you're getting a REALLY good deal so its worth waiting because they are just having some minor stocking problems and the boat sank twice).

 

[snowbear118 49]

Would Adorama be a safe place to order from?

Yes. Adorama, B&H and KEH are all excellent dealers.

I once ordered something from Adorama and, because it was on extended backorder, I had to go somewhere else. When I cancelled that part of the order with Adorama, they sent me a $25 store card for my troubles.

 

[Rgollar]

Thank you all for the advice. Its down to B&H Photo or Adorama who ever has the best deal. Just wish I wasn't so invested in Canon lens because I think I would try the Nikon D810. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Designer]

BTW, Rgollar; don't overlook used gear; cameras, lenses, lighting, tripods, etc.

I would rather purchase a lightly-used camera from one of the reputable sources mentioned than take a chance on a new unit from a scam outfit.