Buying cameras in the US

[MorningGlory]

Hi, I have a question that I hoped some of you experts could help me with ;)

I have seen a camera for sale on UK Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fuji-FinePix-Digital-Camera-10xOptical/dp/B000B69IDI/ref=sr_1_1/202-2522213-9436660?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1178034839&sr=1-1) that I would really like to buy for our upcoming trip. As you can see from the link, it costs £115 to buy it here (about $230). This is a special sale price, normally around £140.

My question is, do you think I would be able to get the same spec camera for a similiar price in the US? More than any other feature, the 10x optical zoom is my main reason for wanting this camera, so I would be looking for something of around this size. Im not too concerned with the other features. Im also not too concerned if I have to pay slightly more. I would just rather not be using my spending money on something like this right now, especially while I still have a decent pocket digital fuji.

What do you think?

TIA :thumbsup2

[LPZ_Stitch!]

My question is, do you think I would be able to get the same spec camera for a similiar price in the US?

I can't find that particular model at two of the US's biggest electronic chain stores (CircuitCity or BestBuy), however, a similar model is the Fuji FinePix S700 ... currently selling for about $230US.

That sounds like a good price for a camera with good features. It doesn't have IS (image stabilization) but it does *very*well at high ISO (1600!), which means it takes good pictures in low light without much noise.

Is there any particular reason to wait and buy from the US?

[ukcatfan]

I believe the problem you run into when wanting to buy a camera once you get to Orlando is that the options are pretty limited. This is for everyone, not just people coming from out of the US. Not very many mail order places will ship to a hotel, but B&H and Adorama might. But then you get into having to do the overnight shipping which just adds to the price and could get delayed, so it might not be any better. Most of the local shops are scam artists. I do not think there is a legit store in the tourist areas at all. By the time you get to the honest retailers and the big chain stores, like Walmart and Target, you are going to be paying full retail and really taking your chances on the available selection. There might also be implications on warranty status as you will be getting a US warranty, but not dealing with the US customer service if there is a problem.

Have you tried asking this over on the UK board? I know that this comes up often and they might know some inside secrets. There are some UK regulars that stop by this board also that might give their advice.

Kevin

[MorningGlory]

Is there any particular reason to wait and buy from the US?

Only because I dont really want to shell out this money right now. I have budgeted how much I will have saved before we leave, and this is our spending money to get us through each day. However, I will have 2 weeks of holiday pay paid into my account the day after we arrive, and was planning on using my debit card to purchase the camera.

So is that Fuji you mentioned available to buy in shops? Do those two retailers you mentioned have actual shops, or is this internet deals? We will have a car, so I dont mind having to travel somewhere to get it.

Thanks :)

[MorningGlory]

I believe the problem you run into when wanting to buy a camera once you get to Orlando is that the options are pretty limited. This is for everyone, not just people coming from out of the US. Not very many mail order places will ship to a hotel, but B&H and Adorama might. But then you get into having to do the overnight shipping which just adds to the price and could get delayed, so it might not be any better. Most of the local shops are scam artists. I do not think there is a legit store in the tourist areas at all. By the time you get to the honest retailers and the big chain stores, like Walmart and Target, you are going to be paying full retail and really taking your chances on the available selection. There might also be implications on warranty status as you will be getting a US warranty, but not dealing with the US customer service if there is a problem.

Have you tried asking this over on the UK board? I know that this comes up often and they might know some inside secrets. There are some UK regulars that stop by this board also that might give their advice.

Kevin

I think Fuji (if it was that make of camera I bought) have worldwide warranties. My current Fuji was bought 2 months ago in Spain and I was able to register the warranty from here in the UK.

I hadnt really thought about asking on the UK board tbh. Because it was quite a specific US question (about the price) I thought it might be better suited here.

As I mentioned in my last post, I dont mind travelling to buy it, even a long distance. We are hiring a convertible for our 2 week stay, so the more driving involved the better! :drive: :lmao:

Thanks for the advice Kevin :thumbsup2

[LPZ_Stitch!]

So is that Fuji you mentioned available to buy in shops? Do those two retailers you mentioned have actual shops, or is this internet deals? We will have a car, so I dont mind having to travel somewhere to get it.

Both BestBuy and CircuitCity have actual stores (big ones!), they're not just Internet-only.

The S700 *should* be available at a bricks-n-mortar BestBuy or CircuitCity ... but, like ukcatfan mentions there's no guarantee that they'll have that particular model in stock when you get here. There's also a super Walmart near WDW, they sell cameras, too, but again no guarantees of model availability. Walmart, apparently, does not carry much of the Fuji line.

Any big US chain store is certain to have a selection of good cameras, but not necessarily that one. The prices are all about the same, too ... they're constantly keeping an eye one each other and when one store lowers a price, they all do. Even if they don't, they offer "price protection" meaning if you find it cheaper somewhere else, they'll give you the same (better) price....

You probably won't get the *best* price possible, but you won't get ripped off, either. Like ukcatfan says, avoid the "tourist trap" shops. Most of them will be hoping to sell you something and then never see you again ... counting on the "Oh, well, we ARE on vacation!" mindset to blur your better judgment....

Here's a link to all of the CircuitCity stores near Orlando (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/showMap/Y/mapRequest/Y/rpem/ccd/showLocatorDetail.do#allStores).

[MorningGlory]

Both BestBuy and CircuitCity have actual stores (big ones!), they're not just Internet-only.

The S700 *should* be available at a bricks-n-mortar BestBuy or CircuitCity ... but, like ukcatfan mentions there's no guarantee that they'll have that particular model in stock when you get here. There's also a super Walmart near WDW, they sell cameras, too, but again no guarantees of model availability. Walmart, apparently, does not carry much of the Fuji line.

Any big US chain store is certain to have a selection of good cameras, but not necessarily that one. The prices are all about the same, too ... they're constantly keeping an eye one each other and when one store lowers a price, they all do. Even if they don't, they offer "price protection" meaning if you find it cheaper somewhere else, they'll give you the same (better) price....

You probably won't get the *best* price possible, but you won't get ripped off, either. Like ukcatfan says, avoid the "tourist trap" shops. Most of them will be hoping to sell you something and then never see you again ... counting on the "Oh, well, we ARE on vacation!" mindset to blur your better judgment....
Sorry for asking the dumb question about the stores, a quick Google search told me the answer :headache:

CircuitCity are in Mall at Millenia I believe, so I think i'll give that a try. Also, the spec of that camera is actually a bit better (7mp).

I have one more question (honest), although unrelated. I have heard before from an 'expert' that 5mp is quite sufficient for taking perfect pictures, and anything above that is basically 'overkill'. Would you agree with that?

Thanks for your replies Stitch! :)

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I have one more question (honest), although unrelated. I have heard before from an 'expert' that 5mp is quite sufficient for taking perfect pictures, and anything above that is basically 'overkill'. Would you agree with that?

No problem! The only "dumb" question is the one that doesn't get asked....

I agree with your expert (as do, I think, most of the other posters, here!) ... *especially* on a P&S camera.

There is definitely a diminishing return on just jumping up the MP on a camera without increasing the size of the sensor.

A 5-6MP camera is good enough to get very clear 8"x10 prints, and most people would never print larger than that. Also, and probably even more importantly, the smaller MP camera should have less noise than a 10MP camera with the same-sized sensor.

The current marketing trend is more MP = better camera ... but, like most marketing, it's hardly true.

Someone here on the DIS had a nice chart showing the "effective" difference in MP, but I can't remember who.

[ukcatfan]

Go ahead and throw these other B&M retailers in to the mix if you are willing to drive around some.

CompUSA
Office Depot
Office Max
Staples
Ritz Camera

It will be important to go in knowing what you are looking for and some of the positives and negatives of certain brands/models b/c the employees working at those places generally talk a big game but really have no clue what they are talking about(except Ritz, which usually know something). They might even push you to an inferior product b/c that brand is offering special rewards to the employees that sell the most of it. Some places also work on commission, so the salesmen try to sell only the expensive ones to maximize the money they get.

Kevin

[MorningGlory]

Thanks again you two :thumbsup2

Stitch: Good info, cheers. The mp doesn't bother me anyway, I would be happy with 5 if I can get the better zoom. There's just too many great pictures to be taken in Florida that I know my small 3x optical zoom camera wont be able to handle :)

ukcatfan: Great, thanks! I'll have a mooch around the net to see what is my best option.

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Stitch: Good info, cheers. The mp doesn't bother me anyway, I would be happy with 5 if I can get the better zoom. There's just too many great pictures to be taken in Florida that I know my small 3x optical zoom camera wont be able to handle :)

Yup, that was the main reason I first started looking at the Canon S3 IS ... 12X optical zoom (with IS)!

I think in the case of a "vacation camera" having enough zoom can be the difference between a great shot of something happening on stage, and a crappy shot of a lot of the backs of other peoples' heads!

[ElizK]

Slightly off topic, but I have the same camera you are looking at in the 4.0mp version. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!! The only thing I don't like is that it uses xD cards, and they are more expensive than SD cards. Not a big deal in the whole scheme of things. That camera has a fantastic zoom, takes wonderful pictures, and has a bunch of really neat settings.

[MorningGlory]

Slightly off topic, but I have the same camera you are looking at in the 4.0mp version. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!! The only thing I don't like is that it uses xD cards, and they are more expensive than SD cards. Not a big deal in the whole scheme of things. That camera has a fantastic zoom, takes wonderful pictures, and has a bunch of really neat settings.
Great to hear! :)

Okay I lied in my previous post....I do have another question :rolleyes1 I like my little Fuji, but the delay between taking photos can be a bit of a pain (this is caused by the camera writing to disk?). Does anyone know if the S700 would fare any better in this respect? Is it possible to take multiple shots just by holding the button down? :confused:

Edited to add: My current camera is an A500

[YEKCIM]

The S5600 is the S5200 over here, and is available for ~$240 from Butterfly photo here in the US. I have a S5200, which I bought from Butterfly, and it is a fine camera, for the money. Zoom range is good, and high ISO performance is good for a P&S. However, I would be very likely to choose the newer S6000fd (S6500fd in UK) over the S5200, if I were buying today, instead of a year ago, plus. The zoom range is better (28-300mm equivalent) and it has a better onboard flash and larger LCD. I think the S6000fd runs about $50 US more.

~YEKCIM

[MorningGlory]

Interesting, thanks YEKCIM.

I just checked the price difference over here between the S5600 and S6500 on UK Amazon, and it was almost $150 :eek:

Anyone know the answer to my last question? :)

[YEKCIM]

Interesting, thanks YEKCIM.

I just checked the price difference over here between the S5600 and S6500 on UK Amazon, and it was almost $150 :eek:

Anyone know the answer to my last question? :)

That's pretty stiff; it's going for $334 online over here, so about $100 more than the S5200/S5600. Last time I had checked, the S6000fd was around $300, so the price has gone up quite a bit.

~YEKCIM

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Does anyone know if the S700 would fare any better in this respect? Is it possible to take multiple shots just by holding the button down? :confused:

On the first question, my guess would be yes. Most of the newer digital P&S are very fast compared to the older ones; very little shutter lag.

On the second questions, according to the S700 Specs (http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/digitalS700Specs.jsp?dbid=863590&item=I863590&subitem=SIDataSpecSheets863590&urltype=dataspec&NavBarId=SIDataSpecSheets863590), yes. It has a continuous mode of 1.4 fps. (called Top 3 -- which I assume to mean that it can take three-shot bursts at 1.4 and then slows down) it's "long period" continuous is 0.6 fps....

[MorningGlory]

On the first question, my guess would be yes. Most of the newer digital P&S are very fast compared to the older ones; very little shutter lag.

On the second questions, according to the S700 Specs (http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/digitalS700Specs.jsp?dbid=863590&item=I863590&subitem=SIDataSpecSheets863590&urltype=dataspec&NavBarId=SIDataSpecSheets863590), yes. It has a continuous mode of 1.4 fps. (called Top 3 -- which I assume to mean that it can take three-shot bursts at 1.4 and then slows down) it's "long period" continuous is 0.6 fps....
Great, thanks Stitch! :thumbsup2

There's no way I could have worked that out looking at the specs :rolleyes1

[MorningGlory]

Thanks everyone for all of the info, but I decided to go ahead and buy it now as I was able to sell my old camera to part-fund this one :teeth:

So, by next week, I will be the proud owner of the Fuji Finepix S5600 Zoom (http://www.fujifilm.co.uk/digital/cameras/s5600/index.php?page=tech_specs&lpage=/digital/cameras/range.php).

Just one question. I have searched high and low, and cant find anywhere what Fuji mean by 'hi-speed shooting'. Basically, I am wondering if, like the S700, I would be able to take multiple shots at the one time?

Thanks again for all the info and advice. Im absolutely delighted with my purchase, multiple shot capability or not :teeth: :thumbsup2

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Just one question. I have searched high and low, and cant find anywhere what Fuji mean by 'hi-speed shooting'. Basically, I am wondering if, like the S700, I would be able to take multiple shots at the one time?

They probably mean either one of two things:

1) Continuous mode -- that is the camera keeps taking pictures as long as you hold the shutter button down. It might me anywhere from .5 to 2.5 frames-per-second. Some cameras can just keep going in continuous mode (provided the memory card is fast enough) and some cameras have a "burst" mode where they'll take a preset number (usually 3-6, AFAIK) and then slow down.

-OR-

2) Fast shutter speeds -- the faster the shutter, the more "frozen" the image. Slow shutter speeds lead to blurry shots. I know that Fuji cameras make use of their good high ISO to use faster shutter speeds instead of IS.

If I had to guess, for a Fuji camera, they're probably talking about #2 (although I believe that all of the Fuji's also have a continuous mode -- your model, I believe, has their "Top 3").

[MorningGlory]

They probably mean either one of two things:

1) Continuous mode -- that is the camera keeps taking pictures as long as you hold the shutter button down. It might me anywhere from .5 to 2.5 frames-per-second. Some cameras can just keep going in continuous mode (provided the memory card is fast enough) and some cameras have a "burst" mode where they'll take a preset number (usually 3-6, AFAIK) and then slow down.

-OR-

2) Fast shutter speeds -- the faster the shutter, the more "frozen" the image. Slow shutter speeds lead to blurry shots. I know that Fuji cameras make use of their good high ISO to use faster shutter speeds instead of IS.

If I had to guess, for a Fuji camera, they're probably talking about #2 (although I believe that all of the Fuji's also have a continuous mode -- your model, I believe, has their "Top 3").
Thanks Stitch :thumbsup2

You're absolutely correct, on both counts :) It did refer to the shutter speed, and in the several reviews i've read since I posted, i've found it also has a continuous mode (the only thing mentioned was that it took 5.25 secs to take 5 photos, which the reviewer decided was "fast" :confused3 - by the scale in your post, it's definitely faster than medium :) ). I dunno if there are other continuous mode settings (like the 'top 3' thing you mentioned).

Suffice to say, im even happier now i've found out more about it. One of the main reasons I decided to buy it now, instead of waiting til I got to the US, was so I could learn how to use it correctly. Including, if possible, the manual controls (which I have absolutely no clue about - but I will start a thread with specific questions I have....im looking forward to your input ;) ).

[YEKCIM]

Be sure to try the S5600's "Chrome" mode (accessed via the "f" button on the back). I put mine in "Chrome" mode as soon as I got the camera, and have never changed it.

My 2006 WDW album is here if you want to see what the camera is capable of, in the hands of a fumbling point and shooter:

http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/fasteddiew/DisneyWorld%202006/

All shots were made in Chrome mode.

~YEKCIM

[MorningGlory]

Be sure to try the S5600's "Chrome" mode (accessed via the "f" button on the back). I put mine in "Chrome" mode as soon as I got the camera, and have never changed it.

My 2006 WDW album is here if you want to see what the camera is capable of, in the hands of a fumbling point and shooter:

http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j11/fasteddiew/DisneyWorld%202006/

All shots were made in Chrome mode.

~YEKCIM
I seen a review that mentioned about the chrome mode. Seeing your pictures, I can see just how vivid pictures are when using it! :thumbsup2

[boBQuincy]

Most of the big US stores have weekly sales that are posted in the Sunday newspaper. If the model you are interested in is on sale that week it is probably a good deal.

The warranty card is likely to be marked "US and Canada" which could leave you with a service problem. The battery charger will probably work on 220V but will have the incorrect plug.

By purchasing the camera here you are likely subject to import duties unless you can prove you had it when you left home. Chances of anyone even asking you about this are pretty slim but it can happen.

Finally, the colors will not have the requisite "u" in the spelling and thus may not be as bright as the colours you get at home. ;)

[LPZ_Stitch!]

You're absolutely correct, on both counts :) It did refer to the shutter speed, and in the several reviews i've read since I posted, i've found it also has a continuous mode (the only thing mentioned was that it took 5.25 secs to take 5 photos, which the reviewer decided was "fast" :confused3 - by the scale in your post, it's definitely faster than medium :) ). I dunno if there are other continuous mode settings (like the 'top 3' thing you mentioned).

1 shot/sec. isn't too bad for a P&S ... most of them can't even manage more than 1. With a fast SDCard, my S3 can hit 2.5/sec and there's a couple other ones that can go that fast, too. Many of the DSLRs can go even faster and the *expensive* Canon Mark III can do 10fps!!

I'm sure you'll be able to find out what continuous shooting modes it's got from the manual ... it's probably got more than one.

Suffice to say, im even happier now i've found out more about it. One of the main reasons I decided to buy it now, instead of waiting til I got to the US, was so I could learn how to use it correctly. Including, if possible, the manual controls (which I have absolutely no clue about - but I will start a thread with specific questions I have....im looking forward to your input ;) ).

Good luck with your new camera! :cool1:

Check this site out: www.goingmanual.com ... just about everything you need to know about manual settings on cameras can be found here. It's a great site! :thumbsup2 Their tutorials are great, but I'm not so sure about their Forum; some of the "recent topics" look to have nothing to do with cameras, and I'm not about to check them out (they might just be the victims of evil, foul, disgusting spammers*, though).... :(

Of course, there's lots of folks here who are more than happy to answer questions, too! :banana:

*spammers are the lowest form of life on earth!

[MorningGlory]

Stitch, the manual available to download on that site is just what I was looking for! :thumbsup2

Definitely written with the beginner in mind ;) I can't wait to get my camera now to try some things out.

[Simon123]

Hi,

I'm Simon the author the Going Manual site and e-book. I was looking through my site logs and saw the link from this site.

First thanks for the link. The site is free and open to everyone and I hope it helps. I've been using open source software for years and this is me giving a little back.

Second, Spammers are indeed the lowest form of life. The odd messages that appear are not from me. Unfortunately I've chosen a skin for the site that has problems with many of the anti spamming measures for phpBB (the forum system)

I try to check in often and remove the messages but they keep coming! Just wanted to explain the situation and hopefully I'll find the time to write a anti spam module for the board. Wedding season is kicking off tough and that means busy weekends so please bear with me!

Hundreds of people visit the site everyday so it'd be nice to see a few more people interacting on the boards and posting their pictures for critique. it's a great way to improve.

Simon

[MorningGlory]

Well, thanks Simon :thumbsup2

I really appreciate the manual you have written, and have spent the last couple of days reading through it all. Im now really beginning to understand the cause and effect of the different settings, and can't wait to put it into practise (hopefully around Thursday coming).

I'll try to post some of my trial photos in your forum once I've had a go with it :)

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Second, Spammers are indeed the lowest form of life. The odd messages that appear are not from me. Unfortunately I've chosen a skin for the site that has problems with many of the anti spamming measures for phpBB (the forum system)

I try to check in often and remove the messages but they keep coming! Just wanted to explain the situation and hopefully I'll find the time to write a anti spam module for the board. Wedding season is kicking off tough and that means busy weekends so please bear with me!

Hi, Simon ... great work on the GoingManual site ... I recommend it to everyone who has questions about their new cameras. :thumbsup2

Sorry, if I gave you some negative press, but you show the most recent posts right on your main page; when I wrote that other post, about 4 of the 10 were about sex or online-pharmacies. I knew it was either spammers or you were allowing any kinds of posting.

Glad to hear it's not your site's policy to allow this sort of crap.