After months of research and lurking

[Aristocath]

I've decided on the Nikon D60 with the 18-55mm VR lens and the 55-200mm VR lens. The big question now is where do I buy it? I made a spreadsheet today listing the stores or online sites, the prices and what it includes and if there is shipping. My husband is ready to have me committed!

The price difference seems to be negligible for what I want. Do I buy from the local stores that have been nice and patient with me and will help me as I get to know my new camera? Or do I order online to save a few dollars and get a free bag?

Just typing this out gives me a little clarity! So what do you recommend?

Cathy

 

[YesDear]

I purchase 99% of camera equipment and accessories from B&H, Adorama, and Amazon.

I just went at lunchtime and purchased about $100 of misc. stuff from my local shop. It angered me that they were charging about $2 more than even the manufacturors site. But it was something I wanted so I paid it. It was maybe only 5-7 more than online but I had it in my hand.

Of course in the rare case something is wrong with it you can take it back and get a different one faster locally than online. I have never had a problem with goods or returning from any of the three above.

 

[dmccarty]

If you have a decent local store I would use them especially if they have been helping you. I used to have a sales representative from a local photo store chain who lived near me. I bought as much as I could from him. His prices were just as good as B&H, he delivered to my door, , and would sometimes throw in something for free.

Unfortunately the chain went out of business.

There are a couple more local stores that I try to do as much business with as possible. Otherwise I use B&H. But I have had issue with B&H over the years. I needed a monopod for a WDW trip and wanted a Benbo. The sales guy told me Benbo did not make monopods anymore. Last time I looked at the B&H catalog Benbo still has monopods. Had some other issues with deliveries with them as well. The last couple of orders had no problems.

Later,
Dan

 

[jann1033]

I've decided on the Nikon D60 with the 18-55mm VR lens and the 55-200mm VR lens. The big question now is where do I buy it? I made a spreadsheet today listing the stores or online sites, the prices and what it includes and if there is shipping. My husband is ready to have me committed!

The price difference seems to be negligible for what I want. Do I buy from the local stores that have been nice and patient with me and will help me as I get to know my new camera? Or do I order online to save a few dollars and get a free bag?

Just typing this out gives me a little clarity! So what do you recommend?

Cathy

imo if the price is that close, with the economy the way it is, i would support the local camera store( ie not a big box type place that really doesn't have any idea what you need ), especially if it's locally owned and they have already helped you. by the time you pay shipping, especially if you need to order something else or send something back .your wait is worth something so it's may not be really much of a savings. and it's nice to have a local store that could probably very easily go out of business otherwise. the bag is probably junk anyway. i would use the online if it were maybe $10-20 less including shipping but would rather use local.
i don't have a well stocked local store and wish i did. the two within 1/2 an hr drive never have anything i need

 

[YEKCIM]

Since the local folks have taken the time to assist you, IMO, you ought to reward them with your business. They have earned it.

~Y

 

[WVDisGeek]

Since the local folks have taken the time to assist you, IMO, you ought to reward them with your business. They have earned it.

I agree with YECKIM

I wish my local store had more for me (I shoot Pentax) but I try to use them for accessories and smaller stuff whenever possible. They are within 3 blocks of my office so I can walk there at lunch and their prices are usually within a couple of bucks of the on-line sites. There is also the ability to try stuff out first and to have it in my hot little hands when I leave!

I have used Amazon and Adorama for many of my purchases, simply because they carry Pentax stuff and have been very happy with both.

For what is it worth. I would use the local guys for what you can. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Aristocath]

Thanks for your input. I've decided to purchase it from Fort Worth Camera since they've been so helpful. And I get a free class specific to my camera.

The hard part is it is supposed to be my Mother's Day gift and my husband said my three sons want to "surprise" me with it. I want to start playing with it this weekend!

 

[Lesprivate]

Best Buy is having a sales this week if you buy the D60 plus the extra lens and an extra battery, they take $200 off making the total $754. I think the sale ends Saturday 5/2.