Canon t3i / Beach Camera ?

[blestmom]

I've been planning my first DSLR purchase for quite some time. I've pretty much settled on the Canon t3i, because I do like to take video with my camera as well as photos, and this model seems good for that. It was between the Canon t3i and a Nikon, and a tough decision. But the video on the Canon swayed me over.

I've gone to my local store to hold it in my hand, and I do like it. But not the local store price...LOL!

In the past I've purchased only through Amazon (shipping can be crazy to Alaska sometimes with other stores) but I get an email alert today on a Canon t3i bundle. When I clicked on it, it took me to eBay, and Beach Camera.


So...two questions for anyone who wants to weigh in:

1. I don't have any previous experience with Beach Camera, but I've heard of them as one of the larger online camera stores. Is that right? Any thoughts, pro or con, on purchasing from them via their eBay store?

2. Does this bundle seem like a good deal?
Canon t3i body (new), with 18-55mm, 55-250mm, 50mm 1.8 lenses for $869 with free shipping.

This is my first DSLR, and I just don't want to make a bad decision.

Thanks for any thoughts, input, suggestions.

 

[Shutterbug]

Whats the return policy when buying through their ebay store?
Also is the warranty a USA warranty or imported?
You mention that the body is new but what about the lens'?

That does sound like a pretty good deal for all that.

 

[blestmom]

Whats the return policy when buying through their ebay store?
Also is the warranty a USA warranty or imported?

Good questions!

About the return policy, it says "30 days, money back, buyer pays shipping."

I'm still looking for the warranty information. I don't buy much on eBay, let alone big ticket stuff, so I am a bit apprehensive. But I didn't know if this apprehension is warranted if it is a reputable company.

Okay, I'm off to look for more info. about the warranty...

 

[blestmom]

Whats the return policy when buying through their ebay store?
Also is the warranty a USA warranty or imported?
You mention that the body is new but what about the lens'?

That does sound like a pretty good deal for all that.

Okay, it appears the lenses are new. They are described as:

Canon - EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II (Stabilized) Lens with Canon USA Warranty

Canon - EF 50mm F/1.8 II Standard Auto Focus Lens,CANON AUTHORIZED USA DEALER WARRANTY I

Canon - EOS Digital Rebel T3i 18MP SLR Camera & 18-55mm IS
Condition:
New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging.


What may be a deal breaker for is the shipping. I love living in Alaska, but not when it comes to shipping.

It says: Seller's payment instructions
Note, Residents of Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico must select overnight flat rate shipping. Failure to select the appropriate method will result in order processing delays as we await the payment of the additional shipping charge.

Then, when I put the camera in my cart, the only options I see are:
Standard Shipping (Apr. 02 - Apr. 06): FREE
Expedited Shipping (Apr. 02 - Apr. 04): US $4.98
One-day Shipping (Monday, Apr. 02): US $49.99

I don't see an option of "overnight flat rate shipping."



Argh! This is usually why I go through Amazon, but this just seemed like an awesome deal.

 

[Shutterbug]

You listed the lenses had the USA warranty but does the camera have it as well?

So this is Beach Camera's Ebay store correct?
You could call Beach Camera and ask then concerning the shipping rates.

 

[blestmom]

So this is Beach Camera's Ebay store correct?
You could call Beach Camera and ask then concerning the shipping rates.

Good point, that might be the best way to handle things.

Otherwise, if I can get that figured out, sounds like a decent deal then?

 

[Shutterbug]

Yes it does, as long as it is all USA warranty(IMO that would a sticking point for me, its not for others)

I looked at Adorama and this package is $949.00 and it doesnt even have the 50mm.http://www.adorama.com/ICAT3IKL1.html

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I would also check the warranty on the camera body to ensure its not a gray market camera. I have never used Beach, only B & H, Adorama and Amazon.

 

[blestmom]

Well darn...the listing just ended. I guess you really can't hesitate on a good deal.

I just wasn't sure about the whole shipping thing, and I'm so leery about spending $$$ on big ticket things thru eBay. This one just seemed different because it was their eBay store. Guess I have more to learn about that whole thing.

Oh well, I'll still get the camera, and hope that another awesome deal comes out at a reputable place.

Sigh...

 

[blestmom]

I have never used Beach, only B & H, Adorama and Amazon.

Thanks, that's good to know. It seems like their shipping rates to Alaska are high...$30 for one, and almost $40 for the other. Although, maybe when you're buying a big ticket item, that's par for the course.

Sometimes when I look on Amazon for this camera, different bundles are offered, and it says "ships and sold by Cameta Camera" or "Ships and sold by Abes of Maine." And those will change sometimes within the hour, to some other place. And then, the shipping is no longer free. Grr....

So maybe buying at a local store will be the way I'll have to go, if I can't find something that ships direct from Amazon.

That being the case, anyone have any ideas what would be a good set-up for someone just getting their first DSLR (Canon t3i)? I had a bridge camera, so I do know some about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc. But I'm nowhere near the levels of many of you on photography expertise.

I've got about $1000 to start out with as a rough figure, knowing I'll be adding lenses down the road.

Any good pointers/suggestions on any particular lenses/bundles would be most welcome. Thank you.

 

[DISfan0829]

I have purchased from Beach a few times. They are good. We live in NY and they are in NJ so I saved the sales tax.

They are a reputable company and a Canon authorized dealer. The Canon equipment I purchased had the US warranty card (not that it really matters as Canon US will fix it anyway with a sales receipt)

 

[disneymarie]

I can say there return policy was very good, the delivery was a let down. A few days before Christmas two years ago I ordered a camera for Christmas a full bundle. It guarenteed Christmas delivery and we are about 100 miles away from them in PA.
I did not get it or any contact or replies, it arrived 10 days after Christmas. If they did not have it in stock I would have ordered it somewhere else.

Make sure as said, call them that the difference in price is NOT gray market there is not factory warranty.

 

[tylerandalexsmom]

I have always been leery of ordering from Ebay or from any other online camera store (have heard horror stories about taking CC info, never getting product, etc.) However, I have ordered from Beach Camera several times (in fact, they are the only way I ever buy cameras any more) -- I have bought an SLR, a DSLR, a point and shoot, and a water/video camera from them over time, and have never had any problems with Beach.