I am currently in the market for a Canon Digital Rebel XTi. After looking at cameras for awhile (and factoring in the fact that I already have a couple of lenses from a previous Canon) this is the one that the wife and I decided on.

However, my problem lies with the price I have found from a couple of retailers that I am not sure of. Most places that I have found have the camera (body only) listed between 650-850$. There are two websites that I have found so far though that have their price at 399$ and 305$.

My question is should I be worried about buying from one of these two places? I should be covered by my credit card company if anything shady happens after I click "confirm order", but I would rather not go through that process if it comes to that. For reference, here are the two websites that I have found. http://www.royalcamera.com/canondrxti.html and http://www.expresscameras.com/prodet...620719&start=1 The one that is listed for 399$ comes with a case and tripod as well, so that is why it bumps it up to 399$ (I think). Give me your honest answers, and if it looks legit to you guys then here is a good way to get the XTi at roughly half-price!

RxZ (is cautious with large purchases)

 

High Dollar camera scams are very Common Place. Check http://www.resellerratings.com/rlist-s1-n2.html If they are not listed or have bad feed back, dont buy from them.

I, For One, Would want to buy from a reputable camera store or chain to make sure you are not only getting your product, but your warranty and everything that goes with it.

 

Read these;

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102...ssageID=488772

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102...hreadID=156166

http://forums.photographyreview.com/...ad.php?t=14582


And

http://forums.photographyreview.com/...ad.php?t=21338

http://forums.photographyreview.com/...ad.php?t=21338


Both of those Stores are Scams

 

Also,

Amazon Has some Excellent Camera Sales quite frequently, I purchased my Nikon P1 with 1GB SD Card and Extra Battery for $330 on Sale a year ago there, the Camera Alone has a $599 MSRP. Just check them frequently.

 

I would never buy high priced camera equipment from east coast retailers whose business is selling in the mail. Scammers. They're the same scammers listing ridiculous prices in photo mags who have been known to sell refurbished as new.

Royal is in Brooklyn.

I also saw the CNET reviews on express camera.

50% off? If it's too good to be true...

 

There are great deals on most electronic equipment and cameras. With cameras be sure you are buying one with a USA WARRENTY. Camera shops advertising good buys are often selling without USA warrenty.

I'd check to see what comes up on Amazon. Also, if your a Consumer Reports member check out its website; it will have links to retailers.

 

I've heard this is called "grey market" stuff. If they're not an "authorized" Canon Dealer then I wouldn't do it. Canon sees these products as "used" and no longer under warranty. However these shady places offer their "own" warranty, whatever that means. Buyer beware!

 

Thanks guys (especially sq) for the replies! Looks like I am going to keep searching for a good deal on this camera. Thanks for the link to resellerratings.com sq, I had never seen that site before, and now I am using it to check on all the other sites that I have found the Rebel at.

RxZ (is glad he is cautious)

 

Your best bet is to wait for a Dell deal.

 

buy reputable,

BH, dell, sammys...

 

bh had a sale on the rebel XTi + lens for 539.99 it was sold out quick! too bad i lucked out.....

 

b&h has a used canon rebel xt for sale for a good price. it's only the body, but if you wanted you can pick up a used kit lens for cheap. or you can just start with a better lens since you'll want one soon anyways.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

 

those stores you listed sometimes won't give you all the items in the box and would want you to pay more. Or they will call you up and want you to buy accessories at high price, if you say no they will cancel your order

I suggest buying at www.bhphoto.com or use a coupon at www.dell.com.

 

I've purchased many cameras through these guys below. Who has the best price gets my business.

www.jr.com
www.buydig.com
www.dbuys.com