Sorry, you can delete this, but I need QUICK opinions...

[JorgenH]

I did a quick search for fair pricing, but please forgive me if I missed the quick answer, or if this is asked twice a day, but...

I don't have a lot of money and I want to get my first Canon. I am looking at the Rebel XT, because I am entering photography school in the fall and I have a good film camera now, which is Nikon. I would prefer to get the XT over the digital Nikon, but it costs a bit more (and is worth it, too).

QUESTION: Without going into a lot of detail, I just want to ask if 899.99 is a fair price for the Canon Rebel XT (that includes an 18-55mm lens). Again, I am just starting out and want to learn on something that is a GREAT camera that will last. I know the XT will... but I do not want to get ripped off.

It is on the Dell.com website, I have an account there, so I could do payments.


AGAIN: Sorry for asking if it has been beat to death, but please, any assistance is GREATLY appreciated. I just need a semi-quick answer(s) for this...

Here is the link: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0459500&category_id=6057&brandid=31

GOOD DEAL? or STAY AWAY?

[Kendal]

I've just bought a 350D so have been browsing prices a while, and think you'll find a better price than that

Check out warehouseexpress.co.uk and also piximania.co.uk

[red hot sheep]

Kendal, he's in the US, so 899 dollars is around £517, and those are British sites you have linked to.

[JorgenH]

Thanks Kendal,

but one reason that I am considering going through Dell to buy a Canon (which may seem a bit odd, right?) is that I already have an account with them, with a credit limit high enough to purchase upto 1100 dollars (american). There are some great deals on Ebay, but then I would have to wait a few months and save up enough to do that. Where with Dell, I could get it now and then pay it off over the next few months.

[Livinthalife]

I got mine for 70,000JPY w/ 18-55mmUSM 70,000JPY is less then $650

I ordered mine from kakaku.com (all japanese site though)

[Kendal]

ok, sorry, didn't realise you were in the US.

[Ikinaa]

at B&H, you can have a rebel with the kit-lens and a 2GB-card for $913 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=420993&is=REG&addedTroughType=search)

a 2GB-card should be roughly $90 worth...

so B&H is cheaper, but if you have a credit-line at dell that enables you to buy the cam now, it's more interesting than having to wait several months...

[roli_bark]

.... I just want to ask if 899.99 is a fair price for the Canon Rebel XT (that includes an 18-55mm lens). Again, I am just starting out and want to learn on something that is a GREAT camera that will last. I know the XT will... but I do not want to get ripped off.

It is on the Dell.com website, I have an account there, so I could do payments.

GOOD DEAL? or STAY AWAY?

It may be fair, but NOT a GOOD DEAL IMHO....especially now,,,days before new camera annoubcements...

Here's a good deal for the same, running as of NOW, from B&H for $810 (VERY reputable shop):

[JorgenH]

When are the new camera announcements? Sorry... are there set dates for this, or is it just "soon"?

[PaulB]

Jorgen,
the PMA Show starts in nine days and this is when all the new cameras announcements are expected.
Don't expect a replacement for the 350D/Rebel XT this time round though. More likely to be an update for the 20D. So if you can wait there may be some mega 20D deals after the end of this month..............But no-one really knows, however it may just be worth waiting.

[JorgenH]

Jorgen,
the PMA Show starts in nine days and this is when all the new cameras announcements are expected.
Don't expect a replacement for the 350D/Rebel XT this time round though. More likely to be an update for the 20D. So if you can wait there may be some mega 20D deals after the end of this month..............But no-one really knows, however it may just be worth waiting.Thanks so much!

I don't start classes until August, but I definitely want to get a Digital SLR as soon as I can so that I am not fumbling with it when I need to have it in action.

Maybe I'll wait a month or so and see what happens... I'll mess around with my Film Camera some more. I just get anxious.

[JorgenH]

PS: And if anyone would be so kind to keep an eye out for some deals and let me know if you find them, it would be much appreciated :)

[Jetmech1]

Try doing a web search Dell coupons. You may be able to get an extra discount from Dell. Sometimes Dell has nice discount coupons. I heard of others getting a 10-25 percent off on cameras and computers.

[Liquid_Squelch]

I remember reading some where that Dell is NOT a Canon approved vender.

I have no proof to back me up on this, but if you were to buy a lens from Dell, and submit the rebate, it would bounce because Dell isn't on the list.

I'm guessing it only matters if you’re buying with rebates, instead of just paying full price. I too have thought about buying via Dell. Even though they cost more, once you start adding and stacking coupons, Dell really is more affordable that any local outlet.

[In2Photos]

I am suprised that noone else has said this yet, but why are you wanting to go Canon instead of Nikon? How much Nikon gear do you have? I am not saying DON"T switch to Canon, but if you already have some Nikon gear that could be used with a new D50 or D70, then you might be better off. So what else do you have?

[drews578]

Jorgen,

I have a few things for you to think about.

1. Do yourself a favor and stay away from this kind of debt! Having lived in Utah in the recent past I know that heavy debt is more socially accptable there than in other parts of the country and it is tempting. Did you know that Utah is 4th in the nation for bankruptsy? Debt should really only be used for emergencies, housing, education and business. The last three are fine since those will allow you to leverage the money to have more money in the end, plus that interest is tax deductable. Debt allows you to have things you deserve but have not yet earned. Ignore how much the payment is and figure instead the total amount you will end up paying for the camera. Include both interest and any monthly charges. If you buy it outright, I think you can resonably expect to buy it for $790 - $830.

2. PMA is just around the corner. A new release will likely result in a price drop of the camera you are after. Plus waiting will allow you time to save up and take on less debt if you choose to which will also lower the cost. School is still a way off!

3. If you are going to by from dell, definitely wait for their coupons. You can expect about 20-25% off.

4. Since you are short on money... have you considered a used 10D or orginal Dig Rebel? 6MP is plenty... Seriously, plenty. Salt Lake has a TON of pawn shops. Perhaps you can find a steal.

A lot of people joke about how high there credit cards are after getting a new camera, L lens or what ever, but is a serious problem in out country. Last year Americans as a whole went into debt. That means NO savings. That level has not occured since the Great Depression.

Homes in Utah are not cheap... start making smart decisions now so that someday when you are married you dont have to look into your wifes eyes and tell her you cant afford to buy a house. I know this one purchase doesn't seem like much now but it sets up a pattern of behavior. Since you already have an account with dell I assume you have taken debt with them before thus proving my point about a pattern of behavior. Pay off consumer debt and stay the hell away from it.

I often suffer from what I call "iwantitis" ( I want I tiss ) an infection in the part of my body that wants for things... I know how you feel. Do the responsible thing. I am not some old foggie preaching at you, I am in my 20s and in recent years have painfully watched debt destroy many people.

I wish you the best of luck with your education and decisions.

Regards,
Drew

[bolantej]

Don't buy on impulse, but if you can afford it, and pay it off quickly, what the heck. you only live once. Just dump all of your money into paying that thing off first. Don't get stuck making minimum payments forever. Just some friendly advise. I'd also be aware that some folks have had issues with Dell taking too long to ship their camera gear. good luck on your decision.

[Willie]

www.buydig.com has it for $829.

Only buy from Dell with a coupon, otherwise it's not a good deal.

[swjim]

I usually look for electronics on www.pricegrabber.com. If you enter your zip code it will figure out the tax and shipping (if applicable) and you can sort by best price. I always go with vendors who have at least 1000 seller reviews with four stars or above and have never had a problem. Using these paramaters, Butterfly Photo currently has a silver rebel with 18-55 lense for 779.00 + tax and shipping (works out to 791.80 based upon where I live). Hope this helps.

Jim

[cfcRebel]

I remember reading some where that Dell is NOT a Canon approved vender.

I have no proof to back me up on this, but if you were to buy a lens from Dell, and submit the rebate, it would bounce because Dell isn't on the list.


I'm sorry Liquid. I have to say your sources are dead wrong. Dell "is" an authorized Canon dealer:). My proof is, a $100 Canon rebate check for the 300D i bought from Dell in 2004, and a $300 Canon rebate check for the 20D i bought from Dell in 2005.

Jorgen, Dell offers the best price that i can find but only when they announce the Dell coupons + instant discounts (once every few weeks). You have to constantly check websites like this
http://dealnews.com/online-stores/Dell-Home/638/ for the coupons. If you don't like the hassle and don't mind pay a little more, then B&H is a very reputable online store.

Look, this guy/girl got the XT from Dell for $668 shipped.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=108670&highlight=coupon

[Willie]

Aren't the rebate deals dead?

[cfcRebel]

Aren't the rebate deals dead?The Canon rebate deal has already ended. Dell's coupons come and go once in awhile.

[JorgenH]

drews578- I definitely agree, but it wouldn't put me in debt. I could afford it, it would just take 3-4 months to pay for (or save up for)... that's all. No big thing.


Everyone else, thanks a lot for all of the help, as well! I really, really, REALLY appreciate it a lot. I don't know many photographers, etc. so this is helping me more than I could've hoped. I will definitely check on those coupons as well.

And for whoever asked about the Nikon products. All I have is the N75 with 1 lens... that is all. I actually like the Nikon D50 a lot, as well, but I've spent endless time comparing it to the XT and the XT is just all around a better camera. So if the only difference is 150 dollars in price (or less if I can get a deal), then I will go with the Canon.


Thanks again everyone... more options/opinions welcome.

[rklepper]

Try doing a web search Dell coupons. You may be able to get an extra discount from Dell. Sometimes Dell has nice discount coupons. I heard of others getting a 10-25 percent off on cameras and computers.

Yes, you can get extremely good deals on Dell with the coupons.

[rklepper]

Keep watching sites like www.ilikecheapstuff.com and you should find some coupons.