20d at usaphotonation.com $919.

[olladaa]

My mom always told me that things too good to be true, usually are. I have been looking to find a cheap price on a 20d body for over a month now. The best I had found was b&h $1449. I just googled it and up came usaphotonation.com. $919.00. I called. Its brand new, sealed in box. Has anyone had any bad experiences with this Co? Please advise.

-Annie O.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Your Mother was correct ;)
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller8278.html

If you want a 20D.. stop futzing around with Google now and just be prepared to pay close to $1,499.00 from a reputable dealer.. it will save you a lot of time and heart ache.. and maybe even a lot of $$ in the long run. :)

[MarkH]

If B&H sell a camera at $1449 then you should be VERY wary of anyone selling the same camera at less than $1300. B&H are honest and reputable dealers, they do not sell at a high margin. I would be very surprised if the wholesale price to B&H was much less than $1250 (pure guess). Since B&H have a very high volume of sales, it is unlikely that anyone else would get a better buy price.

So how could usaphotonation sell the same camera for $919? They can't and won't! This is a scam to sucker the gullible optimists that think that somehow a deal like this could be real.

If you want a 20D you should save your money and buy from an honest company, paying the normal price. Sometimes it can cost a lot more to pay less.

[robertwgross]

Yes, anything at the B&H price, or within 5-10% of the B&H price, may be realistic. Once you get much outside of that, you are asking for a headache.

I just wish I understood exactly what laws are being broken, or not quite being broken. I'm sure that some state consumer protection agencies are involved with some of the scam companies and consumer complaints, yet I would wager that enough of them stay in business that it attracts others. I guess they reel in enough suckers that they can make a business out of it.

---Bob Gross---

[olladaa]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the advice.

I absolutely love this forum.

You have saved me money and more importantly, a lot of headache!!

-AO

[TomC]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the advice.

I absolutely love this forum.

You have saved me money and more importantly, a lot of headache!!

-AO
www.buydig.com
$1309.00 for a 20D .
They have a pretty good rating at resellerating .
As a matter of fact, someone on here just bought from them in the past week; with a good report.

[charlesu]

I've bought from buydig before. I got a LOT of pressure to buy batteries, service contracts, etc. But did get the goods. They really nailed me on shipping when I wouldn't buy the other stuff. This was on the phone. On the web it's probably better.

Oh, by the way, the camcorder (Canon) was shipped from Beach Camera. I think buydig is just a front end.

Some prices are unreal and my guess is that they take your CC, hit it for the $$ and then in a week or two, refund it and tell you they cannot get the goods. I've personally had that happen a few years ago.

The other common deal is that they take a gray market camera, pull everything EXCEPT the body from the box and sell it at a big discount. A local store told me about a guy who'd bought a D1x this way. He went to them and ordered all the rest of the stuff. Cost him about $500. The camera cost him about $2300. So, add the two together and he saved about $1000 on the deal. Except he got a camera with NO viable warranty.

[TomC]

Some prices are unreal and my guess is that they take your CC, hit it for the $$ and then in a week or two, refund it and tell you they cannot get the goods. I've personally had that happen a few years ago.


Were you speaking of BuyDig here? Im just curious cause ill be making a rather sizeable purchase in march

[KCMO]

So are you telling me that the deals on the internet where you can buy a 20D sealed in box with lens kit for 400.00 are bogus? ;)

I spent all day emailing a couple of dudes from Romania asking if they were serious.

[pradeep1]

I use B&H and BeachCamera.com as price references. Adorama seems to be in the middle of those two. Sometimes they switch up, but one of these stores will serve you well.

[Slick999]

USA Photonation also tried to rip me off. What a Scam! Why cant the Attorney General close this place down. Do a search on yahoo or google about USAphotonation scams and it brings up a ****load.

My mom always told me that things too good to be true, usually are. I have been looking to find a cheap price on a 20d body for over a month now. The best I had found was b&h $1449. I just googled it and up came usaphotonation.com. $919.00. I called. Its brand new, sealed in box. Has anyone had any bad experiences with this Co? Please advise.

-Annie O.

[Titus213]

I've bought from BuyDig over the net with no problems and excellent price (slide scanner). My 300D came from BeachCamera and arrived earlier than expected and in perfect condition. My order with B&H for a couple of add-ons was just confirmed so we shall see how their 3-5 day deliver is. I expect it is excellent.

I ordered some small tripod parts from THKPhoto last week (under $10) and recieved excellent, friendly phone service. The parts are on the way.

I think I'll go out and actually go to a camera store today just for old-times sake.

[LadyHawk]

I've bought from buydig before. I got a LOT of pressure to buy batteries, service contracts, etc. But did get the goods. They really nailed me on shipping when I wouldn't buy the other stuff. This was on the phone. On the web it's probably better.

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience, Charlesu.

I've purchased many things from Buydig.com, including my 20D, and have nothing but good things to say about them. Prices are more competitive than B&H and I've received everything I've ordered on or before the promised shipping date. No escalated shipping charges, and in some cases no shipping charges. The mechandise is not grey market; they are a Canon authorized dealer. I've never been harrassed by emails or phone calls, either.

I commend :D Buydig.com :D so vigorously because I believe the good vendors should be supported. It's the best way to get at the bad vendors, i.e. :evil: Buy.com. :evil:

But don't take anyones word for it... just check the Resellerratings website listed in a previous post.

[napolar]

1329 BO 1365 with Kit lens from DigitalMegaStore.com Good guys to deal with check them out on Reseller ratings.

[johneric8]

I've bought from buydig before. I got a LOT of pressure to buy batteries, service contracts, etc. But did get the goods. They really nailed me on shipping when I wouldn't buy the other stuff. This was on the phone. On the web it's probably better.

Oh, by the way, the camcorder (Canon) was shipped from Beach Camera. I think buydig is just a front end.

Some prices are unreal and my guess is that they take your CC, hit it for the $$ and then in a week or two, refund it and tell you they cannot get the goods. I've personally had that happen a few years ago.

The other common deal is that they take a gray market camera, pull everything EXCEPT the body from the box and sell it at a big discount. A local store told me about a guy who'd bought a D1x this way. He went to them and ordered all the rest of the stuff. Cost him about $500. The camera cost him about $2300. So, add the two together and he saved about $1000 on the deal. Except he got a camera with NO viable warranty.

I have no clue what this guy is talking about !! I have bought all of my camera and camcorders at buydig and they have never tried to sell me on anything. In fact, they are hands down the best on the web for prices and customer service. With budig you place your order online and it shows up on time in all cases just like advertised. They have never contacted or sent me emails to buy anything. In fact, I dont get advertisement emails from them at all. I have no clue how the gentleman who claims to have been pushed to buy extra stuff had this happen?? over a dozen purchases and that has never happened not to mention that every transaction was cheaper then all the other competitiors and my purchases were as advertised. !!!!!!!

[Lynn Lane]

I just got mine through buydig.com. I spoke with Canon and they confirmed that they are an authorized Canon dealer and I had nothing to worry about. Amazing service. I am very happy with buydig.

[cdhender]

I haven't bought camera stuff from buydig but I have bought computer stuff from them. No complaints at all. I'd buy from them again in a heartbeat.

[penguins_rock]

I just got mine through buydig.com. I spoke with Canon and they confirmed that they are an authorized Canon dealer and I had nothing to worry about. Amazing service. I am very happy with buydig.
Same here, picked up my XT and EF-S 17-85 only a couple weeks ago from them. Fast shipping and no problems.

[kram]

The dealer I use and have had a good experience is Butterflyphoto. They had a good rating at pricegrabber and their sale process was good. Yes, they did ask me to call to confirm an internet order (weird?) - obviously to push accessories. But it was really mild and I refused everything - item came on time and is in good shape.
But any guy who deviates 10-15%+ from a reputed shop like B&H, I see odd colored lights popping in my headhttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

[anng3]

I just got my 20d from buydig.com. Received the camera 3 days after I placed the order and what better the shipping was free and no tax. Noone called me to force me to buy anything. I'm very satisfied with them.
I love my 20d..can't wait to go out and try it after my finals are done.

[smaxson]

Hi all,

I'm coming in late to this thread, but want to contribute where I can (just joined this forum): I have purchased frequently from B&H in the past, but when it came time to order my 20D last week, I went with BuyDig as well.

Excellent service -- one of the few online retailers I've ever used that under-promises and over-delivers! I elected the free shipping (FedEx Ground); they said 5+ workdays (I'm in Seattle, they're in New Jersey). The camera came in just over 48 hours. Price was about $40 cheaper than B&H, which is very hard to beat I think.

I will continue to use B&H -- they have much wider selection than buydig.com, and I've always had great service from them (like nearly everyone else).

enjoy,

[BigBlueDodge]

I'll second www.butterflyphoto.com . Had the best price at $1349 for 20D WITH kit lens. I called them at 11:00 Central time, and two hours later got an email saying that the item shipped, with a tracking number. I placed order over phone, and they did try and push accessories on me but it was mild. I simply made up a story and said that I was buying it as as gift for a friend, and was spending more than I wanted. Once they heard that they let off. I had them overnight the camera (couldn't wait to get it) and I had it next day. Everything in box.

[LiquidDye]

You American lot need to stop moaning about the costs you pay for things, it always amuses me to hear you all go on about how expensive it is over there.
Try this for starters, the absolute cheapest at the time of typing for a UK dealer over the net or shop based is $1672, we have real problems over here getting things fixed if it doesn't have a UK warranty, what anoys me most is Canon or who ever make these cameras in a different part of the world and then insist on a uk /USA/ whatever warranty, this is just to keep the price high over here. 'O' yer petrol (gas) per Gallon over here is $7.14.

[robertwgross]

You American lot need to stop moaning about the costs you pay for things, it always amuses me to hear you all go on about how expensive it is over there. ...


No, in this thread the Americans are not moaning about the costs paid for camera gear. Mostly, they are bragging about getting a better deal than the next guy. Some of that comes with purchasing in an active marketplace. Nor are they moaning about the price of petrol (gasoline), at least not here.

---Bob Gross---

[mrclark321]

:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: You American lot need to stop moaning about the costs you pay for things, it always amuses me to hear you all go on about how expensive it is over there.
Try this for starters, the absolute cheapest at the time of typing for a UK dealer over the net or shop based is $1672, we have real problems over here getting things fixed if it doesn't have a UK warranty, what anoys me most is Canon or who ever make these cameras in a different part of the world and then insist on a uk /USA/ whatever warranty, this is just to keep the price high over here. 'O' yer petrol (gas) per Gallon over here is $7.14.

[stampchick724]

I chose top of the list b&h. I hear so many "burns" and I wanted to take NO risks. They still had me on file from YEARS ago and even though I gave them a different phone number (our oldest phone # is now my teenaged daughters line). Because our new # is unlisted, they called the oldest line to verify my order. No pressure, packed well, delivered on time.


And when it comes down to it...once you spend it and have it in your hands, 50-150 bucks really doesnt matter.

20d for four days now and LOVING it!!!:lol:

jules
tennessee

[pvonk]

I recently bought a 20D and had originally found a price around $900 for the body only. When I called the web site to "verify" the electronic order, I asked whether this was the "full" package (i.e. USA warranty, battery, etc. but no lens). I was told no - there was no warranty, but I could buy the warranty for $1499!! In essence, they were selling an "import" body only. After some research I found out about places that sell import or "foreign" models. This means you get no USA warranty. They buy the cameras overseas and sell them here. So it's buyer beware!!

- Pierre

[LadyHawk]

And when it comes down to it...once you spend it and have it in your hands, 50-150 bucks really doesnt matter.
jules
tennessee

Hey Jules... Got a spare $150 you can throw this way? On the planet I live on, $150 is a lot of money. I'll go with Buydig and put the $150 I save toward another lens! :p

[pvonk]

'O' yer petrol (gas) per Gallon over here is $7.14.

When I was in Scotland and later in England a few years back, I found what we pay per gallon in the States is what I payed per liter in GB. I wasn't too happy about that. But what surprised me was that the rental car I had sipped the gas. I think with all the emmissions standards we have in the US, mpg is poor compared with Europe.

- Pierre

[robertwgross]

This thread is drifting perilously close to politics!

---Bob Gross---

[pvonk]

This thread is drifting perilously close to politics!

---Bob Gross---

Oh, I forgot to mention that picture taking in GB was glorious!

[tacos3]

I bought my 20d from ibuyplasma.com in November for $1429. No issues. Today, their price is $1279 for the body. I buy a lot of gear from canoga camera and their price is $1329.

It all depends on the amount of risk that you want to take. B&H is the "gold standard" in terms of web storefronts and you pay close to "list" price for products there. There are plenty of reputable vendors out there where you can a better deal.

[TWM]

I have to agree with good comments abut BuyDig. I bought a 20D in March, 2 days to Anchorage, no pressure to buy anything else. Bought 70-300 DO in May by phone was asked if I wanted other things but no pressure. Received in good time. I highly recommend them.

[AjP]

B&H is great, but I'm buying most of my stuff from OneCall never had any problem, ever, great prices, fast shipment, official canon dealer.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lotto]

I bought mine from Costco.com

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?ec=BC-EC3-Cat79&pos=3&whse=&topnav=&prodid=11027052

Bought enough diapers and baby formulas to trust their stores:o Plus their 6 month return poilcy to their store is nice also.

[BobbyC]

I just got a 20D on Ebay from J and K Cameras, 1269.00 and I'll get a 100.00 rebate. All Canon dealers have the rebate so it will apply with B&H as well. They charged an incredible amount for shipping and the final price came in at the same as if I had bought from B&H and got free shipping. B&H would have shipped it faster as well. J and K told me it was shipped on a Friday and it really wasn't shipped until the next Thursday. I did get it though and it's a great camera (the little time I've had to play with it).

[thanhda]

I bought mine at Dell more than a month ago. Body only was $1221 including tax + shipping (to CA). After $100 rebate from Canon, it's only $1121. It was about $80 cheaper than BugDig at that time.

The trick to get a bargain from Dell was COUPONs. You need to spend time finding stackable Dell coupons on eBay and at the websites I mention below.

At the time I bought my 20D, I got the 15% off coupon (got the code from xpbargains.com), $35 off coupon (bought on ebay for 99 cents) and an additional 10% off when using the Dell Preferrer account. I could have found more coupons on ebay but I wanted to have the camera right away so I didn't spend time bidding for those $100 off, $50 off coupons on ebay, otherwise, it could have been cheaper.

You can apply for the Dell preferrer account here (to get 10% off when you use your account to pay for the item you're buying):

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/dpa_learnmore?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs


Dell coupons: Keep watching, Dell often gives out coupons for digital camera every 1 or 2 weeks. You can watch the websites bellow to see when they have it:

http://www.xpbargains.com/dell_coupons/
http://www.slickdeals.net

Example: today I found:
Dell Home: 20% off select Canon digital cameras, limit 2000 uses $9T45WJL?61Z09 (http://www.xpbargains.com/jump.php?deal=dell) expired: 2005-06-07 5:59am CST


http://search.ebay.com/dell-home-coupon (http://search.ebay.com/dell-home-coupon) (There are many coupons you can use, the more you found the cheaper you pay for your camera. Just ask ebay seller to check if the coupon they're selling can be applied to the product you're buying, they will try to use it and let you know).


Additional $100 rebate for Canon digital cameras can be found here (expire 7/15/05):
https://www.web-rebates.com/canon/graphics/CIWC-SP05.pdf (https://www.web-rebates.com/canon/graphics/CIWC-SP05.pdf)


FYI, Dell is one of authorized Canon dealers so you don't need to worry when buying your camera at Dell. Here's an email I've got from Canon support:


Thank you for contacting Canon product operational support. We value
you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

Here is a list of some online Authorized Canon dealers:

1. www.bhphotovideo.com (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/)

2. www.amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/)

3. www.skyguys.org (http://www.skyguys.org/)

4. www.multiplezones.com (http://www.multiplezones.com/)

5. www.dell.com (http://www.dell.com/)

6. www.800.com (http://www.800.com/)

7. www.photoalley.com (http://www.photoalley.com/)

8. www.abesofmaine.com (http://www.abesofmaine.com/)

9. www.buydig.com (http://www.buydig.com/)

10. www.butterflyphoto.com (http://www.butterflyphoto.com/)

11. www.staples.com (http://www.staples.com/)

12. www.bestbuy.com (http://www.bestbuy.com/)

13. www.officedepot.com (http://www.officedepot.com/)

14. www.officemax.com (http://www.officemax.com/)

15. www.compusa.com (http://www.compusa.com/)

16. www.costco.com (http://www.costco.com/)

17. www.ritzcamera.com (http://www.ritzcamera.com/)

18. www.onecall.com (http://www.onecall.com/)

19. www.americantv.com (http://www.americantv.com/)

Thank you for choosing Canon.

Sincerely,

Todd
Technical Support Representative


Good luck....

[Jax]

Newbie to the site, but thought I'd just let you know that the 'street price' of a 20D in the UK is in excess of $1,800 for the body only (at current exchange rates). Having just bought one for personal use, I would love to be paying US prices for the same equipment.

At work we use both a Canon 1D MkII and a Nikon D1X (Nikon F5 for wet film work) and the 20D is an excellent choice if you don't have the funds to go and buy a top spec DSLR. I reckon it's worth every penny of the £1,000 I paid. Just go and buy one, even if it's $1,500, you won't be disappointed.

Jax.