Where to purchase 20D...

[slicendice]

Well, I've gone through the whole "I-need-to-upgrade-my-digital-camera-oh-my-goodness-there's-so-many-to-choose-from-what-do-I-go-for" situation and managed to come out the other end without too many psychological problems (well....no more than I had before anyway!)
So, I've looked at all the reviews, examined all the sample photo's, pored over all the small print, and decided that the 20D is a damn fine bit of kit and something I should get my grubby little mitts on as soon as possible.
So I now have a whole new dilemma to look forwards to.......where to buy from! Now, I am not in any danger of being in a position to out-bid Mr Bill Gates at the craps table, so cost is going to be a major factor for me. Obviously the internet provides many, many glitzy looking adverts for swanky cameras at seemingly knock-down prices.....but then you read reviews and realise that, surprisingly, there is a reason why they are offering such low prices (usually something to do with them not being out of prison long...).
So, after that rather lengthy pre-amble, what I'm asking for is buying advice from all you Canon-ites. I'm based in the UK and the cheapest I can find seems to be 7dayshop.com - has anyone else used these guys? Are they any good?

In your experiences, is buying a high quality digi SLR over the internet a worthy practice? Would I be better biting the price bullet, saving for another 6 months and buying from a high-street shop (e.g. Jessops)? I can see the advantage in terms of having somewhere to take it to should there be a problem - but is that really worth the extra dosh?

Hope that's not too vague - I'm just very interested to hear of other people's experiences. All advice will be very much appreciated...

Thanks

[michael.luczkow]

no problems whatsoever from newegg.com and VERY quick shipping

[Jon]

B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?). Just ordered some more stuff from them today. Nothing exciting - new Domke, Kata cover, MP3 player and some tripod bits and pieces.

next morning (less than 24 hours)
. . . aaaand it's on the UPS truck out for delivery. Not bad for 3-day shipping, but what I expect from my B&H orders.

[Mike Panic]

stick to the large vendors - sure they are a bit more then joe-bobs shop in brooklyn, but if you have aproblem, its worth it - and you can also know what you are getting in the box

b&h
adorama
dell
your local camera shop - support the locals - and if you have an issue they can help you in person

[cowboyupphotos]

your local camera shop - support the locals - and if you have an issue they can help you in person



YES - support your local camera shops... I find they offer competitive pricing, you save on shipping and if it don't work - you just bring it back and they'll more than likely hand you another one in a box.

[DSMITH131]

Got mine here even though they have went up on the prices a little they are good in my opion
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43454&item=3873768122&rd=1

[Reminisce]

agreed on the local camera shops. Problem is finding a good local camera shop, and I dont mean like a Wolf or Ritz. I mean like a camera shop specific to your area that SPECIALIZES in photography gear. Most of these shops are run by people enthusiastic about photography and do this for a living, and not just to pay for college.

As for online ordering, I ordered mine through Dell through Dell Financial Service and financed it. Newegg is the pinnacle of online ordering and BH are excellent vendors.

[Marvinspu36]

I ordered all my equipment through B&H. Ordered from them three times so far. They were fast & the equipment came as ordered. The prices were very good on all the equipment. You might find it a little cheaper from somewhere else, but B&H has a great reputation, and has proven themselves to me.

The only caviat is that I am in the USA. I don't have any experience with overseas orders.

[Ogrt48]

BHphoto, Amazon, Newegg, or Beach Camera if they have it, stay away from Adorama though.

[Phil V]

So I'll answer from a UK perspective. 7dayshop are great for small items, I bought my 20d from them at a bargain price and I'm well pleased.
However, they aren't always honest about stock levels, and if something goes wrong they're not the easiest to deal with. There's also a question mark over warranty (UK or foreign product?).
OTOH if you can find a UK dealer with a cheap price Jessops will almost certainly price match (bought my 300d from them at a saving of £150 on their price!). Jessops are then lots better to deal with if you have problems. The cheapest UK (official mainland) price may well be Ebuyer but I wouldn't recommend them (other than a bargaining tool for Jessops).
Buying from the US is cheaper, but after shipping and tax isn't such a big saving and you'll definitely have issues with VAT etc then possibly with warranty.

Hope that is a help.

[NYC2BGI]

Try Calumet Camera. I have used them here in NYC and they have several U.K. locations.
http://www.calumetphoto.com/ctl?PAGE=Controller&ac.ui.pn=home.Home

Calumet Direct

Manager: Reece Piper

Address: NA


Phone: 08706 03 03 03

Fax: 08706 060 061

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5.30 pm Saturday 8.30 am-5.30 pm

[glane606]

Once again from the UK opinion.....

IMHO cant beat Digital Depot for mail order or Park Cameras for the walk in service.

Park have very good stock levels and have been very good to me.

Watch what you see on Calumet as their prices dont include VAT.

Enjoy the 20D its a beast.

Gary

[Raj]

One of the "big" advantages you may get by purchasing from a reputed vendor may the Extended warrenty which counts a lot. I got my 20D from a reputed vendor here in Tokyo. They were giving 10% points on the camera (you can use these points as money in their store which is not that bad), however sacrificing 5% points, they gave me a 5 years warrenty, 1st year from canon & next 4 years by them. 5% points may be something around 75$ (dnt remember ) On top of that prices were competetive with internet vendors anyway ...

Now the service charge for DSLR in canon service centre here starts at 12,250 yen, ~100$ + parts cost. I guess in the end it is beneficial to loose those 5 % points. This I guess will also allow me to go & get my sensor cleaned by them as service.

You may want to check if the local store is offering any such scheme for a little more then net ...

Regards

[daaaveman]

circuitcity.com has no interest financing for 12 mo at $1,519 for the kit. Not a great price but if you'd like to finance, there aren't many options. If you hold out, Circuit City seems to go back and forth from 12 mon to 18 mon financing. Hope this helps someone.

[dphotomania]

got mine at buydig.com, no hard sell. fast shipping also.


good luck , you will enjoy the camera.

[TiggerBear]

ITS SIMPLE!! Go to Jessops....with a printout of any UK based internet deal and they do a price match. They don't advertise it, but trust me it works, and you get the best of both deals. I bought my 20D when it first came out and most were advertising it for £1250 or more and I got it for £1025! Don't wait ....go buy!

[slicendice]

Many thanks one and all for all the info and advice...

I have to admit, I like the idea of getting Jessops to do a price match - get the best of both worlds that way!!

Hmmm....feel all enthused now! I feel a purchase a-comin on! Now just the lens issue to deal with - so time to go check out the sticky thread on starter lenses...!

Thanks again