would you buy a 3 year service plan with a 5D Mark II?

I am buying a 5D this weekend. Should I opt in for the service plan coverage for 3 years at an extra $350? This plan is from a trusted reputable store. It's Canadian, Henry's. Did you by the extra if so why? If not why?

You can buy with a credit card that doubles the manufacturers standard warranty. I think Discover does that. My homeowners policy covers my gear for any loss or damage. You can look into that if you already haven't.

I generally refrain from extended warranties. My opinion on electronics is that they either malfunction right out of the box, or they last forever. Does the policy cover accidental damage? Ultimately it's up to you. If you can afford it, you're hard on gear, and it gives you peace of mind, why not?

take the money you would spend on an extended warranty and get a personal articles insurance policy that will cover accidental damage, theft, etc.

I got mine through State Farm.

I personally think any extended warranty plan is a waste of money!

Just called my visa company and they add a year warranty as well as have 90 days of full protection against damage even if you drop it. So I think I will go with that and maybe get all my equipment insured for damage abd theft. I have the contents of my home insured but I think my gear is worth more than they will cover under that policy.

yes get a separate rider just for your camera gear as it also covers accidental damage, loss, and theft, and won't be tied to your homeowners limits and deductible.

Keyan wrote in post #12610654
yes get a separate rider just for your camera gear as it also covers accidental damage, loss, and theft, and won't be tied to your homeowners limits and deductible.

If it's state farm, on a personal article policy there will be no deductable. I know, I have a half dozen of them!

I have all perils, no deductible for my camera gear. I think it was about 2% of the insured value. The only place not covered is my car which is a downer although covered under car insurance.

Pass on the protection plan.

A personal articles insurance, will cover damage/loss/theft

PWard wrote in post #12610567
take the money you would spend on an extended warranty and get a personal articles insurance policy that will cover accidental damage, theft, etc.

I got mine through State Farm.

Thats what I did.

No, I avoid those tack on warranties - especially on consumer electronics. They're a rip off.

What do these cover? I agree, either the product malfunctions or hints at it out-of-the-box, or it will be caused by something you do unwittingly that will not be covered in a typical policy. Better off investing that money in some insurance that you know will cover more eventualities.

alphatango wrote in post #12610477
You can buy with a credit card that doubles the manufacturers standard warranty. I think Discover does that.

Agreed. I've used American Express's extended warranty service. It took a few weeks, but in the end, I received a bill credit for the full amount of Canon's estimate.

As long as the warranty covers cleanings, I would buy it. Cameras aren't fully sealed and dust can get into them. I'd rather have Canon clean the body, rather than risk breaking it. As an example, my camera was cleaned by Canon twice because it caused blurry pics. The total I spent was $320 (including shipping).

It's a little bit too late but I noticed that you are from Canada. With that being said, I would say buy the service plan... But not from Henry's. Take the ad or show the price to Futureshop (granted they have it in stock).

The reason why is because the many of the departments in Futureshop tend to work based on commission sales and they will almost always try to upsell warranty and accessories. This is where you can use the credit card warranty information, the priceatching and their store warranty to your purchasing advantage.

Best part is after when they give you some nice deals along with the warranty you can just go to another futureshop and just return the warranty (while keeping the extras and price adjustments).


Last week I gave in an purchased a 5D mkII, with the 24-105kit, and a 8gb cf card from them for around 3199$ this was after the price match, price reduction and this also includes the 3yr store warranty. If I decide to return the warranty it will be another 299$ off the price.

So to anyone looking to buy a local product with store warranty, see if you can bargain with the seller and if you can return the warranty if you cahange your mind. Thanks Futureshop.