When purchasing gear from Amazon..

are there any disadvantages to that? I mean...we're not talking about a specialty store here...just a warehouse outfit.

I noticed the 30D is about 20 dollars cheaper on Amazon than it is at B&H.

But I guess a 30D is a 30D wherever you get it..just not sure why Amazon can offer it cheaper.

Thoughts?

i got lots of gear from Amazon, just make sure its from a reputable dealer, most of the stuff i got off amazon was actually from 47th st photo or what ever they are called.

I've purchased from Amazon.com often. Never had a problem. Amazon stocks a limited photo gear inventory. A lot of times, you'll see that the supplier is a photo store, such as Adorama. I've never seen B&H as a supplier through Amazon though. I use Amazon for things they stock since if it's over $25 you can have it ship for free. That can save a bunch of $$$$.

Amazon is fine but I would rather pay the extra $20 and buy at B&H. In the event that you need some customer service that $20 will be more than worth it.

I use Amazon.com if the difference is significant. I make sure it's sold by Amazon.com itself though most of the time. I did order the OC-E3 and Newswear vest from Adorama via Amazon recently, however, because the combination saved me a few dollars over Adorama's website. Same source though.

I bought my 350D from amazon.co.uk No problems here

My last three gear purchases (including glass) were from Amazon. No issues, and as mentioned... free shipping!

I got my Xt, 5D, and Lightroom from Amazon....no problems whatsoever.
I just make sure its sold by amazon

Almost all of my current gear came from Amazon. Camera body, 4 lenses, Pelican case, backpack, tripod, filters, and other assorted stuff. I bought two of those lenses directly from Amazon and not through a third party company. I bought a Canon 28-105(?)mm (not the cheap one) directly from them and found that it wasn't the lens I wanted. They took it back without a problem. I just bought a Sigma 10-22mm from Amazon directly and it was perfect with full warranty. Matter of fact, I think the packing is much better from Amazon, than most third party companies. Always bubble wrapped and the empty spaces filled in so that your gear doesn't bang around in the box while in transit. Oh yeah....Most of the time I wait for the free shipping specials and then order what I need. They do charge me for shipping unless I get the "takes for friggin ever to get your stuff" free shipping. I just pay the extra $6 to get it here in 3 or 4 days.

Other than my camera body I have ordered my lenses, filters, hoods, flash and camera bags from Amazon. Some have been through third party but only those that I know the reputation of. I have never had a problem. Not only do I save on the shipping but also sales tax which is high in my state when the order is directly from Amazon. Also the shipping from the third party stores is cheaper through Amazon. And if you get the Amazon Visa card you get points which get you a gift certificate to Amazon. I've already gotten quite a few to put towards more "stuff".

Bought my 70-200 from Amazon.com and and no issues. Paid less than at B&H as well.

I ordered my Sigma 70-300 from Amazon last Thursday at 1:17 PM Pacific time. Paid a little extra for 2 day shipping. Got it the *next day* at 7:10 PM.

I was impressed.

-js

I picked up my 50mm from amazon... It was significantly cheaper than any local stores... $80 shipped iirc, no issues, and would definitely use them again!

2 thumbs up !!! Smooth transaction so far after being a customer with them for almost 8 years .

I use Amazon, but mostly the stuff I get is shipped from Adorama.