[.:bHd:.]

Have any of you guys bought a DSLR off of ebay. They usually have alot to offer for cheap. Any thoughts on this?

heres one of them
http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-Digita...id=p4295.l1308

[TurboFan]

You are swimming in dangerous waters with this seller.

I've bought quite a bit of camera gear from eBay, but I stay ways away from these too-good-to-be-true package deals. Most are using gray market gear, which you won't be able to get serviced or have any warranty on in the US. Canon USA and Nikon USA import and sell the respective equipment, authorize and train service people, and handle the warranty. If you buy gray market, you're getting it from the same factory, but not through an autorized distributor. Kinda like BMW NA vs. BMW Canada vs. BMW SA. Same car, different importer.

I would look for small time sellers with experience selling camera gear. I've had very good luck with these types of outfits.

[FirstClass]

Don't buy cameras on ebay, ever. As said, gray market = lose. You get what you pay for, the Xsi isn't that expensive to buy properly. Also, the majority of those "accessories" are total and utter crap, with the exception of the 2 sigma lenses and the Canon fifty. Though at that price, their origin is probably questionable as well.

[.:bHd:.]

Thanks for the response guys. I had a bad feeling about ebay just needed some reassurance. Samy's Photo in west hollywood has an XSI with a Canon 18-55mm lens for $849. Does that sound like a good deal?

[TurboFan]

Look at Adorama, B&H Photo, Amazon (first party only) or Ritz/Wolf. These are reputable online places. If you go to a brick and mortar, just check with Canon USA to make sure they are authorized. You want to make sure you're not buying gray market gear.

[.:bHd:.]

One thing i dont get though if the cameras come from the same factory why should i worry if its authorized or not

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by .:bHd:.

One thing i dont get though if the cameras come from the same factory why should i worry if its authorized or not

Very good question. The camera is marked and serial number tells whether or not the equipment is US spec or not.

Your camera is something that will need some level of service over time, but will remain functional and useful with basic service for a long time. In this case, it's not just a warranty you won't have, but it will be very hard to get service. Imagine if your new BMW couldn't be serviced at the dealer and only at a shade tree garage! No authorized US repair facility will touch your gray market equipment.

[.:bHd:.]

Haha thanks for the answer.. If the XSI gives as many problems as my bimmer then i better get warranty lol I shopped around and most places are about the same price so i guess it doesn't really matter where you get it from as long as its an authorized reseller.

Thanks for the help

[TurboFan]

One place to consider - wolf/ritz camera include USEFUL extras with their package. They include enlargements, free DSLR class (depends on the instructor, but they're good here), and sometimes a free 4x6 epson printer after mail-in rebate.

[323d]

IMO , i'd avoid ebay for camera's. My sis bought a regular sony p&s a few months ago on ebay. The seller said it was brand new.. but when she got it, the camera had like 100 pictures in it?!??!

spend more, and get it @ a reliable store!

[quest556]

Consider crutchfield.com Simply unrivaled customer service and no questions asked 100% satisfaction return policy. They even pay the return shipping if you don't like something.

Yes, I'm partial as they are based out of Charlottesville VA, almost my backyard and I've met Bill Crutchfield, a fine businessman.

The short list,
Free product support for life
Free Shipping
30-day money-back guarantee
Free return shipping
Expert Advisors
Factory authorized dealer

And no, I have no affiliation with them other than many happy purchases.

[The_Blob]

My Dad purchased a new Minolta camera on Ebay many years ago. The camera came in 100% mint condition without any fingerprint marks or smudges and the box itself was in mint condition. If you purchase new from a person with a lot of good reviews, usually it's not a problem.