Thinking of getting an XSI off of Ebay

.:bHd:. · 06-13-2008, 02:43 AM

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 · 06-13-2008, 07:54 AM

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 · 06-13-2008, 11:23 AM

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:. · 06-13-2008, 04:34 PM

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 · 06-13-2008, 06:42 PM

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:. · 06-13-2008, 07:12 PM

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

TurboFan · 06-13-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

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:. · 06-13-2008, 08:21 PM

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 · 06-13-2008, 08:53 PM

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 · 06-13-2008, 08:54 PM

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 · 06-13-2008, 09:18 PM

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 · 06-26-2008, 01:20 AM

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.

06-13-2008, 02:43 AM	#1
.:bHd:. Major 361 Rep 1,149 Posts Drives: E92 335i MT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	Thinking of getting an XSI off of Ebay 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 __________________
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06-13-2008, 07:54 AM	#2
TurboFan Ski bum 327 Rep 6,198 Posts Drives: sideways Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Knee deep in the pow iTrader: (8)	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. __________________ 1999 e46 328i Ti Silver / Black[retired] 2007 e90 335xi Jet Black / Black[retired] 2011 e70 X5 35d Vermillion Red / Cinnamon 2011 e92 M3 LeMans / Fox Red extended
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06-13-2008, 04:34 PM	#4
.:bHd:. Major 361 Rep 1,149 Posts Drives: E92 335i MT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	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? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2008, 06:42 PM	#5
TurboFan Ski bum 327 Rep 6,198 Posts Drives: sideways Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Knee deep in the pow iTrader: (8)	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. __________________ 1999 e46 328i Ti Silver / Black[retired] 2007 e90 335xi Jet Black / Black[retired] 2011 e70 X5 35d Vermillion Red / Cinnamon 2011 e92 M3 LeMans / Fox Red extended
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2008, 07:12 PM	#6
.:bHd:. Major 361 Rep 1,149 Posts Drives: E92 335i MT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	One thing i dont get though if the cameras come from the same factory why should i worry if its authorized or not __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2008, 08:21 PM	#8
.:bHd:. Major 361 Rep 1,149 Posts Drives: E92 335i MT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	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 __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2008, 08:53 PM	#9
TurboFan Ski bum 327 Rep 6,198 Posts Drives: sideways Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Knee deep in the pow iTrader: (8)	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. __________________ 1999 e46 328i Ti Silver / Black[retired] 2007 e90 335xi Jet Black / Black[retired] 2011 e70 X5 35d Vermillion Red / Cinnamon 2011 e92 M3 LeMans / Fox Red extended
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2008, 08:54 PM	#10
323d Major 52 Rep 1,436 Posts Drives: 335i E90 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: YVR iTrader: (4)	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! __________________ ZSP susp//18's 550i reps//blacklines/aftermarket grill//
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2008, 09:18 PM	#11
quest556 Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 239 Posts Drives: F10 535i x-Drive Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (4)	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-26-2008, 01:20 AM	#12
The_Blob Second Lieutenant 503 Rep 298 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote