Where to buy photographic equipment

If buying new:

* Amazon.com:  You can find the cheapest new equipment there.  Just make sure to pick a reputable seller.

* B&H Photo & Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com):  Price is not the cheapest (but no sales tax);  it's a long-time reputable source.

* Adorama Camera (http://www.adorama.com):  Same as B&H.

* Costco Online (http://www.costco.com) or Local:  Price is not great (plus sales tax and shipping), but return policy is unmatched.  Good if you're undecided, and just want to try the camera out.

*Never* buy from your local Fry's Electronics or those from the malls (except small accessories that you can't wait to shipped to you from New York or wherever)!

If buying used:

* Craigslist (http://www.craigslist.org):  Probably the cheapest local flea market out there.  You can inspect the merchandise before purchasing.  However, be careful.  Buyer beware.

* Amazon.com:  Very cheap.  Just be careful, since you can't inspect the merchandise before buying.

* eBay (http://www.ebay.com):  Same as Amazon.com.

* If you're adventurous, you can try garage sales, pawn shops, etc.

Photographic Equipment: USA vs. Import

When it comes to photographic equipment, "Buy USA" does not translate to "boosting the American economy."  Most of the camera brands are foreign, and, the few that are American, may not even have their equipment assembled in the US.

As far as photographic equipment goes, "Import" (or "grey market" or "Japanese model") means that the seller got the equipment, not from an authorized US distributor, but from a foreign distributor.  The price is slightly less.  The equipment is essentially the same as the USA version, except the model name.  And the warranty work is handled by the foreign distributor.

So, is it "safe" or "worth it" to buy an Import version?  It depends on your comfort zone.  Just know that you trade off price with ease of repair for warranty work.

For me, I do buy import.  Most of my equipment don't usually break down during the first year, so the US warranty has never been used, even if I buy USA.  In fact, I have never filled out my warranty card!!

Things to consider before buying a camera

Buying a camera can be a confusing and daunting task since there are too many brands, models, and features.  It is a jungle out there.  So, before you go shopping, consider these.

You need to know:

* Your budget:  Everyone wants the most out of their money.  Determine your budget for that camera will eliminate many choices and narrow them down to a few manageable ones.  Remember:  Spending a lot more doesn't always translate to getting a lot more;  there's a diminishing return, and you might not need all the latest and coolest features anyway.  Right now, a very good, new, digital SLR can be purchased for less than $500, with a [wide-to-telephoto] zoom lens.

* Your usage:  If you are planning to take photos of your kids playing sports, then you might want something with a long zoom lens.  If you plan to take photos mostly at family gatherings, you might want something with a short zoom lens.  If you only use your camera at holidays (a few times a year), then you might not care for a SLR;  a point-and-shoot might work just as well.

After you have nailed those down, consider these:

* Buy new or used:  If you comfortable with used, then you'll get the most bang for your bucks, but there are risks with used cameras.  If you're not comfortable with used, then you should go for new;  it's more expensive, but there is a warranty for a year.

* Model:  If you want the latest, then it's gonna be more expensive, and the depreciation is high.  If you don't care for the latest, you can buy one which is a few models back, which should work just as well, and the depreciation is manageable.  For example, right now, the Canon T2i just came out.  If you buy the Canon XS (which is 3 models back from the T2i and which is still being sold new), then you get the most bang for your bucks.  Sure, it's "only" 10 MP, the LCD screen is "only" 2.5", and you can't record video on it, but you can't be the prices and the deals available on the XS.

* Features:  The most confusing feature is the number of megapixels.  The latest cameras flaunt 10-18 MP.  But most people need only 2.5 MP, 99.99% of the time.  (A 2.5 MP allows you to print out a 4"x6" print without interpolation.)  If you're comfortable with a low megapixel model, you'll get the most bang for your bucks with low-megapixel models, maybe a few models back (from the latest).  As far as video feature goes, right now, it's not worth buying one with video, mainly because you can't zoom while in video mode!!!

* Buy online or local:  If you buy new, you can buy online since there's a warranty.  If you buy used, you should buy locally since you can inspect the camera.

Information you might want to get from a seller of a used camera

Before you go meet the seller of a used camera, make sure you get some basic info first.

* When did he buy it?

* Is he the first owner?

* Why is he selling it?

* How many actuations (clicks) does the camera have?

* Anything wrong with it?

* External condition?  Any ding, scratch on body, scratch on LCD?

* Does it have these? (the most important items)  Battery, charger, lens.

* Does it come with the original box and all accessories?  (Good to have, but not absolutely must have:  Box, video cable, USB cable, manual, CD, strap, body cap, 2 lens caps, memory card)