Okay, so I've decided on this camera. Now, what's a good price? Staples has this deal for $799 http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?prodCatType=1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=155251&cmArea=SEARCH and my local camera store has the same package for $899. Online, the prices are all over the place, and I get so confused with the different packages--body only, etc. HELP! Staples is the closest, and despite my last run-in there (where they wouldn't show the camera to me) I am half tempted to get it there out of convenience.

Also, I am not really in a hurry to get it. I could get it this weekend or in a couple of months. Do you think the price may come down after the holidays??

Okay forget what I said about not being in a hurry. LOL I got impatient and went to our camera store today, and got it for $850. They were SUPER nice and helpful there, and very knowledgeable, and I figure that was worth the extra $50 for sure.

Hi Mama,
You sound a little like me.I was going to be patient,then I thought what the hell,lifes too short.LOL.Good luck with your new camera.

Any issues with buying something similar off of ebay?

I know, I know.......it's best to support your local camera shop, but if I can get a deal like this, what's there to lose? http://cgi.ebay.com/CANON-EOS-Digital-REBEL-XTi-Camera-3300-Kit-XT-i-NEW_W0QQitemZ110066366991QQihZ001QQcategoryZ147173 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'm not sure if anyone gets a good deal on camera equipment on eBay. Check out the PhotographyREVIEW.com's Canon Digital Rebel price comparison page:

Shop For Canon Digital Rebel XTi >> (http://www.photographyreview.com/sf-1/befid-7185/pid-36406706/nd-100/cpsb-store-rating/comparepricecrx.aspx)

The prices are much lower and many of the dealers are well-known and 100% trustworthy. I've never heard of the dealer you linked to on eBay (and that's the case with most of the camera dealers on eBay). And I guarantee the accessories they're including are crap. The best thing is to look for a fair price from a trusted dealer. And avoid getting caught up in the excitement of eBay. One way or another, you're likely to end up paying more.

And not only will it be safer to shop the price comparison pages here, you'll also be supporting the site when you do so. It's a win-win! :)

I just ordered the XTi last week from Amazon.com. This is where I buy almost everything electronic ( my Epson 2400, Nikon Coolscan V, lenses EX420 TTLflash and many other things) They have the best prices and always show the cheaper price first , even if it's not from them. Shipping has always been extremely fast. I paid 718.00 for the Black body with free shipping and no tax. Also bought a Kingston 2GB ElitePro CF card for an additional 47.00. I usually recieve items from them within a couple of days, but I will be getting this tommorrow ( about 7 days) due to the holiday mayhem, I assume. Good luck with your new equipment.

Congratulations on your new buy! My husband got his just before we took a 10 day trip to Italy and he took some AMAZING pictures with his camera. He bought his on Amazon and spent about $700, after ALOT of research and shopping around. Good luck!

I suppose this is a bit late, but I bought mine (body only) from Beach Camera for $667 at the end of Nov (and it's come down a litte since then). No tax, free shipping. There's an option for over night/next day; I took the free route and it only took five days, weekend included.

Last camera I bought I asked the local store to match the Internet price I found and they did without question. Its worth trying you have nothing to loose.

The art to negotiation is to know what your prepared to pay for the camera and remember to add the full cost of shipping... to the cost you take to your local store. If they don't meet your expectation then walk away. This is business not personal.

Roger

I'm not sure if anyone gets a good deal on camera equipment on eBay.


I think this really depends what you're shopping for. you can usually get a few more dollars off brand new, but as far as used stuff goes, you're better off buying from classifieds. But when it comes to cables and the sort...ebay is most definitely the way to go.