Greetings all,
After weeks of research both online and in print and several questions asked here I finally made a decision to buy my camera. I had also decided to go directly to B&H to buy it as I was taking a trip to NYC.
I had never heard a single bad thing about B&H; prices, customer care, etc...all been good, I had very high expectations to say the least.
I arrived nice and early on thursday and was one of maybe 10 people waiting to get in. The doors opened and I was immediately awe struck by the sheer size of the store and everything they carry. I went upstairs to the digital department and was able to play with the model I had wanted to purchase. I had a few simple questions and the man behind the kiosk seemed less than enthused to help me and appeared "bothered" and was more interested in reading the website on the computer in front of him.
So I head to the place to order the camera and try my luck there. Again, I was met with a "bothered" person. I asked advice on which SD card to get and instead of explaining the different options he automatically ordered one for me! I asked him about it and he said "its what you need."
Next I asked about polarizers, I def wanted to get one. Instead of asking me which one, again he orders one for me....luckily it was the one I wanted and had researched. I also asked for a lens hood to protect my investment, instead he orders me a UV filter to "protect" the lens as they were out of lens hoods for my camera... WTF!!!! THAT went back....now I am getting unhappy....
Lastly I asked about camera bags. I had 2 I wanted to look at. I asked him about them and he points to a young man on a computer and says "ask dat guy." was that the truth, yes the other guy was the "bag guy", but again...his customer service was severly lacking...I know this, I work in it everyday.
I was one of the first people through the door, so the, "its been a long day excuse" doesnt cut it.
If it weren't for some very helpful websites and very helpful folks on here I would have left with a camera I probably wouldn't want and be very unhappy with.
In conclusion, I thank everyone on here for their great advice and help, it made my decision easy. Will I go to B&H again? Most likely....but I will thoroughly research what I need via other avenues and not rely on their advice, I will simply order it through them if that indeed is the cheapest/best way.
Thanks again and I look forward to posting some pics in the near future.