Big decsion on Digital Camera help!!

[jfloody21]

Ok everyone help me out here i want to buy a new digital camera and not sure if i found the best price or the best camera for me. I am a beginner/intermediate and love to take pictures of landscape and outdoors! I need help selecting a new camera i am thinking Canon EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm IS Lens but i am not sure? I found it on this site http://www.camtea.com for $659.95 and i wonder if this is the best price out there. Help me and let me know please thank you!

[OldClicker]

Cameta? - TF

[Photo-John]

Must be Cameta Camera. They're a good dealer and I think the Canon Digital Rebel XSi is a good camera. I have used one a lot both for outdoor and studio photography. I think the image quality is very nice and since the T1i is out now, prices on the XSi should be pretty good. The 18-55mm IS lens is limited, but I think it's a decent lens. If you get serious, you'll probably want a longer telephoto at some point. But the 18-55mm will get you up and running.

Don't worry too much about finding the best price. The best price often has hidden costs or the dealer could even be a crook. Look for a reputable dealer with fair prices and spend your money there. I haven't bought from them, but I haven't heard bad things about Cameta. Plus, they've been around a long time - longer than the Internet. Other dealers that are popular on the site and trustworthy are B&H Photo and Adorama. If you want to research dealers more, take a look at our Dealer Feedback forum. You'll definitely find out who to avoid there.

[byjamesderuvoDHQ]

The XSi is a great camera. But I agree that often a price that looks too good to be true often is. You may end up with something that is considered "grey market" merchandise.

If something is gray market, it means that - although you may have gotten a great deal on it - it doesn't come with a warranty that will be honored here in this country. Which means if something goes wrong with the camera, you'll either have to send it to China to repair or pay to have it fixed yourself.

Be warned.

[Frog]

Cameta doesn't sell grey market. One of the reasons they are on the trusted list.

[HelenOster]

The XSi is a great camera. But I agree that often a price that looks too good to be true often is. You may end up with something that is considered "grey market" merchandise.

If something is gray market, it means that - although you may have gotten a great deal on it - it doesn't come with a warranty that will be honored here in this country. Which means if something goes wrong with the camera, you'll either have to send it to China to repair or pay to have it fixed yourself.

Be warned.

My apologies; I've only just just picked up on this thread, & need to clarify the position re the "grey market", at least as far as Adorama is concerned.

"Grey market" refers to products imported directly into the US, rather than through the manufacturer's authorized agents / distributors. It is perfectly legal to directly import & sell these products in the US; the term "grey market" was coined by manufacturer's authorized distributors who wanted to discourage consumers from buying these (less costly) goods.

With no factory authorized middle-man involved in the import of these products, costs are lower, so the price is lower to our customers. Many items which are in short supply or not imported at all by the manufacturer's authorized distributors are available in direct import.

Any of our products which are being sold as such will be clearly marked, and you are more than welcome to contact me directly should you have any concerns regarding a specific listing.

There is no difference in the actual products. Occasionally manufacturers will name them differently for example the Olympus USA Digital Stylus Cameras are called Olympus MJU Cameras in Europe
On direct import products purchased from Adorama, we offer the same warranty as the USA warranted products carry for a period of one year. The only difference is that you would need to ship it to Adorama for warranty service.

BTW, I have no personal experience of the following, however I've been advised by customers who have tried, that Canon will service under warranty any item purchased from an authorized Canon reseller, whether direct import or not. They will service any Canon item with a fee if it is otherwise not under warranty, but Nikon USA will not service a direct import item at all, whether the customer is willing to pay or not.

I hope this helps.

If you have any further queries regarding any aspect of Adorama Camera, or AdoramaPix, please do not hesitate to contact me directly: