best place to buy from?

[linearity]

I have decided I want to get a D80. Where's a reputable place to buy one? There are a couple of local camera stores around, but they are about 40 minutes away. Best Buy, Circuit City, and Wolf are all at the mall about 10 minutes away. Back in the day I used to buy over the phone from the places in the back of the photo magazines since their prices were cheaper, but I never bought anything that would possibly require a return or service.

I intend for this to be a long term investment, and I imagine I will be buying more as time goes on so a reputable place is improtant.

Thanks in advance.

[gryphonslair99]

My first choice is a local mom and pop store. They will usually give great after the sale service. I almost never go to the box store (best buy, circut city, etc.) For on line shopping B&H is a very reputable store with about the best prices around. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

[jorgemonkey]

I bought my D70 from Wolf. I decided to send it back for a checkup before the warranty expired, but I didn't have my receipt

So all I had to do was show them the card I used to buy it with, they pulled up the paperwork, and sent it off.

Otherwise, B&H or Adorama are great places to buy stuff online. Make sure you click the links on this site to goto their website so this site is supported

[mjs1973]

I'll second B&H and Adorama. I buy my gear almost exclusively from B&H, and I have been ordering my prints from Adorama. I do have a local store (45 minute drive) that I go to to get my hands on the gear I'm interested in, but they are over priced by up to $100 in some cases. I would love to support them because the owner is very nice, and very helpfull, but when you're buying on a budget, price wins out for me.

I have bought some small things from Ritz in the past, but I don't anymore. People seem to be very happy with them, but I have always found what I was looking for to be overpriced. Some have found great deals from them, so I would check them out, but the things that I was in the market for, were always more $$ from them.

I tend to stay away from the big box stores. The prices are generally OK, but the selection isn't that good. They are a good place to go to get your hands on the equipment, if they have what you want. The big box stores around my area only carry the entry level, and a few prosumer cameras like the Canon 30D and the Nikon N80, (and other brands like Pentax and Sigma) but nothing more towards the top of the line pro bodies. The lens selection that the big box stores stock is also very slim. They may have what YOU are looking for, but not what I'm looking for.

[dcl]

H1Photo in Pennsylvania has a straightforward web site (H1Photo.com), knowlegble, friendly, low key telephone staff; the on-line ordering a snap. Would deal with them again
for non-local purchases.
dcl

[another view]

I'm a big fan of B&H, but you're sort of on your own when you buy from a mail order place. Sure, you've got this site but a local store where you can go in to talk to someone face to face can be priceless if you're new at it. Most local stores should be able to compete with the price of a D80 from B&H.

Strangely enough, the ones that really make me wonder are Best Buy, Comp USA, etc who don't always seem to know about rebates or price reductions (photo stuff, at least) - and their "help" can leave a lot to be desired...

[Frog]

Completephotohouse is where I bought mine on ebay and very happy with them but don't know what happens when/if I need service or repair.
If you do go ebay make sure you use an authorized dealer for the warranty coverage. You won't get manufacturer warranty otherwise.

[dave sz]

beachcamera.com Ordered a k100d from them less than 24hrs ago, chose 4-6 day shipping, and the camera is already on it's way and will be here saturday. They have good prices too.........