Would you buy high end SLR digital camera online or brick & mortor retailers?

[Applespider]

I don't want to sound cynical; but, I found oftentimes I can find more info on products on the net (such as various forums similar to this) and find the best price among the online retailers after doing the pre-purchase research. Maybe I had a bad sampling with my brick & mortar retail experience in the past (that is why I do 90% of my electronic/computer equipment purchase online after I do some homework on what I am going to buy).

I don't doubt it in many cases and I'd never suggest buying from a bricks and mortar just because they're there. I think we're all talking about the specialist photography shots where the staff aren't just number punchers but really understand what they're talking about, what advantages/disadvantages various accessories have and where you could end up going in to discuss potential purchases in a balanced manner rather than having to do all the online research and dig out conflicting opinions.

If the local camera shop is just a showroom for lots of electronic equipment with staff who know less than you do, then I'd feel little guilt for going for the cheaper online option.

 

[andiwm2003]

........................................................

If the local camera shop is just a showroom for lots of electronic equipment with staff who know less than you do, then I'd feel little guilt for going for the cheaper online option.

i agree on that one. it all comes down to the quality of service in the shop. if it's like compUSA or BestBuy then i'll likely buy online. if the service is good and they stock accessoires, replacement parts and the prices are reasonable then i support brick and mortar. the staff doesn't have to be all super experts. they just need to know what's there and they should be helpful.

The CompUSA in my area is the worst example. Dirty, overpriced, clueless personell, nothing in stock. I don't buy from CompUSA ever.

 

[KD7IWP]

When it is something expensive, I always go to the actual store and get it so that I have the satisfaction of seeing my product first hand. I bought a Canon SD700 is (point and shoot) and with the accessories was $700 but I did it in the store. I might save more online, but for something that much, I want to get the ONE I like.

 

[REDSRT4]

I would use b&H or any of the big authorized resellers in NYC