Buyer Beware of Purchasing Pro Digital Video Cameras Online

Two years ago I purchased my first Pro gear for shooting video projects. I researched for months before finally purchasing a Sony FX1 camera and accessories. I must have looked at every website on the internet that sold cameras. It then that I was introduced to the fact that there are countless companies out there "scamming" the consumer. It makes your head spin. Needless to say I got quite the education and was shocked at the methodology these companies use to "reel" you in.
It took some time, but I finally found a website that had a great reputation and made my purchase.

Two years later I began the hunt for a new piece of equipment, the Panasonic HVX-200, or as I like to call like, the mother-load of cameras. This camera is not for the hobbiest or the weak hearted, she can shoot like a star and is one in her own right. The Panasonic has the best of all worlds, it shoots DV format, High Definition and 24 and 30 p, which means "the film look" people.

I began a general search on Google to see what I would see and for fun decided to call the companies claming that this miraculous piece of equipment was selling for $2000 or less. I called the company to ask about this unbelievably low price. I told them what I had viewed on their website. The service representative put me on hold 6 times in ten minutes. He also seemed more interested in speaking then listening to my questions. I was told, the camera price I was viewing, was the camera,(are you ready for this?) without the lens. A camera with the lens was another $1200. Seeing the picture here are you?
I replied that nowhere on the website page I was viewing, did it state the camera at the lower price was for a camera without a lens. The Representative put me on hold and someone else picked up a minute later to tell me they were out of stock and hung up on me.

I called another company advertising a low price for the Panasonic HVX-200. The second company assured me the camera came with a lens......and nothing else. It was a "grey market" or International model that did not include any of the basic accessories a camera in the box came with, and no warranty whatsoever. But, I could purchase a one year warranty for just under a thousand dollars. Seeing the trend here? They try and reel you in with low prices knowing you can't buy a camera without a lens or you can't purchase a camera without any warranty and the basics.
Another trick they try and use is advertising a "camera package" with extras for a special price.
Look close, really close. Usually the extras for lack of a better word, are garbage. For example they will offer you a free tripod that in no way, is designed to hold a camera worth a few thousand dollars.
If you are unfamiliar with the included equipment in the package, do some research and ask those with the knowledge whats what.

Also be sure and check out what a companies return policy is. Some do not accept returns and those that do usually charge a restocking fee. In other words if you send it back you will not get a full refund.

When it comes to Ebay, there is a mixed bag out there. There are some good deals on ebay, but there are also bad ones. Again, watch out for the "package deals" and what they claim to include. If it is a private seller, be sure you are seeing an actual photo of the camera they own and are selling. Many sellers tend to post a stock footage photo of the camera. Aways best to see the exact camera you are considering purchasing.

The reality is, if it looks to good to be true, it usually is. There are numerous companies out there on the web trying to razzle dazzle you into a bad deal. When people ask me who they can safely buy from, I recommend two companies out there that have stellar reputations, www.bandhphoto.com and www.markertek.com
They may not be the cheapest, but without a doubt they will never scam you and you will always know you purchasing quality equipment from them.