Three Steps to Buying a Digital Camera Online

When buying a digital camera, there are thousands (if not millions) of dealers, so the choices can be overwhelming. Here are three things to keep in mind to get a good deal.

(1) Do your homework as far as what you need. It's very tempting to buy the camera with the most mega pixels (mps), but the truth is that any camera with 5 mps and up will do a good job for regular 4 by 6 inch photos. You'll only need more if you plan on making enlargements, but if you just want to e-mail your friends photos or print them occasionally, you don't have to go crazy. Because they sell cameras with as many as 13 mps, you can get a great deal on a camera with half the number of mps, which will do everything you want it to do.

(2) Buy a camera from a reputable dealer. When you use a web site that compares prices, you may find these mom-and-pop shops that seem to save you a few bucks, but it is certainly not worth it and here is why. First, these guys are notorious for selling refurbished cameras without disclosing that they were previously used. Second, they will often pull bait-and-switch tactics by calling you after you have submitted your order and telling you, "Oh, I'm sorry, we just ran out of that one. But if you want, we have one that is similar for $20 more...." Because they already have your credit card info and they are resisting your efforts for a refund, you may just say to heck with it and buy the alternative camera. Finally, they always try to up sell accessories. Generally the profit margin for electronics are slim, so retailers increase their earnings by selling you cases, batteries, chargers, and warrantees, where they make a lot more money. One store is known to call you after you place your order, and if you do not buy the extras, they cancel your camera order. Granted, you may find favorable reviews of these retailers on opinion sites, but that is because these companies have their workers post phony reviews! Your best bets for cameras are any major electronics retailer (Best Buy, Circuit City, J & R Music World), B & H Photo, Target, Wal-Mart, and Amazon, but on Amazon you must make sure that your purchase is not through a third-party vendor.

(3) Ask your friends about their cameras and find out what they like or dislike. A camera might look great on a website, but your friend might think that it is too bulky and doesn't fit into her purse. Another friend might tell you that his camera takes too long between pictures. I find that people are often passionate about their electronics, so they will be more than happy to share their information. Obviously if a friend loves a camera and it gets lousy reviews, you may want to think twice, but if it gets good reviews all over and you can buy it from a reputable dealer, go for it. The first link is an example of a good camera from a reputable dealer who will not rip you off with shenanigans. The second link is from a photography forum that tells you the story of how the disreputable dealers scam you.

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/580523-REG/Canon_3208B001_PowerShot_A1000_IS_Digital.html

http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=13289