Online Camera Shops

**warthog** · 10-30-2006, 10:58 AM

Who is the best, most reliable, with the best pricing?

I know it has been covered here before, but have you ever searched "Camera" or "Camera Shop". It doesn't give the best results.

I am in the market for a D200, possibly with the 18-200 lens. Most likely, just with the standard 18-70 lens, to start.

I saw the 18-70 lens combo for $1699 on Abe's of Maine website. I have seen camera only for that price on many other sites. Seems like a hefty discount, are they reliable?

Thanks for any help.

**Below Zero** · 10-30-2006, 11:03 AM

I ordered my Canon A95 from these guys: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

It was the cheapest online store I found. I few mags recommended this place when I asked the same question.

**cj001f** · 10-30-2006, 11:03 AM

Go to http://www.resellerratings.com/ for questions about dealers. supposedly buydig is not an authorized Nikon dealer, so they are out. Otherwise Amazon.com had a good price... I'm about to pull the trigger on a D200

**warthog** · 10-30-2006, 11:06 AM

Thanks-

B&H was the one I was thinking of. Couldn't remember the name.

Hmm- $2399 for the combo w/ the 18-200. Shit, hope that commision check is as big as I think it is.

**Staggerwing** · 10-30-2006, 01:31 PM

I can give you a couple of other reputable shops for Nikon gear. Neither is in NYC, not that is should make much difference.

(1) Roberts Imaging, based out of Indianapolis. Believe or not, one of Nikon's biggest distributors. Their website isn't that great, so I would give them a call.

(2) Fairborn Camera ((937) 878-4392, no website), a small store, in the small mid-western town of Fairborn, OH. Despite their size, they are close to Wright-Patt Airforce base, and Wright State University, and quite a bit of Nikon gear passes through their hands. They've been in business for years, and the owner is apparently pretty tight with the Nikon rep. Ask for Paul Ribolt. If desired, you can indicate you got the ref from Dennis Cohen, a good friend of mine, although I doubt there will be much of a discount at this time. Dennis and I have had him ship before, although I don't know what he would think of an "out of area" sale. He would probably be fine with it though. FWIW, this is where I picked up my D80, about a week after the first internet reports on shipped units. I bought body only, no lens.

Initial reports on that lens indicates there is a good deal of sample variability, so test well, and don't be afraid to send it back if your not happy.

**bossass** · 10-30-2006, 01:54 PM

Keep an eye or do a search at dealnews.com or dealmac.com

They update daily. Surprisingly, dellhome.com has really good deals on cameras every now and then with some coupons.

I don't know if this is a good deal, but:

http://dealmac.com/deals/Nikon-D200-...20/137227.html

**Staggerwing** · 10-30-2006, 02:37 PM

Quick question, would the D80 be enough? While I will conceed the D200 has a better build (magnesium chasis vs polycarb), will meter with older MF glass, and shoot a little faster; the D80 has the same image quality. The D80 is about 300grams lighter, and uses SD cards, versus the more common standard of CF for DSLRs.

Out of all those advantages, I really wanted the MF metering deal, but sucked up and saved ~$600 by going with the D80. The difference is a little tighter now. I've had the chance to use my buddies D200 too, and both have a great feel in the hand, and excellent interfaces.

If the ^^^above^^^ is legit, that's an excellent price.

**warthog** · 10-31-2006, 03:49 PM

D80 is 3 fps? I'm not sure. I want the fastest I can get in that price point. I will be shooting Ultimate Frisbee, mostly. The D200 reviews I read said it had the quickest start up time- under 15 seconds to shoot. This is important, cause in Ultimate, timing is everything. At 5 fps a 30 shot burst in 6 seconds will get me the shot.

**TyWebb** · 10-31-2006, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by Below Zero

I ordered my Canon A95 from these guys: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

It was the cheapest online store I found. I few mags recommended this place when I asked the same question.

2nd...B&H is the way to go if you want reliable service. An absolutely monster shop. I've alwasy had good luck buying from them. If you're in NYC, their physical location is a trip in an of itself.