PDX Area - Where to shop (SLR)

[WheelinJR]

Ok, question for PDX folks.

If you were in the market for a DSLR (camera and lens package) and were looking to spend no more than $500 (This should land you in price range for a D40 or like), where would you shop for it?

Let's keep the answers limited to a store and purchasing new only, within the Portland Metro area.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

for $500, i would look into a used d70 body..

personally i dont know of many stores other then shutter bug, etc in town. there are alot of mom'n'pop shops, I like B&H online, www.BHphotovideo.com (http://www.BHphotovideo.com)

$500 will get you a d40 with stock lens. that is a great camera!

[WheelinJR]

for $500, i would look into a used d70 body.

Let's keep the answers limited to a store and purchasing new only, within the Portland Metro area.

cmon now... :shhh:

[nightfoam]

Mail is local right? My gma just bought an Olympus E520 from QVC for $489.

[WheelinJR]

Gonna have to be a Canon or Nikon...but yeah, mail order might work. I'm gonna look at what costco's got goin for a d40 or d60

[squidd]

Got mine at costco. Can't remember if they have anything under $500 but if you can get one the Canon XTI is a good camera. I'm a canon fan. But the Nikon are as good.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Gonna have to be a Canon or Nikon...but yeah, mail order might work. I'm gonna look at what costco's got goin for a d40 or d60
:guitar:

[IXNAYXJ]

It's too bad you're anti-CL/ebay (for whatever reason). That's where the deals are. YMMV.

-----Matt-----

[nightfoam]

One of my roommates knows some people at Fry's and got an AMAZING deal on her 40D. I can have her check with them and see what she could get you for your range..

[NWPhotog]

I worked at 5th Ave downtown PDX and Camera World mail order for 8 years back in the day. I would seriously consider B and H.

[squidd]

By the way, isn't Kits/Ritz camera going out of business? Might be some good deals there. Other option would be find a "real" camera shop and find a good used 40D or something like that. Don't forget to get a decent lense. Entry level Kit lenses are usually only so-so. The 40D kit lense is supposed to be pretty good and has IS. If you can afford to get your hands on an L series those are awesome. I've got an XTI that I have had for 3 years and love it. Can't compare a DSLR to a point and shoot. Even at 10 mp, I have done 11x17 enlargements with no pixelisation.

[boostleak]

As someone who makes his living at a 130 year old, local, family-owned business, I can appreciate JR's request. Our marketing assistant is in to photography, I'll ask where she shops. All I'm aware of, within the Portland Metro area is http://www.prophotosupply.com/ .

[AIbandit]

www.newegg.com
www.tigerdirect.com

The amount of money youll save is worth the shipping =]

[WheelinJR]

It's too bad you're anti-CL/ebay (for whatever reason). That's where the deals are. YMMV.

-----Matt-----

It's for the company, and the boss would rather spend a bit more and have a warranty and such. Otherwise I'd be all over ebay or CL

[boostleak]

Just confirmed that our marketing department, as well as just about all the photographers that I know exist within our company shop at Pro Photo Supply.

[ECKSJAY]

It's for the company, and the boss would rather spend a bit more and have a warranty and such. Otherwise I'd be all over ebay or CL

So go Pro Photo or call B&H.

[WaXJ_Skier]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830113037

do not buy tiger direct whatever you do.

[BPB]

Check fry's for sure!!! They generally have good deals on everything!!

[squidd]

Hey, you might want to check the manufactures website. I know canon was offering rebates for awhile on most of their DSLR bodies and lenses.

[AIbandit]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830113037

do not buy tiger direct whatever you do.

There is nothing wrong with Tiger direct. Ive been building pc's with parts from both companies for years. I must say new egg has the BEST customer service/ support. Tiger direct isnt bad though.

Fry's is overpriced if you compare to tiger and newegg.

Also the cannon is 10mp for 539$ and comes with an IS lens which is well worth the money compared to an 6mp d40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120278

[WheelinJR]

I looked at tiger and newegg, there prices are basically the same as costco,frys, and best buy's online prices.

[AIbandit]

try signing up for there newsletters they both get really good deals. May take a few days for it but they'll have one on sale eventually.

Best buy = 50$ more then new egg on the d40

and the Costco one is 600$(150$ more) with an IS lens didnt have without

Fry's didnt have one

D40's mp is way low for the price.

39$ more gets you twice the megapixels and IS with the cannon well worth it.

[ECKSJAY]

Buy from a shop who has factory-trained sales reps.

Pro shops > mail order/discount chain garbage

[AIbandit]

Factory trained = A guy who will do anything to sell his companies product and avoid admitting any flaws in the product.

NewEgg= Review based from the customers any and every flaw out there on that product is posted. they always have good deals and the customer service really cares and wants you to come back and buy something else.
The factories actually worry about the reviews on there products. I have posted bad reviews on new egg had the company respond, apologize and send replacement parts over night for free no questions asked.

[WheelinJR]

At this point, this conversation is pretty pointless.

I'm pretty much decided on what I want, and when buying new with a warranty, what's in the box is the same no matter where I buy it.

[AIbandit]

Just trying to help you get the best deal =]
good luck

[ECKSJAY]

Factory trained = A guy who will do anything to sell his companies product and avoid admitting any flaws in the product

You'd think so, but oddly enough I've had the exact opposite experiences with a pro camera shop. But then I don't buy shit from 4 Wheel Parts for my vehicles, either. :) There are places where 'a sale is a sale' and it could be argued that they already have your money...but what does that do for reputation and repeat business in the long run? I'm not talking about factory reps, I'm talking about knowledgeable sales staff who know how to handle any issues that may arise. I learned the hard way not to buy gear from chain stores to save a few bucks. When it came time to ask (what are now simple) questions about the product I purchased, I got shrugs in response. I didn't think a pro shop would answer questions for me since I didn't buy from them, but they did. They were willing to take the time to work with me and explain some of the various features that I didn't even know existed. I had problems solved that I figured were things I had to live with. They've received my local business and are worth the trip into the city for (Glazer's Camera). If I buy anything online, it's through B&H for the very same reason. Customers mean the same whether they're buying a $50 lens filter or $25k in bodies and lenses. When they treat me that way, they get my repeat business.

[WheelinJR]

Just trying to help you get the best deal =]
good luck

Appreciate the help on the finding deals

[WheelinJR]

So online is looking like its gonna win. And I'm stuck picking between a Canon EOS Rebel XT 8 megapixel, and a Nikon d40 6 megapixel. Both with 18-55 lens.

Both land right at about $440, and the Canon is a factory refurb. I'm leaning more toward the Canon, thoughts?

EDIT - Actually, the D40 can be had around the same price w/ memory card and case, so I think the D40 is gonna win this one.

[boostleak]

I thought things had gotten to "pointless" because you'd already made your decision. The only discussion that was to take place, according to your OP is the following:
"Ok, question for PDX folks.
If you were in the market for a DSLR (camera and lens package) and were looking to spend no more than $500 (This should land you in price range for a D40 or like), where would you shop for it?
Let's keep the answers limited to a store and purchasing new only, within the Portland Metro area."
Kinda getting the "Shut up until I tell you what I want to hear" vibe. My recommendation would still be Pro Photo - the owner of your company should appreciate the "buy local" sentiment, and shouldn't mind spending a few extra bucks to support the local economy.

[AIbandit]

hmm Cant find a XTI without IS =[

Personally I would go with the Cannon they both make Great cameras but the 2 extra MP will show.

[boostleak]

...and when buying new with a warranty, what's in the box is the same no matter where I buy it.

I'd agree somewhat if we're talking about product that can't be serviced or repaired locally, and local support for the product is weak.

[WheelinJR]

I thought things had gotten to "pointless" because you'd already made your decision. The only discussion that was to take place, according to your OP is the following:
"Ok, question for PDX folks.
If you were in the market for a DSLR (camera and lens package) and were looking to spend no more than $500 (This should land you in price range for a D40 or like), where would you shop for it?
Let's keep the answers limited to a store and purchasing new only, within the Portland Metro area."
Kinda getting the "Shut up until I tell you what I want to hear" vibe. My recommendation would still be Pro Photo - the owner of your company should appreciate the "buy local" sentiment, and shouldn't mind spending a few extra bucks to support the local economy.

That XT popped up and I had a moment of indecision, sue me...jesus. I ended up sticking to my decision and ordering the d40.

The owner and myself can appreciate a buy local sentiment, yes. However, I was given a budget. In order to stay within my budget I chose to purchase online.

[AIbandit]

Lol well grats on the new cam =]