Which vendor for camera purchase

[Androclese]

Recommend this site to anyone-

www.kenrockwell.com

fantastic site and he knows his stuff. This is where I learned not to fret the megapixel.

The quote above came from this thread (http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21898). Based on advice from Ken's website I've narrowed my decision on a digital SLR to one of the following:

Canon Digital Rebel XT 8 MP
Nikon D40


Both cameras are available shipped from amazon for about $100 less than a D40 from my local camera shop before taxes.

I've been a loyal customer of my local camera store for a number of years but as I think about the value add, it's just doesn't seem to be there. I'll miss having an extended warranty from the local store, but I'd have to buy that anyway. Are there third party companies that offer extended warranties? Are they even worth it? I bought one for my film SLR from the camera store and it did pay off once when the camera was accidentally thrown off of a sun deck with some sleeping bags & pillows.

I'm not even sure how much I'd use the in-store digital imaging services. Is there anything with digital photography that would be better done in a lab (enlargements, prints etc)?

Just to summarize the questions:

Are there third party warranties out there and are they worth it?
What kinds of services/functions would you still farm out to a lab (if any)?


Thanks,

Kurt

[KenS]

Have you checked the prices at B&H photo? No afiliation..Ken.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

[RayG]

Hi, Kurt. I have had good experience buying new from B&H. For a D40, I would seriously consider buying a gently used body, from users upgrading bodies at forums like Fred Miranda, or from reputable vendors like Tony Rose of Popflash photo (although he deals mostly with rangefinders). I would not worry about an extended warranty, since unlike film SLR's, digital technology will probably render the camera obsolete in a period of time shorter than the extended warranty coverage.

I still use a lab for some things. Enlargements beyond 8x10 since my printer only goes that large and I have no pressing need to upgrade my printer. Same thing if I need archival prints. Unless I spend a fair amount of money on my printer setup, and time learning how to print properly and develop a good workflow, I find that a properly calibrated Fuji Frontier printer at local Walmart can produce a better color print than I can at home. For my casual color use, that is good enough for me. If you are into it, though, this may be fun.

I use the lab for color processing if I use 35mm film. Same for medium format. I still process and print 35mm b&w film (which I use the most) in my darkroom.

Hope this helps.

[Emile]

If you are going to go used, I recommend keh. Their use grading system is well defined and my orders from there have been accurately graded. used canon digital bodies (http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductList.aspx?Mode=Digital&item=0&ActivateTOC2=&BC=DC&BCC=3&ID=2&CC=2&CCC=1&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=)

[letterk]

I buy all my new stuff from B&H and all my used stuff from keh.

[jlander]

Have you checked the prices at B&H photo? No afiliation..Ken.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

+1

I bought my D200 from them. Great service, prices, and quick shipping.

[Rei]

The quote above came from this thread (http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21898). Based on advice from Ken's website I've narrowed my decision on a digital SLR to one of the following:

Canon Digital Rebel XT 8 MP
Nikon D40


Just to summarize the questions:

Are there third party warranties out there and are they worth it?
What kinds of services/functions would you still farm out to a lab (if any)?


Thanks,

Kurt

Of the two cameras I would go for the Nikon D40, just because of CLS.

I do not believe that you should get a warranty on either of those cameras. Mainly, I listen to Dave Ramsey, but that is a whole 'nother ball of wax. Basically, the amount of time and energy wasted on chasing down a warranty beyond the manufacturer warranty isn't worth the opportunity cost of just pitching it and getting another one at that time.

I farm out ALL my commercial work to a lab. As has been mentioned in this thread already, a Fuji Frontier will turn out higher quality prints than can be had at home for a cheaper per-print cost. Don't believe what the people trying to sell ink are telling you.

[ouch]

I buy all my new stuff from B&H and all my used stuff from keh.

Probably the best places for new and used.

[arcman]

B&H is pretty much the go-to. My father has gotten almost all of his pro-sumer video equipment from there.

[ouch]

If you're in NYC, Adorama has pretty much the same prices as B&H, but is much less intimidating.

[-Devil-]

i get most of my stuff (new and used) from keh

you can always try asking the local shop if they match online prices ... or offer any other kind of 'bonus' for if you buy it from them ...

[Emile]

If you're in NYC, Adorama has pretty much the same prices as B&H, but is much less intimidating.


intimidating? it's like a theme park! the overhead cargo track with the blimps is carnival magic.

[hoselayer]

Try these guys.......I have had GREAT experience with them

http://thedigitalnerds.com/

[jazzman]

Another vote for B&H. If you find prices on line that are much lower, you have found a fraud. Adorama also has a good reputation, but I can vouch for B&H on line.

[ouch]

intimidating? it's like a theme park! the overhead cargo track with the blimps is carnival magic.

Oh, yeah. It's one of the most amazing stores in the city. They've always been geared toward the customer who already knows what he wants, though.

[Emile]

Oh, yeah. It's one of the most amazing stores in the city. They've always been geared toward the customer who already knows what he wants, though.

yeah that's true. and if you screw up in the check out process, BACK OF THE LINE!

[Androclese]

Wow, this thread got busy today! Thanks for all the great input. I may have missed one or two things but here's the general vibe I'm picking up:

Keep the lab for prints
B&H & KEH win the popular vendor contest
don't bother with the extended warranty

[SMG]

CLS and the D40 are not entirely compatable. That is, I am not sure that the D40 popup can be a controller for wireless CLS with other speedlights.

You may end up having to have a SB-800 mounted on camera used as a commander for any off camera flashes. You might want to check out if the D40 popup can be a commander.

Other than that, the D40 is a nice little 6mp camera. Little is the operative word, as is the Xt. Do note though that the D40 does not have an AF motor built in, so you have to use AF-S lenses (which all Nikon DX series are) or Sigma HSM lenses. Others will not give you autofocus capability. So if you have some old Nikon lenses that are not AF-S or DX then you will be focusing manually.

Cheers,
Sean

[robertw]

Personally, I send all my stuff to Costco. When I shoot medium format, I have it devoloped elsewhere, but all my printing goes thru Costco. For me, it's simply a matter of money. The cost per print is way cheaper then using a consumer photo printer. YMMV.