buying a new digital video camera

[ansberry]

I hope this is not an inappropriate post. I reread the rules and didn't find anything saying not to do this.

I'm about to buy an new Panasonic GS200 video camera. A company called Butterfly Photo has the camera for WAY cheaper than most of the other companies. That sounds good to me, but also worrysome. Do any of you have any experience with this company?

thanks
mike

[Capmaster]

This belongs in the DV forum. Moving ....

[papakilo]

I'va been looking for one of these myself. Found cheaper prices than that at ButterFly Photo.

http://www.pricescan.com/electronics/items/item518173.asp?sid=G5107050

Let me know what you find.

[SLICK RICK]

I hope this is not an inappropriate post. I reread the rules and didn't find anything saying not to do this.

I'm about to buy an new Panasonic GS200 video camera. A company called Butterfly Photo has the camera for WAY cheaper than most of the other companies. That sounds good to me, but also worrysome. Do any of you have any experience with this company?

thanks
mike

Here are some customer reviews on Butterfly Photo.

http://resellerratings.com/seller4576.html

[ansberry]

Wow! What a great resource. I used the info here to track down a reputable seller (I hope) with reasonable prices. Thanks for your help.

mike

[daamon]

Hi ansberry,

This is not regarding any particular vendor, just an observation that someone made me aware of that you should also be aware of.

It isn't uncommon for these apparent "great bargains" to be cleverly worded. If you're buying a DV camera that's exactly what you'll get - and that's only what you'll get.

The catch is you don't get anything else - no cables, no battery, no case. Nothing. Of course, you need them so you might as well buy them from where you've got the camera so you end up paying the same (if not more) than if you bought the camera from elsewhere...

So, just have your wits about you - if it's too good to be true, it often isn't as it may at first seem.

Good luck, and enjoy your new toy.

[SLICK RICK]

Also, I have read from other reviews that, when they do a "confirmation call" and try to sell you overpriced accessories and you refuse to purchase them, they just simply say " Oh, I am sorry, but we are currently backordered on this product. It will be about 6-8 weeks before we expect it to come in."

[daamon]

I've found the site where I got told about some of the more unscrupulous dealings: Camcorderinfo.com

Have a read through their forums and post if you need to...