Digital Camera Purchase

[Kuulei]

Why is it so hard to buy a digital camera? A week spent looking over reviews and resellerratings to find a merchant and then researching certain models. Now I am not making a big purchase, its a gift for someone and my budget limited me to under $200.00.

I decide to try B&H camera.. guess what? OUT OF STOCK
OK maybe Beach Camera, but then I read quite a few reviews that indicate they just cancel the order if its not in stock and I really want to make sure I get the camera a few days before I give it as a gift to test it out

I finally ended up going directly to Kodak to purchase the camera, 1gb SD card and a camera tote. I was surprised the cost was actually a little less than a few places I checked (special on the 1gb card for $20) because I got 2-day air shipping for only $12.99 so I ordered it this morning and its already been issued a tracking number and should be here Wednesday (plenty of time to test the camera before I gift wrap it for a May 2 baby shower)

Next time someone asks for a budget digital camera...
I am going to buy them a Visa gift card and make them buy their own camera!

[RobRich]

Digital cameras are one of the highest scam electronic items in the consumer marketplace. Unless buying from a high rated or well known vendor, you are oftentimes taking a chance. As you have found, research is the key to digital camera shopping. I know the initial research process can be tedious, but the payoff is hopefully a positive purchase experience.

[Lynn731]

I just bought a Kodak C743 yesterday from Best Buy. I never have any problems with them. Haven't even taken it out of the box yet, but i will tomorrow. It's a nice small one for $ 124 this week.