I read the reviews and joined this site AFTER I'd placed my order with Sonic Cameras; from all that people said about it, I'd become TERRIFIED! I called to cancel, but the order had already gone through. The CS rep was nice, not rude as many people have said. So I began to pray and do more research -results come later.  
 
First of all, I was buying my 1st Canon DSLR; I have a Canon Rebel-G 35mm and HP point & shoot 3.5MP. After checking the prices of Canon DSLRs on my favorite site: Amazon.com, I'd decided on the XTi with 10.1MPs. It was listed on Sonic Cameras' site with a Sigma zoom lens for $459! Wow! They also offered other accessories to include a digital flash! I'm like the reviewer below, the Christmas motif sent up signals that were not good. But I went ahead and placed the order. I'd dealt with Camera Addict before when I ordered my Canon ZR850, same setup. I got the email to call to confirm the order. I knew the guy would try to SELL me a different camera, higher priced... that's what they do, and they are very good. He was not rude, but forceful in sales (I was sales at JCP eons ago, so I can relate). In this case, it worked out great for me! The salesman told me the XTi had been replaced by the XS, also 10.1 MPs WITH the Live View! That's what I needed! I'd been toiling with that for a long time, couldn't find it written anywhere-even on Canon's site! I didn't KNOW to check the XS! He also told me the Sigma lens was not a good one. I'd already researched the 18-55 kit, and that's what he offered me, the Canon lens. Most people choose a black body, but I wanted the silver XS. After our little discussion about the camera/lens and I agreed to get the XS instead, he asked if I could spend $200 more? I said NO WAY! But after we agreed upon them also sending the battery (that's separate with these companies) & charger [which comes in the kit ANYway], the flash... I didn't want the little tripod or cleaner, so they sent a 2GB SDHC chip and reader. I paid $599. I could have paid $509 at Amazon.com! But the guy did help me out.  
 
I researched the Canon XS on several of the top review sites. I weighed what the testers and consumers said; they helped me confirm my decision. The reviews confirmed all the Sonic Rep told me and more! It IS the successor to the XTi, but the XTi still has a couple of better features, but no live view. Since I was able to get the Live View for less than $600, I'd done well. The XS is 4-5 star rated on all the sites I visited (and there were many). What people say and how many of them say it, has a great impact on sales, so I hope that more people will return to write reviews on Sellers and products. I'm headed to Amazon next!  
 
I finally received my camera. I'd already been ordering additional lens and lens filters (from Amazon.com); I already had the 35-80mm w/my Rebel-G. Bought the Canon 75-300 zoom, Cosina wide angle zoom (28-210), and a couple of Opteka fish eye lens filters. The camera is perfect! Brand new, in the box, now registered with Canon. Everything there but the flash; I called last week, it arrived yesterday; it's a Zeikos, works very well. Yes, the XS's plastic body is a little tacky, but it's lighter & easier to handle with all the different lens I use. I've adjusted to the textured plastic grip; almost feels like rubber, it works. The thumb area is nice and all the buttons are in reach. IT'S STILL A CANON inside & out! It takes beautiful photos! Very crisp & clear. I am pleased as pie with my purchase! I figure I'd have paid close to the same price at Amazon.com with the additional items. I'm sticking with them from now on, but this deal with Sonic worked out for me.

This review was modified by its author, AJSG59, on 5/19/09 10:17 PM.

I ordered Panasonic AG-DVX100B Camcorder from Sonic Cameras on April 25 and received conformation of my order right away. I decided on Sunday the 26th that I didn't need the camcorder anymore. I call Monday morning at 10:00am and spoke to a friendly customer service representative. I explained that I wanted to cancel my order and without delay he cancelled my order for me. The experience was great. Thank You

Ordered Canon 100mm lens at 5:48 p.m. on Wed 02/25  
 
Contacted Sonic to see why no price $399) on confirmation, "Bill" talked me into ordering a different lens, a Sigma 50 mm lens. Even though I told him I really did not want a Sigma lens, that I had bad support from Sigma with my previous Sigma lenses. He insisted this was a better lens.. that if I did not like the lens, and returned it within 7 days there would be no restocking charges, etc.  
 
No confirmation as of 10:10 a.m. on Thurs, 02/26 of order change from Canon 100 mm lens to Sigma 50 mm lens.  
 
Sent e-mail at 6:29 am Thurs, 02/26 cancelling order to change lens - I really want my original one..  
 
Called Bill at 10:10 a.m. Thurs, 02/26, and advised since I contacted my Credit Card company, and they said I had not been charged for the lens, I wanted to cancel this order. Bill advised me I could not cancel, that it had already been shipped, that the charges would not show up for 48 hours, and I would have to return it after it arrived. I advised I wanted my originally ordered lens (Canon 100mm)... he said I have to tell him what kind of mount I want on this.... plastic or whatever..(that is ridiculous.... I didn't have to do that when I placed the original order), - I told him I did not understand, he then hung up on me without allowing me to change the order.  
 
Bill was rude on the first call, and the second call. He provided me with incorrect information about the Canon lens, was tasteless enough to seriously bad mouth Canon Support, etc., and should have just accepted my order as I originally placed it.  
 
Contacted Customer Service at 11:00 am, was on hold for 20 minutes, then explained all of the above to CS (no name).... he checked the original order and said it had been canceled, he said nothing about a second order, so assume this is the same order for either lens. Then I started to explain to him if he had just processed my original order I wouldn't even be calling. I told him I had one other thing I wanted to mention, ... and he hung up on me. Apparently this is how they handle dissatisfied customers.  
 
 
This is surreal.... no wonder their rating is 1/2 out 10....  
 

I purchased a Nikon D700 SLR camera for the advertised website price of $1399. Like with all other online transactions I figured I'd received an email confirming my order but instead I received the below email on January 2, 2009 at 7:20 am:  
 
Dear ...,  
Thank you for your order. Your order number is: ####  
This email is to confirm receipt of your online order with us. For your security, please call us at 1-888-450-4111, Option 1 to provide a verbal confirmation so that we can ship out your order. If you have already called and confirmed your order, you may disregard this request.  
Thanks again for shopping with us.  
Sincerely,  
Sonic Cameras.com  
Our Business Hours  
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM MONDAY-THURSDAY  
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM FRIDAY  
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM SUNDAY  
CLOSED SATURDAY  
*All times are Eastern Standard Time  
------------------------------------  
At 7:26 am I received a second email fron Sonic Camera with the same email request.  
I received a 3rd request: Mon 1/05/09 9:19 AM  
I finally decided it must be a legit request and that I should call to confirm my order and not delay shipment any further.  
On Monday, January 5, 2009 I called to confirm my order. I was kept on hold for a very long time. When I finally got a rep on the phone I was asked for the 3 digit security code on the back of my credit card. Once he got my 3 digit code he did not simply confirm my order. At that point, the Sonic Camera's customer service representative began to try to get me to buy other items (memory card, 8 hour battery, a lens etc...). When I told him what type of lens I was interested in buying he said that it wasn't compatible with my camera and that he had a better lens for me. I agreed only to see what the final amount would be. At the end of the call the rep said thank you for your purchase and was going to hang up when I said, "wait what is the final amount?," To which he answered $2899. I asked how it could possibly add up to that amount knowing well that it didn't add up. He began by saying, "the camera is "$2100," I quickly stopped him and told him he was incorrect because the running advertised sale was $1399. He told me that was only for the body and that it was plastic. He had taken the liberty of upgrading the camera to an aluminum alloy version (which is what the website claimed I was buying for $1399). After I told the Rep that his website said I was buying the aluminum alloy body and not the plastic he got very angy and began to raise his voice and yell at me. He said, "Mrs how can you think you're going to get that camera for that price...Plus I added the USB cord and battery etc. which the camera doesn't come with!  
I then told him I did not plan on spending that much money and that I would like to cancel my order. He kept talking over me and would not listen to my requests. It was extremely frustrating. After I persisted on cancelling he said he was going to charge me 10% for the cancellation fee. At this point I'm wondering how can I be charged a 10% cancellation fee if the item hasn't even been shipped. I told him that I had read the website's policies:  
http://soniccameras.com/catalog/help_center.php  
7. We do not charge your credit card until your order is ready to ship.  
9. Orders can not be cancelled by email. Please call our customer service department at 888-450-4111 to cancel an existing order.  
Returns & Exchanges  
Should it be necessary to return an item, you may return it for refund or exchange, excluding any shipping charges and with a minimum 10% Restocking Fee , within a period of 21 days for Computers/TVs, and 7 days for Photo equipment,Video, Audio, Digital Photography.  
 
After he refused to cancel my order he said, "I will upgrade the shipping at no additional fee, you will receive your camera in 3-4 days" The call ended there.  
I called the following day to try to cancel again and was told that the camera had already been shipped. When I asked for the UPS tracking number the rep told me he wouldn't have that information until 7pm his time. At this point I'm assuming they were stalling to at least get the 10% out of me for the return fee. So I waited until 7pm and called back and he said he still didn't have it. It was during this call that he said, "Mam I told you I would email it to you this evening." Which he never did say that.  
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday evening passed with no tracking number emailed.I have blocked any future fraudulant charges from this company by being reissued a new card.  
 

These guys are crooks!!! Do not purchase anything from them. Bait and switch. Told me I could return without restocking fee, than changed that. The guy who I spoke to confirming no restocking fee "dissapeared" when I tried to remind him.  
 
TOTAL SCUMBAGS!!!  
 
I REPEAT DO NOT MAKE A PURCHASE FROM SONIC CAMERAS!!!

I purchased a Nikon D60 from Sonic Cameras via an online transaction in september 2008. The representitive Bill was very pleasent to deal with ensuring an excellent transaction. My item was promptly shipped and arrive in pristine condition. The camera was high quallity and well priced. I am very pleased with both the merchandise purchassed and the customer service recieved and will do business with Sonic Cameras again.

I purchased the Canon 580 EX II Flash from Sonic Cameras in September. They were very professional and offered me extras that they thought I would need for the flash (batteries, etc.) I would definitely buy from them again! Thanks, Teresa from SC.

I ordered a Canon 580 EX II Flash. Sonic Camera was very helpful in choosing the flash that best suited my needs and the shipping was fast. Sonic also had a competitive price. the product was packed well for shipping. I would recommend Sonic. They are a great supplier for cameras and accessories.

For all you victims of Sonic Camera, take five minutes and file an official complaint with New York Better Business Bureau.  
https://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/GetStarted.aspx  
 
Sonic Cameras address is: 3505 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY 11234. Their phone number is 888-450-4111. Their email address is 'sales@soniccameras.com'. Their Web Site is www.soniccameras.com  
 
Don't let them get away with their sleazy sales practices - File a Complaint NOW!  

This review was modified by its author, Kevin V, on 11/3/08 2:33 PM.

I purchased a Canon EOS 40D package. Edward was extremely helpful in answering questions and getting me a better deal. I also asked for and received consideration for being active duty military. When I called back and told Eric that I had asked about a car charger, and one didn't come in the package, one was sent out no questions asked. The quality is high, and the service is excellent.

WELL My story is slightly the same as all the rest. I placed my order in late August and picked the free shipping (because I can't afford much, gotta pay for school). I recieved my 2 emails stating I had to confirm my order, which I did. It was actually with very little "upselling" attempts but there were a few. So a couple of weeks went by and I hadn't heard anything from the company. When I tried to do an online tracking the gentleman I spoke with stated that my order was on backorder for 6-8 weeks and that they had sent me several emails. I said it was news to me, and hung up on him and went to check my email. When I checked it, there was a cancellation notice! I immediately called back and, after about 20 minutes on hold with customer service, he said my "attitude" was the reason he had cancelled my order. I sent a complaint to the company first thing (although I have yet to recieve a response. Probably because they don't exist!) and have filed a complaint with the BBB. If ANY charges come through to my card, they will have hell to pay.  
 
***please read***  
 
I work for a credit card company, you can, at any time, call to dispute an unauthorized charge and have them issue you a new card number. It only takes a few days to recieve the new one in the mail and about 10 minutes of your time to get a new number out. It's well worth it. It is companies like this one that make the online purchasing world so difficult.

I'm so glad I found this sight before I made the same mistake my good friend did by ordering from these idiots. I told my friend to get the Nikon d80, Speedlight SB800, and a NIKON lens with a 2.8 f-stop. The original price for the camera was $379. I thought it was too good to be true, and it was. Oh, that was just for the body. No battery, cables, software, manual, etc. Basically all of the items that would be included in the box from Nikon. All of those items brought the price closer to $750. Then, he was "upsold" to a Sigma lens that was "every bit as good as the Nikon, just cheaper. Oh yeah, and the SIGMA flash was every bit as good as the Speedlight SB800, but only $250. So basically, he got the D80, Sigma lens, and Sigma flash that has absolutely no controls, just an on/off switch for a mere $1115!! He could've had everything that I told him to get for that same price going to Costco!! I didn't have the heart to tell him that he got taken, but I was irate!! I have used his new purchase, and it does work fine, but just WAY overpriced for what he ended up with. To sum it all up, if you place an online order and you then have to call and confirm, then they try to sell you lots of stuff that you didn't want, HANG UP!! The batteries that come with these cameras will will easily shoot 500 pictures. Steer clear of these internet bait and switch scam artists!! And stay away from 1wayphoto.com, as well. Take a look at their fine review on this site. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE SPENDING A LOT OF $$$$!!

Update 8/12/08: I am completely astonished by Eric's customer service skills! He sent my camera bag and tripod overnight express and I received it today. Wow! I know that some people have had bad experiences with Sonic Cameras in the past, but it seems to me that they're trying to turn things around. My advice to people considering buying from Sonic:  
1) Ask for Eric (x223). He's incredibly nice and professional.  
2) Ask Eric to send you a detailed invoice via email before the product is shipped so that you can make sure the order is correct before it ships out.  
3) If you're buying a camera body, remember that they sell the battery and charger separately, unless you specifically ask for the "retail kit" for a particular camera body.  
4) Don't be shocked if you receive a non-US model of the camera you order. If you want a US model of a particular camera, you're going to need to go to a reputable reseller like B&H and the camera will cost you more. The camera I received from Sonic is fantastic - but I won't be able to get it repaired by Nikon USA. I bought an extended warranty from Sonic and it will cover the camera I purchased, though, so all is well. I would order from Sonic Cameras again, but I would be more realistic about the fact that, with rock-bottom prices, the likelihood of a non-US product is high. All in all, I love my new camera, it works great, and I'm a happy camper! :)  
 
Update 8/11/08 (4pm): My package arrived - hooray! While it did contain a Nikon D80 retail kit with a Nikon USA Warranty, a Nikon/Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX (VR) Vibration Reduction Zoom lens, a 3-year warranty, and a memory card, the Nikon D80 Body itself is a gray market body with a Japanese serial number. The Nikon USA Warranty Card has a series of numbers that do not match the body and Nikon USA confirmed that the camera body I purchased is a gray market Nikon from Japan. At the price I paid for the camera, I really have no right to complain, though. I also didn't receive the free tripod and camera case, but Eric (x223) is sending it out to me.  
 
Update 8/10/08: When I didn't receive my tracking number via email on Friday, I got a little worried that I might need to cancel my order. But I called Sonic Cameras today and Eric did, in fact, ship out my order Friday as promised. The gentleman who answered the phone this morning was very helpful and he provided me with my tracking number so that I could see the package was en route. Every step of the way, Sonic Cameras has done a wonderful job providing excellent customer service. I can't wait to get my new camera! :) I'll post an update when I receive the order on Tuesday.  
 
____________________________________________  
I have been extremely satisfied with the customer service provided to me by Eric Miller (ext. 223). I've ordered a Nikon D80 camera body and the Nikon (Nikkor) 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX (VR) Vibration Reduction Zoom lens. When I spoke with Eric this morning to confirm my order, he was extremely professional and he explained every aspect of my order in detail. When I asked for an itemized receipt of the items in my order, he emailed it within minutes. When I called back to ask a few more questions, Eric was incredibly friendly and patient. He assured me that the items listed in the detailed invoice he emailed me are the Nikon authorized US models, not non-US models. When I had questions about what was included in the Nikon D80 camera body retail package, he showed me the page of their website where the included components were listed. (http://soniccameras.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5106&extra_info=item_includes) He then took the time to explain everything that is included in the camera-body retail kit component of my order:  
 
EN-EL3e Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery • MH-18a Quick Charger • UC-E4 USB Cable • EG-D2 A/V Cable • Body Cap • BM-7 LCD Cover • Shoulder Strap • DK-5 Eyepiece Shield • DK-21 Rubber Eyecup • Software CD-ROM (PictureProject, Drivers) • User Manual • 1-Year Nikon U.S.A. Limited Warranty.  
 
I called Eric back later on in the morning to ask a few more questions and Eric helped me feel confident that I am purchasing new, Nikon-issued and authorized models of the D80 body and the Nikon (Nikkor) 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX (VR) Vibration Reduction Zoom lens. He answered each and every question patiently and professionally. By 2:45 today, Eric let me know that my order had already been shipped via 2-day air and the tracking number would be sent to me via email by 5pm today.  
 
 
For the skeptics out there: When I receive my order from Sonic Cameras on Tuesday, I'll take a picture of myself with my new camera and lens so that you can see that Sonic Cameras does, in fact, sell US-authorized Nikon equipment. I'll also post an update here confirming that Sonic Cameras sent me the US-authorized and warranteed Nikon equipment that I ordered. So far, my experience with them has been 110% positive and I have every reason to believe I'm going to LOVE my new camera!!  
 
 

This review was modified by its author, kacquaviva, on 8/13/08 6:21 AM.

purchased a nikon 240x in late June, decided a few weeks later that I wanted the D60 instead so I called and explained my problem and without hesitation he gave me an RMA. No nonsense no nothing. New camera on the way. Would recommnd to anyone.

I am not a professional photographer. My wife and I enjoy our Canon D20 for family, portrait and sports photography and we had borrowed a friend's 2.8 70x200 IS Canon lens and thought it was great. There is no way I would have ever spent that much on a lens until I used it but we were hooked. I knew just enough to be dangerous and get myself into trouble.  
 
Then I spoke with Michael at Sonic Cameras and he took the time to explain many things to me and provided excellent information. He matched my needs to an even better lens and provided many great options at fantastic prices. It would be difficult to get this same level of competence at my local "big box" store where counters are manned by high school kids needing mad money for the summer. Plus, I have called back a few more times and they have been more than willing to continue to help me understand and use what I have purchased. I am extremely pleased with SONIC CAMERAS and would recommend them with a 10+ rating.  
 
john in idaho