We have detected that javascript is currently disabled. To get the fullest experience from our site we suggest enabling javascript. If you have any issues using our site please contact us.
"Do not buy from these guys. Total scam! Customer service is unprofessional, deceiving, and rude. The order I received was not my Canon lens but a Sigma, how do you switch that up??!? 10% restocking fee, for their mistake + shipping cost you already paid for them to ship it to you + your shipping cost to send it back. All the extra package items are cheap, poor quality. Please do not buy from sonic camera! "
"Bait and up-sell crooks, plain and simple. My story is no different from all the others on this post, so I won’t bother to recap it. If you’re reading this because Sonic Cameras disappointed you with an order cancellation e-mail, consider yourself lucky. If you are researching that company prior to giving them your CC number, you are luckier still. Put your card back in your wallet, and keep shopping. This company is a scam, ran by thieves.
You know, the worst thing is the emotional rollercoaster they put you though. I did a lot of research, agonized over which model camera to buy, the perfect lens, then spent a great deal of time shopping online for the best price. (Sonic’s prices seem too good to be true… because they aren’t.) My order was not a fortune, but it was a sum that a guy like me can’t afford to throw around. When I finally screwed up the courage to commit to order, I was very excited!
Then, the wait. Checking the front porch every day in hopes that UPS had paid a visit. Thinking that if I had just sprung for another $12 I could have upgraded to faster shipping. A full week later I’m told that my order had not yet shipped (in spite of two previous follow-up calls when I was told that the order had been “confirmed, and would go out today”).
Then comes the incredible rudeness of their customer “service” person who wanted to sell me a $150 battery. (Because, you see, “this is WHOLESALE, not RETAIL, and wholesale NEVER includes a battery”). It’s not even the hard up-sell that made me so angry. It was the arrogance, disrespect, and harshness of the person talking to me. I speak to customers in my job, and I could not imagine talking to my customers like that. I wouldn’t even speak that way to another human being.
Anyway, I was relieved when I read their order cancellation e-mail. I felt duped too, but relief was the overwhelming emotion. As far as I know my identity hasn’t been stolen, yet, but I’m still anxious over the fact that I was dumb enough to give those crooks my CC number. "
"I located what I thought was the exact Nikon DLSR lens that I had been shopping for. I located the "AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED" for 489.00 at the soniccamera.com and placed the order. Upon confirming the order with a call back number, the gentleman informed me that this was a wholesale lens. This puzzled me and I asked why that made a difference. His first description was that it doesn't come with a lens cap or lens bag.....this begged my follow up question with "what else is missing from the box?" He followed again with this is a wholesale lens. So I asked what else is different; this is when he informed me of the plastic mount. My complaint is that no where in the soniccamera website for this lens does it indicate this is a wholesale or imported lens, much less, they never disclose exactly what you are buying. Please see the website's "Specifications" tabbed literature which accompanies this lens. I have included it below. In closing, I am all about a good deal like anybody, but I am also more about full and complete disclosure. I will pay the honest price as long as they are up front. I spoke directly with the same person about this....a nice man, but it was very apparent that not too many people work there as he originally sent me to another extension to discuss about the website shortcomings. That person said "let me get you with our Nikon specialist." What a crock! It was back to the original gentleman. Going forward....none of my business will ever go to this organization. They are on the short road to failing and I would not refer them to my mother-in-law. Hope this helps anyone else. Specs...Nikon’s 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor is a high-ratio 11x zoom Lens with Nikon’s exclusive VR II Vibration Reduction technology. Nikon’s VR II provides the equivalent of a shutter speed 4 steps faster than would otherwise be possible, enabling substantially sharper pictures in challenging conditions. The Nikkor 18-200mm lens incorporates two ED glass and three aspheric lens elements to provide optimal color, contrast and clarity while minimizing chromatic aberrations and other distortion, resulting in outstanding image quality and versatility. In addition, Nikon’s compact AF-S Silent Wave Motor provides fast and quiet autofocusing while the M/A mode allows for simultaneous switching between Autofocus and manual focus operation. 11.1x High-Power Zoom: Get close to the action with exceptional Optical quality throughout the entire zoom range New Enhanced Vibration Reduction: New VR II function offers the equivalent of a shutter speed 4 steps faster than normal Two ED Glass and Three Aspherical Lens Elements: Extra-low Dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration-aspherical elements minimize distortion and allow for smaller, lighter Weight designs Silent Wave Motor for Fast, Quiet AF: Nikon’s exclusive technology enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and super-quiet operation. The M/A mode allows immediate switching between manual and autofocus operation Focuses to 20 Inches: Superior optical performance even at close-focusing distances"
"I had ordered a Nikon D90. They had sent one email that stated that the order has been received. The email had no information about the order itself. I waited for 10 days before calling them to check upon the status and I was told that the camera was out of stock and they will not get it anytime in the next 2 months. I promptly canceled the order. I called them mainly because I panicked after reading the reviews on this site. I hope they actually canceled my order. I think good business practice would be to contact me and let me know that the camera is out of stock. I checked their website and the camera is still listed as available for purchase. Hope no one else orders it and wait for eternity."
"i tried to simply buy a camera package online. little did i know, the lenses they were selling WITH the camera, were NOT even compatible with it. so, i got the usual, " please call to confirm" B.S. letter that these cheap SOB's love to send, so they can go into their HARD SELL speech, and they did exactly that. The salesman was outright lying, saying the lenses would " vignette" if used on the camera i was buying them with. No, they would not WORK period, as I contacted the manufacturer directly, ( CANON ) and relayed to THEM exactly what the salesman told me. Secondly, the salesman insisted I needed an " 8 hr battery" around $300,,, there is no such thing. Batteries for digital camera are rated ONE way, and one way only, NUMBER OF SHOTS you can get out of them, NONE are rated " 2hr, 4hr, 6hr,, etc.." that is PURE B.S. and fraud. Also, the salesman insisted I needed "digital filters" for my camera, a $300 set of crappy standard filters. THere are no such things as "digital only" filters. other than a circular polarizer, which are about $79 for a good one, ANY UV, or SKY 1A, or FD filter WORKS with a digital camera. These guys WILL sell you a bogus bill of goods. 8GB CF card for ohhhh, $299... EXACT same one you can get for $49 for a Ultra High speed one EVERYWHERE online. a $9.99 CF reader,,, thats $89.00 ,... and so on... I would not only not recommend these jokers, I am tired of them ALL nesting in NY< and the state Attorney General not doing a damn thing, and YES< i have gone so far as to file complaints with NY AG, and got ZERO replies or help. I got replies and help from my OWN AG, here in Missouri, but NY seems to not give a damn who runs out a business from their state.."
"Thank you everyone! After placing an order I went back to the site and something seemed strange as my item was not on it so I looked up resellerratings and immediately cancelled my card before they could do the bait and switch."
"It seems my experience was typical of those posted. I ordered the D80 Continental package which seemed too good to be true. That evening, I was contacted by Bill at customer support who gave me a 10 minute speech on why I chose the wrong package and should ‘upgrade’ to a D60 with a non-Nikkor lens which was part of a special one day only package. I told him I would call him back in about 30 minutes (since they were thirty minutes from closing).
When I called him back, I told him I needed more to think about this so he put my order on hold and said he would guarantee the D60 package until tomorrow. When I called back the next day and told Bill that I wanted the original package he again lectured me on why I made the wrong choice. When I called him on the inaccuracy of his information, he got offended because I was calling him a liar and then he tried to say I didn’t know what I was talking about. When I told him I wanted to cancel, he threatened to charge a 45% cancelation/restocking fee. I asked where this was coming from and he had no answer so I just told him to send the original package. He then asked if I wanted to buy the battery and data cable. When I said no, he said that because I called him liar that this deal was too good for me so he would cancel my order as I requested.
If I had to guess, they did not have the camera I asked for or where going to loose money unless I purchased the battery, charger and data cable for an additional $200. To sum up this review: DO NOT SHOP AT THIS WEBSITE!!!"
"i was just about to enter my bank card info to allow this company to charge my card $2,369 for an EOS 50D and couple of decent L lenses. I got the feeling that the deal was too good to be true so I did a search for a review on Sonic Cameras. God bless all of you guys for speaking up, cuz if you hadn't, they would have had another victim in me, and my wife woulda killed me.
How could such a company still be in business online? "
"This company is not only aweful but deceitful as well. On Wed, March 11th, I ordered a Canon 580ex II flash from them for $355.00 a really great price. However, I never received a detailed invoice from them, nor did I receive tracking information. I called them on Friday and was assured that my package would be delivered as promised. That same Friday, the 13th, the funds were withdrawn from my account, but still no shipping info. I waited till Monday and called them. After being placed on hold several time I was finally given a tracking number. They gave me a boggus tracking number! I verified it with FEDEX and was told no package was in route to my home. I then called them today, I was given another tracking number - however when I called FEDEX they informed me that this was just a generated label and that nothing had been sent. I called back Sonic Camera's and was told that the package was on a delivery truck to FedEx, however, at 5:18 pm FedEX picked up my package from them. I've been told nothing but lies. Now I have to play the waiting game till Friday (March 20) when my pakcage is going to arrive. I hope I am not being sent some piece of junk just to delay sending my actual item. NEVER BUY FROM THESE PEOPLE. IF I had been smart I would have reviewed them BEFORE I purchased from them. HUGE LESSON LEARNED.
**** UPDATE ***** Well, my package did no arrive on Friday as promised, however it was delivered on Saturday. I was not home when the FedEx truck arrived and since they are closed on Monday I had to wait till today to find out if I got my Canon 580EXII. By 10:00a.m they were knocking on my door. I opened up the package and to my great suprise it was my flash. I called Canon tech support and was assured that this was a genuine canon flash and that it would work with my camera. I have already registered it with Canon. My final price for this camera after paying for the protection insurance and shipping insurance(shipping insurance was required by this company- even though shipping was supposedly free) was $466.20 Did I get a good deal? Probably not, but I don't feel I was as screwed as I could have been. I have kept an eye on my account to make sure that no unauthorised activity occurs. Would I deal with them again? No!"
This review was modified by soleilphoto on March 24 2009 08:45:52 AM
36,455 stores
1,205,475 reviews
6465 shoppers online now
Rating
Full Rating Profile
Visa / Mastercard
American Express
Money Order
COD
International
Online Ordering
This review was modified by 
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"Bait and up-sell crooks, plain and simple. My story is no different from all the others on this post, so I won\u2019t bother to recap it. If you\u2019re reading this because Sonic Cameras disappointed you with an order cancellation e-mail, consider yourself lucky. If you are researching that company prior to giving them your CC number, you are luckier still. Put your card back in your wallet, and keep shopping. This company is a scam, ran by thieves.<br><br>You know, the worst thing is the emotional rollercoaster they put you though. I did a lot of research, agonized over which model camera to buy, the perfect lens, then spent a great deal of time shopping online for the best price. (Sonic\u2019s prices seem too good to be true\u2026 because they aren\u2019t.) My order was not a fortune, but it was a sum that a guy like me can\u2019t afford to throw around. When I finally screwed up the courage to commit to order, I was very excited!<br><br>Then, the wait. Checking the front porch every day in hopes that UPS had paid a visit. Thinking that if I had just sprung for another $12 I could have upgraded to faster shipping. A full week later I\u2019m told that my order had not yet shipped (in spite of two previous follow-up calls when I was told that the order had been \u201cconfirmed, and would go out today\u201d).<br><br>Then comes the incredible rudeness of their customer \u201cservice\u201d person who wanted to sell me a $150 battery. (Because, you see, \u201cthis is WHOLESALE, not RETAIL, and wholesale NEVER includes a battery\u201d). It\u2019s not even the hard up-sell that made me so angry. It was the arrogance, disrespect, and harshness of the person talking to me. I speak to customers in my job, and I could not imagine talking to my customers like that. I wouldn\u2019t even speak that way to another human being.<br><br>Anyway, I was relieved when I read their order cancellation e-mail. I felt duped too, but relief was the overwhelming emotion. As far as I know my identity hasn\u2019t been stolen, yet, but I\u2019m still anxious over the fact that I was dumb enough to give those crooks my CC number.<br>","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Sonic_Cameras\/comment\/453402#comment453402","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Sonic_Cameras.jpg","store_name":"Sonic Cameras","username":"DAbikeman","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I located what I thought was the exact Nikon DLSR lens that I had been shopping for. I located the \u0022AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f\/3.5-5.6G IF-ED\u0022 for 489.00 at the soniccamera.com and placed the order. Upon confirming the order with a call back number, the gentleman informed me that this was a wholesale lens. This puzzled me and I asked why that made a difference. His first description was that it doesn\u0027t come with a lens cap or lens bag.....this begged my follow up question with \u0022what else is missing from the box?\u0022 He followed again with this is a wholesale lens. So I asked what else is different; this is when he informed me of the plastic mount. My complaint is that no where in the soniccamera website for this lens does it indicate this is a wholesale or imported lens, much less, they never disclose exactly what you are buying. Please see the website\u0027s \u0022Specifications\u0022 tabbed literature which accompanies this lens. I have included it below. In closing, I am all about a good deal like anybody, but I am also more about full and complete disclosure. I will pay the honest price as long as they are up front. I spoke directly with the same person about this....a nice man, but it was very apparent that not too many people work there as he originally sent me to another extension to discuss about the website shortcomings. That person said \u0022let me get you with our Nikon specialist.\u0022 What a crock! It was back to the original gentleman. Going forward....none of my business will ever go to this organization. They are on the short road to failing and I would not refer them to my mother-in-law. Hope this helps anyone else. Specs...Nikon\u2019s 18-200mm f\/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor is a high-ratio 11x zoom Lens with Nikon\u2019s exclusive VR II Vibration Reduction technology. Nikon\u2019s VR II provides the equivalent of a shutter speed 4 steps faster than would otherwise be possible, enabling substantially sharper pictures in challenging conditions. The Nikkor 18-200mm lens incorporates two ED glass and three aspheric lens elements to provide optimal color, contrast and clarity while minimizing chromatic aberrations and other distortion, resulting in outstanding image quality and versatility. In addition, Nikon\u2019s compact AF-S Silent Wave Motor provides fast and quiet autofocusing while the M\/A mode allows for simultaneous switching between Autofocus and manual focus operation. 11.1x High-Power Zoom: Get close to the action with exceptional Optical quality throughout the entire zoom range New Enhanced Vibration Reduction: New VR II function offers the equivalent of a shutter speed 4 steps faster than normal <br>Two ED Glass and Three Aspherical Lens Elements: Extra-low Dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration-aspherical elements minimize distortion and allow for smaller, lighter Weight designs <br>Silent Wave Motor for Fast, Quiet AF: Nikon\u2019s exclusive technology enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and super-quiet operation. The M\/A mode allows immediate switching between manual and autofocus operation <br>Focuses to 20 Inches: Superior optical performance even at close-focusing distances","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Sonic_Cameras\/comment\/453066#comment453066","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Sonic_Cameras.jpg","store_name":"Sonic Cameras","username":"airplaner","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"Yep another Yankee RIPOFF mail order company. They do not have the product unless they upsell you, another scam. Don\u0027t waste your time!","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Sonic_Cameras\/comment\/452548#comment452548","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Sonic_Cameras.jpg","store_name":"Sonic Cameras","username":"msteph11","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I had ordered a Nikon D90. They had sent one email that stated that the order has been received. The email had no information about the order itself. I waited for 10 days before calling them to check upon the status and I was told that the camera was out of stock and they will not get it anytime in the next 2 months. I promptly canceled the order. I called them mainly because I panicked after reading the reviews on this site. I hope they actually canceled my order. I think good business practice would be to contact me and let me know that the camera is out of stock. <br>I checked their website and the camera is still listed as available for purchase. Hope no one else orders it and wait for eternity.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Sonic_Cameras\/comment\/452390#comment452390","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Sonic_Cameras.jpg","store_name":"Sonic Cameras","username":"royarprus","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"i tried to simply buy a camera package online. little did i know, the lenses they were selling WITH the camera, were NOT even compatible with it. so, i got the usual, \u0022 please call to confirm\u0022 B.S. letter that these cheap SOB\u0027s love to send, so they can go into their HARD SELL speech, and they did exactly that.<br>The salesman was outright lying, saying the lenses would \u0022 vignette\u0022 if used on the camera i was buying them with. No, they would not WORK period, as I contacted the manufacturer directly, ( CANON ) and relayed to THEM exactly what the salesman told me.<br>Secondly, the salesman insisted I needed an \u0022 8 hr battery\u0022 around $300,,, there is no such thing.<br>Batteries for digital camera are rated ONE way, and one way only, NUMBER OF SHOTS you can get out of them, NONE are rated \u0022 2hr, 4hr, 6hr,, etc..\u0022 that is PURE B.S. and fraud.<br>Also, the salesman insisted I needed \u0022digital filters\u0022 for my camera, a $300 set of crappy standard filters. THere are no such things as \u0022digital only\u0022 filters. other than a circular polarizer, which are about $79 for a good one, ANY UV, or SKY 1A, or FD filter WORKS with a digital camera.<br>These guys WILL sell you a bogus bill of goods. 8GB CF card for ohhhh, $299... EXACT same one you can get for $49 for a Ultra High speed one EVERYWHERE online. a $9.99 CF reader,,, thats $89.00 ,... and so on...<br>I would not only not recommend these jokers, I am tired of them ALL nesting in NY< and the state Attorney General not doing a damn thing, and YES< i have gone so far as to file complaints with NY AG, and got ZERO replies or help.<br> I got replies and help from my OWN AG, here in Missouri, but NY seems to not give a damn who runs out a business from their state..","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Sonic_Cameras\/comment\/452336#comment452336","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Sonic_Cameras.jpg","store_name":"Sonic Cameras","username":"Racintazz","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"Thank you everyone! After placing an order I went back to the site and something seemed strange as my item was not on it so I looked up resellerratings and immediately cancelled my card before they could do the bait and switch.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Sonic_Cameras\/comment\/451860#comment451860","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Sonic_Cameras.jpg","store_name":"Sonic Cameras","username":"Skitty","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"It seems my experience was typical of those posted. I ordered the D80 Continental package which seemed too good to be true. That evening, I was contacted by Bill at customer support who gave me a 10 minute speech on why I chose the wrong package and should \u2018upgrade\u2019 to a D60 with a non-Nikkor lens which was part of a special one day only package. I told him I would call him back in about 30 minutes (since they were thirty minutes from closing).<br><br><br>When I called him back, I told him I needed more to think about this so he put my order on hold and said he would guarantee the D60 package until tomorrow. When I called back the next day and told Bill that I wanted the original package he again lectured me on why I made the wrong choice. When I called him on the inaccuracy of his information, he got offended because I was calling him a liar and then he tried to say I didn\u2019t know what I was talking about. When I told him I wanted to cancel, he threatened to charge a 45% cancelation\/restocking fee. I asked where this was coming from and he had no answer so I just told him to send the original package. He then asked if I wanted to buy the battery and data cable. When I said no, he said that because I called him liar that this deal was too good for me so he would cancel my order as I requested. <br><br>If I had to guess, they did not have the camera I asked for or where going to loose money unless I purchased the battery, charger and data cable for an additional $200. To sum up this review: DO NOT SHOP AT THIS WEBSITE!!!","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Sonic_Cameras\/comment\/451319#comment451319","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Sonic_Cameras.jpg","store_name":"Sonic Cameras","username":"SHollander","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"i was just about to enter my bank card info to allow this company to charge my card $2,369 for an EOS 50D and couple of decent L lenses. I got the feeling that the deal was too good to be true so I did a search for a review on Sonic Cameras. God bless all of you guys for speaking up, cuz if you hadn\u0027t, they would have had another victim in me, and my wife woulda killed me.<br><br>How could such a company still be in business online? ","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Sonic_Cameras\/comment\/450829#comment450829","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Sonic_Cameras.jpg","store_name":"Sonic Cameras","username":"akwetebd","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"This company is not only aweful but deceitful as well. On Wed, March 11th, I ordered a Canon 580ex II flash from them for $355.00 a really great price. However, I never received a detailed invoice from them, nor did I receive tracking information. I called them on Friday and was assured that my package would be delivered as promised. That same Friday, the 13th, the funds were withdrawn from my account, but still no shipping info. I waited till Monday and called them. After being placed on hold several time I was finally given a tracking number. They gave me a boggus tracking number! I verified it with FEDEX and was told no package was in route to my home. I then called them today, I was given another tracking number - however when I called FEDEX they informed me that this was just a generated label and that nothing had been sent. I called back Sonic Camera\u0027s and was told that the package was on a delivery truck to FedEx, however, at 5:18 pm FedEX picked up my package from them. I\u0027ve been told nothing but lies. Now I have to play the waiting game till Friday (March 20) when my pakcage is going to arrive. I hope I am not being sent some piece of junk just to delay sending my actual item. NEVER BUY FROM THESE PEOPLE. IF I had been smart I would have reviewed them BEFORE I purchased from them. HUGE LESSON LEARNED.<br><br>**** UPDATE *****<br>Well, my package did no arrive on Friday as promised, however it was delivered on Saturday. I was not home when the FedEx truck arrived and since they are closed on Monday I had to wait till today to find out if I got my Canon 580EXII. By 10:00a.m they were knocking on my door. I opened up the package and to my great suprise it was my flash. I called Canon tech support and was assured that this was a genuine canon flash and that it would work with my camera. I have already registered it with Canon. My final price for this camera after paying for the protection insurance and shipping insurance(shipping insurance was required by this company- even though shipping was supposedly free) was $466.20 Did I get a good deal? Probably not, but I don\u0027t feel I was as screwed as I could have been. I have kept an eye on my account to make sure that no unauthorised activity occurs. Would I deal with them again? No!","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Sonic_Cameras\/comment\/450758#comment450758","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Sonic_Cameras.jpg","store_name":"Sonic Cameras","username":"soleilphoto","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
"Do not buy from these guys. Total scam!
Customer service is unprofessional, deceiving, and rude. The order I received was not my Canon lens but a Sigma, how do you switch that up??!? 10% restocking fee, for their mistake + shipping cost you already paid for them to ship it to you + your shipping cost to send it back. All the extra package items are cheap, poor quality. Please do not buy from sonic camera! "