5/5

posted May-19-2009

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 The salesman told me the XTi had been replaced by the XS, also 10.1 MPs WITH the Live View!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 AJSG59 on May 19 2009 08:17:47 PM

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4/5

posted Apr-29-2009

I've been reading these really bad reviews about places like Camera Addict and Sonic Cameras. They've really been trashed on this site. I see very, very few positive ratings. I have an item I purchased from Camera Addict, so I want to let persons know of my experience: YES, they WILL try to talk you into spending more money-that is their job-they are probably on a commission and they act like you should EXPECT to pay more. But listen carefully, you can really get a package including what you want, not just what they offer on their site-to lure you in. The price WILL get you to call-to verify your purchase-the tactic they use to get you to call. No, the battery is not part of the price you see on the Web... maybe they take them out and sell them separately, don't know, but that is how they get you. Their goal is to get a certain amount of money for the product. So, you negotiate what they offer on the Web vs. what you need that they want to sell separately (if you don't want all the stuff they offer in the Web package). I purchased a Canon ZR-850 Mini DV Camcorder/Camera. The Web price was $179. After negotiating the package, my bottom line was $250. Standard battery with long-lasting also, cables, remote-it's all about the package. The camera is fine, works fine, still in warranty; I registered it with Canon and had no problems. If you don't want the hassle of talking to someone, pay a few dollars more, or sometimes less, at Amazon.com. By the time these people finish with you, it works out about the same anyway. I checked the Canon site to see the list price with Accessories-maybe $100 more. They use the low price to reel you in. Although I am satisfied with my purchase, I was on pins and needles before it arrived. I called to check twice; they assured me it was on the way. It did and all is well. So I'll give them a thumbs up.

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