Purchased my new Canon XTi /w 18-55 AF

[Cryofix]

Just put my order in for it, lets see if I got ripped off heh, I bought from a less than reputable site but of course got a fantastic deal, and the shop is about an hour and 15 minutes from my house so if there is any problems I will just take a ride in to my old neighborhood in Brooklyn.

I will let you guys know how it goes casue if this turns out to be true and all of the stuff included, including the lens are in good shape then this will be a nice deal for starters.

Canon EOS Rebel XTi Camera Body w/USA Warranty
Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus Lens
1GB Memory Card
Card Reader
LCD Screen Protectors
Deluxe Lens Cleaning Kit
Deluxe Digital Camera Case
Table Top Tripod
Full Size Tripod
Lens Pouch
Memory Card Case
Cap Keeper
Wrist Strap

$679

[Nitrospazzz]

Wow thats a heck of a deal if it arrives as stated. A good tripod is one thing I really need to pick up. You should be happy with the XTi as it is a great camera.

[MLaBoyteaux]

$679!

I got a feeling you're going to be heading down to Brooklyn......

Who'd you order it from?

[Cryofix]

ill post the address bad or good when it comes in should be in about a week or less dont want anyone else to get into this unless its worth it.

[rerazor]

Nothing like getting the best price cameras :mrgreen:

[SeaHawk]

what is the advantage of the 'card reader'? Does it allow faster downloads to your PC than a USB cord?

[Cryofix]

card reader is good to hook to any PC, the card ready takes either the SD or CF card direct and allows you to read off that, so you dont need a a docking station for the camera, or have to have a machine with the card reader built in.

I work on 3 different machines at my house so flexibility is good for me.

Nothing like getting the best price cameras
nice find :)

[furyphoto]

Maybe you'll luck out, but my guess is that you get a call telling you that the batteries, and charger are not included, and will cost like $400 or something like that. Most of the Brooklyn dealers have a bait and switch M.O. If you don't want to upgrade, or whatever, they will give you the deal, but will suddelny be "out of Stock" for the next 3 years.
Don't mean to be a downer, I hope they prove me wrong!

-A

[Cryofix]

well all the accesories on this camera are cheap except the lens, I can get another battery and charger for it for about $20, I also called and confirmed that the camera was in stock in Brooklyn, and wouldnt be drop shipped from somewhere.

I understand exactly what your saying about the bait and switch, becasue ive seen it many times before

[furyphoto]

Like I said, I hope they prove me wrong, and you are shooting wiht your new XTi very soon.

It is an awesome little camera for AP, crisp photos a t10MP, and very lightweight. My brother has one, and he loves it.

-A

[Cryofix]

Got a call from them today saying that I needed to upgrade to a the retail model which had the firmware installed and not he OEM model that I purchased, this was after they tried to sell me batteries cables and software that I told them I could get on ebay for $10, needless to say they wanted me to spend $899 on a package and told them to go scratch, if the guy on the phone want so much of a D*CK I may have just told them to send it.

No harm no foul atleast I think for now, let me check my CC statment through the month make sure the was no order cancellation fees.

I knew it was too good to be true right from the get go, so its off to the internet again to find a deal.

BTW dont buy from bestpricecameras.com

[furyphoto]

sorry I was right, Those guys are generally full of bullsh*t. I have found (also the hard way) that it is best to buy from a reputable dealer. you may pay a little more up front, but it is worth it in the long run. If you need warrenty service it is easy to get.

Order on line from B&H, Cameta Camera(Cameta often has demo models, or refurbished with full warrenty deals). Some times it is better to get one from somewhere like BestBuy, or Fry's Electronics, or Walmart if they carry it. These stores sometimes have exchange policies where if you have a problem, they will just swap it for a new one instead of having to send it to Canon for service. Check CostCo too, they will do a return on anyting for any reason pretty much no questions asked. (maybe not if you auger it in from 150 ft, but almost anything else!)

-Good Luck,

Andy

[Nitrospazzz]

Cryo I would recommend Ritz, in case of an accident if you can provide the serial tag they will replace it free. When I picked mine up there was a guy bringing in what looked like a 5D or similar, it was totally smashed...he said his girlfriend got pissed. They replaced it on the spot

[dreslism]

Cryo I would recommend Ritz, in case of an accident if you can provide the serial tag they will replace it free. When I picked mine up there was a guy bringing in what looked like a 5D or similar, it was totally smashed...he said his girlfriend got pissed. They replaced it on the spot

Blake, you sure about that?

For one, you have to buy the extra insurance, it is proportional to the cost amount of the item, it is not included in the price of the camera.

I have personally used the repair/replacement policy. I had a smashed beyond repair Optio S5i. It was obvious when I brought it in that it was not repairable. Ritz told me it is their policy that they have to send it to the repair facility no matter what, and then repair facility will decide if they will repair or replace it. They usually quote 6 weeks to get your camera back. (This is something that they don't tell you when you buy the warranty).

I hounded them daily to confirm that the camera was beyond repair, and I got them to issue a new camera in about 2 1/2 weeks.

I personally know others who have used the warranty also, and there was no replacing on the spot. If they do it at yours, I want to come shop at your ritz. :D

just wanted to make sure everyone was aware of their standard policy.

[Nitrospazzz]

I had mine before they finished with their stuff, so theres a good chance I missed that part. But from what I overheard it sounded like they were going to replace it for him. I was just picking up a tripod, some filters and looking at lenses. Glad you brought that up...wouldn't want anyone to get screwed on the policy.

[Menno]

Hi Cryofix,

I understand from the new tread that you already purchased a new XTi from the Dell website.

Here is my take on it:
When I purchased my Rebel XT at the local photography store I knew I paid well over 100 Euros (120 dollar) more than some webstores quoted. This photostore is well known for its excellent costumerservice. A few weeks after purchase I had a problem with the display of the camera. They send it in for repair and returned it to me within a week. What was best about this, even though the owner of the shop knows that I mount my camera to a RC helicopter he offered me one of his one camera's as a replacement for this week. That's service!

I too look on the Internet for the best deal on a lot of items, but I was glad I dindn't with my camera.

Menno

[Art-Tistic]

Cryofix,

This is $$$ worth of professional advise that you are getting for free....listen to menno! You can bargin shop for accessories on the net but NEVER buy the camera on-line. Sure the price is better but you have NO service if you should ever need it. Suck it up and head over to Dan's, Yes they will charge more but you have their knowledge and tech support that comes with the $$$$. In the long run it will be the better buy. Enough free advise for today. Good luck with the camera!!

Regards,
Ant

[Cryofix]

I plan on picking up my accessories from Dans eventually, I understand completley having somone local can be priceless, but saving alittle over $250 on a camera is hard to pass up. that leaves me $250 for accesories over at dans that can open a dialog when the times comes.

I also figure its a 50/50 chance that the camera will not be fixable by the local shop and will have to be sent out.

If I needed a camera right away if this one broke, well then I could just go buy one from Costco and then return it when mine comes back :)

[Cryofix]

After taking Menno and Art-Tistic advice I cancelled my order on Dell and headed out to the local Phot shop Dan's Camera City, I got to ask a few question that managed to save me more money than the deal at dell....

I picked up a Refurbed Olympus Evolt 500 with a 15 month warranty, and 2 lenses for $649

8MP and lacks a little clarity in shots but overall its rated very very well.

Thanks guys glad I took your advice.

[aramsdell]

Cryofix, Is the e-500 on your Rex 450SE? What's the cam wiegh?

I just crashed today. Align motor shaft broke inside. Rotor quickly stopped. The motor split in two. I think it pushed on the gears and stopped the rotor.
Bad Pilot.... No Auto! As luck would have it my Olympus Stylus 740 kept the Rex from hitting the rocks too hard. I'm shopping hard tonight.
I like the 740 but I'd like shutter and aperture Priority. Trying to find an Olympus C-7000 near here. Maine that is.

[Tonystott]

Cryofix, Is the e-500 on your Rex 450SE? What's the cam wiegh?

I just crashed today. Align motor shaft broke inside. Rotor quickly stopped. The motor split in two. I think it pushed on the gears and stopped the rotor.
Bad Pilot.... No Auto! As luck would have it my Olympus Stylus 740 kept the Rex from hitting the rocks too hard. I'm shopping hard tonight.
I like the 740 but I'd like shutter and aperture Priority. Trying to find an Olympus C-7000 near here. Maine that is.
Have you looked at the Olympus SP350?. This weighs 90g less than the C7000 and looks to do everything the c7000 does or better (8mp, shutter & aperture priority, RAW etc etc.

I bought mine for $US213 here in Oz.

[Cryofix]

No, I am putting the 500 E onto a Logo 10, there is no way the Trex would be able to handle this camera, the camera actally weighs a half a pound more than the RTF rex 450

I would recommend the Casio Exilim Z850 for any Trex, the continous shot feature keeps your costs down and has great pictures.

[aramsdell]

I just left Ritz camera. The gentleman there was very helpful. They also have a huge selection of 2.4ghz security cams and small veiwers for those so inclined to use it. I looked at a bunch of cams at
A) Walmart. Always a mistake.
B) Sears. Lookin' like Kmart with those crowded aisles and lousy service.
C)Circuit City. Fair selection. Had bought my Olympus 740 there.
D) Ritz. Price good. Counter service The best.

I told the associate light, small,shutter priority,aperture priority,RAW as a last . Fuji E 900. $399.00 uses XD card from my Olympus. 'AA' rechargeables. Does all the above and so much more. 1 year no fault hit it with a hammer abuse plan. approx. $63 $ 179 for 3 years.

I think I'm going to get it. Has anyone else used this camera??????

[dreslism]

I just left Ritz camera. The gentleman there was very helpful. They also have a huge selection of 2.4ghz security cams and small veiwers for those so inclined to use it. I looked at a bunch of cams at
A) Walmart. Always a mistake.
B) Sears. Lookin' like Kmart with those crowded aisles and lousy service.
C)Circuit City. Fair selection. Had bought my Olympus 740 there.
D) Ritz. Price good. Counter service The best.

I told the associate light, small,shutter priority,aperture priority,RAW as a last . Fuji E 900. $399.00 uses XD card from my Olympus. 'AA' rechargeables. Does all the above and so much more. 1 year no fault hit it with a hammer abuse plan. approx. $63 $ 179 for 3 years.

I think I'm going to get it. Has anyone else used this camera??????

Best I can say is I have seen a guy or two over on RR who shoot with the E900 and have posted samples, and 1 or 2 over on rcgroups who shoot with the E900.

Check around for prices. Ritz's price is usually list price or just below, but they will price match local instock prices.

They price matched my rebel to costco's price which suprised me that they would match a membership warehouse.

[lakespinner2]

Has anyone else used this camera??????

aramsdell, I have the little fuji e900 that I bought at wolf/ritz just under a year ago. I'm pretty sure I just saw it at BJ's (a store very similar to Sam's) for $299. I remember thinking the price was better than what I paid, but they don't have the insurance policy option.

I like the camera for a point and shoot. It's not perfect but most of the tiny cameras come with some compromises. I'd say the negative things I've noticed with the e900 is that any ISO over 100 is pretty noisy. 80 and 100 are the ones to use.

The other thing I've noticed is that it has some purple fringing in high contrast areas of the photo, especially near the edges.

Neither of these things are showstoppers but it's something to keep in mind. I do have a wide angle adapter for it but I seldom use it. For awhile I hauled it around on a 4 cell t-rex but lately I've had it strapped to a logo 10.

Back when I got it the panasonic LX1 was the major contender but they were hard to find so I just got the fuji.

The movie mode is pretty decent for a still cam if you're in a pinch.

Here's some photos taken many months ago (except the last one) when we were trying to compare different cameras; the good, the bad ....

http://www.flyupyours.com\e900testpics\e900test.htm

Nearly all the photos I've taken with this camera NEED a pass thru photoshop.

There are probably some cameras out now that are more recent and likely better than this one. If I could get this camera with lower noise at higher ISO's and no purple fringing I'd be a happy camper. Heck, I guess we won't really be happy until we get dslr performance in the same 208 gram package. :wink: