Online Photo Stores -- Why Such A Price Difference?!

I too had the same question, but I figured out that in part, you are not getting quite the same deal that you would get from B and H; that is, accessories that come standard with the camera as a kind of package deal are not included with the package you buy from the cheaper online stores. that is one thing I sometimes noticed. Another is that they hope that when you buy the camera you will also consider buying the flash card, UV filter, lens, and whatever other accessories you would normally need, and these may cost more at the online stores than at B and H. I am sure there are other things involved too. On the other hand, you may in fact get a great deal from one of these places and it could be worth buying the camera from them. One of the websites I go to is: DigitalSaver.com, whcih gives prices from varoius online sellers.

I’d probably steer clear of places like these, and stick with only the reputable dealers. USAPhotoNation.com has a 0.66 customer rating out of 10 with 99 reviews on http://www.resellerratings.com/seller8278.html. I’d look up any of these camera stores at ResellerRatings before purchasing. There usually is a reason they are so much cheaper.

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I don’t want to end up making a mistake, especially when I’m shopping for a camera.

Thomas:
What they told you is true. Nikons with “USA warranty” are more expensive.
None USA Nikons WILL NOT be service in the USA. If you have a problem Nikon Inc. USA will not touch it even if you want to pay them.
I learned this more than 2 years ago when Nikon (in Miami) told me they could not repair even under warranty becuase it was “grey market”. My D100 wasn’t grey market these guys just wanted to rip me off.
This link will crarify more about this stupid Nikon policy. I think Canon will repair any camera anywhere in the world.

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_sid=8wRKvPjh&p_lva=238&p_faqid=331&p_created=1034187768&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9ncmlkc29ydD0mcF9yb3dfY250PTE4JnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9d2FycmFudHkmcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT0zJnBfcHJvZF9sdmwxPX5hbnl_JnBfcHJvZF9sdmwyPX5hbnl_JnBfY2F0X2×2bDE9fmFueX4mcF9wYWdlPTE*&p_li

Not that it makes much difference to you guys in the US but Nikon UK will service any camera regardless of it’s origins.
However, it will not service under warranty anything purchased outside the UK.

It seems to me Nikon in the US have a strict policy probably because the “Greys” are mainly from undesirable countries.

It might be worth checking out if any LS members know of a Authorised Nikon repair center local to you who will fix all Nikon (at a price)
& way up the possible potential savings.

Thomas! I purchased a D2X from ROBERTS’s the price advertised on the website is $4999 but when i called they said the price was actually $4699 so try giving a call !
the website is

http://www.robertsimaging.com/
or call : 800 726 5544
ask for Jody Grober

good luck!
LEO

Mark: In my experience the Miami Authorised NIkon center will repair any Nikon (for a price) if they have the tools.
Some more delicate work can only be done with special tools in Nikon Inc. in Melville NY or Torrance CA.