Where's the best place to buy camera?

ironderek

Hi, where will be the best(cheapest), trusted place to buy new camera(normal shop or web shop)?
I choosed to buy Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. What do you think, is it good choice, or can I get something better for to same money?

AnCatDubh

Local bricks and mortar would appear to be Gunns of Wexford Street, but don't knock your local Argos.

I think there is a boards.ie discount available in the Camera Centre (?) in Blanchardstown. katiemaloe may be able to provide details.

EDIT: ** Clarified by Dr. Louis in subsequent post - offer applies to printing **

A think a long search on the web might be in order too.

Kerso (Scotland) is often recommended as is Kea Photo (Hong Kong I think).

Jessops if you are into an up north trip.

Ghost Train

pixmania normally has good prices, can be a bit annoying with first order security check(if they still do that), have heard some bad customer reviews but have found them okay. Amazon seem to ship electronics to Ireland once more so worth checking prices there.

DotOrg

From the FAQ at the top of this forum:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=54453007&postcount=1

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First of all - Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware. This applies to wherever you buy goods or services.

This list is based largely on the original resource list with any irrelevant/out of date postings/links removed, it is not an exhaustive list and may be added to and amended as required by the Mods. Any comments are based on feedback from members and in no way constitute approval or endorsement by Boards.ie.

The standard disclaimer if you purchase from outside the EU.
Import Tax and other charges:
Custom fees, import duties, VAT fees may be imposed by the customs authorities or their agents e.g. the shipping company and are payable by the buyer (note that the Courier Company will levy a fee + VAT for handling these fees). Always read the shipping information prior to ordering anything.

The list is categorised broadly as follows;
1. Irish equipment suppliers
2. EU Sources
3. American
4. e-bay Shops
5. Other Services/Products

Irish Suppliers

John Gunn Camera Shop, 16 Wexford Street D2 (opposite Whelans pub), phone 01 4781226
Highly recommended and much respected, friendly, knowledgeable & good value as far as an Irish shop is concerned (No website)

http://www.barkerphotographic.ie/
Based in Cork

http://www.dml.ie
Dublin, in the past failed to reply to queries by e-mail etc. official distributors for amongst others manfrotto

Image Supplies Systems
Dublin Canon’s Authorised agents, sell the full range of Canon Products – often have clinic days where complimentary servicing/cleaning is carried out for Canon cameras

http://www.cameraexchange.ie/
Dublin Recommended by some members

http://www.camera.ie/
Camera Centre Dublin, Grafton St, The Square Tallaght, Blanchardstown

http://www.hallcameras.ie/
Dublin

http://www.denismacsweeny.com/store/
Cork & Clonmel based

http://www.pixels.ie/

http://www.connscameras.ie/
Dublin, Negative comments regarding the prices from this shop

http://www.berminghamcameras.ie/
Dublin

List of Camera Shops in Ireland (3 years old now)


European Suppliers

http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/
Good selection of kit and dependable service.

http://www.ajpurdy.co.uk/

http://www.jonathanharris.co.uk
For used equipment this company is recommend

http://www.tekmo.co.uk/
Very competitive prices products ship from Hong Kong, shipping is free.

www.ffordes.com
UK based - Good selection, reliable and always good advice. New & second-hand items.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/
Huge inventory, UK based

www.mxv.co.uk
UK based Selection not quite as good as Ffordes, but good all the same, reliable too.

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk
Recommended as a supplier of Lee filters

Camera Price Buster
for comparing UK based dealers prices

www.mx2.com
Jersey based
Good prices for film and inkjet consumables.

www.7dayshop.com
Jersey based. Competitive prices for film and inkjet consumables, now sell Canon Cameras, however have recently put up shipping prices from £3.95 Stg. increased to £7.95 Stg

www.photoglossy.com.
Another Jersey based company

Argos.ie

Pixmania.ie
Based in France. Some members reported having negative experiences with this company to the point that they stated that they would not deal with them again, while others stated that they had positive dealings with them.

komplett.ie

www.cam-ireland.com/
Cam-Ireland - Based in Germany will send COD

technikdirekt
Recommended by Boards members

AC-Foto
German Shop used by members in the past

http://www.digiwowo.net/
formerly known as ny.camera.com which went bankrupt, there are negative posts circulating about this company around the internet on various forums, however at this time it’s not known if the company has changed hands etc. This company continues to trade but there are no recent reports on the status of this company.

computeruniverse

German electrical store - has a large and comprehensive range of cameras and lenses


Most German companies have a different way of authorising and validating payment than other countries. Also since they increased their VAT the German market has not been attractive. price wise as it once was.


America
www.bhphotovideo.com
Very competitive prices, be prepared to go a little extra to get the CC validated and authorised, calculate VAT and if it’s not for a Digital imaging device e.g. if it’s for a flash, battery etc. calculate Duty as well. People infer that this is the ‘Mecca’ of photography with the best range of photo kit in the world. One comment “If they ain't got it, it ain't worth having”.
They are located in Manhattan on the corner of 9th and 33rd. Be aware if visiting in person that State Tax is applied to any purchase (8.38%). They don't open Saturday (Jewish establishment).



e bay

All these stores have been recommended by members at some stage. Remember the Duty/VAT conditions may apply to purchases from any of these companies that locate the product outside of the EU. Do check out the reputation of e bay companies and also warranty details etc. prior to bidding.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/FLASH-CAMERA

http://stores.ebay.ie/Kea-Photo

http://stores.ebay.ie/UR-Galaxy-Ltd-Photo-Electronics

http://stores.ebay.ie/Hong-Kong-Supplies

http://stores.ebay.ie/DigitalRev-Photography-Shop

http://stores.ebay.ie/TrendyPod (Update: No Longer Trading - Fajitas!)

http://stores.ebay.ie/Chinaarts-Digital-Camera-Company


Other Services/Products

Memory
www.memoryc.com

www.shop4memory.com

http://www.picstop.co.uk/

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/


Wacom online shop
world leader in the market for pen tablets


Darkroom

www.thedarkroom.co.uk
UK based. papers, chemicals, accessories, enlargers, drums, tanks, processors, Good prices too.

http://www.novadarkroom.com

Mounts/Framing/Canvas

http://www.silverprint.co.uk/

http://www.retrophotographic.com/

http://www.framingfantastic.co.uk/
NI company specialising in framing and mount cutting

http://www.reads.ie/index.html
for canvas etc.

http://www.updone.com/
American company – will ship to Ireland

Ink
http://www.inkmaestro.ie/
Dublin, Ink and Paper

ink4europe.com
Galway, Ink

http://www.cartridgeireland.ie/

http://www.irelandink.com/
Roscommon, Ink & Paper

Online Printing

http://www.photobox.ie

http://www.aldiphotos.ie/

http://www.spectra.ie/index.aspx

http://ie.foto.com/

fujifilm.ie
Fujifilm Stores in Ireland

Anouilh

I usually buy in Conn's Cameras and found that when I compared prices on the Internet, once I added postage and packing fees, they are quite competitive for many items. The advantage of having a friendly chat and plenty of advice on what to buy makes me prefer shops to the Internet.

Gunns is a wonderful shop and worth a visit. If you go towards the back of the interior, there are usually very interesting photos pinned up for viewing.

hopelessOne

I've also just noticed that jessops.co.uk now accept Irish credit cards and the shipping was about half what warehouse express charges. I only ordered over the weekend so can't comment on the whole experience yet. Oh, and the prices seem very competitive on some items (I saved £170 on a lens vs warehouse express)

Dr.Louis

AnCatDubh wrote: »

I think there is a boards.ie discount available in the Camera Centre (?) in Blanchardstown. katiemaloe may be able to provide details.

This is only for bulk printing of 35mm film (the free stuff from unicare!). There is no dicount on any cameras/accessories etc... (unfortunately)

(PS- I work with Katiemaloe in the CC)

pyzon

I'd add Grays of Westminster to that European list, although exclusively Nikon dealers fantastic service and prices.

http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/

I picked up my Nikon D700 and 24-70mm f/2.8G lens there and had it delivered within 24hrs saving 500Euro than anywhere in Ireland including delivery.

And currently using B&H in NYC for a crumpler 8 million dollar home bag, battery-grip and strap...it's unfortunate I have to spend outside the state but, I want the best price.

osullc10

Anouilh wrote: »

The advantage of having a friendly chat and plenty of advice on what to buy makes me prefer shops to the Internet.

Old post, but I had to reply. This is one reason I really dislike bricks-and-mortar camera shops compared to the internet - the "friendly chat and plenty of advice". I can't stand this. I, like many others, know plenty about cameras and photography, I do my own research and I know what I want. In my experience, the salesperson treats you like you know nothing about cameras/photography, and it really is impossible for them to be fully familiar with all the options available, whether they have it for sale or not. I'm not in there to make friends either.

Makes me sound like an awful pr*ck, doesn't it?!

pullandbang

osullc10 wrote: »

Makes me sound like an awful pr*ck, doesn't it?!

Yep!