Just buy online
Discussion
Warning - low quality rant incoming
I have flirted with cameras/photography for decades and generally oscillate between a chunky SLR that takes epic pics and is not particularly portable versus a mobile phone with a decent but not excellent camera that I carry with me all the time
We have a trip to Yosemite in a few weeks and so I wondered what options are out there to take better pics than my iPhone yet still fit in a jacket pocket or small backpack
The main contender being a Sony RX100 vii
Happily I have a nationally respected, in terms of online reviews, retailer down the road so I wandered down today to take a look
Please note the Sony is seldom discounted and much like running shoes I am happy to value local expert advice rather than go online so the deal was pretty much done before I arrived
Unfortunately not only did they not have one to show me but I had to wait 20 mins for the 'compact guy' to return from a break to talk to me
Honestly, what am I paying for here buying from these guys?
Cotswold had it at 10% off last week so discounts are clearly available
Ideas on where else to look online would be welcome
Its frustrating that an old school shop trading on customer service doesnt actualy provide any face to face support yet still wants full list price
If I buy online at a modest discount and the camera isnt what I want I cant return for free with no consequence
And no, my local shop wasnt Jessops
numtumfutunch said:
Cotswold had it at 10% off last week so discounts are clearly available
In case you didn't know, Cotswold Cameras only sell Grey Imports.It shouldn't be a problem, but it's something to be aware of.
ETA - they currently aren't listing any Sony cameras, maybe Sony has stopped them.
Edited by sgrimshaw on Thursday 12th March 10:57
sgrimshaw said:
numtumfutunch said:
Cotswold had it at 10% off last week so discounts are clearly available
In case you didn't know, Cotswold Cameras only sell Grey Imports.It shouldn't be a problem, but it's something to be aware of.
ETA - they currently aren't listing any Sony cameras, maybe Sony has stopped them.
Edited by sgrimshaw on Thursday 12th March 10:57
Im happy with the grey import thing, cant remember when exactly - possibly the 90s - but it was a big thing in the photography world at the time
Cheers
I have a camera shop local to me.
A few years ago I was after a new camera and I wanted to find how it felt in my hands. Although it felt OK, I wasn't that happy with it. Tried a couple of others and the salesperson suggested I try one I hadn't even considered. Long story short, I bought the one suggested cause it felt so comfortable.
It was a fraction dearer than online, but I was happy to pay for it. Tried a selection of lenses; picked two. I doubt I would have discovered what camera felt the best other than by handling it in comparison with others, and I was able to discuss relative merits with the chap. This sort of service isn't available online. My local has quite a few staff serving but I have had to wait a few minutes now and again, queuing in this case.
When considering a replacement tripod I tried probably half a dozen or so. Backpacks the same, although I ended up not buying any. That's a benefit as well. The one I went in to look at was well reviewed online, generating over 4* and around 5% 1s, mostly suggesting they were sent a returned one so not new.
There is a cost to going to my local. There's fuel, but as I live in Burgess Hill, and the camera shop is there, there is sometimes, but by no means always, a slight increase in cost, and I've had to wait minutes sometimes to be served. I've never had to return any item, but that's an inconvenience online. Given the service I've received, sometimes two members of staff sorting something out, it's a bargain.
A few years ago I was after a new camera and I wanted to find how it felt in my hands. Although it felt OK, I wasn't that happy with it. Tried a couple of others and the salesperson suggested I try one I hadn't even considered. Long story short, I bought the one suggested cause it felt so comfortable.
It was a fraction dearer than online, but I was happy to pay for it. Tried a selection of lenses; picked two. I doubt I would have discovered what camera felt the best other than by handling it in comparison with others, and I was able to discuss relative merits with the chap. This sort of service isn't available online. My local has quite a few staff serving but I have had to wait a few minutes now and again, queuing in this case.
When considering a replacement tripod I tried probably half a dozen or so. Backpacks the same, although I ended up not buying any. That's a benefit as well. The one I went in to look at was well reviewed online, generating over 4* and around 5% 1s, mostly suggesting they were sent a returned one so not new.
There is a cost to going to my local. There's fuel, but as I live in Burgess Hill, and the camera shop is there, there is sometimes, but by no means always, a slight increase in cost, and I've had to wait minutes sometimes to be served. I've never had to return any item, but that's an inconvenience online. Given the service I've received, sometimes two members of staff sorting something out, it's a bargain.
numtumfutunch said:
Yes, Id spotted that and wish Id bought last week when they definitely had stock
Is a Sony refurbished one of any interest?Sony 12mth warranty
https://www.cameracentreuk.com/sony-cyber-shot-rx1...
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