I'm going to be in NYC for 3 days in August and would very much like to buy a GOOD digital camera. They are sooooo expensive in London, so I'm hoping to snap up a bargain somewhere in NYC. (Or am I kidding myself?) Can you recommend any reputable shops that sell value-for-money digital cameras?
Many thanks

If you want a competitive price and a reputable merchant with great selectioin to look at etc., try B&H Photo on 9th Ave at 34th Street. They will not be the cheapest but not only are they knowledgeable and well staffed, it's a unique retail operation that must be seen to be appreciated. They close early on Friday Afternoons and are closed on Saturdays due to the Jewish Sabbath but are open on Sundays. J&R Photo and Video is anohter reputable source wiht good selection and if they're runnign a special on a certain model(s) they might be a tad cheaper (but not always). Their sale prices are lower than B&H but regular prices may be a few $$ higher - they're on Park Row near City Hall in downtown Manhattan. If you want lowest price in a retail store in the city, Adorama is likely the cheapest or among the lowest prices. They're on 18th Street a block or so west of Broadway. Bare bones type operation in terms of retail snazz but they have been around a long time and are big national mail order specialists. By all means avoid the ubiquitous shops that you'll see in the Times Square area and eslewhere. These are the small places with flashing lights in the windows and they sell everything from binoculars to umbrellas to postcards and have digital cameras in the window. You may or may not get a good price and may also end up with "gray market" goods that lack a USA warranty.

Hi Bonnie,our friends from London were here last weekend and bought their camera at J&R! They did their research online, then just bought it when they got here.Good luck,have fun in the City.

I have had good luck with B&H, but there are literally HUNDREDS of other large and small shops in NYC, so I would price shop a bit. I found that it helps to be looking for 1 or 2 specific models, so you have a very clear idea of what a competative price should be.

I'd stay away from shops in midtown and just stick with B&H or Adorama.

Some of these smaller shops will try to rip you off.

They'll take out the case or other accessories out of the original packaging and charge you extra for items that should be standard.

On the internet, they charge an exorbitant shipping cost.

They'll advertise an ultra low price to entice you in only to tell you they're out of stock, but they have an even better model.

B&H and J&R are the best. I just bought my digital camera at B&H (I'm lazy - I mail-ordered it).

Those other small electronics shops often sell you refurbished or grey market goods. I definitely wouldn't go to them if i were you! My ex-BF bought a camera at one, and noticed it said "refurbished" and the lens was cracked - AFTER he got it home. They wouldn't let him return or exchange it.

If you're in NYC over a certain weekend in August (I believe it's the 9th - 11th...or perhaps the following weekend??), there will be NO TAX on ANYTHING downtown, including cameras, so you just might want to take the trip down to J&R (across the street/just east of City Hall Park).

I would agree that J&R is a good choice so is the Wiz and there are several of their locations all over the city. Also you might try Century 21, they have some good prices on cameras and lots of other things as well. YOu are comming at a great time, with the NO TAX, that saves you another 8 percent.

Shop around and find the best deal before you buy. Also you can haggle at many of the smaller camera stores.

Have a great time while you are here.

tweedy

If you are willing to take last seasons technology you might find a good deal on Ubid.com. I got a very good buy there and while it is not the latest techonology it does everything that I need it to do.

Many thanks for all the feedback. I've identified a few suitable models/brands and have made a note of their UK prices - and will price compare at B&H and J&R when I get to NYC this weekend.

I'm a photographer and also work for a camera store. NO ONE can beat B&H prices, not even the store I work for. If you're going to New York, it's the answer.

I bought our digital camera, an Olympus Camedia 4040, online through B&H and could not be more satisfied with every aspect of the sale. This was a Christmas gift for my husband, and despite the season, they shipped promptly 2nd day air at no extra charge. As well as the camera price being a bargain, their prices for the larger memory cards were far below any other site I found. Two thumbs up!

B & H and J&R are by dar the most reliable places with excellent prices.
There will be other places that look like they can save you a few dollars, but anyone with significantly lower prices probably has a catch with the price, as others have mentioned. Both stores have been around a long time and will likely be there in the future if you have problems.
BTW, the tax free days in August (only for stores below Canal street--such as J&R ) are August 20-22

That reminds me, if you live outside NY state, there is no sales tax either if you buy through B&H online and have it shipped. Considerable savings right there!

First, I identified the Brand and model camera I wanted Then, I checked out EBay and saved about 20% buying on Ebay.

Tips for buying camera on Ebay:
1. Check feedback, of course.

2. Only buy from an Authorized dealer of the camera you want.

3. Confirm that the camera is new(never used) and not a customer return or demo.

4. Confirm that the camera comes with a US warranty as opposed to a "grey market" warranty.

5. Pay by credit card, not check.

6. Only pay reasonable shipping cost.