I will be in NYC on Wednesday and am looking to buy a camcorder. Aren't there a bunch of shops in or near times square some electronics bargains can be had? (or am I better off at my local circuit city).

Thanks!

You're better off locally. There are tons of electronic shops all over the city, but they are not always reliable. There could be problems with warranties and refunds if there's a problem. Reliable places in the city (beside the usual chains, i personally don't like the Wiz) are J&R (located downtown) and B&H photo. You can also purchase on-line from both these places.

They are a rip-off. Don't even buy film in Times Square. Many photo and electronics enthusiast all over the country ONLY shop at B&H in Manhattan. bhphoto.com

You can buy online and pay shipping instead of sales tax or buy in person and pay the tax - your choice. They're closed on Saturday, the owners name is Henry and he frequently posts on the photo discussion groups so he keeps in touch with his clients and any problems they are having. I see no reason to buy anywhere else. I don't work there or have any vested interests. I am a photographer and have referred many friends there with no complaints. A friend just bought a Canon digital camcorder and couldn't beat the price anywhere.

thanks very much for the tips. I am sort of a babe in the woods when it comes to electronics shopping.

Great info here. DO NOT shop at those stores in Times Square or other parts of midtown that have postcards racks (10 for a dollar) outside and electronics inside. Guaranteed ripoffs (along the lines of "the camera is $99, but the instruction booklet, which you have to buy, is another $50...") There is even info on the offcial NYC website advising tourists and locals to be aware of this kind of bad business.(look at
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/dcaelec.html )
Both B & H and J&R are reliable, but yoiu can also buy from them online (and probably save yourself the sales tax, if you're out of state)

Stay away from Times Square electronics stores. Many sell "refurbished" goods. Go to B&H on 34th and 9th (?) or J&R downtown across from City Hall. They both have great prices and knowledgeable salespeople. I've ordered camera equipment from B&H online...their customer service was excellent! (they called when they were about to ship my order, and again later to make sure I received it). Note: B&H is not open on Saturdays.

I too want to jump on the "buyer beware" bandwagon. Don't know B&H but J&R has a website. Find what you want and see how their prices compare to your Best Buys and Circuit Citys back home. You'll probably still do better at a big chain and you've got some recourse if the damn thing breaks.

Mike,
I'll second (or third) the suggestion to avoid the small electronics shops in and around Times Square. If you are getting a great price, it's probably because they are selling you old technology. Unless you are savvy about these things, the salesmen at these places will see a big sign on your forehead saying "potential sucker".

Unless you want them to ship it to you, you also might want to remember that NYC has an 8.25% sales tax. Before you price shop, you might want to consider the real savings versus buying one at home or on the internet (no sales tax.)