Internet, Mail Order or Local Photo Store?

I'm about to buy a new digital camera (probably an Olympus C-3040), and am trying to decide where to purchase it. The internet ads seem to save 20% or more, and photo magazine ads about 10% off of the best price I can find from a local camera store. Internet ratings sites haven't helped much. Does anyone have actual experience with buying from a reliable mail-order or internet establishment?

Thanks for any help.

Chuck Baker
Rockville, MD

If you have an American Express card, you can buy from your favorite local camera shop. AmEx will refund you the price difference between what you pay locally and the lowest price you can find on the net, even if the low price is from a company with a horrible reputation. The limits on the refund are: not less than $20, not more than $200 per item, not more than $1000 per year.

It's a good deal, allowing you to help keep your favorite local shop in business while still getting best price.

If you decide to go mail order or internet instead, here is a good place to start:

http://www.photo.net/neighbor/one-subcategory?id=2

Paul Gustafson

Hey - I bought the 3040Z in late December off of a "Buy It Now" post on eBay. Great price, delivery, no problemos.

How did you decide on the 3040? In retrospect, I wish I had bought a camera with a smaller lens. The 3040 will vinette on you fairly easily. I have resorted to the 40mm Scopetronix EP for astrophotography with it because it virtually eliminates vinetting.
John