5D Mark III - Extended Warranty $469

[TheCanadian]

Hi everyone,

I'm just a photographer enthusiast who just bought a 5D Mark iii. The store is offering a 3 year warranty for $469 at Henry's here in Canada. Is it worth the warranty?  I used a credit card and it does offer extended warranty for a year but has anyone ever had experience using warranty claims through a credit card?  Is it a hassle?  Should I purchase the extended?  Thanks

[7enderbender]

Sounds like a rip-off to me. I never buy "extended warranties". Perhaps look into the CPS program if you qualify. That at least gets you one or two free cleanings and cheaper repairs from Canon. And insurance can be a good idea (if available in your area - as a Massachusetts resident I still haven't found any insurance company...)

[Rat]

'Rip-off' is too kind. Extended warranties are bullsh*t. If your camera malfunctions through manufacturer's fault, you'll find out well within the year, so you don't need it for that. They'll most certainly will not cover theft, or damage through your own fault (and *everything* eventually is your fault, because you let it etc. etc.).  Of course it depends on the exact terms, but as far as I know it is just easy money for the vendor.

Insurance, however, is always a good plan. That won't be much cheaper, but it will cover problems that arise through actual use.

[jb]

I also find them a ripoff, but if you feel more comfortable with one I would suggest Square Trade. They were offering 3 years for $299 with the option to cover accidental damage coverage.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I paid $100 from Adorama 4 years ago when  bought my 5D MK II, and that was overpriced.
Use your AMEX Card when you buy a camera.  Amex doubles the manufacturers warranty, so you get a 2 year warranty at no extra charge.  So0me other CC's do this as well.  This means $400+ for just the 3rd year?
Sucker Bait!!

[ishdakuteb]

I paid $100 from Adorama 4 years ago when  bought my 5D MK II, and that was overpriced.
Use your AMEX Card when you buy a camera.  Amex doubles the manufacturers warranty, so you get a 2 year warranty at no extra charge.  So0me other CC's do this as well.  This means $400+ for just the 3rd year?
Sucker Bait!!

if buying extended warranty, amex warranty will not applied any more.  and amex will only work when you pay your merchandise in full with amex.  that is what i have understood their policy.  anyone has different experiences?

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I paid $100 from Adorama 4 years ago when  bought my 5D MK II, and that was overpriced.
Use your AMEX Card when you buy a camera.  Amex doubles the manufacturers warranty, so you get a 2 year warranty at no extra charge.  So0me other CC's do this as well.  This means $400+ for just the 3rd year?
Sucker Bait!!

if buying extended warranty, amex warranty will not applied any more.  and amex will only work when you pay your merchandise in full with amex.  that is what i have understood their policy.  anyone has different experiences?

The point is, don't buy a extended warranty.  Use your AMEX to pay for the Camera!  If you have cash, use it to pay the Amex bill when it comes due. 
Amex has no idea about the extended warranty, but you can only have a camera repaired once.  With a extended warranty, they take care of the repairs, they do not bill you or send you money.  you can't collect twice.

[TheCanadian]

Thanks everyone,

I was informed that its an additional 3 years on top of the 1 year warranty from Canon making a total of 4 years.  I have had my rebel for 3.5 years with no trouble and am hoping I have the same luck with the 5d mark iii.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Thanks everyone,

I was informed that its an additional 3 years on top of the 1 year warranty from Canon making a total of 4 years.  I have had my rebel for 3.5 years with no trouble and am hoping I have the same luck with the 5d mark iii.

Normally, a 3 year warranty does not add on to the Canon Warranty, but includes it.  Of course, it can, but then they usually call it a 4 year warranty.
In any event, the price is way out of line.
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&cat1=Cameras%20%26%20Lenses&cat2=Camera%20Service%20Contracts&feature1=Mack

[Northstar]

NO WAY...98% of cameras are built very well without defect....use the almost $500 to buy a nice prime like the 85 or 50 instead.

[jrista]

Extended warranties are such sketchy territorry. They are usually serviced by someone else besides the manufacturer. That "someone else" may not be as qualified. They may not even EXIST 2-3 years from now, as those kinds of firms often go out of business due to poor business models, litigation (due to, say, shoddy workmanship or wasting customers' time with extensively long repair periods, multiple failed repair attempts, etc.)

If you know EXACTLY who is going to be doing the servicing of your extended warranty, trust they have the skill to do a good job in a timely manner without putting your equipment at risk, and trust they will still be around when you need them, then...well, then the decision is yours. But you need the planets, stars, and galaxies in the local group to all line up perfectly for all of those separate factors to converge on a single extended warranty servicer...       

RISKY!!

[wickidwombat]

i paid $200 for an additional 2 years canon extended warranty when i got my 5Dmk3 i was assured this was canon and not some dodgy 3rd party warranty so it has a total of 3 years manufacturer warranty