Amazon vs B&H for purchase?

[Marine03]

Buying a 6D today... will be huge upgrade from my 450D, the only question I have is for ease of returns or warranty does it matter?

[neuroanatomist]

Congrats!

Doesn't really matter (as long as you're buying direct from Amazon, not a 3rd party even if fulfilled by Amazon). 

[crasher8]

Depends, perhaps you would like to speak to a product specialist or partake in the various contests through B&H. Amazon may sell what you want but B&H is a fantastic organization with a wealth of products, information and support for folks in our craft.

[Rockets95]

If you're in the mid-west somewhere, consider Norman Camera in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids Michigan. They are extremely knowledgable, give B&H pricing, have most everything in stock and provide free shipping on orders over $50. I get my stuff the next day living in NW Ohio (2 1/2 hours away). They also advertise on this website.

[curtisnull]

You can't beat the service of B&H. I've been buying from them for over 25 years now. When I have had a problem, which is rare, they always take care of me.

[bigmag13]

Also try Adorama.com out of NY. I prefer them over B&H and have NEVER had a problem they are very patient and knowledgeable also. they ship fast, I have had no probs with my past returns and I believe a person from there org is active on this forum!

[scrappydog]

I buy a lot of stuff from Amazon.  However, I only buy top camera gear from Canon, B&H, and Adorama.  I simply don't trust Amazon due to my concern that some of their products are counterfeit.  I had a customer service issue with B&H and it was zero hassle.  If it were me, I would buy from B&H.

[charlestx]

Buying a 6D today... will be huge upgrade from my 450D, the only question I have is for ease of returns or warranty does it matter?

Where you live may matter.  B&H only collects sales taxes if you live in NY.  Amazon collects for several states.

[TexasBadger]

Where you live may matter.  B&H only collects sales taxes if you live in NY.  Amazon collects for several states.

B&H or Adorama.  B&H no sales tax outside of NY, Adorama, no sales tax outside of NY or NJ.

[barracuda]

Doesn't really matter (as long as you're buying direct from Amazon, not a 3rd party even if fulfilled by Amazon).

I'm curious about your caveat for 3rd party vendors fulfilled by Amazon.

I'm in California where Amazon started collecting sales taxes late last year. Goods from out-of-state vendors fullfilled by Amazon, however, are not taxed. So when pricing is in my favor and provided that the 3rd party vendor is an authorized Canon dealer, I have made purchases in this way. So far, I have not had any problems. Are there any potential problems out there that I'm not aware of? Thanks.

(Btw, I'm aware of California use taxes.)

[Dylan777]

I'll go with B&H....100% authorized dealer.

[jdramirez]

Amazon has the sales tax issue for me... so unless their deal is outrageous... I'd lead towards B&H.

[RC]

Up until February 1st it was a toss up for me, and I have bought from both regularly but I did favor Amazon because I used an Amazon credit card and got a nice kicked back in credit for future purchases.

As of Feb 1st, Amazon started charging me tax.  I cannot tell if it is Federal or state.  B&H does not charge me tax, at least not yet.  The only thing I can figure is there is an Amazon warehouse in my state/county.  Sorry to say but I will not be making anymore large camera purchases from Amazon as long I can buy tax free from B&H.  It is a pity because Amazon's service is fantastic but so is B&H.  I've had such bad luck with Adorama (3 problems out of the last 4 orders) that I don't plan on giving them another order.  So for me right now, B&H is my single source for major purchases.

Either Amazon or B&H are excellent, you can't go wrong with either.  I would run the items through your cart to verify what the final price will be.  Congrats on the upgrade, exciting times.

[neuroanatomist]

Doesn't really matter (as long as you're buying direct from Amazon, not a 3rd party even if fulfilled by Amazon).

I'm curious about your caveat for 3rd party vendors fulfilled by Amazon.

"Fulfilled by Amazon" sort of sounds like Amazon is the seller, but they're just the shipper.  3rd party vendors on Amazon, whoever ships the merchandise, can be risky.  Amazon is an authorized Canon dealer, the 3rd party may not be.  There have been lots of instances of grey market items, counterfeit batteries, etc., from 3rd party sellers on Amazon.  Yes, Amazon has the A-to-Z guarantee, but having to use that is likely to involve jumping through more than a few hoops.

[Marine03]

I ended up going with Amazon because they offered 30 day free trial of Amazon Prime which meant 2 day free shipping so I will have it for my Birthday on the 6th.  So I saved about 50 dollars that way compared to B&H.   

Only purchased the body, so I'll be using my Nifty Fifty for a while longer... depending on how much cash from family I get for my birthday I'm leaning Toward the Tamron 24-70 F2.8      Otherwise maybe the Kit lens but thats only an F4 so semi low lens, not sure that if would be worth it.