$299 XTi DSLR (?)

[Greg Campbell]

Refurbished XTi, with 90 day Adorama warranty. $299
http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXTIBR.html?emailprice=t

It doesn't seem to come with anything else, not even a battery.
Edit - OK, I'm blind. It's a fairly complete body kit, lacking only a CF memory card. (See Scott's post below. )

If this was any other NY camera shop (excepting B&H), I'd think "sucker buy!"
Adorama, however, does have a pretty decent reputation. It might be worth giving them a call... Make sure they are 100% clear on the warranty and return terms.

-Greg

 

[Scott Weberpal]

This is what the "item includes" link says...

Digital Rebel XTi SLR Camera Body, Black - Neck Strap - Viewfinder Cap - Body Cap - NB-2LH Battery Pack - CB-2LT Battery Charger - Video Cable - USB Interface Cable - EOS Digital Solutions CD-ROM: ZoomBrowser EX, ImageBrowser, ArcSoft PhotoStudio - Digital Photo Professional 1.6 CD-ROM: RAW File Conversion - Instruction Manual CD-ROM (PDF Versions of the Instruction Manuals) - User's Guides
90 day Adorama Warranty

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

I've bought some items from Adorama, but I must say they are top drawer as a business - or top shelf - whichever term you prefer. I purchased a 50mm f/1.4 lens for $300/ship incl. Nice!

I bought a lens hood for that 50mm and for my 10-22mm too - which is made by their own mfr - not Canon. They are XLNT lens hoods - both of them. Perfect fit and less money - paying for plastic hoods was best with Adorama. I also bought a lens pen and had them put it on the same shipment. If Adorama is giving a great deal on the XTi - you can count on them to come thru.

I have nothing but good to say about Adorama. The salesman was witty, funny, knowledgeable, helpful, and efficient. He almost pushed me over the edge to get the used 24-70mm for a grand that I was also eyeballing. That is not a flaw, as I was almost ready to buy it anyway. But I have only good experiences with them, and I would go to them for whatever I would need - just because they are that good. No Problem-O.

On the other hand, I had a BIG problem with PhotoDynasty. I wouldn't trust them with the time of day. Keep away from them like the plague - IMHO - and that is from my own personal experience too!

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

Adorama is a good company. Maybe a notch below B&H, but that's still way up there. Only problem I ever had with them was after I purchased an expensive lens through them and they left a voicemail on my phone regarding an "urgent concern about your order". I call them back on my dime and it turns out that some salesman named Mario just wants to try to upsell me on accessories for the lens. That's not cool. However, the lens (a refurb L telephoto) has performed flawlessly for two years now, and in the end, it's hard to beat them for value.

 

[Jason Foster]

Maybe Gray Market?

In the 90s, that was the only place I bought my stuff from via telephone/catalog (pre-web business era). Always got huge discounts.

One thing I kinda have forgot about because I haven't bought any myself, and now that I almost always use B&H, who doesn't sell them, but Gray Market cameras I believe might be responsible for some cost discounts. It is essentially (if I remember right) a camera that isn't type accepted by the FCC, nor do they come with any warranties. I believe also that they may have been manufactured in countries not as regulated as others so labor might be much less. I remember a photographer friend explaining a little bit about it, but that was 12+ years ago. Maybe something worth checking.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

The camera is refurbished

 

[Greg Campbell]

The camera is refurbished

Yea, that's why it's nearly half off!
Some will see it as a screaming deal, others as a foolish risk.