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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
Buying a GL2

Gilbert Bravo
Novice

Mar 22, 2005, 1:48 PM

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Buying a GL2	Can't Post

Hi All,
I am trying to buy a Canon GL2 camcorder. Has anyone ever bought anything from A&M Photoworld (http://www.amphotoworld.com/product.asp?id=cngl2&l=Everyprice). I understand that they are not an authorized dealer for Canon, but their price is great. Any suggestions?

TIA,
Gilbert

Paul Luis
Novice

Mar 22, 2005, 1:56 PM

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Re: [Gilbert Bravo] Buying a GL2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

For the love of God stay away from them and any other company that advertises a GL2 for a lot less than they are acutally worth. These guys are pirates!!!!!

You know the old saying "If it sounds to good to be true, run like hell in the opposite direction" Sorry that's my version.

Check the trading forum here and other likes this one or try your luck on Ebay.

Good Luck,

Paul Luis
--------------------------------------------------------
Sony PD150, iMac G5, FCE, iMovie, Pro Tools, gadgets, gadgets, gadgets

belsokar
User

Mar 22, 2005, 2:40 PM

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Re: [Paul Luis] Buying a GL2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

that's not entirely true...if its something like $1000 less than anyone else, then be very skeptical, but you can often find savings of $200-$400 from reputable dealers working on razor-thin margins...the best thing to do is check resellerratings.com (i believe that is the name),...if they are rated highly, then by all means order from them,...just make sure you know what you're getting, and that you use a credit card that will protect you in case of fraud...I no longer order most of my camera gear from places like B&H because I always find I can save at least $200-$300 by going through reputable dealers like dbuys.com or butterflyphoto.com. those savings alone go towards gear like tripods, wireless mics, etc...

Darrell Aubert
Veteran

Mar 22, 2005, 4:26 PM

Post #4 of 10 (3620 views)
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Re: [Gilbert Bravo] Buying a GL2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm about to purchase a GL2 myself. This is the best time to get one since canon is offering a 250 dollar rebate on any new GL2!

Try www.buydig.com and search for gl2
With the rebate your new GL2 will be about 1700 USD - A great Deal!
Buydig is a very reputable dealer as well.
Try www.resellerratings.com if you have any doubts about a website.

P.S. www.amphotoworld.com has a rating of 0.62.... STAY AWAY!!!

Darrell Aubert
The Smugboy

(This post was edited by Sir Larry of D on Mar 22, 2005, 4:30 PM)

JesseR
Enthusiast

Mar 22, 2005, 7:34 PM

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Re: [Sir Larry of D] Buying a GL2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

We purchased our first GL2 from Buydig.com. Be sure to call Canon and verify by street address if a reseller is AUTHORIZED! This is very important as Canon will NOT honor rebates from non-authorized resellers. Canon has been running the $250 rebate since July 15, 2003. I know this because I purchased my first GL2 the day the offer started.

I thought anyday they would release a GL3, but no dice yet. The camera is very good and served us well, but we sold both of our Canon December '04 and moved to Sony's. One of the best choices we've made.

timsvideo@sbcgl
Novice

Mar 22, 2005, 7:55 PM

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Re: [Gilbert Bravo] Buying a GL2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

We have two GL1's and two GL2's. All purchased from B&H. Found was the best price from established merchants. GL1's have been in the shop for worn heads but GL2's are going strong.
Tim
www.benttailstudios.com

Gilbert Bravo
Novice

Mar 23, 2005, 11:16 AM

Post #7 of 10 (3482 views)
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Re: [Gilbert Bravo] Buying a GL2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you all for the replies. I think I will try one of those Authorized Dealers and get the rebate.

Thanks again,
Gilbert

Danlson
Enthusiast

Mar 23, 2005, 8:14 PM

Post #8 of 10 (3446 views)
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Re: [Gilbert Bravo] Buying a GL2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

I bought my GL2 from a Brooklyn, NY dealer called inoax.com last year. I did save the $300-$400 mentioned above but soon as I placed the order I began reading forums about how some are scammed. The stress wasn't worth the savings. Everything worked out fine but I was stressed over the purchase. I'm the type who will pay more for a great buying experience. Today I rec'd some equipment purchased at B&H. I placed the order late Sunday night and here it is at my door just 3 days later. I'll pay a little more for that!

Dan

vidguyz
User

Mar 23, 2005, 10:50 PM

Post #9 of 10 (3435 views)
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Re: [Gilbert Bravo] Buying a GL2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Gilbert -

I've only bought a few items from Butterfly Photo ... and I've got to say I was very impressed. Don't know why, but there was very little pressure to buy anything else ... they did snatch me for a few extra lenses at very competitive prices ... and they sent me the product super quick.

If I had to rate their service, salesmanship and product delivery (not to mention a great price), I'd give them 6 stars on a 5 star rating.

Regarding the GL2 - an excellent camera, rich in features -and- (so far) low in maintenance. I made sure to get the 4 year premium extended warranty for a couple hundred bucks more .... and have not had to use it yet (1/5 years old now and still working like a charm.).

Good luck - you'll love the GL2.

Sketch

vidguyz
User

Mar 25, 2005, 4:57 PM

Post #10 of 10 (3397 views)
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Re: [Gilbert Bravo] Buying a GL2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Gilbert -

Just another tidbit of info for you.

I've heard from quite a few others about the mail order biz, especially with video electronics.

Some things I've heard:

1) A mail order outfit will 'unpackage' a product, take out the batteries or power supplies, then 'repackage' the product and UPSELL you for the batteries or power supplies. -TIP- Go to the manufacturers website, get their part number and log all the components that come with it. Then shop around, call the mail order supplier and be sure to ask that the part number they show includes all the components that the manufacturer includes with that part number.
If they don't include all that, move on to another mail order house.

2) Verify that the product has U.S. manuals and warranty. Some mail order houses will order the EURO version with a EURO warranty (or asian, whatever). If you don't verify this, you're stuck with a EURO or ASIAN warranty, which is esentially useless in the U.S -or- will cost you to 'convert' to the U.S. warranty. That cost will eventually be over the great 'deal' you might have gotten originally.

3) Last tip, and probably the most time-worn: SHOP and COMPARE. Once you've removed all the scammer mail order houses from your list, shop and compare the short list to your liking. Ask, Ask, Ask about everything and don't let the salesman sway you from your mission.

Is all this stressful ? YES !! I hate it. But when it comes to my hard earned money, I'm going to deal with the stress and attempt to get the best purchase I can. I've been successful 95% of the time, but don't ride on that success. Next purchase via mail order, I'll just refer to the above steps and deal with it all over again.

Oh, the 5% bad part ? - I ordered a 'instock' item only to be told 2 weeks later (no word from them) that the item was never in stock. The hassles of insuring my credit card would not be used produced a deep furrow (stress related) in my brow - the only good part being that I'll NEVER order from that vendor again.

Good Luck - you'll love the GL2.

Sketch