Bruce:
>But if you don't know what you're buying you need to be able to talk with
>someone who is knowledgeable and willing to show you the camera.

Yes, of course.

>That takes
>a face-to-face conversation. Kenmore Camera and Ken's are two places I know
>of that give good, honest information. They also don't try to get you to
>buy more features than you need.

>Once the knowledge is gained and the camera has been chosen sure, take a
>look at mail order.

Remember, the higher prices at retail outlets are higher in part due to
the much more personal and detailed service they give each customer.

So, if you do spend a lot of researching with the help of a knowledgable,
honest salesperson consider buying at least part of your system from
that store.

If I just walk in and ask to fondle some gear, to see how I like it,
then I have no problem later saving the bucks via mail-order. But
there have been a couple of times where I've pestered salesfolk to
death and then I've felt paying the higher price is the right thing
to do.

Also, larger camera stores will have "manufacturer's rep" days two
or three times a year, and often will drop prices close to mail-order
levels during that time. At least, Camera World down here does. And,
you can feel free to bug the manufacture's rep all you want, because
that's what they are there for.

- Don Baccus, Portland OR <donb at rational.com>
Nature photos, on-line guides, more at http://www.xxxpdx.com/~dhogaza