Camera shops offer camera packages at pretty low prices. Do they include the essentials?

Question

Do these packages include battery, charger, memory? It seems some of these shops do not. Why is that?

Answer 1

Some of those shops are scam artists. They lure you to their site with incredible prices and charge extra for all the crap that SHOULD be included (battery, charger, usb cable and video cable, and a manual).
For camera gear, I usually shop with B&H, Ritz Cameras (and their subsidiary Wolf Cameras), and Beach Cameras. These places are 100% legit, have some of the best prices anywhere, they have a great selection, and they won't give you a hard time if anything needs to be returned.

Answer 2

Usually not. Many camera shops use deceptive tactics that cause all sorts of problems for themselves and for customers who try to buy higher end equipment. A few extra shady dealers will sell broken merchandise that has supposedly been repaired (refurbished) without clearly identifying it as such unless you specifically ask (which you must always do). The real problem though is that many cameras come in a variety of ways and cameras sold overseas are not typically sold the same way they are in the US. For example, most cameras in the US are sold as kits, including the battery, cables, manual and other sundry items you need. Some kits include a lens (which you should NOT buy) and some are sold body only (buy a GOOD lens for your dSLR, m'kay). However, overseas, they often sell just the camera with NONE of the things you need to make it run and expect you to buy that stuff seperate. This is often much more expensive than buying an american kit. A camera shop often sells these at what looks at a reduced price BUT DOES NOT TELL YOU! So, you order the camera and go wtf, when it arrives. This has got to cause all manner of shouting matches, lawsuits, refused credit charges and even fist fights but still they engage in this stupidity. It's pretty ironic considering almost all camera shops sell the appropriate kits and at a price far below retail (unfortunately, you often have to ask for these). A simple solution would be to put two listings on their websites with a small paragraph explaining the difference and warning customers to ask vendors when they go comparison shopping. It would literally save thousands and thousands of dollars each year by avoiding the hassles these disputes cause.

As far as memory goes, memory is not typically sold as part of camera kits. However, some camera shops will try to sell you a package that includes various worthless items, plus the memory. They are typically several hundred dollars and total crap. Don't bother. Instead, go to pricegrabber.com and do a search for the type of memory your camera uses. You will get it for a very low price. Make sure it is brand new and factory sealed.

Answer 3

Basically consists a package of the most essential stuff to operate a camera with, but without a memory card or, if it is not accu operated, a normal battery.

When in doubt, email or call them. If they do not respond, I advise not to buy from that shop.

Answer 4

I would ask all these questions to the shop before you buy, otherwise you could end up screwed and have to dish out much more money.....BUT as a rule of thumb all the 'kits" you see out there do include everything u need to start out

Answer 5

Some do, some don't and hope for the gullibility of the purchaser will work in their behalf