Should I purchase a refurbished Canon PowerShot S2IS directly from the Canon Upgrade Dept for $199.00?

Answer 1

The street price for the S2 is still $280, despite it being over a year old, and when it was released it got good reviews:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons2is/page15.asp
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/s2is_pg6.html
If this is the camera you want, AND if you get a warranty, by all means get it. Refurbished doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it.

Answer 2

My daughter (adult) has an S2 IS and loves it.

I agree with OMG on the refurb purchase, especially if this is coming from the Canon factory with a warranty.

Consider a refurbished camera with a warranty if you are trying to get decent equipment at a savings. Often, "refurbs" are just returned merchandise that can't be sold as new. These cameras are fine and never had anything wrong with them. I've bought a couple without problems. Some refurbs are cameras that actually needed a repair, but they are repaired and certified by the factory to be as good as new and they should come with a warranty. Do not buy a refurb if it is not a "factory refurb" item. Although a refurb should come with a 90-day or 1 year manufacturer's warranty, you can buy third party warranty for 5 years for about $40-50. (You can do this for new equipment, also.) This may not be a bad idea if you are buying an "upscale" refurb. It would still cost a lot less than a new item in most cases.

You can find refurbs at rebutable dealers on eBay, among other places.

Answer 3

Heck no!!! Dont do it! If you really want to get a cheaper priced digital camera and are not willing to shell out mad cash for a new one, then I would recommend waiting until this year's Boxing Day Sale at a local electronics store. And even if you dont manage to snag one for your self that day, then I'm sure you'll still find great deals for end-of-season devices during the month of January.

Otherwise, come up to Canada. The prices for electronics are crazy cheap EVERY DAY.