Laid-back camera salesfolk in NYC?

July 15, 2008 12:26 PM

Which of the price-competitive camera stores in New York is likely to be the most laid back about letting me hold and try out various combinations of mid-level DSLRs and lenses? The issue is not really whether B&H or Adorama (or whoever) is the "best" store.

Probably all of them will have what I'm looking for, but I want time to hold it in my hands. Maybe a Nikon D40 (I like high flash sync) or D80 -- but I'd also like to try the 18-55mm kit lens, the 17-55mm f/2.8G, 18-200VR, 55-200VR, etc. (I know I should get better prime lenses, but that's not what I need at the moment.) So the issue, for me, is whether I can stand at the counter - OK, on a weekday - and play with stuff - get a feel for it - without the sales staff caring how much time I take. Is there such a place? Thanks.

posted by Dave 9 to Media & Arts (6 answers total)

My experience is that Best Buy is pretty good about letting you hold and play with the merchandise. The only problem is that they keep their display models attached to the counter with a spring-spooled wire so that people don't walk off with them. My wife and I were pleased with our ability to compare the D40 and the Canon XSi there. If you want to also play with different lenses, a salesperson will have to unlock them from the display case, and they'll do that for you if you ask.
posted by Citrus at 1:01 PM on July 15, 2008

I can't tell for sure from your wording whether you are looking for stores other than B&H or Adorama, but l do most of my camera shopping at B&H and I've found them to be extremely patient with allowing me to play around with various cameras and lenses, and the reps are always nearby to answer any questions I might have, but I have never found them to be pushy or manipulative. They just let me mess around with the gear, answer my questions when I have them and ring me up when I'm ready to buy or politely take the equipment back when I decide against a purchase.

The downside is that B&H can get insanely crowded at times, but on a weekday afternoon, you shouldn't have much of a problem getting some hands-on time with any camera gear you want there.
posted by TBoneMcCool at 1:21 PM on July 15, 2008

b&h is great, especially if you're going on a weekday. they see this all the time and so since the store was reconfigured late last year, they actually now have two different lines in the camera department—a fast-moving one for people who know exactly what they want and just need to buy it and get out, and a slower one for people who need to talk to a rep and test equipment out.
posted by lia at 1:35 PM on July 15, 2008

Thirding B&H For this. They're super patient and when I was buying a DSLR, they even let me wander around the store taking pictures in various degrees of light.
posted by youcancallmeal at 3:30 PM on July 15, 2008

I've been to B&H twice (visiting from overseas). The first guy I talked to was not very talkative, gave me the facts and answered direct questions.

The second was talkative, showed me a variety of lenses and let me try them out, gave me some good recommendations on the lenses and also good advice on other aspects of photography.

I think it comes down to the salesperson rather than the store.
posted by tomble at 8:25 PM on July 15, 2008

Yeah, B&H is a good place for that; I've also had good experiences in J&R's camera department, though it's much smaller than the other guys.
posted by moonmilk at 9:46 PM on July 15, 2008