BB not the place to check out a camera

[Muse]

So, I go into my closest Best Buy yesterday to get a close up and personal acquaintance hopefully with some cameras I've been researching:

Canon SX20
Panasonic FZ35
Fujifilm Finepix S200EXR

The only one they had was the Canon (they did have a Nikon P90), but all their cameras are tethered to a vertical wand holding stick from the bottom so you can't tell what they feel like, what they actually weigh, what it would be like to actually use one. Horrible disappointment. I suppose I should have called them first before going over there. I'm in Berkeley, CA. If anyone knows where I can compare these sensibly, please say.

 

[angry hampster]

http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs...ate=ca&zipCode=

 

[Muse]

http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs...ate=ca&zipCode=

Thanks, I'll check out their Rockridge store on Saturday. Going to be in the neighborhood.

 

[jpeyton]

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&s...roup&ct=more-results&resnum=1&ved=0CBQQtQMwAA

 

[virtuamike]

Sarber's doesn't have much of a selection. Looking Glass might be ok since it's close, haven't been there yet. K&S in Palo Alto has plenty of cameras to try and look at. Check Calumet in SF too.

 

[angry hampster]

I didn't realize Calumet operates on the west coast as well. VERY good store. Great customer service.

 

[Muse]

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&s...roup&ct=more-results&resnum=1&ved=0CBQQtQMwAA

I love it! Thanks!!

 

[IronWing]

Best Buy will un-tether them if you ask. They will also let you load your own memory cards to test out the cameras. They will also mount any lens they have in stock. At least that was my experience with my local Best Buy. B&H and/or Amazon were always substantially cheaper but the service at Best Buy was good as long as you don't ask any technical questions.

 

[djnsmith7]

I bought my D60 & accessories there & had no issues trying anything out prior to making the purchase. All I had to do was ask.

 

[Muse]

Best Buy will un-tether them if you ask. They will also let you load your own memory cards to test out the cameras. They will also mount any lens they have in stock. At least that was my experience with my local Best Buy. B&H and/or Amazon were always substantially cheaper but the service at Best Buy was good as long as you don't ask any technical questions.

OK, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Next time I go in there to look at cameras I'll bring a memory card. I suppose I should bring one with me whatever store I go into to look at cameras. I can maybe take some photos and look at them at home. Not a big deal to carry an SD card!