Extended Service Plans: Worth it?

[GTaudiophile]

I'm about to buy a Canon EOS-20D camera kit with the 17-85IS USM lens. This kit sells just about everywhere for $1999.95. Question is, should I buy it through wolfcamera.com and also buy the $600 two-year extended service warranty? It protects the camera and lens for years against manufacturer defects AND anything I could do to the camera short of catching it on fire, losing it, or it being stolen. The ESP also offers unlimited sensor cleanings, a $90/cleaning value.

 

[NutBucket]

I probably wouldn't. Unless you really do something dumb the camera won't get very dirty. Hmm....does it cover the battery as well? That's always something to consider.

 

[Rage187]

on some things.

I get it on car audio equipment like changers, as they tend to die easy.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I do treat my equipment very well. My 3-year-old PowerShot G2 is in like-new condition aside for a few scratches on the LCD.

 

[BlamoHammer]

$600 over two years is a bit much in my opinion. If it were a lower price and a longer period of time I would. $300 a year is just stupid though.

 

[amdforever2]

the canon digital rebel and nikon d70 at best buy only warrant up to $129 for 4 years

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: amdforever2
the canon digital rebel and nikon d70 at best buy only warrant up to $129 for 4 years

Wow.

 

[Gooberlx2]

$600 seems like alot for only two years. I my D-Reb through circuit city early this year for $179 and it doesn't expire for 4 years. Beats me how the two plans compare in coverage, but it gives you an idea.

As far sensor cleaning goes...get the Sensor Brush. It works very well, it's cheap and you don't have to send the camera out for two weeks. I got it because alot of people over at dPreview were raving about it.

 

[imported_Mike]

I wouldn't get that, $300/year is way too much on a canon.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
$600 seems like alot for only two years. I my D-Reb through circuit city early this year for $179 and it doesn't expire for 4 years. Beats me how the two plans compare in coverage, but it gives you an idea.

As far sensor cleaning goes...get the Sensor Brush. It works very well, it's cheap and you don't have to send the camera out for two weeks. I got it because alot of people over at dPreview were raving about it.

So you used it successfully on the 300D?

 

[dethman]

see sig.

 

[GTaudiophile]

So I guess the majority answer is no...at least not for $600!

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

R

 

[Dulanic]

Ya not for $600, some things I buy it on, but not for that cost on that item.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I see I can get a Mack warranty for $99. It only extends the manufacturer's warranty for 3 years. It doesn't protect against things like me dropping it or something...very unlikely to happen.

 

[DrPizza]

very rarely is the extended warranty for any product a good buy. They're not offering extended warranties to help you... they're offering extended warranties to make more money from you.

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
very rarely is the extended warranty for any product a good buy. They're not offering extended warranties to help you... they're offering extended warranties to make more money from you.

Very true, but it depends too on the product etc... for many they could make money if it was a even buy for a consumer... like say 1/10 broke, and they offered it for 10% of the cost of the product, they would still make money because our cost isn't their cost, or if they fix it, it only costs them the $13 a hour they may pay a tech vs the $80 an hour they charge us.

But for most item's you are correct, there are a few I think are no brainers, like LCD/DLP Projection TVs.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: amdforever2
the canon digital rebel and nikon d70 at best buy only warrant up to $129 for 4 years

I paid $99 for the 4yr plan at Best Buy on my 300D just two days ago. Seems like a good deal to me. I'm actually *hoping* it poops on me in 3 years to upgrade to whatever is out at the time

I got a free upgrade from G2 to a G3 when the G2 crapped out on me after a year and a half.

 

[ActuaryTm]

Originally posted by: Dulanic
But for most item's you are correct, there are a few I think are no brainers, like LCD/DLP Projection TVs

Notebook PCs as well. Proprietary components (aside from processors, ram, hard drives, etc), and an LCD, which can be costly to replace otherwise.

Depends on the cost certainly, and should be a factor in the decision making process prior to purchase.

 

[aplefka]

Do it. Much like camcorders need their heads cleaned a bare minimum annually, so do cameras. If you can get unlimited cleanings, then it's totally worth it.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: aplefka
Do it. Much like camcorders need their heads cleaned a bare minimum annually, so do cameras. If you can get unlimited cleanings, then it's totally worth it.

Yes, the unlimited sensor cleanings are a big plus. But couldn't I just use the brush?

 

[aplefka]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Originally posted by: aplefka
Do it. Much like camcorders need their heads cleaned a bare minimum annually, so do cameras. If you can get unlimited cleanings, then it's totally worth it.

Yes, the unlimited sensor cleanings are a big plus. But couldn't I just use the brush?

Ehhh... I'd go with the professional cleaning. I don't know what brush you're referring to, so I couldn't say. I don't know how they do it for cameras but for camcorders you have to actually take out the lens to do it, which could get very messy if you don't know what you're doing.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: aplefka

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Originally posted by: aplefka
Do it. Much like camcorders need their heads cleaned a bare minimum annually, so do cameras. If you can get unlimited cleanings, then it's totally worth it.

Yes, the unlimited sensor cleanings are a big plus. But couldn't I just use the brush?

Ehhh... I'd go with the professional cleaning. I don't know what brush you're referring to, so I couldn't say. I don't know how they do it for cameras but for camcorders you have to actually take out the lens to do it, which could get very messy if you don't know what you're doing.

With digital SLRs, there's a function that pulls the mirror up (after of course you take off the lens). Then you use a special brush designed for camera sensors to sweep it off.

 

[Apathetic]

The only thing I would probably buy the extended waranty on would be a big screen tv. Generally with the extended waranty, they'll deal with the major hassle of pickup and deliver of the tv if there's ever a problem. Otherwise, it's up to you to get it to the store and back for repair.

Dave

 

[Falloutboy]

the only items I get extended warenties on are laptops, and PDA's (if they "break" after a year its a free upgrade)