Whats the cheapest/most reliable place to buy the HC1? I know there
are several rip off places on the net that sell grey market or only partial equipment. I'd like to know a trustworth site that could also provide a good warranty. Are Mack warranties reliable? That is, I've had various run ins with warranties and in some cases they try and find some technicality to say that "oh that isn't covered under warranty because..." Where the failure in question is something you'd expect would be covered.
I guess my point is some warranty groups will just do the work, while others spend a lot of time trying to determine if you're actually covered for the problem in question.

One more question should I try to hold out for Christmas for a better deal?

I got mine for $1420 on eBay. I used ezsniper.com to bid.

==Doug

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--Doug

My concern regarding buying something like this on Ebay would have to do with warranty issues. Many companies will not allow for warranty work if you don't supply a receipt from an authorized dealer. Furthermore, I don't know if an extended warranty outfit would allow for an extended warranty on a camcorder purchased from Ebay. I supposed if it's really an internet etailer there may be a way, but I'm not crazy about the prospect of buying grey market or other problematic type equipment from Ebay.

My eBay unit came without battery, without charger, without cables, and of course with no warranty. That condition was fully described in the sale, and I was very pleased to be able to purchase a unit without $300 of stuff I don't need or use. I have a battery from an older Sony that works fine, and no need for cables since I use iLink. If the camera breaks, I will either throw it away, or have it repaired at my cost. With the $300 savings I can buy a lot of accessories. Or save toward the next generation camcorder.

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--Doug

I would highly recommend www.onecall.com
They are a local brick and mortar store here in Spokane Washington called Huppins HiFi. They've been around a good number of years. They have very competitive prices and good service.
I have purchased numerous items from them.

I got my HC1 from www.dbuys.com for $1435. Fast, efficient, no hassle. They even got it out of NYC before the transit stike!

John

I got HC1 from amazon.com 's refurbished section, they said that the external box was damaged, but the sony's box was perfect. brand new camcorder for $1,158.76

Buy from B&H Photovideo, 100% legit and fantastic customer service. I bought my camcorder there and recently went to the store in NYC to buy a few other things. Even if its an extra few bucks its worth it b/c you won't be hassled.

I ended up going with B&H. It was about $200.00 more than the next most reputable dealer, but I was able to get all the items I wanted in one shot and had peace of mind going with a well respected outfit.

Good packaging fairly priced accessories.

Mike

What was the name of the store that was $200 cheaper?

Dbuys.com ? You may want to check out credit card statement monthly after you hand them your credit card number . Or you may want to change your number ...

Check out DBuys.com >>> http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/h0041.htm

Scary ?

www.6ave.com - Sony authorized dealer with great price - $1438.06
Check out the thread below
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t121821.html

I purchased other products from 6Ave.com before and was happy with the purchases. However, I called them last week to buy the Sony HDR-HC1. After I refused to buy battery, case, and len, they said it was not in stock .

I think 6ave.com is learning this practice from those Brooklyn dealers...

Sorry to hear that. I bought it through their website at that price & it shipped out the next day with no phone calls. Their web price does fluctuate a lot.

On the other hand, B&H has dropped their price to $1499.95 - I would go with them for a few $ more but not have to deal with the upsell hassle. Besides, they are a very reputed dealer.

As far as camcorders go, I have only used 2 retailers. Profeel and B&H. Fortunately, my experience with both have been quite positive. Profeel did call me asking about upgrades and warranties and whatnot, which I feel is kind of annoying. B&H however, were very corteous and prompt. They are the undisputed leader in video and audio sales and I highly recommend them over any other company out there. Now, they might not offer the best price, so I suggest you check out www.shopping.com to find the best deal. Anything from there that has the "Trusted Store" symbol is a safe place to buy from.