You may be best off looking for expert help when purchasing a digital camera, particularly if you are a first time buyer. You may want to buy from a local camera shop. You can't beat the personalized service and help from someone who knows cameras like the back of his or her own hand.

Digital cameras may cost a bit more at a local camera shop but it is often worth it for the service you get in return. A merchant may even lower the price if you ask! There is no waiting for your purchase to arrive as you would have to if you bought off the Internet. You pay your money and get your camera right away.

Buying online can be a risky venture especially when it comes to the credibility of the person you are buying from. With a local shop, its easier to check the reputation of the merchant along with the reliability of his or her service.

You can hold the camera in your hand before you buy it and ask questions on the spot from the personnel there are the shop. They are even often willing to continue answering your questions after you buy from them. In addition, many local camera shops handle warranty and repair work, so you have some place you can turn to if something goes wrong with the camera.

You will probably have better luck returning the camera or exchanging it for another one if the one you pick does not work out. Some online companies charge a restocking fee for returns. Local shops will most likely not do this.

There are some disadvantages to buying locally, however. The price for a camera and accessories can be higher than online store or mega-mart type places and there may not be much variety to what is available right there in the shop. Brands and camera selection may be limited. It takes more time and effort to comparison shop as opposed to finding the camera online. Finally, you have to pay local sales tax.

Of course, we do live in the electronic age where everything and anything is available to almost anyone anywhere via the Internet. Comparison shopping is only a mouse click away which makes it possible for consumers to get a great deal on everything from designer clothing to automobiles. If you turn to the Internet to buy your digital camera, you will get a lower price, there is no doubt about that. But before you plunk down your hard-earned cash, be sure to do your homework about the merchants reputation and reliability and weigh the good with the bad.

Advantages

-You can make purchases 24 hours a day, great for those with busy schedules!
-Significantly lower prices exist on the Internet
-You have the ability to compare cameras by category, price, resolution, features, etc.
-They provide direct delivery to an address of your choice
-There is sometimes no sales tax for online purchases
-Some online merchants don't charge for delivery
-You can find a wide selection of cameras and accessories
-Toll-free numbers for ordering and other inquiries are usually provided.

Disadvantages

-You would not be able to hold the camera prior to purchase to see if its what you want
-You must wait for delivery of item
-The camera may be gray market
-The product may not be in stock, requiring back ordering
-There may be some high shipping and insurance charges
-The companys customer service may be poor
-If you want to return the camera, this can be a hassle
-It can be difficult to verify the reliability of a merchant
-There is a greater risk of being cheated if you are not dealing with a well-established merchant

It is up to you how you decide to buy your camera, of course! Just be safe when doing so. You do not want to make a huge investment in a digital camera only to be taken for a ride in the long run.