Looking for Canon EOS in Edmonton, Canada

I am planning to travel to Edmonton, Canada and would like to buy Canon EOS

350D w/18-55mm lens. What store/shops can I get it for $600 (canadian) in

Edmonton?

The Canon XT (the EOS 350D in other parts of the world) is currently $799 CDN with that lens, so it will take some luck to find it for 25% cheaper...

Have a look at McBains Camera. Their prices are usually reasonable. I don't think you will get it for $600, however.

Camera Canada has some refurb XT's as well as new kits. They are highly reliable, and if you phone them and speak in person you may be able to get an additional discount. Their shipping charges are quite high. You can also check Henry's, McBain, and Vistek. Google them, one is located in Edmonton I believe and it is likely Vistek will have a bricks and mortar store there. In your shoes I would compare prices online between these four, and then if you want bricks and mortar speak personally to whichever one is located in Edmonton and see if they will match prices.

I don't think you'll get that setup for that price at a bricks+mortar store. You could try to buy a used camera privately. Check www.buysell.com (Edmonton bargain finder).

http://www.futureshop.ca has the Rebel XT (not XTi) for CAD$600.oo ($650 minus $50 "instant savings") - no lens is included.

 

There are 5 FutureShop stores listed for Edmonton. You can order online in advance and then pick up your XT at the store.

 

There is 7% GST (sales tax) on top of the above price - not sure if the 7% is added before or after the $50 discount.

 

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McBain's camera in downtown Edmonton is unparalleled for knowledgeable staff and good inventory. Their stock is better than anywhere in Alberta. Check prices, however, as you may be able to find it cheaper elsewhere. Here's the page on their website that you will want to see:

 

http://www.mcbaincamera.com/digital/digalcan.htm

 

If prices are close, I would not hesitate to get it at McBains because their staff and support are great. There is certainly added value to a store that specializes as they do.

 

Dave

I've lived in Edmonton for most of my life now. McBain camera always tries to rip you off with over priced merchandise. Luckly, not too far away, in Calgary Alberta, there's a store called "The Camera Store" and they have the cheapest camera prices in all of Western Canada. If you are only going to Edmonton, then just to go McBain and tell them you want to price match The Camera Store (www.thecamerastore.com).

 

However, at this point, for you, The Camera Store doesn't carry the XT (350D) anymore, so you'll have to go with the $799 that McBain asks for.

 

As for McBain having good staff. That is a total load of crap. You can get lucky and get a person that's very helpful and knowledgeable but I've also encountered complete idiots that have low patience and bends the truths in order to try to sell you the merchandise. So don't trust just anyone in there.

 

If you want to get it for $600 dollars though, then your best bet is to find it used. Buysell.com is the best source.

Go with Dan's suggestion about FutureShop. You will not find the XT in Edmonton or Calgary for less than the $600 at FutureShop.

I have lived in Edmonton for most of my 50 years and I have bought most of my camera gear at McBains. I agree, you need to find the right people to get the right answers, but this is true of anything in these times. See Leslie, she was very helpful when I recently purchased my new 30D camera, 24-105 f/4L lens, and 50mm f/1.4 lens. As stated prior, do your homework and McBain will price match any other 'brick & mortar' website. I have used www.robinsonscamera.com, www.sanealcamera.com as a reference.

Thanks everyone for your response. I happen to travel to Germany and bought Olympus E-410 (single lens kit) at www.pixxass.de for 478Euros. Its my feeling that this is fine for me currently, since I am using it as a hobby.

 

Thanks again