Ready to buy. Please recommend me LEGITIMATE SITES with available stock! Thanks! [Archive] - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

Cynic821

03-31-2006, 11:13 PM

Hi, ive got my money, recieved my Macbook Pro 2.0ghz, and am ready to order my HVX200!

(pats self on back for saving)

anyways, i am not ordering anything from NY, and was wondering if you kind people could point me the way to a legitimate site to order it from. Any recommendations?

Thanks alot, i really appreciate it , ive followed this camera on these boards exclusivly!

Nic Aragon

Barry_Green

04-01-2006, 12:05 AM

You'll have to call to see who has 'em in stock.

Dealers we've been hearing good reports on include Abel Cine Tech (new home of the DVXUser discount), Spec-Comm, B&H, Birns & Sawyer, AVS, EVS, Lerro, ProMedia in Tennessee, and Roscor.

TedRR

04-01-2006, 12:21 AM

Yippi friggin do da!!!!
I just got confirmation that my HVX will be delivered by UPS on Monday.
I got mine in California from Snader. They told me they could get it and guess what, they did! And at a very fair price.
Their number is 916-782-7700
My sales guy was Chad at ex. # 305. Tell him I sent you!

I think these guys have an in with Panasonic. They seem to be able to get several of them.
Snader even hooked me up with a GREAT Panasonic rep that not only offered to send his camera if mine didn't come, but also personally helped me with a handful of issues we were having getting HD from my demo into our system.

Panasonic gets a 10 for customer service and Snader gets an 11.
That's big because I almost never rate any company over an 8 on customer service! :kali:

Cynic821

04-01-2006, 01:51 AM

Thanks guys.

barry, any links to those sites, googling doesnt do much help for me here. :?

thanks alot i really appreciate it. im ready to pay 200 for overnight shipping. I HATE Waiting for stuff in the mail. Waiting for the Macbook was torture.

Barry_Green

04-01-2006, 02:21 AM

abelcine.com
bhphoto.com
birnsandsawyer.com
evsonline.com
lerro.com
roscor.com

Don't know AVS or promedia's sites offhand.

David Saraceno

04-01-2006, 09:11 AM

Panasonic authorized:

901-753-4114
ProMedia
7865 Trinity Road #110
Cordova, TN 38018

Expecting more stock this week, I believe.

steindj

04-01-2006, 11:35 AM

Sites:
For AVS, go here (http://www.avsupply.com/).
For ProMedia, go here (http://www.promediamemphis.com/).

ullanta

04-01-2006, 12:23 PM

anyways, i am not ordering anything from NY, and was wondering if you kind people could point me the way to a legitimate site to order it from. Any recommendations?

Wudda yoo got agenst New Yawk, bustah?

pkendall

04-01-2006, 02:56 PM

Wudda yoo got agenst New Yawk, bustah?
probably the 8.25% sales tax.

try Birns & Sawyer they are very reputable.. I trusted them enough to pay for my camera in cash in advance and they did me right..

what's the hell is the ABELCINE DISCOUNT!!!?

vittiphoto

04-01-2006, 03:38 PM

darwinandpaine

04-01-2006, 04:12 PM

I love the title for this thread. My first response was, "Yeah? Get it line, buddy!" I had to wait ten weeks for mine. Good luck getting one quick.
P.S.: Full Compass (fullcompass.com) got me an HVX before anyone else --- even those companies where I was on the waiting list.

contentlab

04-01-2006, 04:25 PM

snader does rock. and very reputable, they usually work with corporations in the bay area but are also good at supporting individual purchases.

steindj

04-02-2006, 01:59 AM

Here's (http://www.snader.com/) their site.

TedRR

04-02-2006, 03:18 AM

Yup, Snader took good care of me!

tco

04-02-2006, 12:39 PM

I purchased my original DVX-100 from Abel cinetec in LA, yes I paid tax because I live in California but Their service is amazing! They will ALWAYS be there for tech support for the life of your camera, I now have like 600 some hours on the original DVX. I will be buying my HVX from them based on my positive experience, and believe me, I am a demanding person. In fact I am probably on some "customer service nightmare pain in the ass watch list". Having said that Abel is by far the best. And I have nothing against New York, but B&H are generally rude and not helpful, I try not to spend any money with them.

alexdias

04-02-2006, 01:00 PM

I'm from the Bay Area but I've never used Snader before.
Just visited the site to check and it sucks!
Maybe the service will compensate the absolute lack of useful info and pictures. But my first impression is very poor. I could not find a camera for sale…

Go with B&H or Abel.
B&H is slightly more expensive but great service, 100% guaranteed and you'll not pay tax if you are outside NY.

Jarred Land

04-02-2006, 01:49 PM

I purchased my original DVX-100 from Abel cinetec in LA, yes I paid tax because I live in California but Their service is amazing.

Abel has an Store in NY as well, wink wink.

tco

04-02-2006, 02:40 PM

Lente Loco Studios

04-02-2006, 08:28 PM

I was not slamming NYC. I was simply stating fact: B&H does not have the service/knowledge level that Abel Cinetec does. Abel backs up what they sell, they answer ANY questiuon you have about pretty much aything related to film/tv production, they are passionate about what they do, and they have a super reputation. I mean sure, B&H is cheap but for the most part they have poor customer service.

B&H does not have poor customer serivce they have TERRIBLE customer service in fact 2 weeks ago I ordered some stuff online but for some reason the order (a $10,000 order) did not go thru so I called them up next mornig and a RUDE guy said well you should make sure you have the money first before you try to buy something and I am like what the :furious3: ofcourse I do have the money you dum :furious3: I did not actuallly say that well I did but in my mind only. so I called my bank and asked them if there had been an atemp to withdraw money from my accunt she say not at all, so I called back and this time another guy (sounded really upset) said well if the order did not go thru there is no way I can help you, when before they (the web order dep) had traced my whole order a total of 18 items just by typing in my email address
so I got really upset and I desided not to place the order with them
thy do have good prices but their customer service SUCKS BIG TIME

Jeremy Garchow

04-02-2006, 08:33 PM

Fletcher Chicago:

www.fletch.com

Zacuto Chicago

www.zacuto.com

Jarred Land

04-02-2006, 08:36 PM

Green Hornet

04-02-2006, 09:01 PM

BH doesnt have service.. its not in thier business model and it reflects in the rock bottom prices. Its a cool place to go if you know exactly what you need and dont have any questions, but you get what you pay for and your not paying for service so your not gonna get it.

Fortunately, I have been dealing with B&H for about 7 years.
I have only had good experiences with them, and fast shipping.

If I do big ticket purchases, I like to buy from persons who are known to be in business for a while, and to have the cashflow to do a refund if need be.

I bought my HVX200 and other items from everyone but B&H, but that was only because the did not have it in stock.

I like B&H.

TedRR

04-02-2006, 11:32 PM

While visiting New York in December I walked by their store and bought a shooters vest. Very interesting buying experience, (makes you feel they don't trust anyone), but can't call that a real experience.

bluetuned

04-03-2006, 08:29 AM

Just thought I'd add that based off of my limited experience, I would also recommend Fletcher and Roscor.

tak1108

04-03-2006, 11:35 AM

I use B and H and Full Compass. Great prices and service at Full Compass. Talk to Eric at ext 1153

Rafe

04-03-2006, 03:38 PM

Cynic821

04-03-2006, 03:40 PM

Hi!!

Thanks for all the info!

I am in california , and DONT want to pay the tax, but NY is full of grey market websites and i generally dont like to order from there. I am also looking for overnight shipping because im sick of waiting on stuff in the mail ei; Macbook Pro, HD Monitor, etc...

Seemed like a forever wait, im willing to pay an extra 150 for shipping, but not willing to pay an extra 150 just because they feel like charging more.

Ive got the money from the credit card loan, i have the cash for the camera, but would rather stay liquid, and just pay off 200-300 a month for the camera, ya know what i mean?

Anyways, im going to keep listening to suggestions, and if anyone has any horror stories with anysites, please give a heads up.

ALSO, you might have had to wait ten weeks, but it seems that now being 4 months since the cameras release, they are readily available from many websites, including the ones linked to me here in this thread, am i right?

thanks alot!

Nic

Cynic821

04-03-2006, 04:03 PM

BTW, i emailed you David S. using your online stores contact page to Sales.

Thanks alot, hopefully i can get a decent deal with overnight shipping through you when you get them in stock.

aedude01

04-03-2006, 04:03 PM

I just bought mine from ROSCOR, It should be here in a few days, I'll let you know how it all pans out and if they're as good as I've heard.

Barry_Green

04-03-2006, 04:22 PM

They are more readily available than before, but that doesn't mean they're not always available. Example: Lerro told me they had nine in stock. I posted that info, they sold all nine the first day. So you have to call around to see which dealers actually have it in stock.

If you're in California, seriously give Abel or EVS or Birns & Sawyer a shot. California provides a sales tax discount for production equipment; I think instead of 7.5% (or whatever) it drops to 3%. That might make up for some overnight shipping costs. EVS knows about the form you have to fill out; I'm sure the other dealers do too.

Cynic821

04-03-2006, 04:26 PM

thanks barry.

it seems that a few of the sites though give a run around on the site. it SEEMS that way atleast.

Like we are in such a hi technology age and they deal with such products and they dont even have an online catalog, you have to download a PDF to see what they have. I dont see that as normal, having to download an 8mb PDF to view 1 products info.

Also since i have your attention, im guessing most websites offering them below 5999.99 arent going to be as reliable?

I know if i get scammed, i can eventually get my money back, but dont want to go through the hassle of doing that and waiting for however long for it to get back to me.

thanks again for all the help.

Barry_Green

04-03-2006, 04:55 PM

I don't think any dealers' websites can hold a candle to B&H's. B&H is the only dealer I shop via website. Everyone else you just have to call.

And $5999 isn't the end-all be-all; Lerro was selling them at $5300 (but after selling out all 9 in one day, they may be revisiting their pricing structure!) But if you find it for less than $5300 I'd say you would be wise to be suspicious; any site offering it for $4700 or whatever is undoubtedly unquestionably scamming you somehow.

Pick one of the dealers we outlined above and you will absolutely not get scammed.

Cynic821

04-03-2006, 05:12 PM

Ok, thank you very much Barry, i will just have to decide between them then, im very excited!

Anyways, thanks for all the help, much appreciated!

Have a great rest of the day, i know i will as soon as 5:00pm rolls around and get outta this office, but ill say its made much easier by my MBP 2.0ghz im typing on right now!

:)

Life in a Box Films

04-03-2006, 09:23 PM

I just purchased today through Studio Exchange in Burbank. They are authorized. Paid $5,400. I called in my order, got the # from their website: http://www.studio-exchange.com/

TedRR

04-03-2006, 11:09 PM

Got mine today from Snader as promised! Thank goodness.

steindj

04-04-2006, 01:12 AM

But if you find it for less than $5300 I'd say you would be wise to be suspicious

Except Full Compass. They're authorized (they told me) and had it for $5,276. Definitely the best deal I've seen so far.

GlassSidewalk

04-04-2006, 01:34 AM

The Sarlacc

04-04-2006, 02:11 AM

Paid for mine last Thursday local in LA at Samys (they are authorized) and as promised it came in today. Now I just need more 8GB cards.

And Barry, you are correct if you fill out the production tax form your rate in LA drops from 8.25% to 3%. About a $275 savings on a $5500 ticket.

Is there a place online where we can download this form???

I think mine just came in at Abel today. I got a phone call, but i was on set.

GlassSidewalk

04-04-2006, 02:40 AM

Is there a place online where we can download this form???

I think mine just came in at Abel today. I got a phone call, but i was on set.

The dealer should provide the form. I believe you are suppose to be a production company to qualify. At some stores I just provide my business card and Tax ID number and I'm good, others are less detailed. I won't name anybody, but some stores I've walked out without signing anything and received the tax discount. I don't know all of the legalities of who qualifies, I do know there is a space on the form for your tax id. I guess if you freelanced and didn't have a LLC or Corp, you could use your SS#, should work.

Alright, I can't believe I just found this link but this should be all the info you need.
http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/reg1532.pdf

ullanta

04-04-2006, 02:50 AM

I guess if you freelanced and didn't have a LLC or Corp, you could use your SS#, should work.

Yep!

halfelement

04-04-2006, 04:48 AM

i found a store selling it for $5,558 in stock here in LA. i'll have to hit up Lerro and Full Compass, those are excellent rates. thanks!

The Sarlacc

04-04-2006, 08:58 AM

The dealer should provide the form. I believe you are suppose to be a production company to qualify. At some stores I just provide my business card and Tax ID number and I'm good, others are less detailed. I won't name anybody, but some stores I've walked out without signing anything and received the tax discount. I don't know all of the legalities of who qualifies, I do know there is a space on the form for your tax id. I guess if you freelanced and didn't have a LLC or Corp, you could use your SS#, should work.

Alright, I can't believe I just found this link but this should be all the info you need.
http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/reg1532.pdf

Thanks!

I do have a tax ID, so I'm not too worried about...this is a nice little discount as far as I'm concerned.

DVG Big Cheese

04-04-2006, 02:14 PM

We have them (6) IN STOCK (4-4-06) and we are a Flagship dealer, we support DVXUSER.com with banner purchases, and don't ask for your SS# it dosen't get any better than that!:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) **THE PRICE DID NOT GO UP IN OUR MARCH DEALER PRICELIST**
Ask for Jill 804-752-6650 http://www.digitalvideogroup.com jill@digitalvideogroup.com

MrGlory

04-04-2006, 04:26 PM

Got a camera and 8GB card from David @ Promedia in TN. http://www.promediamemphis.com/

EXCELLENT customer service.

Ralph Oshiro

04-04-2006, 04:57 PM

How is everybody finding the availability now of the 8GB cards? Did these dealers have them if you wanted two with your camera purchase?

steindj

04-04-2006, 09:34 PM

i found a store selling it for $5,558 in stock here in LA. i'll have to hit up Lerro and Full Compass, those are excellent rates. thanks!

Beware, there's now rumors of a Panny price increase since Mar. 1. See post 74 here (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=49581&page=8). You may encounter higher prices now.

EDIT CORRECTION: See 47 below!!

Jan_Crittenden

04-05-2006, 03:42 AM

We have not raised the price on the AG-HVX200. It is the same as it always was. There is no plan to increase the price.

Best,

jan

ProMediaTN

04-05-2006, 07:48 AM

Hey, I resemble that remark. :)

David - ProMedia.

nsoltz

04-05-2006, 11:31 AM

Videotex Systems, Dallas, Texas. 800-888-4336. Ask for Barak Epstein at ext 121. Videotex has been receiving a steady supply and I honestly do not know what their allocation situation is at the moment. But they are authorized and will treat you well.

Ned Soltz

The Sarlacc

04-05-2006, 11:32 AM

I put a deposit down at Abel Cine Tech last week. Camera was in Monday.

steindj

04-05-2006, 11:41 AM

We have not raised the price on the AG-HVX200. It is the same as it always was. There is no plan to increase the price.

Best,

jan

Thanks, Jan, rumor squashed! I thought that was strange. I wonder what the confusion is at AVS, if any.

nsoltz

04-05-2006, 03:17 PM

Funny that I should mention Videotex since today Barak posted to our FCP Dallas group that they received a few units and as of mid-day Wednesday, April 5 still had some left.

Ned Soltz

Terence Lehane

04-05-2006, 04:10 PM

I just want to come back and say a quick word about B&H.
Yeah their prices are great. They have a fantastic web site.
They must have a huge store in NY and have huge sales figures.
But for all this they don't know how to operate a simple international Visa card transaction!! You have to wire transfer funds over which adds about 80 euros to the price of any purchase.
I regularly buy stuff from American sites, Amazon for example and many others, who have no problem handling international Visa card transactions. There is no risk involved for the seller. But try telling that to B&H.
With their prices and web site (that's a World Wide Web site!) I can't imagine how many international sales they have lost because of this crazy policy.
It's a problem with a lot of American companies who seem to think the world is delimted by NY and LA. Beyond that is a kind of no man's land that is unknown and dangerous and houses lots of Afghanistans and Iraks.

TedRR

04-05-2006, 10:54 PM

I ordered my 2 8 GIG cards and they should be here tomorrow. Now I can finally use all the features of my camera!!!
Tuesday, 5 minutes before they closed, B&H said they had several 4 GIG cards. I called "almost" first thing this morning and they said they had none???
I told the guy what I was told the day before, and they suddenly found one???
20 minutes later I got a call from "a connection" and was offered the 2 8 Gig cards. Needless to say, I called and cancelled my 4 gig from B&H.

MrGlory

04-13-2006, 02:38 PM

...Beyond that is a kind of no man's land that is unknown and dangerous and houses lots of Afghanistans and Iraks.

The funny thing is, while I was in Afghanistan, nothing arrived faster than an order from B&H... I don't know how they do it, but they are FAST!

tdon

04-13-2006, 09:22 PM

Has anyone ever purchased anything from this site?

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/

dvInsight

04-13-2006, 09:56 PM

Couldn't you just use Panasonics dealer locator at:
http://b2b.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/Locator/Search.jsp?cmpycd=3

Start by looking at dealers that are nearest to you, since they may be able to support you better than a dealer hundreds, if not thousands of miles away.

Good Luck,

Rob

steindj

04-14-2006, 12:30 AM

Has anyone ever purchased anything from this site?

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/

$4,799?! Almost certain bait and switch or gray market. If you shop around enough authorized dealers, you can get the HVX for $5,300. That's good enough. A dealer significantly less will likely not be worth the trouble.

Jan_Crittenden

04-14-2006, 03:31 AM

Has anyone ever purchased anything from this site?

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/

Gray Market. Wouldn't go there.

Best,

Jan

adolgin

04-14-2006, 07:05 AM

they don't know how to operate a simple international Visa card transaction!! You have to wire transfer funds over which adds about 80 euros to the price of any purchase.

It is not that they do not know how to. It is the amount of fraud that is going on - Nigerian, etc. They do not want to ship a camera overseas before they see real money, not a fake CC number...

robot909

04-17-2006, 10:29 AM

Has anyone ordered from Specialized Communications?

They sell the hvx for 5399 and are a Panasonic dealer.

http://www.spec-comm.com/hvx200.php

Thanks

Jarred Land

04-17-2006, 10:32 AM

yes, Spec-Comm is a trusted dealer and authorized.. plus they can fix em :)

Silver 2

04-17-2006, 05:17 PM

I ordered the HVX/2-8G P2 package at at the end of Feb and got word last week that it's shipped. Should get it by Wed. My chops are salivating... Anyway, they've been great. Highly recommend them.

Nightzephyr

04-17-2006, 07:33 PM

I ordered the HVX/1-4G P2 package on the first of March and it also shipped last week. I should receive it on Thursday. Jasmine at Spec-Comm has been excellent to deal with. I recommend them as well.

miller

05-25-2006, 10:17 PM

I just got my HVX from abelcine with the DVXuser discount. Great service from Jerrod, I highly recommend. I am also getting the Chrosziel, Cartoni, and Schneider 4x4 filter's from them.

Dyplodicus1975

05-26-2006, 09:39 AM

I hate guys like me who clog up the boards with queestions about availability but I really need one for this weekend. Does anyone know the current availability from... well, anyone? I've been e-mailing and calling around and everyone's out. I've got a gig this weekend and any help would be greatly appreciated. There aren't enough explanation points in the world that could accompany this request.

Vanderpool Films

05-26-2006, 10:03 AM

The discount is in the over the top service. Where else would they loan you a camera, a test bench, HD monitor, your own copy of the manual and Tiffany (an employee/filmmaker) to help you perform fornmat & resolution camera tests? And chase down the TC slaving problem we experienced? Certainly not B+H.

Service and support are the best discounts, everything else is a waste of time.

Able Cinetech rocks and is well worth the support.

www.abelcine.com.

Michael Vitti

IMHO - Cheapest is virtually never the best deal.

I have dealt with Abel Cine Tech for almost 30 years. They are as good as it gets. Their prices are very competitive - but MOST important - they are the MOST knowledgable - MOST helpful - MOST supportive company in the industry. Abel generously opened their doors in LA & NY to the HVX200 Bootcamp. They deserve our support.

HVX200 help when you need it? PRICELESS!

Best Regards,

Charles
vanderpoolfilms.com

tak1108

05-26-2006, 10:59 AM

I ordered from full compass, getting more stock in June 7. They are the cheapest. But they don't have them in stock.

Cynic821

06-02-2006, 11:31 AM

Hello again! Money fell through (twice) :( but just to come back to the community and say HI and thanks for all the info again! Im going to be ordering from B&H when the camera comes back in stock.

Money actually came in this time, the check is being cleared in the bank right now, so its just a matter of when the camera is in stock.

Its good to see that the price is now 5500 normally, means we can get a 4gb P2 card to go along with it for the same price as the cam alone used to be!

Thanks again, and if anyone can point in any direction of a confirmed good deal it'd be appreciated!