How safe is ebay for video cameras?

Hey bud, I only know that Barclay photo was named Price Rite photo once upon a time. A blogger named "Thomas Hawk" exposed them for the criminals they were, a Brooklyn bait and switch scam, and they reinvented themselves as Barclay Photo.
But not before sending Don Wis, a photographer helping Hawk uncover the truth, a message on his machine saying that they were gonna break his neck.

This is the link for that story, it's old news but it shouldn't be forgotten. Why? Because then a nice person like you could plop down good money for a camera that will never come. I dont know how they keep their feedback positive, but the real question is, for a couple of hundred dollars are you willing to take the chance to loose a couple thousand?
I say nay to buying on ebay [for the camera].

http://thomashawk.com/2005/12/brooklyn-photographer-don-wiss.html
 
I wouldn't do it, Bro. Went through the same machinations when it was time to buy my DVX100B last year ... Ended up at EVS and paying the premium for the warranted machine and the peace of mind. It was well worth it.
 
If I had bought my HD100 from a bait and switch, I would have been screwed. It came to me with a slight issue, which JVC happily fixed by sending out a new camera. Try that in N.Y. You'll have better luck finding a cabby that speaks English.
 
I've bought used cams on Ebay before. A lot of listings for "new" cams are bait and switch like the above mentioned, but some people are genuine. You just have to do a little investigating and use common sense.

You have to figure a lot of stuff that doesn't get sold on here or other video websites ends up on Ebay legitimately. Just do your homework!
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Rick is absolutely right. There are honest folks trying to get rid of a toy they no longer use. And, there are scumbags that just want your money. If you have any doubts, buy from a trusted dealer. You may pay a bit more, but the peace of mind is worth it.
 
I bought my DVX off of eBay, but it was from a private seller and not a store. I have bought a still camera from one of the stores, but it was so long ago I can't remember the name -- it was all legit, though. Still, I'd be a lot more cautious on a multi-thousand dollar video camera than a lower-end still shooter.

And never, ever, ever buy/contact someone who posts their email in big letters telling you to email them directly for a special price. If they don't want you to contact them through eBay, it usually means they've hijacked that eBay account.
 
I wouldn't buy much from ebay. I bought a pro minitor from there.. total POS, was literally in pieces when I got it. I bought a Sony DSR-30... heads clogged so bad they couldn't be cleaned, missing remote, banged-up. That one was really fun. Took me a month to get my money back on that and they had the same machine on ebay again within 2 weeks to sell to the next sucker (under a new name.) It seems like almost everything I've bought on there was sketchy. I did get a Nikon D100 from Cameta Camera which is a Brooklyn outfit, and it was an excellent deal and I never had any issues. They tried to upsell me on a few items and I said no, and that was it. I'd buy from them again if I had to, although frankly now that I know about them I just go straight to B&H or Adorama for my photo gear these days. Be wary of Ebay for anything above $200.. it's a royal headeach when things go sour. The one exception is used camera lenses as it's a pretty big marketplace and you can get some sweet deals if you're patient and careful.
 
I happen to love ebay because I am a complete cheap skate. With that said I mostly only buy accessories from ebay. What I learned working at bestbuy and circuit city is that a huge markup is added on the accessories. Cables, power plugs, adapters, basically anything mostly plastic or wire get it from ebay. Now onto the camera thing I don't know if I would buy a dvx from ebay sellers in new york sorry new york sellers but it is just to much shady deals going on. Just buy it used and when it breaks use that extra money you saved to fix it. :)

I bought my first G5 from ebay. It worked so great! I sold it for more than I paid 2 months later.
 
I've got some nice stuff off of ebay, and very few issues. A great NEC studio monitor for real cheap, a great set of Bogen legs (with a crappy head), and sold quite a bit too. BUT- that is small stuff. A grand is a lot to throw out there. Your best bet, is to watch these forums. People that you semi know are always selling their gear off.
 
I've bought and sold quite a bit of items on eBay. I even bought a van on eBay once. I think a little common sense and attention to detail is all you need. I'd immediately reject any ads offering highly competitive "Buy It Now" prices with on-line, store front style designs. Buy from individuals, read their item descriptions and banter with them via e-mail. You'll be able to tell if they're honest or not.
 
I personally have had good experiences with e-bay purchases. Most are in the under $500 bracket, but I have bought an expensive video camera. I always follow the: If it seems too good to be true, stay away rule. It's probably a scam. There are certain things to watch for and certain red flags which pop up as a warning. Think some of this comes with age and/or experience.
 
i only guy things on ebay. i bought a hdr-fx1 from barcleyphoto and a Dvx100b. they are great. little pushy for warrenty but everything is great
 
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