leofernandez
Active member
can anyone reccomend me a reliable, panasonic authorized reseller online? i understnad that if I purchase an hvx now i get an 8gb p2 card free.
Where to buy the HVX: a small guide.
- Thread starter vidled
- Start date
Barry_Green
Moderator
Abel Cine Tech, Roscor, DVW, ProMedia, Spec-Comm, B&H, EVS, AVS, all sorts of internet dealers. Read the sticky guide on where/how to buy an HVX for lots of recommendations.
davidpula
Well-known member
What do you guys feel about this dbuys place? $4600. I always feel the stores featured on cnet are pretty reputable, no?
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_AG_HVX200/4014-6500_7-31520842.html?tag=bc
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_AG_HVX200/4014-6500_7-31520842.html?tag=bc
vidled
DVXuser Sponsor
davidpula said:
One of the things mentioned in this thread, and very often in other threads is to check resellerratings.com. It's not a 100% accurate way to predict the outcome of your own possible buying experience, but it does give a glimpse into how others have felt after purchasing something. It is therefore a very good way to judge a store of which one has no previous knowledge. http://www.resellerratings.com/store/IbuyDigital
TwinCitiesShooter
Active member
I bought an HVX from them, but just gave them my card number over the phone. It seems the reputable dealers are all priced about the same on the HVX, but Spec-Comm was throwing in 2 batteries on top of the 8G card deal. That deal worked fine, though returning my DOA Firestore battery has been a major pain (thanks mostly to UPS).
I gotta say that for most equipment though, I price around on the web and then call Tommy Mack at EVS -- he usually comes in lower (over the phone) than anyone's advertised price, and is an awesome, friendly guy to work with.
And speaking of Reseller Ratings, one well-known bait-and-switch outfit (BestPriceCameras) has something on their site saying they are five-star rated by RatingsPlanet. That left me somewhat bewildered and confused, so I decided to look into RatingsPlanet. Once there I found that BestPriceCameras has significantly better (but brief) reviews on that site than B&H!vidled said:
I would not be surprised if RatingsPlanet was set up specifically to counter the overwhelmingly negative real reviews on ResellerRatings.
tallrd
Well-known member
Thank you to Torsten for bringing to our attention that Bestpricecameras.com is using our name without permission in a posting for a P2 drive. The tacticts of grey market "dealers" never cease to amaze me.
As for ratingsplanet, I have heard the exact same thing. They post falsified feedback to make bait-and-switch outfits look more desireable. Broadway photo and bestpricecameras are the worst offenders in the market (imho) yet they have gleeming reviews on ratingsplanet. Coinsidence I think not.
As for ratingsplanet, I have heard the exact same thing. They post falsified feedback to make bait-and-switch outfits look more desireable. Broadway photo and bestpricecameras are the worst offenders in the market (imho) yet they have gleeming reviews on ratingsplanet. Coinsidence I think not.
I had a very positive experience dealing with Andrew at spec-comm... Andrew has personal experience with the gear and could answer my questions easily. They worked with me to put a sizeable order together and get it shipped to me on tight time constraints - thumbs up for spec-comm!
spikeman256
Active member
Well, I purchased my HVX-200 on Feb. 14 from Julian @ Audio Video Supply (www.avsupply.com).
They are an authorized Panasonic dealer in San Diego, and I got the camera for $4,805 including shipping. $4,775 + $30 shipping. That's all I bought there.
Julian is admittedly not an expert with the camera, but why does he need to be? I found everything that I needed to know on here. He was very nice, very professional, and very willing to help.
I think the days are numbered for HVX-200 cameras for over $5,000.
From B&H, I bought the following:
- Bogen 503/351 head/legs set for $495.
- B+W UV MRC filter for $105.
- 4 year Mack Pro Warranty (for camera under $5000) for $199.
- Kata DVG-51 Camera Glove for $150 (not shipping yet).
Obviously, not everyone is sold on a Mack Warranty, however for those who *are* interested in Mack, I have a good tip there too:
Keep in mind, the beauty of my purchasing the camera for *under* $5,000 is that the Mack Pro Warranty was only $199 vs. $299 since their cutoff for the $199 warranty is $5,000 even. I called Mack and they confirmed that their warranty is based not on the retail price, but for the price that you actually paid for the camera...so, someone who paid $5,001 would actually have to buy the $299 warranty, and someone who paid $4,999 would only have to buy the $199 warranty. So, why pay over $5,000???
No hard feelings to the other vendors on here...I was merely shopping for the best price from an authorized dealer.
They are an authorized Panasonic dealer in San Diego, and I got the camera for $4,805 including shipping. $4,775 + $30 shipping. That's all I bought there.
Julian is admittedly not an expert with the camera, but why does he need to be? I found everything that I needed to know on here. He was very nice, very professional, and very willing to help.
I think the days are numbered for HVX-200 cameras for over $5,000.
From B&H, I bought the following:
- Bogen 503/351 head/legs set for $495.
- B+W UV MRC filter for $105.
- 4 year Mack Pro Warranty (for camera under $5000) for $199.
- Kata DVG-51 Camera Glove for $150 (not shipping yet).
Obviously, not everyone is sold on a Mack Warranty, however for those who *are* interested in Mack, I have a good tip there too:
Keep in mind, the beauty of my purchasing the camera for *under* $5,000 is that the Mack Pro Warranty was only $199 vs. $299 since their cutoff for the $199 warranty is $5,000 even. I called Mack and they confirmed that their warranty is based not on the retail price, but for the price that you actually paid for the camera...so, someone who paid $5,001 would actually have to buy the $299 warranty, and someone who paid $4,999 would only have to buy the $199 warranty. So, why pay over $5,000???
No hard feelings to the other vendors on here...I was merely shopping for the best price from an authorized dealer.
Pansonic Leasing Experience: Good.
Pansonic Leasing Experience: Good.
In case anyone was considering this, I recently went through the Panasonic Leasing Process. I submitted my application on Tuesday, and received my camera, and a firestore on Friday.
The way it works is you pay your first and last payment up front, and then buy your camera for 24 months at 2.9% (which is cheaper than my credit cards). As far as your credit goes, my score isn't phenomenally good, or phenomenally bad, the leasing agent I spoke to just said that they basically don't want to be "the highest lender". So if you have a home mortgage for $200k, they don't mind clocking in at $7k-$8k.
Sure, it makes your camera cost a bit more than it would if you paid cash up front, but for my situation, it works perfectly, since having the additional cash allows me to do other things to make my business more profitable, in the short run, and camera payments are tax deductible anyway.
Oh, p.s., I got the camera from Tommy Mack at EVS. Great guy.
Phil
Pansonic Leasing Experience: Good.
In case anyone was considering this, I recently went through the Panasonic Leasing Process. I submitted my application on Tuesday, and received my camera, and a firestore on Friday.
The way it works is you pay your first and last payment up front, and then buy your camera for 24 months at 2.9% (which is cheaper than my credit cards). As far as your credit goes, my score isn't phenomenally good, or phenomenally bad, the leasing agent I spoke to just said that they basically don't want to be "the highest lender". So if you have a home mortgage for $200k, they don't mind clocking in at $7k-$8k.
Sure, it makes your camera cost a bit more than it would if you paid cash up front, but for my situation, it works perfectly, since having the additional cash allows me to do other things to make my business more profitable, in the short run, and camera payments are tax deductible anyway.
Oh, p.s., I got the camera from Tommy Mack at EVS. Great guy.
Phil
Here is a fun thing to try -- Google the following two exact phrases (by including the quotes around the text):tallrd said:
"Fantastic inventory at best Price Cameras. Really just a huge selection all all for amazingly low prices. They have great feedback and I am really happy to buy from Best price Cameras"
"Fantastic inventory at best buy plasma. Really just a huge selection all all for amazingly low prices. They have great feedback and I am really happy to buy from them."
One quote comes back to a "Hussein" in Ohio, the other to a "reraxchitty" in Texas. They made virtually identical comments (including the same grammatical error with two "all"s) about their supposed buying experience at two different stores that are part of the same company. It's just a cut-and-paste job by one of their employees."Fantastic inventory at best buy plasma. Really just a huge selection all all for amazingly low prices. They have great feedback and I am really happy to buy from them."
spikeman256
Active member
Sales Tax vs. Use Tax:
As a side note to "where are we going for the best price", I have some information that could affect everyone making purchases:
Because so many people are ordering these cameras over the internet (without paying tax), I highly recommend that everyone consult with a qualified tax professional in their state (or even the state's own Dept. of Revenue) to determine whether or not they need to pay a "use tax" in place of the sales tax. Most out of state orders don't charge you a sales tax, but quite often you still have to pay a similar tax to your own state, called the use tax.
I'm not trying to turn this thread into a tax debate, but lack of knowledge in this area could have HUGE financial consequences to you later.
VERY briefly: As we all know, individuals always pay sales tax in most states. Businesses do as well unless they are going to resell the item. However, in most cases when you place an out of state order (ie, over the internet), the vendor isn't required to collect sales tax from you...it's up to you to possibly pay a "use" tax in your own state.
To do this, you fill out a form obtained from your state revenue department, and mail them a check for the amount.
Here in Phoenix, AZ, the city, county, and state *sales* tax currently adds up to 8.1%. I think the *use* tax is about 7.8%....a little cheaper, but not much.
When I paid the $4,805 last week for my HVX-200 (vendor in Calif)., I did not have to pay *sales* tax. However, legally, I must pay *use* tax to the state of Arizona in the month following the purchase. That means that even though I didn't pay sales tax when I purchased it, I must pay $379.60 to Arizona state as my use tax.
If I don't do this, and I get audited, say, 4 or 5 years later, this $379 could very easily turn into $1,500 or $2,000 including late fees, penalties, and fines.
I learned this when I was randomly audited by the state 5 years ago. About $700 of sales tax that I didn't pay turned into about $1,800 over a 3 year period.
I'm sharing this info since most people do not know about use tax...this is a very big deal...especially considering that over the next few months, I'll probably be spending another $6,000 or so on other gear ordered over the net.
I'm sure every state is different, and use tax laws will vary depending on whether you are an individual or a business...basically, if you are going to write off the expense for your business, you will probably have to pay either the sales tax or the use tax.
Sorry for the shock for those who didn't know.
-shannon
As a side note to "where are we going for the best price", I have some information that could affect everyone making purchases:
Because so many people are ordering these cameras over the internet (without paying tax), I highly recommend that everyone consult with a qualified tax professional in their state (or even the state's own Dept. of Revenue) to determine whether or not they need to pay a "use tax" in place of the sales tax. Most out of state orders don't charge you a sales tax, but quite often you still have to pay a similar tax to your own state, called the use tax.
I'm not trying to turn this thread into a tax debate, but lack of knowledge in this area could have HUGE financial consequences to you later.
VERY briefly: As we all know, individuals always pay sales tax in most states. Businesses do as well unless they are going to resell the item. However, in most cases when you place an out of state order (ie, over the internet), the vendor isn't required to collect sales tax from you...it's up to you to possibly pay a "use" tax in your own state.
To do this, you fill out a form obtained from your state revenue department, and mail them a check for the amount.
Here in Phoenix, AZ, the city, county, and state *sales* tax currently adds up to 8.1%. I think the *use* tax is about 7.8%....a little cheaper, but not much.
When I paid the $4,805 last week for my HVX-200 (vendor in Calif)., I did not have to pay *sales* tax. However, legally, I must pay *use* tax to the state of Arizona in the month following the purchase. That means that even though I didn't pay sales tax when I purchased it, I must pay $379.60 to Arizona state as my use tax.
If I don't do this, and I get audited, say, 4 or 5 years later, this $379 could very easily turn into $1,500 or $2,000 including late fees, penalties, and fines.
I learned this when I was randomly audited by the state 5 years ago. About $700 of sales tax that I didn't pay turned into about $1,800 over a 3 year period.
I'm sharing this info since most people do not know about use tax...this is a very big deal...especially considering that over the next few months, I'll probably be spending another $6,000 or so on other gear ordered over the net.
I'm sure every state is different, and use tax laws will vary depending on whether you are an individual or a business...basically, if you are going to write off the expense for your business, you will probably have to pay either the sales tax or the use tax.
Sorry for the shock for those who didn't know.
-shannon
spikeman256
Active member
It's really no big deal...stuff happens.
Just remember that when you buy something and the vendor doesn't ask you to pay sales tax, that you probably need to pay a use tax to your own state.
No big deal...just make sure you do it...or you might have to pay greatly down the road.
Just remember that when you buy something and the vendor doesn't ask you to pay sales tax, that you probably need to pay a use tax to your own state.
No big deal...just make sure you do it...or you might have to pay greatly down the road.
B. O'Malley
Member
I have to second all the favorable comments about EVS. While I haven't purchased an HVX from 'em, I DID purchase my DVX100B from them in late 05(?). Another bonus: They're near a DEL TACO. Mmmm.. Del Taco.
B.
B.
MikeWilkinson
Veteran
Mmmmm.... tacos....
I'm about to drop some moolah for an HVX and possibly a FS-100. Right now I'm leaning towards studio-exchange.com, an authorized dealer with a sub-$5000 New HVX. I'm not sure about shipping (their ebay store is pretty pricey when it comes to shipping, but the store doesn't list it) but I will be buying from wherever is the cheapest authroized dealer I can find obviously. Anyone seen anything less than 4995 from an authorized dealer for a NEW HVX? Or maybe a place where you can get a good deal on a FS-100/HVX package? Tomorrow's the big day
thanks
I'm about to drop some moolah for an HVX and possibly a FS-100. Right now I'm leaning towards studio-exchange.com, an authorized dealer with a sub-$5000 New HVX. I'm not sure about shipping (their ebay store is pretty pricey when it comes to shipping, but the store doesn't list it) but I will be buying from wherever is the cheapest authroized dealer I can find obviously. Anyone seen anything less than 4995 from an authorized dealer for a NEW HVX? Or maybe a place where you can get a good deal on a FS-100/HVX package? Tomorrow's the big day
thanks
I bought my HVX from AVS (waiting for shipment). Nice to deal with Julian!
Greatly recommended.
Suren
Muvvas Imaginations
HOUSTON, TX
hellomuvi@gmail.com
Greatly recommended.
Suren
Muvvas Imaginations
HOUSTON, TX
hellomuvi@gmail.com
Domis Entertainment
Active member
I had BOTH a GREAT and AWFUL experience when it came to searching for my AG-HVX200.
Positive Experience:
THE PEOPLE AT STUDIO EXCHANGE ARE AMAZING!
Bottom line...Studio Exchange in Burbank,CA is amazing! Great Customer Service! They let you test it out hands on (They even let me test it out on the tripod i was considering for purchase.) Since I bought the camera from them, I've been able to phone them whenever I've had a technical problem (most of the tech problems dealt with building the tripod. I'm horrible at building things.) They recommended some cheap substitutes for mounts and nifty gear since I told them I was on a low budget. Great people. I even had a problem loading my P2 footage onto final cut and one of the sales managers walked me through the entire process over the phone.
Go to
http://www.studio-exchange.com
NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE:
SAMMY'S CAMERA HAS NO RESPECT OR COMPASSION FOR THEIR CLIENTS
After searching dealers far and wide (From Chicago to Los Angeles), I narrowed it down to two choices. Sammy's Camera & Studio Exchange. The only reason why I chose to go with Sammy's camera was because they offered these sweet deal where i didn't have to make a payment until the sun crashed into the earth. (I was also purchasing a glide cam unit which they offered the same unbelievable deal.) When I called them to place the order, they said they didn't have any units but expected MANY of them to be in stock within the week. I waited 2 weeks, and they finally called me back. They told me on the phone that they had "Only one unit left." (What!? They waited to call me until they had one left?) They took down my Name, Phone number and the approximate time that I would be arriving in the store. I told them "Expect me to be there within the next two hours. I want both the HVX-200 and the Glide Cam v-16 Unit. I'll be there in less than two hours, your gonna hold them both for me, right?" The guy assured me that he would hold it all for me "UNTIL TOMORROW." I jetted out of the house and made it to the store within 45 minutes. That is when things got very worse.
I walked up to the service counter, requested that I speak with whomever i talked to on the phone, and 5 minutes later, the 17 year old kid who goes by the title of "Digital video Specialist" comes walking through. I wont ruin his digital video reputation by giving his name away, so I will just refer to him as 'the Kid.'
Me-" Hi, my name is Ryan Domis, I spoke to you over the phone. Do you have my gear?"
The Kid - "You know what, we just sold our last panasonic unit about 15 minutes ago. However, we do have our Glide Cam specialist on hand to walk you through it all... if you want to test it out."
Me - " I'm sorry. Didn't we agree that you would hold it for me until tomorrow? i said I'd be here within two hours. That's 45 minutes ago. What's going on?"
The Kid - "Well, it's one of our hottest units right now and they tend to sell fast. If I can just take down your information I can let you know when we get more in."
Me - "You already have my information. You took it down two weeks ago to let me know when you'd get more in. Then, You call me this morning and say that you'd hold your last unit for me until tomorrow. That was 45 minutes ago. Let me see your manager."
The manager apologized and resurrected the whole thought of " We should be getting more in soon, would you still like to demo your glidecam unit?"
Without saying another word (actually, I probably uttered a few words I shouldn't repeat) I took off and headed straight for Studio Exchange in Burbank. They should have been my first choice.
When I Attempted to buy the AG-HVX200 @ Sammy's Camera in Southern California it turned out to be one of the worst experiences I have ever had. Completely disrespectful. Thank god for studio exchange!
Positive Experience:
THE PEOPLE AT STUDIO EXCHANGE ARE AMAZING!
Bottom line...Studio Exchange in Burbank,CA is amazing! Great Customer Service! They let you test it out hands on (They even let me test it out on the tripod i was considering for purchase.) Since I bought the camera from them, I've been able to phone them whenever I've had a technical problem (most of the tech problems dealt with building the tripod. I'm horrible at building things.) They recommended some cheap substitutes for mounts and nifty gear since I told them I was on a low budget. Great people. I even had a problem loading my P2 footage onto final cut and one of the sales managers walked me through the entire process over the phone.
Go to
http://www.studio-exchange.com
NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE:
SAMMY'S CAMERA HAS NO RESPECT OR COMPASSION FOR THEIR CLIENTS
After searching dealers far and wide (From Chicago to Los Angeles), I narrowed it down to two choices. Sammy's Camera & Studio Exchange. The only reason why I chose to go with Sammy's camera was because they offered these sweet deal where i didn't have to make a payment until the sun crashed into the earth. (I was also purchasing a glide cam unit which they offered the same unbelievable deal.) When I called them to place the order, they said they didn't have any units but expected MANY of them to be in stock within the week. I waited 2 weeks, and they finally called me back. They told me on the phone that they had "Only one unit left." (What!? They waited to call me until they had one left?) They took down my Name, Phone number and the approximate time that I would be arriving in the store. I told them "Expect me to be there within the next two hours. I want both the HVX-200 and the Glide Cam v-16 Unit. I'll be there in less than two hours, your gonna hold them both for me, right?" The guy assured me that he would hold it all for me "UNTIL TOMORROW." I jetted out of the house and made it to the store within 45 minutes. That is when things got very worse.
I walked up to the service counter, requested that I speak with whomever i talked to on the phone, and 5 minutes later, the 17 year old kid who goes by the title of "Digital video Specialist" comes walking through. I wont ruin his digital video reputation by giving his name away, so I will just refer to him as 'the Kid.'
Me-" Hi, my name is Ryan Domis, I spoke to you over the phone. Do you have my gear?"
The Kid - "You know what, we just sold our last panasonic unit about 15 minutes ago. However, we do have our Glide Cam specialist on hand to walk you through it all... if you want to test it out."
Me - " I'm sorry. Didn't we agree that you would hold it for me until tomorrow? i said I'd be here within two hours. That's 45 minutes ago. What's going on?"
The Kid - "Well, it's one of our hottest units right now and they tend to sell fast. If I can just take down your information I can let you know when we get more in."
Me - "You already have my information. You took it down two weeks ago to let me know when you'd get more in. Then, You call me this morning and say that you'd hold your last unit for me until tomorrow. That was 45 minutes ago. Let me see your manager."
The manager apologized and resurrected the whole thought of " We should be getting more in soon, would you still like to demo your glidecam unit?"
Without saying another word (actually, I probably uttered a few words I shouldn't repeat) I took off and headed straight for Studio Exchange in Burbank. They should have been my first choice.
When I Attempted to buy the AG-HVX200 @ Sammy's Camera in Southern California it turned out to be one of the worst experiences I have ever had. Completely disrespectful. Thank god for studio exchange!