Crazy Cameras

[Coxie]

I placed an order for a Canon G10 yesterday at an awesome price of ?329.00 from: 

http://www.crazycameras.co.uk/

Feeling pretty chuffed with myself I proceeded to look into the company (So foolish not to have done this before) Anyway I discovered this thread on a forum:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/digital-photography-general-chat/1000218-crazy-cameras.html

I have since cancelled my order and think I still may loose my cash but hopefully if the worst comes to the worst the bank may refund it.

I'd be interested to know if anyone has had any experience with this company?

 

[Tony_B]

Coxie,
        I've just ordered a G10 from CameraBox for the same price, although there is another 8 quid on top for postage. It hasn't arrived yet but if/when it does I'll confirm on here. I came across Crazy Cameras on my Google search for a G10 and to be honest was put off by the name; seems my instincts were right on that score.
Tony.

 

[paul]

FWIW, I always try to apply 3 rules when purchasing online:

1. If it's too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Always use a credit card.
3. Remember that a price for non-EU sourced goods may look tempting, but you may be hit for Import Duty and VAT.

 

[george]

I don't know if I wouldn't trust a company with a name like that but I certainly wouldn't use it on general principal! They get on my wick, it could only be worse if it was spelt KRAZY. Misspelt, pathetic puns, xxxx r us and all the rest GGGGRRRRRR.
Anyhow thanks for the alert as I'm in the market for some camera gear!

George

 

[Tony_B]

Further to my above post, the G10 was promised on next-day delivery from CameraBox on Tuesday. It's now Friday and it hasn't turned up. I've done a Google search and the vibes on CB are not good. Fortunately I managed to get hold of them on the phone (after several attempts); they told me that their online ordering system has been down 'for maintenance' and that the camera would be despatched today. I cancelled the order straight away, and also contacted my credit card company.

As yet CameraBox have not made the financial transaction, but since they have my details there's nothing the CC company can do to stop this happening. I just have to watch the account and notify the CC company if the money goes out, and they'll then dispute it. (I didn't know this, did you?)

And, yes, I know, I should have done the Google search before ordering, but CB's website is extremely good and didn't give the slightest cause for concern!

In short...CameraBox, AVOID.

 

[Bushman]

Lol, shops are really good places to buy stuff from.

 

[ogofmole]

Lol, shops are really good places to buy stuff from.

I must agree, I buy all my camera gear from my local camera shop, who will always come to a price near Internet prices. Plus it supports local shops, only things I buy on-line is camera battery's and memory cards.

 

[Roger W]

Always good to support your local camera/bike/caving shop!

Otherwise, when you need some advice, or to have a good look at, or try out, something you need to get, you may find that your friendly, helpful local retailer ain't there any more.

 

[Tony_B]

Always good to support your local camera/bike/caving shop!

Otherwise, when you need some advice, or to have a good look at, or try out, something you need to get, you may find that your friendly, helpful local retailer ain't there any more.

Ordinarily I would agree with you. But speaking as someone who makes his living by taking photographs, my personal experience is that most of the people who work in high-street camera shops know next to f**k all. The level of knowledge and advice is usually way short of that you would get from most bike shops or, indeed, caving shops.

Next time you're buying a camera to take caving, ask the sales assistant whether it's possible to, for example, switch off the anti-red-eye pre-flashes. I bet they won't have a clue.

I can learn far more about cameras and associated equipment from the internet and through photography magazines. Add to that the considerable savings that can be made by buying online and the 'net wins, I'm afraid...

 

[Razzerip1]

This site is good for camera information plus examples

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong10/

I have a G10 its small compact, if you take it underground invest in a waterproof housing, it prob won't last long otherwise!

 

[Tony_B]

This site is good for camera information plus examples

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong10/

I agree, dpreview is an excellent site. Their tests are extremely thorough and a great way of comparing potential camera purchases for image quality obsessives like me!

 

[Coxie]

Have just recieved a full refund from crazy camers so maybe I was panicing about nothing.

Anywho amazon have come to the rescue and a shiny new G10 has just been dispatched  .

Good shout on the dpreview... what a geat site!

 

[badkriss666]

I placed an order for a Canon G10 yesterday at an awesome price of ?329.00 from: 

http://www.crazycameras.co.uk/

Feeling pretty chuffed with myself I proceeded to look into the company (So foolish not to have done this before) Anyway I discovered this thread on a forum:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/digital-photography-general-chat/1000218-crazy-cameras.html

I have since cancelled my order and think I still may loose my cash but hopefully if the worst comes to the worst the bank may refund it.

I'd be interested to know if anyone has had any experience with this company?

i  hi i buy from crazy cameras canon d10 for 200 quick and right now i wait 20 days for delivery is 31 december 2009 this is fraud from my or yours accont.Remember the crazy cameras co.uk have base in USA no in UK!!!!!!!!

 

[Rob]

I have used Camerabox in the past for my Canon 40D. Price was ?40 below anywhere else online. Everything went smoothly. It took about 10 days to arrive (they said 5), but i was in no rush. Coms were bad so i'd probably avoid in the future.
Cheers for letting us know about KrazyCameras...
In general i stick to Amazon or eBay. I agree with TonyB on this one. The camera shops that are priced well are full of idiots, and the ones with actually knowledgable staff, charge too much. I only really ever go into camera shops now to feel the weight and feel of the new release, or maybe to buy a camera bag as i want to check it's the right size.

 

[Elaine]

That is the morally tricky bit. You want to buy something at the cheapest price, but want some helpful and useful advice along the way.

 

[Major Bobbie]

Although there has been past blogs about a company called Crazy Cameras at www.crazycameras.co.uk, I feel I must also warn potential customers urgently. DO NOT BUY OFF THIS UNSCRUPULOUS Dealer.

I paid for my new camera on DEC 31st 2009, to find a month later they still had no stock AND DID NOT KEEP ME INFORMED! After sending repeated emails, voice mails and telephone calls, I was finally offered an alternative, which was also not in stock. I was given a date for the replenishment of the stock, but I was told I may not get an alternative, as several customers were also waiting and there was a queue for the goods and it would be served on a "first come, first served" basis. If I felt, I was advised, that I didn't want the alternative I could cancel the order and have a full refund.

I sent an email two days before the expected "goods in" receipt day, not the "order processing", day quite clearly cancelling the order including a request for my account to be credited with the full amount.

They then still sent the camera and charged me. Two months have passed and I still have the camera with them insisting I have to pay ?70 for the return with no guarantee of refund. I will not pay this and I am still demanding a refund. They will not answer calls emails or even again follow up messages. I have asked for calls from a manager and asked for managers contact details to discuss the issue to which now is probably surmounted to over and in excess of 100 calls, emails and messages left. They ignore emails and will not help at all. They will not give out addresses or Directors details or telephone numbers.

Where evidence is needed I will happily send copies to potential customers and readers of this article all of my emails and responses which are appalling to say the least so they can make their own mind up about using CrazyCameras in the future. Just send me your email addresses. CAN ANYONE HELP?