Buying a Camcorder Made Simple (page 2)

If you live outside an urban area, are you doomed to videographer's limbo? Not at all. Camcorders of every make and model are accessible online and through mail-order merchants like B&H in New York. Countless mail order and Internet retailers accept both checks and credit cards, and most offer toll-free telephone numbers. There are some drawbacks to purchasing by mail or online, but keeping these in mind while you shop will often prevent mishaps or miscommunications. Camcorders are frequently in limited supply at individual retailers, so should you locate a tremendous deal, consider striking while the iron is hot. Don't be surprised if the item is already out-of-stock when you order. But don't be bait-and-switched into a more expensive model than you want.

Know what you want before you order. This is where market research pays off. It helps if you have a list of model numbers when you call to ask for information. Procedures for returns differ between stores, as do shipping rates. Several retailers rigidly adhere to narrow times on returns, sometimes as few as five days after receipt of merchandise. Others allow a generous 30-day return, but only with store credit. Shipping rates gravitate from a flat $4, to a hefty 20 percent of the purchase price, and rates will vary depending on how quickly you'd like to receive the product. Knowledge is power. Watch for hidden costs. Know every possible detail about the camcorder you are purchasing and weigh the shipping options carefully.

Whether you find your next camcorder at your local consumer warehouse or at a mail-order company in the pages of Videomaker, enjoy the process. Buying a camcorder should be a pleasant, gratifying experience, simplified through an understanding of your needs and available shopping resources. A camcorder exists for virtually every need and price range; discovering and purchasing that cam is the first step on the road to creative bliss.

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