Thanks Caf, I know there are lots more brands out there...so yeah I will check them out as well!
I don't know how it's in the states , but here in Holland you can't play much around with the floor models without the alarm going off! When you ask if you can have a look, they let you for a minute, with a look like they sell forbidden diamonds (they get on my nerves)

But I like the part about the CF card, that's a great tip! Thanks Caf

well it is the same here usually. cable that is about 2 feet long gets extended beyond "where its happy" then store people come running because of the sound it makes.
i told one of them when i was looking at my camera to just stay there because it would go off again.
lol

If you find a real camera store -usually independently owned, and now a dying breed- the cameras will be behind the counter. The sales staff may or may not step away to let you explore the features for a minute if they see you're seriously considering the camera. Comparing it to looking at diamond rings from the case at a jewelry store is not far off... but you usually can get what information you need. The staff at these stores are usually pretty knowledgeable, too. Even at a place like Best Buy, where the cameras have strings attached, so to speak, you can sometimes find a manager who will release a floor model for you to look at more easily. They'll usually assign someone to stand guard over you, but you can still get a better sense of the camera.

When you're looking at a fairly major investment (US $900 min. for a dSLR), you may need to be pretty assertive to make sure you're making the right choice. Truly serious buyers are generally treated better than "browsers." So even if you know you'll make your purchase elsewhere, act like they might eventually make a sale off of you. Even ask for a business card before you leave. You don't need to lie; just remain noncommittal and say you need to do some more research before making a final decision, as evidenced by your CF card and test photos. And even if you know you'll make your purchase elsewhere, developing good terms with local businesses will help give you the support you may need for future accessories or troubleshooting.

Sounds like you have a lot of experience with this But it make sense, of course you wanna know how it all work when you are gonna spend some serious cash.
I found this small camera store (instead of these huge companies) where they have only a couple of customers a day, so they have more time (and fun) to tell me everything about these SLR's!

PS: I have no experience with buying diamond rings

That's excellent, DaVinci! That's just the kind of place I was hoping you'd find. You'll learn a lot even through just one buying process.

Certainly, the point of all this is to choose the right camera in the first place. But still, check the return policy of whatever place you buy it from. Most places charge a "restocking fee" for returned electronics unless it's defective right out of the box. I've seen a couple of return policies that even say defective merchandise needs to be sent straight to the manufacturer.

Lastly (for now), carefully read any extended warranties they try to sell you, if it's something you're interested in. What does it include? (Getting stepped on by an elephant under a full moon on the third Sunday of June...) What does it exclude? (Accidentally knocking it off the table with your elbow or damage from getting caught out in the rain...) Does coverage extend to the added lens or just the dSLR body? How do you make a claim? Is there a deductible? Does the cost for a 3-year plan match or exceed what you expect this model camera would sell for off e-bay in the same amount of time? Is the company that holds the policy well known and likely to still be in business when you need them? Of course, if a policy would repair or replace a camera dropped from extraordinary heights, and you plan to go skydiving with yours, then an extended warranty may be a good deal after all.

I know, I know, too much to think about. Pick your camera first. Good luck!

Wow, you really make it a quest! But it's good, thanks for all the tips, really helpfull...
Let me first pick the right camera lol, than I will think about the warranties etc.

(and if I find out that they sell me a piece of junk, they can give me my money back or they stick the camera where the sun don't shine)

Heehee! "Quest" is right! I've gone through this with every all-in-one digicam I've gotten... made it a virtual hobby! After two or three years, something smaller (more pocketable) and supposedly better would come along; I'd have a little extra money, and I'd start the process all over again. All I can say is, my husband has the patience of a SAINT!

Once I finally got my dSLR, I stopped looking at cameras... until I decided to get one of the new waterproof ones for my husband. But shopping for a camera for someone else is a WHOLE other ball of wax!

I'm glad you find some of my ramblings useful.

Your ramblings are ALWAYS useful, Caf!

Hey! 3 years after the SLR discussion I finally bought one
I got the Nikon D5100, not real pro but good enough for me at the moment...

Just wanted to share, cheers!!

I will create some new source photos with it!

AH, welcome to the world of photography and say goodbye to your bank account.

AH, welcome to the world of photography and say goodbye to your bank account.

AH, welcome to the world of photography and say goodbye to your bank account.

Yeah it's a fun hobby, but not a cheap one!