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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Canon factory-sealed -- How can one tell?
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Showing posts 1 - 11 of 11, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 11/05/2006 03:09:06 PM · #1
I would like to solicit the help of the greater DPC community. I recently bought a Canon 30D from B&H and I am wondering how I can tell whether it is a brand new camera or not.

I have already contacted Canon to ask them how to find out
a) shutter actuations (they say I can't find out)
b) whether the boxes have been opened (the Canon tech didn't know whether they are supposed to be sealed in any particular way)

So, I am turning to you. Does anyone who bought a Canon 30D or similar Canon DSLR remember how their camera was packaged? Particularly, were there tamper-proof seals on the box? Maybe a special welcome screen upon first startup?

B&H is a trustworthy source in my view, but the box the camera came in appeared as though it had been opened before (cardboard bent and worn near the latch). Also, some of the packaging was pretty wrinkled in a way that didn't appear to be factory-wrinkled if you know what I mean.

Any input would be appreciated.

J
 11/05/2006 03:11:54 PM · #2
My 350D had a red label on the outside box (it came with the 55-200 and battery grip), but I wouldn't call it tamper-proof. Could easily have been replaced.
No welcome screens or anything similar though.
 11/05/2006 03:16:22 PM · #3
When I bought my 30D, the box tag was unbent, the camera was in an unsealed bubble wrap bag. All cables were sealed in plastic bags. Software was in sealed sleeves.

It is possible your camera was a demo or display model? My box came with the kit lens and it still looks like brand new. If I packaged it and sold it, I could say it had never been opened.

May be worth checking with them that it wasn't a demo model?

Hope that helps.

Steve
 11/05/2006 03:22:16 PM · #4
Pretty much the same here.
Everything was sealed in a bag. The booklets and ads were all in perfect shape, no bends, wrinkles.I bought from B&H.
 11/05/2006 04:03:44 PM · #5
thank you everyone for your input so far. My box did not have any seals, similar to formerlee's and justine's. It seems strange to me to not seal the cameras at all -- doesn't that really play into the hands of some ebay mischief?

@Justine:

I see from your profile that you own(ed) a 300D before your 30D. How do the noise levels compare? I just compared the 30D from B&H to my Rebel (same lens, same settings, shooting in RAW) and found the the noise of the 30D is the same or worse than that of my Rebel. Do you have any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Jan

11/05/2006 04:08:46 PM · #6
I have purchased all my main equipment from B&H with no problems. When I got the 20D the box appeared as though it had been opened, but all the bags inside were sealed or otherwise looked as though they had not been opened. The subsequent lenses I have bought were the same - box looked as though it had been opened, but the inside bag was sealed. Perhaps they check that what is in the box is the real/right thing before shipping?
 11/05/2006 04:11:03 PM · #7
I work at Best Buy in the camera department and I can tell you whole heartedly none of the 30d's I have ever seen has had a seal on it. There really isn't any way to tell unless the contents look like they've been taken out of the bubble wrap. One thing you should know about B&H: they sell gray market parts and cameras on occasion. These are cameras that have been brought from misc. overseas suppliers, not necessarily canon direct. Hence the great deals ^.^. It's not illegal or anything, but it also doesn't guarantee that your camera came directly from the canon wharehouse either. I bought a lens from them once that didn't have the warantee card in it, so I called and they explained that the lens was actually imported with a B&H warantee. There was also an article in Shutterbug last month I think.
 11/05/2006 04:24:59 PM · #8
Originally posted by janbruder:
thank you everyone for your input so far. My box did not have any seals, similar to formerlee's and justine's. It seems strange to me to not seal the cameras at all -- doesn't that really play into the hands of some ebay mischief?

@Justine:

I see from your profile that you own(ed) a 300D before your 30D. How do the noise levels compare? I just compared the 30D from B&H to my Rebel (same lens, same settings, shooting in RAW) and found the the noise of the 30D is the same or worse than that of my Rebel. Do you have any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Jan

---
I never thought the 300D had bad or a lot of noise. I sure don't think it's a problem with the 30D. I will tell you I didn't get Noise Ninja or have and noise reduction filter until this past July when there was a thread on DPC that I read. I don't really like the overly smooth look so have used it sparingly. I loved my 300D and will still use it if I don't sell it for lens money. That was a good, light camera. Pros: I can't say enough about the 30D and the power it has. It's so fast. You don't wait on the blinking red light (I just shoot raw) it's super turbo. The large screen is fantastic to really see your shot. Colors are better. [b]Cons: It's heavy and it's bigger for a bag or purse. I carried now twice most of the day and don't think I'd of made it unless my husband was there to lug my bag with the lenses and a water bottle. I'm happy with the 30D.

Message edited by author 2006-11-05 16:25:49.
 11/05/2006 04:42:15 PM · #9
again, thank you everyone for your input.

@llerma: that is very helpful information.

@alienyst: maybe they do open and make sure all the stuff is there... Can't blame them for double-checking. It's customer-service before the sale is closed in a way.

As for me, I am just trying to judge my new camera. I have read some excellent reviews on the 30D and now I expect a lot... The rebel has been my baby for 3 years now, and I can use it with my eyes closed. The 30D is just like the new kid in the group and as such I am challenging it before I accept it, I guess. Still, I thought the 30D should have less noise than a rebel.

11/05/2006 06:14:54 PM · #10
Honestly there's no good way to tell. Boxes are not sealed, and even the things inside can be rewrapped correctly by an experienced sales person.

Basically, buy from reputable dealers, make sure they have a good exchange policy, then test the dickens out of it.
 11/05/2006 07:29:45 PM · #11
Originally posted by llerma:
I work at Best Buy in the camera department and I can tell you whole heartedly none of the 30d's I have ever seen has had a seal on it. There really isn't any way to tell unless the contents look like they've been taken out of the bubble wrap. One thing you should know about B&H: they sell gray market parts and cameras on occasion. These are cameras that have been brought from misc. overseas suppliers, not necessarily canon direct. Hence the great deals ^.^. It's not illegal or anything, but it also doesn't guarantee that your camera came directly from the canon wharehouse either. I bought a lens from them once that didn't have the warantee card in it, so I called and they explained that the lens was actually imported with a B&H warantee. There was also an article in Shutterbug last month I think.


I've never been to the physical B&H store, but on their website all of their grey market merchandise is clearly labeled as "Imported" (and that label is a link to an explanation of grey market importing) and comes with a B&H warranty since it doesn't have a manufacturer's warranty. Everything labeled as "USA" comes from the manufacturer and includes a manufacturer's warranty if applicable. They don't misrepresent grey market equipment in order to offer great deals. You just need to read what your buying before you buy it.
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