Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by cameraconsumer
If you’re shopping for a Canon photography product on Amazon, then you’re probably looking for a great deal. But how do you know if that great deal is a steal, or not quite what you were bargaining for?
If you’re still in the process of finding the best price, here are the deals currently offered on Canon photography products.
Canon cameras, lenses, flashes, and other photography products are very popular on the grey market. You’ll often find these priced for about 10%-25% less than average, for example.
But what exactly does “grey market” mean, and should you avoid it? And if so, then how?
Canon products are sold by Canon USA through a network of dealers who are authorized to sell their products. So, these dealers are what we call “authorized dealers”.
An authorized dealer is a re-seller who purchases their inventory directly from the manufacturer, and is in turn “authorized” to sell that brand’s product line.
So does that mean a seller has to purchase their stock directly from the manufacturer to have the legal right to sell it?
In brief, no, they don’t. As a seller, you are free to purchase your inventory however you see fit. But what happens if you don’t purchase it from the manufacturer?
This is where the term “grey market” comes into play. Items being sold by sellers not authorized to do so is what creates the grey market.
Why You Should Purchase From Authorized Dealers
Being a Canon authorized dealer is more than just a badge to display on your store page. It signifies much more, of course.
Retailers are chosen by Canon, specifically, for their ability to represent Canon and its products. Sellers who wish to sell Canon cameras and other photography accessories aren’t automatically approved.
Those retailers that are accepted also receive a level of training and product knowledge, so they can correctly handle (and repair) the merchandise.
So, for this reason, Canon only provides a warranty on products sold by authorized dealers.
Canon products purchased from an unauthorized dealer (on the grey market), are not entitled to the Canon warranty coverage, or tech support. In other words – let’s say I walk into Best Buy, and purchase a brand-new camera. Then, I sell that camera to you in the parking lot. Even if it’s unopened, and still in a sealed box, you are not entitled to the warranty.
And, if that brand-new camera breaks a day later, then you’re stuck with it!
Import Version Cameras
Canon products sold by unauthorized dealers are usually the “import version”.
An import version means that the product was meant to be sold in a different country. For example, a Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera that was meant for the Chinese market, but then sold in the US.
The import version is usually the same exact product, just without a warranty. As described on the Canon warranty page, their warranties are region specific. In other words, that 7D Mark II camera that was meant to be sold in China, will only be warranted in China.
Likewise, if you try to update the firmware, you will be redirected to the Chinese Canon website.
Can you read that, for example? Now imagine trying to find a firmware update while looking at that page.
Usually, these listings will be labeled as either “import version” or “international version”. Also, you will find the warranty described as “seller-provided warranty” – like this:
With these cameras (or accessories), the box will either be missing a warranty card, or will have a warranty card that does not state “U.S.A. or Canada only”.
So, if your card is missing, or if you have a card that says something like “Canon European Warranty System” – you have received a grey market product.
How To Avoid Grey Market Cameras
Purchasing from an authorized dealer ensures that you receive the full Canon warranty and that the product is authentic. So, when in doubt, look for the Canon Authorized Dealer logo in the seller’s store (or website).
But keep in mind that not all stores will display the authorized dealer logo. So, if you have doubts about whether a particular store is an authorized dealer of Canon, confirm with the list below.
The following is a list of confirmed Canon authorized dealers who sell on Amazon. Every store on this list has been verified with Canon’s authorized dealer page.
The Authorized Dealer List
Listed in alphabetical order:
If you don’t see a particular store on this list, then I would personally suggest not purchasing from them.
With normal consumer goods, for example, it doesn’t really make much of a difference. But when it comes to expensive items, like a mirrorless camera, DSLR, or a telephoto zoom lens – items that you can’t afford to replace often – I highly recommend purchasing from an authorized dealer.
The few extra dollars that you pay will be worth it, in fact, for the peace of mind alone.
Likewise, look out for phrases like “Seller provided warranty”. These types of warranties will be for less than 1 year. Oftentimes, they are for 30, 60, or 90 days, for instance, and just protect you from DOA products.
The original Canon warranty for photography products, specifically, is 1 year.
Should You Purchase From A Store On The List?
If you are looking at a Canon camera or photography product in one of the stores above, and wondering if the item is a fake or grey market – then purchase with confidence.
These stores, in fact, have been verified with Canon USA to be authorized dealers. You are receiving an authentic product, so you are entitled to the full manufacturer’s warranty.
Top 3 Camera Stores on Amazon
There are a lot of stores on the authorized list, of course. But, that doesn’t mean that they are all recommended sellers.
In my opinion, these are the top 3 stores from the list above. Not only have they been confirmed as authorized dealers, but they also have a consistent track record of quality customer service.
1.) Adorama Camera
In terms of volume, Adorama Camera is the largest photography store on Amazon (and quite possibly the entire country). So, for customer service, and price, Adorama is about as good as it gets!
2.) Focus Camera –
Focus Camera is especially recognized for its high level of customer service and support. And, they’ve been family-owned and operated since 1966. So, they have a very loyal customer base.
If customer service is high on your list of priorities, then start your camera search with Focus Camera.
3.) Beach Camera
Also known as Beach Camera Same Day Shipping on Amazon. They’ve been in business since 1983, and they offer very fast service and shipping. If you hate sellers that take their time to process your orders, Beach Camera won’t disappoint.
And they offer some of the best prices on cameras too!
Final Thoughts
Buying a new camera can be quite an investment. It can be a headache, of course, trying to fix an expensive camera without tech support, or a proper warranty. So put in a few minutes of work up front, and confirm that you’re purchasing from an authorized dealer.
It will definitely save you hours of heartache and hassles later!
What about sold and shipped by Amazon?