Last Updated on March 19, 2019 by cameraconsumer
If you’re in the market for a Nikon camera or lens, you might have found a really good deal on Amazon. But how can you tell if it’s the real thing? The last thing you want to do is pay hundreds (or thousands) for either a counterfeit, or a grey market camera!
If you’re still hunting for the best deal available, here are the deals currently being offered on Nikon products.
Nikon products, including cameras and other photography accessories, are frequently found on the grey market. The cameras and lenses that you see priced well under fair market value are good examples. But what is “grey market” exactly? How, and why does it affect you? And where exactly is this grey market?
Nikon imaging products (directly from Nikon), are sold through “authorized dealers”.
Authorized dealers are those that purchase the products that they sell directly from Nikon (Nikon USA). You may have seen the logo above on a website, or in a camera shop. Being a “Nikon Authorized Dealer” is significant, and is something you want to publicize. It gives your business credibility.
Everyone else who sells Nikon products falls into the “grey market” category. Whether it’s a full-service camera shop, or someone selling their used camera on eBay – it’s grey market!
Sellers can purchase their inventory however they’d like. Some acquire their inventory through distributors, while others buy liquidation lots. But it’s very simple – either you’re authorized, or you’re not.
Importance of purchasing from authorized dealers
Becoming a Nikon authorized dealer is not just a logo for show. It’s far more than you might realize.
Nikon retailers go through a screening process and are specifically chosen for their ability to represent the Nikon brand. Needless to say, if you’re selling cameras from the back of your truck, you won’t become an authorized dealer.
Once you become authorized, you are also given training and product knowledge, so that you can handle, and repair Nikon cameras, lenses, and other equipment.
Therefore, only products sold by Nikon authorized dealers are entitled to the original Nikon warranty. Nikon products purchased on the grey market – from non-authorized dealers – are not entitled to the Nikon warranty coverage – even if the seller claims that you are.
And these warranties are region specific. In other words, a camera that was meant to be sold in Europe will not be warrantied in the U.S.
Most product descriptions these days refer to some sort of warranty. How do you know if it’s the actual Nikon warranty? Simple – just look at the terms used.
Clear giveaways are:
- 30 or 60-day warranty – Original Nikon warranty is 1 year
- Import version
- “Seller provided” warranty
Import version
Nikon products sold by non-authorized dealers are commonly what is known as the “import version”.
An import version means that the product was meant to be sold in a different country. For example, a Nikon D5600 camera that was intended for sale in the Japanese market, being sold in the US.
These import versions are usually the exact same products, with possibly a few differences – commonly in the firmware, or accessories provided.
As we mentioned earlier, however, Nikon warranties are region specific. Remember that Nikon D5600 we just talked about? That specific camera will only be entitled to warranty coverage (and tech support) in Japan!
And if you try to update the firmware, you will be redirected to the Japanese Nikon website:
Ya, we couldn’t read that either.
Some sellers are honest about it, and tell you upfront that it’s an import version:
If you purchase one of these import version cameras (or lenses, flashes, etc), the box will have a warranty card that does not say “U.S.A.”. If your card is missing, or if it says something like “Nikon Europe Service Warranty Card” – you have received a grey market product.
Purchasing from an authorized dealer ensures that you receive the full Nikon warranty and that the product is authentic. What you want to see inside the box is something like this:
Which Amazon stores are Nikon Authorized Dealers?
Here is a complete list of stores that sell on Amazon, who are authorized by Nikon to do so. Every store on this list has been verified with Nikon’s authorized dealer list.
Listed in alphabetical order:
That’s it, that’s the entire list!
While this list does include the majority of the big camera stores on Amazon, there are a few sellers missing from this list. Stores like 33 Street Camera, SSE Photo & Video, 47th Street Photo, etc.
If you’ve found a great deal, but don’t see a particular store on this list, we would suggest not purchasing from them. If you’re buying inexpensive, everyday goods, it really doesn’t matter where you make your purchase from. But with pricey items, like a Nikon DSLR camera, or a Nikkor lens – specifically something that you might buy once every few years or so, insist on buying from an authorized dealer!
You might spend a little more, but it will be well worth it!
Finally, if you just bought a camera recently, and don’t see your store on the list above, we would strongly suggest you think about returning it – especially if you are still within your 30-day A-to-Z guarantee.
Should you purchase from a store on the list?
On the other hand, if you’ve found a great deal on Amazon, and the particular store is included in the list above, you can make your purchase with confidence.
Each store on the list has been verified, and your new Nikon camera (or lens), will be authentic and will include the full and original Nikon USA warranty.
Which stores are recommended?
Top 5
From our experience, these are the top 5 stores on Amazon that provide both the best deals, but also the great customer service:
1.) Adorama Camera
Adorama is the largest camera store on Amazon. If you can’t find it at Adorama, it probably doesn’t exist. They sell new and refurbished Nikon cameras and lenses. You might pay slightly more at Adorama, but their selection and service are worth it!
2.) Photo Savings
Not quite as large as Adorama, but Photo Savings is a damn good store. Their superior customer service has earned them a 99% satisfaction rate on Amazon.
3.) 17th Street Photo (known as 17Photo, Electronics and Outdoors on Amazon) –
17th Street Photo is also an exceptional camera store. They sell the usual camera gear, but are particularly known for their extensive stock of scopes, binoculars, and optics.
4.) Focus Camera –
Focus Camera has been in business since 1966. Their excellent (and superior) level of customer service has rightfully earned them a cult following among camera enthusiasts.
If your new camera search leads you to Focus Camera, you’ll definitely be one satisfied customer!
5.) Cameta Camera
Cameta Camera is probably the 2nd largest store on this list after Adorama. They also have a wide selection of camera brands and models. For a store selling new merchandise, they do have a considerable amount of refurbished products as well.
