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| - The pro video department are good with answering all sorts of questions. Some of them will strike you as socially weird, but once you get used to that they are quite nice and are willing to help you out.
I don't really get the complaints about not price-matching B & H. First of all, how can you compare B & H (probably the biggest camera store in the world) with Vistek? I mean, do you compare your neighbourhood convenience store with Costco?
People fly in from all sorts of countries to buy equipment from B & H. If you want to buy from B & H, go fly there and get their price, and then try sneaking it back over the border without paying tax on it (like that's so easy with a gigantic pro video camera. It's not exactly like wearing a pair of sneakers)
Having been to B & H myself, I can attest to their service and prices, but they aren't perfect either. I've called to make sure that an item will be in stock only to find out that I can only buy it online. Also, that place is a total zoo! You really have to brace yourself before you go in.
That being said, my experiences buying from Vistek have been mixed. If you are making a big purchase and have the time, I recommend making the purchase in parts, and *IN PERSON*. Don't just try to buy over the phone. With big purchases, you have to check over the list (there are often missing items, for example, memory cards, tapes, etc). I don't think it's a good idea to go in as a producer or director to make a purchase without having some technical help to go over every single item with you.
Another two problems with Vistek: they stock some junk and they don't stock replacement parts. Because they are a big store and they try to have everything, not every item is great (so you really have to read up on your reviews). That's why it's better to buy in person and not just over the phone.
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