Is it safe to buy a camera off of Amazon?

I'm currently in the process of buying a camera, though I have a camera shops where I live they all seem to charge high prices compared to amazon. I would have been fine buying it off of amazon until I read about grey market models being shipped, the thing is I can't seem to find out whether or not these were bought directly from amazon, or from a third party seller, I f I bought it off of amazon I would get it directly from them, is this safe and reliable, or would i get a grey market model. Also what would happen if it got lost in transit, I know previously from buying with Amazon that they send another copy out straight away, though that was with a DVD a fraction of the price of a camera, do they do the same thing with higher priced items. Oh and if this helps, I'm currently looking at the Nikon D7100 and the D610.

Depends really mate

Yes amazon.com is safe. I personally don't have experience. But my friend buys things from this site. She bought a jacket, boots and many other things. So yeah, i guess its safe

If its direct from amazon it should be fine. I have purchased high end phones and cameras from them with no trouble. Usually with higher priced items they will send it so you have to sign for it when it arrives, so if you tell them you haven't received the item, they Will know for sure. They Will either send you a new item, or fully refund you.

I'm UK based and the D7100 is priced pretty competitively in the camera stores here when compared to Amazon… Sometimes if you have a chat with a local camera store and explain that you are considering purchasing from Amazon they will throw some useful accessories in to get you to spend your money with them… Curry's Electrical didn't entertain me when I asked for something off a pair of headphones that they were selling for £60 and Amazon were asking for £45, so shop around, some stores will give you a discount to get your money… For me, if I need advice… And I know my stuff when it comes to photography kit, i'll be loyal to my buddies in my local shop and give them my business… If it's something i'm replacing and I don't need it in a hurry… I'll buy from Amazon… I'll even buy something from e-bay if the price is right.

It is always worth trying the local store to see what they can offer you… If the local stores go out of business the internet based sites won't be slow in increasing their prices so beware… Because not many of the internet sites can offer the expertise of your local photography store.

As you hinted, Amazon sells their own items, plus 3rd party marketplace items, as well as used items - which can be anyone - even an individual (i.e. Not a business).

For the Amazon sourced items, you are safe, but the marketplace and used items you have to be more careful about. Still, if anything goes wrong, Amazon will help you fix it. This might be limited to you getting your money back if you are not satisfied with an item, but at least you should not be financially worried about buying there.

While I have not had many issues with Amazon itself, I have had various levels of satisfaction from Marketplace vendors - from having a really great experience to being stuck for shipping charges. So it varies.

One thing though - at least in the US… Nikon USA sets a Universal pricing policy - so no retailer can advertise the price for anything other than the price Nikon sets. If you are finding cameras significantly lower than anywhere else, there's probably a good chance the seller is not an authorized dealer, or they are selling grey market items.

It may be different in your locale, depending on the policies of your Nikon importer.

While everyone wants to save money - is it worth saving $50~100 up front if you are going to have trouble down the road?

Grey market - if there's a question about it, ask. Grey market does not come with a USA warranty. Ask.

Amazon goes to a lot of trouble to make sure you get what you have ordered. I have been using them for years and have never had a problem.

Have you approached your local camera shop and asked them to match the online price? They just might do it. You don't say what your photography experience is, but if this is your first DSLR, the local shop should help you over the rough spots. They often have classes that are either free to buyers or at a reduced price. Check it out.

Safe.

Are you looking at amazon.co.uk or amazon.com?
If you are looking at amazon.com, you would have to pay for shipping and for the taxes, and there goes the bargain price.

I have bought several cameras from Amazon and lots of photographic accessories.
Their prices are usually very good and their reputation excellent.