In my area there are a couple of local shops that know cameras inside out. And I try to use them if they are at all close to the good Internet places. That way I'm not sending money to some big shop in New York. More importantly, I get to try things out at the store, compare different lenses, and pick the brains of folks who may know stuff that will save me from making mistakes.


That said, I come to the store knowing what Amazon or Adorama is charging. If my local folks are charging two hundred more for some something, I will point out the price difference and ask if they can get closer to the Internet price. And if they can work with me, it means I have the best of both worlds.