Great to wake up to this discussion. Roger and Jesse have said everything I would have said, Michael. We're talking many many hundreds of dollars difference. As to my buying practises, well, they always involve op shops, garage sales and general scrounging. I borrow books from the library whenever I can, and if I really really must have one, then one of the great experiences in life is
Powell's Books in Portland. As others have said already, most retailers sell online too. Even Powell's.
Roger - your post #30 is as if you read my mind. It describes precisely what I intend to do! In every instance, I would rather deal with a person, and I intend to be quite open about it. If the camera shop people can come close to the online shop price, they will have my business. For sure. I love building those kind of relationships.
As I said earlier, I know a professional photographer who is keeping an eye out among his professional friends for the option of buying, privately, a second-hand SLR, a really good one, really cheaply.
As I said, I am so glad this thread evolved the way it has. Jesse and Roger have given me invaluable information. I know so much more than I did two days ago, including what a 'mirrorless' camera is!
As for you, Guinevere, my camera would love to spend some time with your face! Would you allow me, sometime??!!