Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Sometimes You Get a Deal

 

 

Wesley Chapel, Florida (high 62, low 38)

 

Our warm weather has ended and another cold front has moved into central Florida.  We don’t mind though. At least the sun is shining.

We’ve been busy but have done absolutely nothing fun or picture worthy.  We went to the dermatologists office for our annual skin check.  Al wanted to also talk to him about the poison ivy he has been plagued with for weeks.

The doctor wasn’t convinced Al’s rash was poison ivy.  He gave him some sort of cortisone cream in a large jar.  He said it could be some sort of allergy and that if it didn't clear up, to come back and they could biopsy the skin to get a better determination.    The cream seems to be working very well and Al has finally gotten some relief from all the itching. 

After we left the doctors office, we stopped by the camera repair shop where my beloved little Cannon SX 50 HS waits repair.   I bought that camera in May of 2013.  I made the mistake of not buying an extended warranty, which would have been very inexpensive at Sam’s Club where I bought the camera. 

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Review  Goldilocks Dream Camera

Sometime last summer, shortly after the warranty ran out, the camera died.   Canon was no help and estimated the repair cost at nearly what I paid for the camera.  Once we got back to Tampa,  I found a reputable local camera repair guy, who felt it could be repaired for less than $200, but it turns out Canon doesn’t sell the new lens assembly that we need.  I don’t why, and I’m not happy with Canon about this.  If I didn’t love this camera so much and if there was anything else comparable, I would not give Canon any more of my business.

We decided to go to Target to look at the newer and better version of the camera, the Canon SX60 HS.  It has a better and more powerful zoom lens and better processor. It was on sale for $499.   At this point, we were running out of options and no other brands of cameras have the super powerful zoom (stalker) lens of the Canon.

It turned out that Target had one display SX 50 Hs camera left, which is the same as my damaged camera.  They weren’t sure they could sell the display camera, but we got a manager involved and got the camera for a great price of  $214!  That’s about what the estimated repair would have been if we had been able to get the part we needed.   Yes, we bought a 2 year extended warranty for $30.  I’m sure I’ll end up with the SX60 at some point, but for now I have my favorite camera back…..with an extended warranty.  Sometimes you get a deal!

Lesson learned.  Buy an extended warranty.  Electronics aren’t made like they used to be and I’m hard on them.

 

Al is scheduled for his rotator cuff surgery next week.   It’s not going to be a fun Christmas for us this year, but at least it will be done and we can get him healthy enough to go to the Keys.  He will need some physical therapy. We’re not sure how long that will take, or when he will be able to function enough to do what he needs to do to get the motorhome to the Keys.   Our departure date is up in the air right now, but since our Rv lot is rented through January, we can’t go before then anyway.  We’re hoping for early February, but as always that depends on my Mom.

In the meantime, we’re dreaming about the Florida Keys.

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14 comments:

  1. You mentioned that you wouldn't buy another Canon if there was anything else comparable. There are a LOT of comparable cameras. For example, my Nikon P520 is a very comparable camera. When I was shopping, the Canon was one of my choices at the time. I decided on the Nikon. Now, I'm not saying that Nikon's don't break ahead of their time...or that you might not have been treated the same by them under the same circumstances. Just saying that there are lots of comparable choices.

    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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  2. You've done well with your camera find. Sad that they don't sell repair parts, such a throwaway society we've become.

    Hope that cream works well for Al in the long term, he's really suffered with that rash. Poor guy, good thing he has a great and patient nurse to take care of him! :c)

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  3. I love it when you get a deal. It pays to shop around.

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  4. Glad to hear that Al is getting some relief. Now here's wishing him the best for his upcoming surgery and a speedy recovery.
    As Kevin said above Nikon and Canon are quite compatible and have very similar options. If you didn't keep the old camera I hope you saved the battery for those prolonged photo-shoots.
    Looking forward to seeing you and Al again in March.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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  5. Prayers for Al. his surgery and his PT. The PT is almost more important than the surgery as that is what will give him his range of motion.

    What a super deal on the camera! Happy for you.

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  6. Great deal on the camera, I would keep the old camera, spare parts maybe??

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  7. I'm so excited to hear maybe not poison ivy and maybe something that can be more manageable. Now the rotator cuff, been there done that. Sounds like Christmas might not be sweet....but doing therapy and getting the groove back in the Keys...that would be the perfect new year kick off. MERRY CHRISTMAS you two...HO HO HO!!!!

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  8. Boy lucky you on the camera thing. That's definitely a deal. I love mine too but you are right they aren't long lasting although a friend has one he's had for 3 or 4 years now, since they first came out and has had no trouble. I guess he's more careful than either you or I. I didn't buy the extended warranty either and I've already had to send it back once and I just got it in March of last year. Wishing Al well on this surgery. Doesn't sound like a fun way to spend Christmas but you do what you have to do.

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  9. Good deal on the Camera- glad Al is getting some relief from the cream.

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  10. I think I told you I ordered that same camera. Of course I haven't had anything exciting to take pictures of :(

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    1. Treat it with care Lori! It's a great camera but is a little fragile.

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  11. Hope Y'all make to the Keys before the temps rise, but health issues come first. I got a Good Deal once but it has been so long I can't remember what it was on. Merry Christmas.

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  12. Wishing your Hubby the best on his surgery. Unfortunately I had damaged a rotator cuff in August and went in for surgery but they were unable to reconnect as it was too badly damaged. They at least cleaned out the spurs and my range of motion is pretty good. Not a lot of strength in that arm though but luckily it was my left arm and I am right handed. Hoping his is successful. Have a great holiday. Will look forward to seeing any pictures from the Keys in the future. LindaN in Ocala, FL

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