I bought my XL1s from EBAY and i paid $ 2500.00 US. and I got a few extras to boot. i bought most of my stuff from ebay. beware not to buy from anyone outside of your own country, The FTC and the FBI can not enforce trade laws overseas. I know i got ripped for 3K. By the way, Waco TX has a great store on audio and video equipment, its on the south end of waco. the supply tv stations and other Pros. B+H audio and video in NY City has a great line of equipment also.

So are you saying to buy from eBay but that you got ripped off
there for 3K? That sounds like a bit of bad advice. Personally I
would not buy expensive equipment from such a place. Take a
look at our sponsers (like B&H) to support DVInfo.net and know
you are buying from the best in the business.

I bought a GL2 on ebay but it was from a reputable source - Willoughby in New York. 47th St. Photo, also a reputable source, also sells on ebay occasionally.

But otherwise I wouldn't do it.

What was wrong with the camera?
Or did you didn't receive it?

It's because I too am interested in buying a Canon XL1s, because now (with the XL2) sometimes you can find it very cheap on Ebay.
But I was very suspicious in buying one from Ebay, and now I know why...

Also see our how not to get scammed (http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/buyersguide/ebay.php) article on the main site.

<<<-- Originally posted by Peter Moore : I bought a GL2 on ebay but it was from a reputable source - Willoughby in New York. 47th St. Photo, also a reputable source, also sells on ebay occasionally.

But otherwise I wouldn't do it. -->>>

I'd have to disagree about 47th Street Photo. They are one of the worst "garbage packers" on Ebay. They list a camera for sale, including all sorts of adapters and tripods included for an extra price, but they give you the absolute worst quality stuff money can buy, for much more than it's worth. I have to take them off my personal "reputable" list based on that. Occasionaly they aren't bad, but I'd feel much better getting quality components at a fair price. Not to overly plug the forum sponsors, but it's hard to beat them for quality.

Well, I guess you have to just know not to bid too high for those extra gadgets. Willoughby's GL2 accessories were not great either, but I still got a good price on the camera even with all the accessories, and they were good for the beginner I was two years ago.

Granted since then I gave away the crap tripod they included, and had to replace the wide angle adapter because it was vignetting. But like I said, still a good deal on the camera even with all that crap.

Agreed. However, you and I both know that their 72mm UV filter made in Korea out of plastic is worth about $0.43. Most first time bidders see the same filter and think, "wow, for only $20 more, I can save $80 over buying that overpriced Heliopan one!"
I think their wide angle/telephoto adapters are one of the best example of this. Maybe not a big deal if you are shooting home video.