Everyone should periodically review the current site policies of web sites they frequent. Makes for a better experience and a happier online community. Here's DVinfo's policy page:
http://www.dvinfo.net/network/policy.php

OK I read the whole thing, took a while but I did it.

So (and I don't mean this snarkily), if we are discouraged from posting recommendations for any dealer who's not a sponsor of DVInfo, is there a list somewhere of "DVInfo Seal of Approval" sponsors, so we can pre-vet our recommendations and not wind up in trouble with the admins?

ON EDIT: Forget it -- I just found the link.

ok, i really am not one to typically complain about prices--buy it or don't, your choice--but this week, B&H raised the price a hundred bucks and is offering an "instant" rebate which returns it to the original price of $899...don't get these maneuvers at all. i actually buy tons of gear from them and have never had a complaint, but this is dizzying.

meanwhile, the overpriced brick n mortar retailer, from whom i never buy anything but the occasional pack of emergency tape, down the street is offering it for $899. usually, their prices are 20% higher (or more) than B&H.

what's up with the pricing on this camera? is it the weak dollar? lack of supply? something must afoot...

Because DVINFO.NET has sponsors, it would not be appropriate to allow hawking of non-sponsors a this site. The sponsors could bail, Chris could go broke, and a valuable resource would be lost to all of us. Thus a very pragmatic reason for the policy to limit what amounts to advertising in the threads.

Retail pricing is a mystery. Vendors set prices based on their cost, their competition, which may be a subset of all e-tailers, (much as brick and mortar store competitors are mainly stores within a reasonable drive of their location), and any promotional program they may elect to run.

In general, it is usually worth a visit to the BBB web site to check out e-tailers (and mail order retailers). While not being found on the BBB site is no assurance of good or bad, you will find information on many retailers that can help you judge your risk of receiving final satisfaction, especially if there is a problem in the transaction at the start.

There are several web sites that report user satisfaction, and allow users to vent about e-tailers/retailers. Like anything on the web, the data may be good, or may be gamed. But they provide a data point.

B&H is the sponsor with whom I have had the most experience, and over many years predating the advent of home video, and it has invariably been good, and their prices have been fair in light of their reliability and service.

As to pricing, vendors usually give the best prices on the stock that moves. Often a retailer will carry an item as a convenience for customers rather than as a main stream offering. In those cases, you can expect their price to be less competitive.