Profeel

Full review
The Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D was released on April 15, 2008. I started shopping for one (body only, black) shortly thereafter.

Every place I looked was selling it with the kit lens (18-55mm) for $100 more than body-only. I didn't need the kit lens. I didn't want to pay for it.

Several places (like Amazon.com) advertised the Rebel XSi body-only, but when I went to their websites they said things like "ships in 2 to 5 MONTHS." I assumed Canon was shipping all the early XSi's with the kit lens, and that's what there was—no body-onlys till later.

I saw Profeel on dpreview.com selling the XSi body-only for $100 less than competitors. I phoned them. "Yes we have it," they said.

I placed my order on their website on Tuesday. A pleasant lady phoned shortly thereafter, confirmed the order, asked if I needed a spare battery. "No, thanks," I said. "No problem!" she said.

Shortly thereafter another nice lady called, saying that the credit card charge was not being approved. I called my credit card company, they approved the charge and it went through.

I soon received an email message with the sales receipt. It also read:

"Thank You for your order it is being shipped to you ASAP.
You will receive UPS or USPS tracking info separately. UPS Tracking info will show as "quantum view" in subject line. (please note that there are sometime situations that occur that will prevent the tracking system from working. This does NOT mean that your order was not shipped. In this case kindly contact our customer service department sales@profeelvideo.com or 800-776-3335 x2.for further information.)"

This was all a bit vague. I wondered if I should be concerned.

No. Without further communication the UPS guy brought the camera about 50 hours after I had ordered it: exactly the camera I wanted, brand new in the standard packaging, all accessories, US warranty.

I don't know how they can offer it for $100 less than everyone else (at a time when no one else seems to have it), but it sure worked for me.