For its latest issue, Puget Sound Consumers' Checkbook magazine shopped for a dozen different digital models. I found the results to be surprising.

"We found that the best prices among local retailers were at independent retailers, not at the big national chains," says Checkbook's president Robert Krughoff. "So you can save money, and those independent retailers rated much higher in terms of quality of advice."

Checkbook also found that the prices from big name chains was often cheaper online than in the store -- even after paying the shipping -- but not always.

"Don't assume that the online price is always the cheapest," Krughoff advises, "and don't assume for sure that the online price is the same price you'd pay if you walked into the store."

Checkbook gives top ratings for quality to these camera stores, listed in alphabetical order:

• Abolins Audio-Visual, Tacoma
• Ballard Camera & Photo Lab, Seattle
• The Camera Shop, Tacoma
• Dick's Camera & Video, Burien
• Glazer's Camera Supply, Seattle
• Ken's Camera, Everett
• Kenmore Camera, Kenmore
• Kits Camera #339, Tacoma
• Omega Passport Photo, Bellevue
• Optechs Camera Supply, Seattle
• R & K Photo Enterprises, Auburn
• Tall's Cameras, Tukwila

For More Information:

Read Herb's Tip on the best digital cameras to buy at this link