If you can find a good deal at Ritz camera, they have a good extended warranty. I think mine was 200.00 on a 700.00 camera. Covers anything (including water damage) as long as you can bring back the camera (even in pieces)... does not cover loss/theft.
And, if they don't carry that model or can't fix it, then you get your purchase price as store credit toward a new camera. I read the warranty paperwork in the store for about 20 minutes looking for any 'catches'.... I asked about water damage ... covered.
So I figured in 2 or 3 years (can't remember how long), I could 'drop' the camera if I'm in the market for a new one
I thought it was a pretty good deal.
Another option would be equipment insurance.
here's a copy of the pertinent info:
ESP -Expanded Service Policy- Damage Protection Plan
With ESP you never have to worry about...
...Mechanical Malfunction
...Accidental Damage
...Moisture Damage
...We do not cover negligence.
The RitzCamera.com ESP-Expanded Service Policy plan is our way of alleviating yours fears about the possibility of catastrophic damage to your expensive photographic and electronic equipment. The plan covers new equipment purchased from us for more than $30.00 and may be obtained at time of purchase on our web site, or within 30 days of purchase!
Look over our policy-you'll find no "small print" - you're covered for just about anything that may occur to your equipment.
...top of page
What's Covered
This plan covers any equipment specified below which is rendered unusable due to:
-Defects in Material or Workmanship.
-Mechanical or Electrical Failure.
-Wear and Tear from Normal or Excessive Use
-Effects of shock or trauma.
Problems Caused by:
-Excessive Heat or Cold (Except Fire Damage).
-Moisture caused by Fresh, Salt or Brackish Water.
-Exposure to Chemicals.
This plan will provide for repair or replacement to correct any covered malfunction, so long as the problem is reported within seven days after the expiration date of this plan. If the repair is considered uneconomical to repair, we will replace your equipment with a similar model or credit the purchase price of the equipment toward the purchase of other equipment of equal or higher price from RitzCamera.com.
This Plan Specifically Excludes Reparation For:
-Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, etc.) that does not impair the equipment's mechanical or optical function.
-Theft or mysterious disappearance.
-Damage or malfunction due to fire or the effects of fire.
-Consequential damage.
