With the holidays approaching, you might be looking to buy a new camera.

When possible, I shop at camera stores or retailers that have models I’m interested in on display. Nothing beats getting a hands-on look at a camera you’re considering purchasing. Advice at camera stores can also provide assistance in choosing the right model to fit your needs. I’ve had experience purchasing camera gear in camera stores, big-box stores and online retailers. Most experiences have been satisfactory. Some of the companies I deal with online include B&H Photo, Adorama, Calumet Photographic and Roberts. The trick to purchasing online is to be familiar with the item you are buying. If you know the specific model of camera and the ballpark cost, you can feel pretty confident ordering that item online.

But it’s also important to have information about other accessories that might or might not accompany the camera. Most cameras come boxed with one proprietary battery, a memory card and a wrist strap. The memory cards most camera manufacturers bundle with their cameras are small capacity, so you’ll want to buy a larger capacity card. They aren’t proprietary to a camera, so you may already have memory cards from other cameras. Camera bags, flashes and other accessories may or may not be included in the box.

The important thing is to know what accessories you want to buy and have a rough idea of what they cost. Whether you choose to buy these items online will be your decision. Just make it an informed decision.

Here’s a cautionary tale:

I was comparing prices online for a digital point-and-shoot camera. I found one dealer with a good discount of about $30, so I placed my order online. A day or two later I had a phone message asking that I call the retailer regarding questions about my order. Here is the gist of the conversation.

Salesman: “I see that you have ordered the Megasonic X-15 camera from us. That is an excellent camera. You need a battery with that camera. Would you like to order one?”

Me: “No thanks. A battery already comes with the camera. I don’t need a second right now.”

Salesman: “Well, you also need a memory card for this camera. Can we get you some?”

Me: “Actually, I already have some. I just want the camera.”

Salesman: “I’m sorry, that camera is not in stock.”

Me: (Not repeatable here.)

Fortunately, I had no problems canceling the order from my credit card. This online retailer was most likely hoping to sell me overpriced accessory items to make up for the low-ball camera price. Had I been an unsuspecting or less-knowledgeable consumer and added an extra battery, memory card, fur-lined strap, perfumed protective pouch and possibly an extended warranty to the purchase, my discounted camera would probably have been in stock, but no longer a bargain.

According to Web sites that review online retailer performances, this is not an uncommon practice. I still ordered the camera online but used a more familiar and reputable dealer and got only what I ordered. Just be careful when you accessorize.

— Chief Photographer Mike Yoder can be reached at 832-7141.