[Alan]

I would say it depends on your personal experiences with them. There is a local photographic shop called Comley Cameras, and I have dealt with them for several years. I know some of the staff by name, and was even awarded £50 gift voucher from them for the best set of images when they judged an exhibition a few years ago. Most of my camara gear has come from them and they even give discounts if you trade with them for any length of time.

I do use the likes of ebay or warehouseexpress if the deals are very good, but would much prefere to use the local shop. This is especially true if the item you but is particulary expensive as if anything goes wrong, I can take it straight back to them.

The Jessops stores I have had experience with have been pretty useless knowledge wise, as they seem to employ young kids just out of college, who haven't got a clue what you're talking about. But of course this doesn't mean all Jessops stores are like this!

But in the end I guess it all comes down to price, and if you're willing to take the chance buying expensive items online. I certainly prefere the local shop if the prices aren't to different.