I just bought a new A1 from B&H in NY.
The box wasn't sealed- and some of the bags for the accessories were loose wrapped. But the manual pack was sealed so- I figured this is just how Canon packs their stuff. Although the camera has a few smudge marks- I can't tell for sure if they are just factory marks.

But then I went to charge the battery and the charge light glows steady orange. I left it on for 48 hours and nothing changed. The 100% light never light up...I have yet to try the camera- should the battery charger behave this way?

I am a bit worried I "may" have been given a returned camera.
I have heard good things about B&H- but I have also heard of other people getting other people's returns.

steady orange means that your battery is already charged.

The A1 boxes are not sealed in any way. If you do not open the manuals or the SD card, it could be repacked and look like new.

I would just put the battery in and tape some test footage. If it is all good, cut that UPC code now and send in the rebate (never put off rebates!).

Right- the battery is already charged- that's what I thought...
Does Canon ship the camera with the battery charged?
Seems strange.

I'm going to go ahead and turn the camera on and check it out.
I'll look for one but- Is there a HOURS USE meter?

thanks.

My battery was not charged. I am quite certain that I got my directly from the factory because it had been out of stock for months. The only packaging that is sealed is the memory card.

It sounds like the camera may have been returned - when you buy on-line you normally have a trial period as you do not "buy as seen". Before reimbursing the purchase B&H (should) verify that the cam is in identical conditions as a new cam. Basically, if you like the option of returning the goods within 7 days of delivery, you also gotta accept the risk that the camera has been through other hands.

Try see if anything is on the tape - that may even show who it is!! Take some test footage, if everything is fine, no worry, warranty is the same as for a new cam.

Cheers, Erik

Hey Randolph, If I thought I hadn't recieved a brand new cam I would return it, even if it was working fine, but thats just me. I returned my first one i got from b&h and they took it back with little questioning. What is this rebate thing? Does someone have a link to info on it?

Nevermind, I found rebate info but haven't purchased it recently enough : (

i've purchased 2 GL2's, an Xl1-s, a 20D, and an A1 from B&H and JR
and all batts came charged.

i love that new camera smell.

I bought so many camcorders over the years and I have never had one arrive with the battery charged.
The camera might be fine- but the closer I look at it the more I think it was bought and tested. (Too many smudge marks and a few minor scrapes.)
I called B&H and they are going to take it back and exchange for a "new" camera.
Thanks.

i think the smudge marks and scrapes were probably a better indication
than the full battery.

I just bought a new A1 from B&H in NY.
The box wasn't sealed- and some of the bags for the accessories were loose wrapped. But the manual pack was sealed so- I figured this is just how Canon packs their stuff. Although the camera has a few smudge marks- I can't tell for sure if they are just factory marks.

But then I went to charge the battery and the charge light glows steady orange. I left it on for 48 hours and nothing changed. The 100% light never light up...I have yet to try the camera- should the battery charger behave this way?

I am a bit worried I "may" have been given a returned camera.
I have heard good things about B&H- but I have also heard of other people getting other people's returns.

All the camcorders I bought in the past never had a battery charged. My Canon XH-A1 wasn't charged at all, I would just return it to B&H.

I called B&H and they are going to take it back and exchange for a "new" camera. Thanks.

I am glad we could resolve this to your satisfaction.

Just picked up my replacement camera from B&H.
They were very helpful.
The new box was packed totally different and had extra promo cards from Canon that I did not get the first time around.

And no- the battery in this box was NOT charged.

Just picked up my replacement camera from B&H. They were very helpful.
Excellent! Thank you.

That's why B&H has a great reputation.

I had it in my hands in the story today. It comes packed like a big shoebox, doesn't it? At first we (me and the clerk) didn't see the charger but it was in the little box on the side.