Those 25 piece accessory packages???

[DLPotter]

I just bought the HV20 and have been eyeing these 25 piece accessory packages that are offered on ebay. I'm a little weiry that all the items are probably junk. Am I right in this assumption or is worth the leap of faith? I'm an absolute newb, so I don't really need the high end accessories, but I also don't want stuff that's a waste of money. Let me know your thoughts, thanks.

[ngrego80]

I am wondering if those packages are a good value also. I just got the HV20 and would like to have a wide angle lens and do not yet want to drop 200 bucks on the canon WD-H43 lens.

I wonder if the lenses in the package would be alright for the short term.

http://www.amazon.com/25PC-ULTIMATE-ACCESSORY-PACKAGE-CANON/dp/B000RFWOUC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_9/002-7150625-3045605?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1182715120&sr=8-9

[xcgeek]

I've been "tempted" by those packs myself, but my own experience is that whatever accessories I end up buying, unless I've purchased the absolute top of the line item, then I usually end up regretting it and upgrading later. Skip the initial waste of money on junk and make your own list of accessory priorities. Mine is something like: 1.new tripod, 2.wide angle adapter, 3.underwater housing, 4. Brevis. I research each item carefully reading all reviews and narrowing down exactly what I want for my needs, then find that model on e-bay. That's my advice. You've already made the great decision on the HV20, no need to stop now.

[JoeInBH]

Tough call. Some of the items you may never want to use (I'm most suspicious of the tapes and the lenses). However, the other accessories which are likely to be okay (battery, charger, miniSD, case, etc.) might be things you could easily spend $115 on anyway. I've decided to get accessories individually. I know where I'm willing to accept whatever's cheapest and where I want at least a somewhat-reputable, mid-level product.

[shawnyboy60]

Hey! First post :)

I informed myself about those packages on eBay. Turns out the lens they include with it (wide and telephoto) are really bad quality and would kind of ruin the HV20's capabilities.

Although, kits with hard cases, soft cases, tripods, etc. could be worth it. Of course, you're not getting the best quality materials, but they're still something.

Living in Canada, the HV20 kits on eBay were the same price as the camera itself at Best Buy. But US warranties aren't valid here in Canada, so I gave up the idea.