I bought two cameras around 11.40 am to give to my cousin and sister in the Philippines since my friend is going back to Manila, Philippines.  Since I had a lunch meeting by 12:00 pm, I did not have the cameras checked by the sales crew on duty and, to my knowledge, I could have it replaced if ever there is any damage or anything.

Around 7 pm when I got home, I had the chance to inspect the cameras.  I opened the Fuji Film F10 first, and apparently it didn't have any damage on the outside body of the camera so I then inserted the battery and it was working perfectly.

Then I checked the other camera, the Canon SD200.  When I checked out the camera, I noticed a lot of scratches on the corners.  So I decided to return the item or ask for a replacement.

When we got to Wal-Mart, we went to the photo section and when the sales person assigned checked it out.  It appears that the serial number on the box -- and the one printed in the receipt -- and the one on the camera don't match.  Worse, when she turned it on, it appeared to be defective.

The sales lady then gave us the number of Canon customer service.  But we insisted in our complaint since, in the first place Wal-Mart shouldn't be selling defective items.  And how did it happen that the serial numbers don't match?  And its just that they're just going to give me Canon's customer service phone number?

My friend advised me to buy another one just to take it to my friend who is going back home and give the cameras to my sister and cousin.  Even though I feel frustrated, I bought another camera and this time it is an sd300 since there are no more sd200 in stock aside from the display item.

Yes, I purchased 3 cameras in a day.  So now, what am I going to do with the defective sd200 that I just bought the same day?  It is just like that -- I gave Wal-Mart $250.  The manager only said 'sorry' to us.

This is really frustrating and disappointing as well.  I should have given that money to the victims of the last two hurricanes.  I just hope someone will take action on this.

Ronaldo Ramos, rex.ramos@nwa.com