Buying Digital Cameras from US
03 January 2004, 09:26 PM
#3
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Yes, they are usually the same spec - although there have been occasional exceptions (something to do with a US patent on metering systems, I believe).
Things to watch out for:
- warranty, which may or may not be valid in the UK. Check before you buy, if you care. You may have to ship the camera back to the US if it dies - which still isn't a bad option if the saving is adequate.
- duty & VAT - you'll have to pay both, as well as the shipping company's handling fee.
- shipping costs, which are generally in the region of about £50 for courier service.
I've tended not to bother importing cameras for these reasons, although the 1D looked awfully attractive before the recent price drop in the UK. I have, however, imported s/h lenses from B&H - their used dept has some very good prices on Canon 'L' lenses which are otherwise disgustingly expensive in the UK. Here you also get B&H's own warranty which allows equipment to be repaired in the UK.
Which camera did you have in mind, and what's the saving you're looking at?
Things to watch out for:
- warranty, which may or may not be valid in the UK. Check before you buy, if you care. You may have to ship the camera back to the US if it dies - which still isn't a bad option if the saving is adequate.
- duty & VAT - you'll have to pay both, as well as the shipping company's handling fee.
- shipping costs, which are generally in the region of about £50 for courier service.
I've tended not to bother importing cameras for these reasons, although the 1D looked awfully attractive before the recent price drop in the UK. I have, however, imported s/h lenses from B&H - their used dept has some very good prices on Canon 'L' lenses which are otherwise disgustingly expensive in the UK. Here you also get B&H's own warranty which allows equipment to be repaired in the UK.
Which camera did you have in mind, and what's the saving you're looking at?
03 January 2004, 09:51 PM
#4
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Was looking at the S7000
Rough saving of £200-£250 (not including shipping etc)
here
Infinity Cameras
Thats if I have got my conversions right
Rough saving of £200-£250 (not including shipping etc)
here
Infinity Cameras
Thats if I have got my conversions right
03 January 2004, 10:04 PM
#5
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DON'T DO IT.
Click here for a customer review of Infinity Cameras.
The 'real' price (from B&H, which is a reputable and generally reasonably-priced outlet) is US$600, plus $42 for shipping. Total cost is therefore $642 + 3.5% duty + 17.5% VAT = $780 = about £450, given that we have a good exchange rate. Park Cameras and Warehouse Express both want £520, which gives you a UK mains adapter and a good warranty.
It's your choice, but I know where I'd buy from.
[Edited by AndyC_772 - 1/3/2004 10:04:29 PM]
Click here for a customer review of Infinity Cameras.
The 'real' price (from B&H, which is a reputable and generally reasonably-priced outlet) is US$600, plus $42 for shipping. Total cost is therefore $642 + 3.5% duty + 17.5% VAT = $780 = about £450, given that we have a good exchange rate. Park Cameras and Warehouse Express both want £520, which gives you a UK mains adapter and a good warranty.
It's your choice, but I know where I'd buy from.
[Edited by AndyC_772 - 1/3/2004 10:04:29 PM]
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