Buying a camera in the US or UK?

Question

I am looking to buy a DSLR, probably the Canon 450D/Digital Rebel Xsi, and I have found out that prices in the US are cheaper. However Im very wary of the pitfalls, particularly the warranty, power adapter, and tax. Import duties shouldnt be a problem as Im going to America soon and can buy it when Im there.

Does anyone have any advice? Peace of mind vs. saving some money?

And also how successful is haggling in both the Uk and Us? In The Uk I would look to buy from Jessops or John Lewis, will they lower their prices? any advice on a tack to use?

In the Us it'll probably be Best Buy or Circuit City, again any advice on haggling?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

I currently work at circuit city in the US and we have a really good warranty service better then best buy in my eyes as far as I am concerned they don't offer warranty on as many products and are not as good still has to be shipped out but not to there local store. But hey I work for them. I also know that we carry the Rebel Xsi in my store and the other Rebel. If you are concerned about the warranty neither circuit city or best buy would be able to help you because shipping a defective product to a store would never work no one would ever sign for it and it would be resent right back to sender. If you buy a warranty at circuit city put your name and number into the system and/or keep receipt (recommended) you can walk in and return it at any circuit city in the country we have it on file at all location. I have looked up the specs for both Rebels and both are impressive the more expensive one has a way better lens but has a couple features the other doesn't. but could be delt without because it is a really good camera but it sounds like to me you have all that figured out already. I'm sorry I forget the models I'm slightly tired.  all cameras come with at least a one year warranty through the manufacture. Your best bet as far as I know is to buy here and ship it home (cheapest & best way out of country). I live in Las Vegas and I get a lot of people from europe walking in asking questions such as yourself. My best advice to you would be buy the product here and call or contact the manufacture (canon) and seeing what your options are such as warrenty. I hope this helped you out. We have customers come from around the world all year long and especially black friday (day after thanks giving it was all over the news last year because products cost a much more pretty penny over seas.

Store 0272

Robert

DB

p.s. as far as haggling goes you will only be able to get a deal on Open Box products witch are generaly products that were on display for customers or returns that were checked out and serviced by our warehouse. They will only be able to drop price so much then the computer wont allow it. sometimes they can give you a deal on products you buy with it. depends on manager and store.

Answer 2

Firstly, i would suggest that you take the obvious step of emailing Canon UK and asking THEM whether the US Warranty would be valid in UK. Some makers do an International Warranty some do not! Also ask them how, if the warranty will be valid here, would you claim - ie direct to Canon or via UK Canon stockist. If it is a stockist, dont expect them to fall over themselves to be helpful about a camera you bought overseas!  Would you?

Stores like John Lewis or Jessops do not normally 'haggle' apart from on ex-display stock.

Buying from overseas is NOT always that straight forward, it can be a bit of a lottery. You say import duties shouldnt be a problem as you are going over to USA soon. I presume you are aware that you are only allowed to bring in, duty free, gifts, souveniers etc to a total value of £200 !!! Note, total value.  Chances are you can just waltz through the nothing to declare without problem but there are no guarantee's!  If you have it sent to you here, as it would be coming from outside the EEC, there is a very good chance that your Postman will turn up with an import duty demand from HM Customs before he hands over your parcel !

Loads of people buy without problems or paying duty from the states, but a lot also are unlucky and end up paying duty and sometimes end up paying more in total  than they would have in their local store in the first place!

If it was me, i would buy from my local specialist photographic store to increase the odds of getting a sympathetic hearing if it went wrong.

Answer 3

Buy one in the USA it's much cheaper and much much better.

Answer 4

I buy from here, http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/ genuine UK dealer with a proper telephone number and shops in the London area. They deal direct with Pentax Canon and Nikon and are usually cheaper than other retail outlets, they also have great deals on factory grade 1 refurbishments from time to time.

No problem with guarantees, deliveries (usually next working day), Customs etc.. and a very knowledgeable backup via eMail or phone should you need it.

Chris

Answer 5

On average US price is 15 to 20% lower than UK. With the weak dollar, the deal is even sweeter.

Do go for Nikon, Canon or Sony because they offer Global warranty.

You should not have any problem with UK Customs when you return home, just make sure you declare it to the Customs.

You can get a US magazine like Popular Photography, there are tons of adv that might help you out.

If you are going to visit NYC, you can setup the order ahead of time and pick the camera up at the store once you hit NYC.

Good luck and enjoy you trip!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

If you dont mind paying freight import tax, vat, brokerage surcharges, postage, handling fees etc, then by all means get it from the USA.

You will save money by looking round on the net in the uk, or try Jessops. At least if it goes wrong you have somewhere you can take it back to.

Good luck.

PS. I got a NEW Pentax K200D 10.2 mp with Lens and 8gd SDHC for less than £400, so do you really NEED a Canon ??

Answer 7

i buy my camera gear online from asia, and via ebay, in the uk (not sure about elsewhere) DIGITAL slr's are DUTY FREE. though you will still have to pay vat (sometimes)

digitalrev is an awesome shop with fantastic deals.

Purely with the exchange rate you will get good deals in the states too, but i'd check out digitalrev, as i said i have brought a lot of kit from them and even been to their shop in hong kong :-)

edit:

REMEMBER digital cameras are DUTY FREE as are LAPTOPS & COMPUTERS. see link to hm customs pdf.

Answer 8

One point. If you buy USA, what happens when you need service? Will a USA warranty be honored in UK? I doubt it.

Answer 9

get a camera from your area get it from any where..

becoz shipping is not free and some times you may loose the product in shipping