Jump to content

Where To Buy A Camera?


FHRP
 Share

Recommended Posts

I love my Canon 350D but have decided I really want to upgrade (I've wanted to for a couple of years now, but even more so lately). The 350D has done me well for the past 4 years, but it doesn't have all the options and flexibility that the more current models have. So, where to buy a new camera from? I have done some internet searches and places like DWI have the model I'm currenlty looking at heaps cheaper than local Camera shops or Digital Camera Warehouse. I'm assuming that the cheaper cameras are not in Australia and I may be looking at some duty or taxes when they come in and wonder how it affects warranty? Is the saving worth it?

So, where do people recommend purchasing a new camera from?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

B&H Photo out of New York are always excellent to deal with. Adorama, Beach, Calumet, too. www.pricegrabber.com will help you see current prices across a range of US retailers.

I have dealt with Photo Continental here in Australia and had very good service. I bought one body from them because the dollar was fluctuating and they had a bit of a deal happening just at the time I wanted to buy - the next week the same body was far far more expensive ;)

Almost all the times I have been looking for gear Aussie retailers have never come close to what I can have it shipped from the US for. With the strong Aussie dollar and if you go over the magic $1000 limit, you may find buying onshore to be almost as good right now.

The warranty on camera bodies (Canon) is valid in the country of purchase when you buy from an authorised Canon dealer. This has never been an issue for me. Some of the Aussie (and other) sellers may not be authorised dealers and will offer their own warranties instead of one straight from Canon. This is neither bad nor good, it just is and you'll need to have a think about if that will work for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks kja. Stupid questions time ;) You're saying you have bought directly from the USA (B&H Photo)? So, for warranty purposes, you would have to send the camera back to the USA if something went wrong?

What is Photo Continental? Are they different (other than price potentially) than my local Camera store? I have found them online.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I knew you were going to say that poodlefan, but as you know I already have more than enough 'delightful photographic subjscts' thanks ;) However, if you want to guarantee continued shots of your 'delightful' subjects, then a financial contribution would be more appropriate :cry:

Oh, and that photo above, although the subject is handsome, was taken on a point and shoot camera, my 350D isn't that dodgy just yet :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I knew you were going to say that poodlefan, but as you know I already have more than enough 'delightful photographic subjscts' thanks ;) However, if you want to guarantee continued shots of your 'delightful' subjects, then a financial contribution would be more appropriate :cry:

Oh, and that photo above, although the subject is handsome, was taken on a point and shoot camera, my 350D isn't that dodgy just yet :D

I'll waive my boarding fees for the Wonder Dog ... that should help. :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I knew you were going to say that poodlefan, but as you know I already have more than enough 'delightful photographic subjscts' thanks :cry: However, if you want to guarantee continued shots of your 'delightful' subjects, then a financial contribution would be more appropriate :D

Oh, and that photo above, although the subject is handsome, was taken on a point and shoot camera, my 350D isn't that dodgy just yet :p

I'll waive my boarding fees for the Wonder Dog ... that should help. :D

You should be paying me for that privilege anyway! Although, I guess I do owe you.... Anyway, unless you're prepared to foot the entire cost from the local Camera shop get out, I want some serious answers to my original question! ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I knew you were going to say that poodlefan, but as you know I already have more than enough 'delightful photographic subjscts' thanks :D However, if you want to guarantee continued shots of your 'delightful' subjects, then a financial contribution would be more appropriate :p

Oh, and that photo above, although the subject is handsome, was taken on a point and shoot camera, my 350D isn't that dodgy just yet ;)

I'll waive my boarding fees for the Wonder Dog ... that should help. :p

You should be paying me for that privilege anyway! Although, I guess I do owe you.... Anyway, unless you're prepared to foot the entire cost from the local Camera shop get out, I want some serious answers to my original question! ;)

The only way I can practically assist with getting a 7D from a local camera shop would be with a brick. :D

:cry:

Edited by poodlefan
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Would only buy from within Australia due to warranty for cameras.

Lenses buy whereever youlike but cameras its always better to buy within Australia (unless you want to take the gamble but my 50D is on the verge of going back on warranty depending of it this microadjustment thing fixes the issue)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know someone with a 7D who loves it, they upgraded from a 40D.

B&H photos is USA offer full Canon warranty as well as some grey stock, so they are a safe bet. I phoned customs and they have all the info on import duty, you pay if over $1000 AUS but for camera equipment it is not too much to pay, but for video it is different rates, not sure how the 7D rates as it includes video, but give them a call, they are very helpful.

For australia try Digital Camera Warehouse http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/ I went here, DWI has grey market stock so depends whether you want that or not

Edited by helen
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks all! I have looked at digitalcamerawarehouse and Teds already :whiteflag: I think I'd like to buy Australian stock, but when DWI has the body $700 cheaper it's just so tempting!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks all! I have looked at digitalcamerawarehouse and Teds already ;) I think I'd like to buy Australian stock, but when DWI has the body $700 cheaper it's just so tempting!

Dont forget you can buy a Mack warranty from DWI and it will cover you for more than a standard Canon warranty and still be cheaper than buying it from a retail shop.

After my last purchase from a retailer went wrong I cant see you have anymore protection buying from them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

+1 for not seeing too much value in ordering from a retailer here.

Photo Continental is a camera seller in Queensland (I think).

Yes, the bodies I have purchased in the US aren't officially covered by warranty by Canon here in Australia so I would have to ship them back to the US for service. I have only had to do this once and although I paid shipping, which wasn't that much surprisingly, it was still totally worth it with the cash I saved in the initial purchase. Canon in the US also had the camera winging it's way back to me lickety split so I had very very minimal time without the body.

I have only had to send two bodies in - one back to the US and one that I bought here in Australia. The Canon service centre here in Australia also had about a three day turn around to me EXCEPT that their communications department dropped the ball and so it was a couple of weeks before they actually shipped it out (I was overseas so no biggie for me).

As you can see, this is an issue for some and not for others. Only you can weigh up the pros & cons and decide what works best for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...