Just A Little More Help.. Last Time I Promise - Updated!

[Beth.]

Ok, so I just was wondering one little thing - is there any difference between the Canon 550D and the Kiss X4 - I get the impression they're the same camera, but the Kiss X4 is what they call it in Japan?? Is there any difference in quality or anything??

I need some help from you amazing DOL photographers - I really trust your experiences/opinions!!!!

One more thing - i'm really struggling with the whole buying a camera thing - mainly my big concern/question is should I be looking at a grey import (they fit nicer with my budget!!), but i've been doing LOTS of reading about different sites/grey imports and they're just so conflicting!!!! The three sites I have up (with the camera waiting in the basket to buy ) are DWI, Topbuy and Eglobal. I also think i've read every possible thread on here about which camera to buy, where to go etc and I still don't know!! I'm just about to give up - Oh, and i've decided on the Canon 550D - with the 18-55mm lens and I'll also buy a seperate 50mm 1.8. And one last thing - the Kiss seems to be cheaper - would it be ok to get the Canon kiss X4 from the above sites?? Ahhhh so many decisions!!!!

Edited November 26, 2010 by LuvLottie

[kja]

No

[Beth.]

No

Cool, thanks for that!! I thought they were the exact same just with a different name - they just seem to be cheaper in the places i'm looking!!

[Beth.]

Just bumping for all you amazing DOLers out there

[keroppiyo]

I got a Canon Kiss X4 recently (grey import), along with 50mm 1.8 from DD Electronics

Only difference I was aware of between this and the 550D was that the Kiss X4 only comes in 2 languages: English and Japanese, whereas the 550D has heaps of other languages.

Someone else mentioned the video format was different; one PAL and one NTSC, but I don't really use the video function, not really sure if it can be switched between the two.

I've not bought from DWI, though I realised after my purchase it would've been cheaper to buy there.

Maybe you can check on this photog forum to see what others have to say about buying from DWI?

[Kirislin]

The way I see it with grey imports is that places like DWI are so cheap I liken it to buying a 2nd hand camera, except with a 2nd hand camera you dont know how it's been treated or how many pics it's taken. Grey imports are still covered by a warranty, just not Canons but the odds are against something going wrong. It's a risk but the reduced price makes it worth it.......I hope.

Edited November 26, 2010 by Kirislin

[kja]

FWIW my "no" isn't about buying grey imports - the OP changed her post to add way more questions!

I'd buy from whoever was cheapest with a good reputation. I would also buy the KISS instead of the other one because why would I spend more money on the same camera because it has a different name? Madness.

And I think the video function myth was debunked - I'm almost positive you can change from NTSC to PAL on any of the versions of the body.

[Beth.]

Sorry Kja - I just thought i'd post more questions in here rather then start a knew thread!!

Thanks for all the advice so far... gah i'm just so confused about it all!! On topbuy they have the 550D (kiss X4 body) + 18-55mm lens + 3 year warranty with Mack for $857 and that includes all postage and insurance for postage etc... I've been ringing around all day to local suppliers (I know that's not the same as going in), but just asking if they'll match online like topbuy, and no-ones been able to!