Why I'm Glad I Didn't Go Grey Or Online....

[kja]

That's a terrible move by Canon Australia and one I'd be getting pissy with them about if I needed it. What in the world are pro shooters or even those with L lenses meant to do if they are traveling etc? I'll bet if you made a stinky about it with them, they'd honor it. I know they do on overseas bodies, no matter what their official policy is.

[jr_inoz]

Wow, I agree, that is a very good price! Yes, you definitely were better off buying where you did. I bought mine grey before Customs started clamping down in imports. I forgot about the 10% now added on to the overall price. Definitely worth shopping around and I just might even go look at Diamonds myself! Never heard of them before. Are they based in SA? I wonder if someone interstate bought from them would they have to post it back if a problem arose, or could they send it directly to Canon? Hmm, I'd like to find a seller as competetive in Vic!

I think CameraPro are in Victoria? They were who I quoted to Diamonds to get the price match. Just type in a search for whatever product you want, adding "genuine australian" or something similar and the sites all come up. You will get the "grey" sites as well, but the stores with Australian stock make a huge point of highlighting that on their websites. This is what I did. We only have two major dedicated camera stores here (Teds and Diamonds), but there are a couple of smaller stores who can't compete with those prices. Some of the electrical stores like JB and HN also carry the stuff as well at highly inflated prices. Harvey Norman had the 7D on sale for $2089!! I told them that I could get it cheaper and they said they didn't believe it as RRP was $1800 - that they put a $200 mark up on the camera was enough for me to say that I wouldn't ever shop for camera gear with them ever.

When did customs start to clamp down? I spent over $1000 with DWI six weeks ago with no problems re customs :)

I think I read a thread toward the end of the year about how someone had got caught with DWI import - and that DWI was being targeted by customs. I didn't want to take the risk. I would buy cards, accessories etc from them no problems. I got my 18-200 lens from them with no issues at all along with my speedlite too.