Camera Prices......

[SteveW]

Thought I'd just share this with you.....

I am going over to FL in January and want to buy a new digital camera... I have chosen the one I want here in the UK and priced it all up...The Canon 20D with Lens (£1290) + 1gb Flash Card(£86) total £1376.

When I was over there last year I found a large camera / electronics shop around marker 11 on the 192, and we bought a few bits and bobs at very reasonable prices, so I took a business card . Just phoned the shop yesterday and obtained a quote for the above camera:-
Camera body $899
Lens $299
Flash Card 1GB $59

Total of $1257

Based on a rate of $1.85 this equates to £680
Saving of £696 or HALF PRICE !

[Nostromo]

Yes, that seems to be the case for new cameras. But I have noticed that most cameras get released in the USA a few weeks earlier than in Europe and the US prices would have fallen a bit by the time the camera is released in the UK. About 2 months after initial relase, one can find a big drop in the UK prices as well, often as much as 25%. Further, UK prices can vary widely depending on where you buy (and I do NOT mean grey imports). Buying cameras in the US is not without its problems; there are the UK customs limitations and I have found that some US based 'international' warranties (particularly from independent shops) are not as comprehensive as one might imagine.

[harrinp1]

Hi Steve

I fancy upgrading my 300D to a 20D.

I had a quick look at pricing when I was over a couple of
weeks ago. The price for a 20D body is $1500 so I am worried
why the one you have found is so cheap!

If you purchase in Florida you will end up paying sales
tax so it can be a good idea to order mail order from
New York. I was looking at using http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
which are a well known dealer and had reasonable prices.

For more information on buying in the US I'd recommend taking
a look at the forums over on DPReview.com.

Is it the 18-75 IS lense you are going for?

Regards

Paul

[SteveW]

Thanks for that ..... the 18-56mm lens was the one I was quoted on....
I found the guy in the camera shop very ameniable to barter if you had cash, so hoping to get even cheaper.... I guess his prices could be plus tax (6%) but even so I won't be buying one here !

[harrinp1]

Take a look at these 20D prices:

http://dcresource.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=3748716

Sounds like your deal is too good to be true, perhaps he
quoted you for a 300D or an old 10D?

Also remember that the Guarantee will be US only.

Cheers

Paul

[Snapper]

Gorgeous kit chaps. I'm almost jealous. [msnwink]

I also find www.adorama.com pretty good price wise, especially for non-mainstream kit like tripods, cases, filters, and things.

If you are seriously planning to buy one of these you might also give Tony a call at National Camera, www.natcam.com, up in Minnesota. Tell him that Steve (mention Florida/D70 and he'll know who you are talking about) sent you. Tony is hugely helpful and I've found the service he offers to be second to none. He can't always be the cheapest dealer around, but it's always worth the cost of the call.

Don't forget to post the photies - it's always good to get some inspiration.

[Semper]

I'll watch this one with interest. Was going to buy a 300D before going in November. Wanted to buy before going over so I can get used to using the camera first. If I can save that much money though i'll reconsider the camera and where I get it.

[Val]

I bought a Sony digital camera last July and came back and compared prices we paid in dollars the price in pounds here in the UK and the exchange rate was no so good then. We did shop around in the Orlando area and most of the shops were the same price.[clap]