Buying a Digital Camera in the US?

[cocinelle]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking about getting a new digital camera to capture all those amazing Halloween/ Food and Wine shots this October- and have noticed that the one I'm considering is about £50 cheaper in the US.
However, I'm worried that voltage differences will leave me unable to charge the battery back in sunny Europe. Has anyone done this succesfully?

Thanks for your expertise!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

It depends on the camera manufacturer.Before you buy one, check the charger and make sure its works on 120-240V range, not just 120V
then you will be fine.

 

[tony64]

Also beware of some of the camera shops on the 192 & I Drive
Some ( not all) will rip you off.
If you buy from Wal Mart and there is a problem you can always return it to Asda.

Some manufacturers will not honour a guarantee if you send it for repair in this country if you purchased abroad.

You pay your money and take your chances.

That said I bougfht my Nikon D50 as a Kit in the US , no problems and I love it .

You can also try Ritz Camera shops as they are like Jessops over here. Have good service and they will not try to over sell you.

Good Luck and happy snapping.

 

[AlanUK]

I bought my first digital SLR back in April '05 from Ritz camera and it was fine I had a few nervous moments coming back through customs but nothing technically was a problem. The charger was multi voltage so that all worked except for the fact that I had a US 2 pin figure 8 cable in with the camera and needed a UK one for use back here. Fortunately working in IT I have these coming out of my ears generally so it wasn't a problem and I even now have one I can use for charging things in the US without the need for an adapter

One thing I would mention though is do you think it would be worth paying the extra £50 and getting the camera in europe so that you can practice with it and get familiar with it's workings rather than going through all of this when you are trying to take shots that you really want to keep??

Also are you sure that the sales tax is included in the price you have seen?? It's worth making sure that you are comparing like with like

 

[wayneg]

This question keeps coming up about buying electrical items in US. Search and you will find, Majority find it is not worth it, especally for £50. Have you searched UK hard enough 9/10 you can find as cheap in UK don't just look at Dixons. search on pricerunner or kelkoo. consider paying import duty/Vat if you are caught on your return, different chargers, warranties etc..
I have also posted before my brother was almost scammed buying a camera in US, Won't go into detail again but he is a tough businessman and he struggled to leave the camera shop without being conned, they were not nice people.
I agree use Walmart if you are buying over here in Florida but also remember to add the sales tax to any prices you have seen.
Personally I would not do it whatever the saving but it's your choice.

 

[cocinelle]

Thanks so much everyone for your advice- I think I will probably order it in the UK, if only for my peace of mind! Well, that and Alan's very good point about being able to practice with it..

Say cheese y'all!

 

[disneyholic family]

This question keeps coming up about buying electrical items in US. Search and you will find, Majority find it is not worth it, especally for £50. Have you searched UK hard enough 9/10 you can find as cheap in UK don't just look at Dixons. search on pricerunner or kelkoo. consider paying import duty/Vat if you are caught on your return, different chargers, warranties etc..
I have also posted before my brother was almost scammed buying a camera in US, Won't go into detail again but he is a tough businessman and he struggled to leave the camera shop without being conned, they were not nice people.
I agree use Walmart if you are buying over here in Florida but also remember to add the sales tax to any prices you have seen.
Personally I would not do it whatever the saving but it's your choice.

i agree - i almost always buy things here, regardless of the price savings....not just because of the voltage, but also if there are problems with what i purchase, i have someone to speak with...

 

[homerdog]

have noticed that the one I'm considering is about £50 cheaper in the US.

What are you thinking of getting and how much is it in the US?