Digital Video Cameras

[dc1964]

Travelling to Orlando for Christmas and New Year and I plan to buy a digital video camera on my arrival. has anyone bought one in the US and is there any problems with compatability over here, I understand the power cable will be different but that is not a problem.
I thought this fits into the forum on trip planning, I apologise if others don't.

 

[BiGGy]

Hi dc1964


Just something to think about before u decide to purchase a camcorder in the US. You are only allowed to bring in the following without paying the duty...

You are entitled to the allowances shown below only if you travel with the goods and do not plan to sell them.
200 cigarettesr
100 cigarillos; or
50 cigars; or
250gms of tobacco
2 litres of still table wine
250cc/ml of toilet water
1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% volume; or
2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs
£145 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs.

I found a great digital 8 camcorder on amazon which was 279.98.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008AQAY/ref=sr_aps_electronics_1_1/202-2551978-7798229

i have found it every easy to use and simple to transfer the film to video and also to my PC.


Rgds


BIGGy

 

[dc1964]

Thanks for the info, I am aware of my responsibilities regarding duty, any help on answering the question would help.

 

[calvinjtodd]

You need to make sure you get PAL (uk spec) output format and not NTSC. You may also want to consider the guarantee if you need to have a repair, as most repairers/manufacturers consider items bought in other countries as GREY imports and as such don't have a uk guarantee so they won't repair them. It's all down to which country got your dosh. These days most electrical goods that need a power adaptor now work on 110 - 240 V 50/60 Hz so they only need to make one type, all you would need to do is cut off the us plug and fit a uk 3 pin plug. hope this helps you make up your mind. just a final bit I got a bargain Samsung DV camcorder from Jessops, I searched the web for the best uk price printed it out and took this to them they price matched and I saved £52!

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Whenever I've looked at the prices of PAL camcorders in Orlando I've not thought them any cheaper than mail order outlets in the UK. Given the question marks over the warranty situation and the possibility of having to pay import duty I think the best bet is to buy in the UK. This way you also get a bit of time to practise with the camera so you are familiar with it before your holiday.

Regards

Rob

 

[dc1964]

thanks for the info, I looked at the Walmart site and the cameras seem to br cheaper than here by some margin. I will look for Pal and check that the warranty is worldwide.

 

[poohstix]

Hi

Some compaines do offer a worldwide Guarantee but not all.

I have purchased a few items in Hong Kong and they ARE a lot cheaper there so it is worth it.

I agree with one of the other posts if you look around on the internet you will find some very good deals in the UK and as such you will not find a huge amount of difference to the prices in the USA especially if you have to ad on import duty.

IMO I would look for a bargain from the UK sites. At least you know you are getting UK spec and a full guarantee.

If it costs lets say £50 - £100 more that is not much on a camcorder costing say £800 - £900 for total peace of mind.

And remember the cheaper the camcorder the less of a saving you will make anyway.
Hope this helps.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Originally posted by dc1964
thanks for the info, I looked at the Walmart site and the cameras seem to br cheaper than here by some margin. I will look for Pal and check that the warranty is worldwide.

Unless Walmart specified those were PAL camcorders you will probably find prices are more expensive for cameras you can use in the UK. In the shops on the 192 and I-Drive that I looked in a couple of years ago the prices were comparable with High Street prices in the UK. The only models which were cheaper were dis-continued lines and old stock.

Regards

Rob

 

[dc1964]

Thanks for all the above, I have now bought a Mini Dv Camera from jessops as did a previous post. They matched the prices I found on the internet saving £70. paid £286 for a JVC GR D 20.
I think you were all correct, it would have been dearer in the US when you consider the risk and the duty that has to be paid.

 

[thefoxes]

Just to add.

When i was over in Orlando, i purchased an item from Wallmart.

I was informed that i could return it to Asda in the UK if it was faulty etc..etc.. and they would refund / replace.