Where to buy a camera?????

[mikeje99]

Hi Everyone

Not long left before we go and I can't wait let alone the children.

I'm hoping to buy a digital camera when we're there. What I need to know is where wer can buy one. We'll be going to Belz and Orlando Mall so I assume there will be somewhere there.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

I don't think that the prices of consumer goods like cameras is that much cheaper in tourist detinations like Belz. Best thing to do is to check out some internet or mail order retailers in the UK and in the US before you travel, and then you will recognise a bargain if you see one. I'd also recommend having a shortlist of two or three different cameras which you know will be suitable for what you want (as well as an idea of how much they cost) as the choice can be quite bewildering. This way you won't get talked into buying something unsuitable, and you'll know what the typical price is back home.

I've bought a couple of digital cameras from Sherwoods Photographic in Birmingham. They seem to be very competitive, although they don't stock a very wide range of cameras.

Regards

Rob

 

[bubblefactory]

A good way to find the cheapest prices on offer in the UK is to visit www.kelkoo.co.uk it compares prices on various models at different online retailers.

I have just ordered a new digital video camera and saved £150 on the price offered by my local branch of Jessops.

the site is quite easy to find your way round.

Every mall in Orlando has some branch or other of specialist camera shop and according to my father - in -law who is quite well up with photography the prices are as a rule cheaper than UK high street prices - but with the online discount shops it may be worth buying before you go.


regards

Alec

 

[Stuartpaul]

Don't forget some of the more obvious places, - for example Walmart can be very good for things like cameras. Certainly good value for digital memory.

Check out their web site for more information (I think its just Walmart.com but try a search if its not).

Stuart

 

[UKDEB]

Rob's advice to have a good idea of what you want and the cost is sound. Friends of ours get ripped off every time they go because they simply don't research properly first. When we were there last October they paid $400 for a digital camera. We checked the prices when we got home and they could have got a much newer model here for about £130.

I'm not saying there aren't necessarily deals to be done, but I think there are some sharp operators out there who will exploit those who don't know any better. Don't pay their first asking price (or even their second). And don't fall for the "I'll let you have it for $X as long as you take it now" scam - they just don't want you to shop around.

Be aware that not all the models available here are available in the US and vice versa - in other words, make sure you are comparing like with like.

You also need to consider that it could go wrong once you get home and the problems that would undoubtedly present. And most purchases of this nature will take you over your Duty Free allowance. If you declare it (as you should) you will pay taxes when you bring it back into the UK and there's no real way of knowing what they're likely to be. If you choose not to declare it and get stopped, Customs can confiscate it.

 

[Olaf]

The most popular places to buy stuff like digital cameras, computers, and such are Best Buy and Circuit City. They have websites:

www.bestbuy.com

www.circuitcity.com

 

[Peebee]

One other option might be to take look at the US online stores and get them to deliver at your hotel whilst in Florida. We did that before for a minidisc player and it worked great - the hotel took delivery and we picked it up at the front desk when we got back in the evening.

If you're looking to compare cameras take a look at http://www.steves-digicams.com - lots of info and test results.

Paul

 

[billybluenose]

Look on some of the shopping websites for a camera that suits your requirements and price range. Then note down the model number and type this into your search engine and let the net find the best price for you. Make sure that you check the American shopping websites as I have often found prices to be 30% - 40% cheaper but, be warned, if you want it sent to your home, check the shipping costs.

 

[currycook]

Not sure if you would get a better buy in the US rather than the UK. However, if you need to buy I would find a best buy.

 

[SimonY]

The rule of thumb seems to be that the US price is the same in dollars as the UK price in pounds. e.g. something costing £150 would be priced in the US at $150.

I agree - check Walmart. A good thing about them is (I'm told) that if something goes wrong with an item bought in Walmart in the US you can return it to Asda back here.

Another good place to look is Amazon US site (www.amazon.com) as they have a good range of electronic equipment and you can get them to deliver to your hotel.

One small word of warning - US products sometimes have different model numbers and/or specifications so if you spot your perfect item this may not be available in the US or may appear as a different item.