Originally Posted by jiejie

If you aren't going to be living in China, I strongly advise you not to buy any major electronic or photographic equipment such as cameras on the mainland. Genuine merchandise from reputable stores are no great bargains. Warranties will be meaningless outside the mainland, so once you leave China, you're not covered. Note that some types of electronics for sale in the mainland, such as cell phones, etc. may have different specifications from other places, or have features inactivated. You would also have to source an English-language operating manual unless you read Chinese.

For small, accessory items like memory sticks and cards, etc., usually no problem buying in major cities in the mainland, though there are fakes of name-brand products out there, as with nearly all consumer products in China. Try to get a recommendation for a reputable store. Hong Kong is a better bet, but not the Nathan Road shops. Some of the HK FT'ers can point you in the right direction for that city.