Digital Camera - Tokyo, SIN or NYC
Dec 2, 2005 | 11:45 am
#1
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Digital Camera - Tokyo, SIN or NYC
Planning to buy an SLR Digital camera. Where will I find the best price - Tokyo, Singapore or NYC?
Dec 2, 2005 | 12:31 pm
#2
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No experience with Singapore but NY is way, way, way cheaper than Tokyo. Look at either Adorama or B&H Photo Video in NYC. They are the large, quality price leaders in NY. A lot of the places other than those are not great prices.
Dec 2, 2005 | 12:41 pm
#3
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Prices will be cheaper on-line in the US than in Japan or Singapore...even for Japanese products.
You can find models in Japan that are not available in the States or have not yet been released in the States, but don't expect a bargain.
You can find models in Japan that are not available in the States or have not yet been released in the States, but don't expect a bargain.
Dec 2, 2005 | 2:38 pm
#5
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For better or worse, the US is one of the great bargain sites right now thanks to the weak dollar. I was amazed at how much LESS expensive US prices are when I went back to Tokyo last august. There're a few things you can't find here in the US but by and large everything you can get in Akihabara you can get here for less money. I'm not sure about Singapore and Thailand but I can definitely say that Tokyo is no bargain paradise. It is a LOT of fun and I love Electric Town, but if you're looking to save $$$, don't go there. IMO the only way to really save a lot these days is to go to Taiwan or China and purchase off-branded merchandise.
Dec 2, 2005 | 4:03 pm
#6
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Originally Posted by kanebear
For better or worse, the US is one of the great bargain sites right now thanks to the weak dollar. I was amazed at how much LESS expensive US prices are when I went back to Tokyo last august. There're a few things you can't find here in the US but by and large everything you can get in Akihabara you can get here for less money. I'm not sure about Singapore and Thailand but I can definitely say that Tokyo is no bargain paradise. It is a LOT of fun and I love Electric Town, but if you're looking to save $$$, don't go there. IMO the only way to really save a lot these days is to go to Taiwan or China and purchase off-branded merchandise.
Here is a link for the Nikon D50 from bic camera
BIC CAMERA
Here is the one from ritz camera
ritz camera
at BIC it is marginally cheaper ($630 vs. $650).
It is definitely more expensive in Singapore. I checked a few places a month ago, and prices were higher than the US by around 20%. in addition they charge 5% taxes now.
Dec 2, 2005 | 6:07 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2004
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I have to disagree slightly with the those who said that Singapore would be more expensive. I recently bought a Canon SD-400 (which I love) and also looked around at the new Sony T-7. Lowest price I found was in Singapore, by around $40 on each. Lucky Plaza on Orchard has a slew of camera and electronics shops. Pay cash in local currency for the lowest price.
Other thing to keep in mind is that the very low internet prices you will find from US companies will usually get jacked up with shipping and high pressure sales tactics on accessories (to the point that some places will not honor their internet price unless you buy memory cards, etc... when they call to "confirm your order").
Good luck, TJ
Other thing to keep in mind is that the very low internet prices you will find from US companies will usually get jacked up with shipping and high pressure sales tactics on accessories (to the point that some places will not honor their internet price unless you buy memory cards, etc... when they call to "confirm your order").
Good luck, TJ
Dec 3, 2005 | 12:56 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2005
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You should have an opinion on your warranty. From what I could tell, electronic products in China with a China only warranty were usually the cheapest I'd seen anywhere, then the US for US warranty only goods. Singapore was more expensive but you tended to get world-wide warranties. Specific products can vary but that trend seemed pretty strong.
I bought my camera online in the US. I don't expect it to break and would seek a warranty resolution in the US (which I visit far more often than China) if it had issues. I bought my phone in China but don't ever expect to use the warranty, it will break or become redundant before it is two years old but I assume I buy new phones faster than I break / replace them.
I bought my camera online in the US. I don't expect it to break and would seek a warranty resolution in the US (which I visit far more often than China) if it had issues. I bought my phone in China but don't ever expect to use the warranty, it will break or become redundant before it is two years old but I assume I buy new phones faster than I break / replace them.
Dec 3, 2005 | 3:01 am
#11
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Originally Posted by TJQuill
I recently bought a Canon SD-400 (which I love) and also looked around at the new Sony T-7. Lowest price I found was in Singapore, by around $40 on each.
Dec 3, 2005 | 4:08 am
#12
Join Date: May 2003
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Originally Posted by tide
I recently bought a SD400 + 1 GB SD card for $270 shipped from newegg. I'd be surprised and interested if stores in Singapore could beat that.
Dec 3, 2005 | 4:50 am
#13
In Memoriam
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 35,554
I think another consideration should be recourse.
Of the electronic gizmos out there; cameras have to be high on the infant mortality rate (early failure).
You could spend hours searching and save 50 bucks that will be worth nothing if the product fails.
Of the electronic gizmos out there; cameras have to be high on the infant mortality rate (early failure).
You could spend hours searching and save 50 bucks that will be worth nothing if the product fails.
Dec 3, 2005 | 11:09 am
#14
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The best source for camera gear is B&H at www.bhphotovideo.com.
Their prices are very good (and far better than Circuit City and Best Buy), their stock is enormous, and their reputation is absolutely the best in the industry. If you are outside New York State, you'll pay no sales tax, and shipping charges are very reasonable. I've bought 10s of thousands of dollars of gear from them over the years -- they set the benchmark for service and reliability.
Their prices are very good (and far better than Circuit City and Best Buy), their stock is enormous, and their reputation is absolutely the best in the industry. If you are outside New York State, you'll pay no sales tax, and shipping charges are very reasonable. I've bought 10s of thousands of dollars of gear from them over the years -- they set the benchmark for service and reliability.
Dec 3, 2005 | 12:54 pm
#15
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I've also had great experiences with B&H...in fact, I think I pretty much get anything I need from them now. When I was in Japan in August, I looked around for some digicams but found the prices there to be substantially higher. Perhaps this has changed recently with the depreciation?