Buying a camera online

[bryantlin]

Hi guys,

I noticed that online stores overseas are selling dslr cameras cheaper as compared to local stores. Would it be advisable to buy from such sites like B&H. Warranty wise i know there is no warranty but will the local service center service overseas products?

What are some of the things that i should look out for?
What are some recommended sites to buy from?

Appreciate all your comments.

 

[ajneo]

Hi, I bought my 400D online. The difference is, I am currently situated in the USA.

Anyhow, I can share my experience from buying online.

I usually go to www.pricegrabber.com. It lists alot of major online vendors with tons of reviews. You can compare the price, and read the reviews for the vendors.

For me, I personally pick the ones with really good reviews.

1) They are probably trusted.

2) They wont dare to screw it up, as one bad review will easily influence many buyers.

As for if they ship them to Singapore, I am not sure, you are better off asking the vendors directly.

I purchased stuff from Amazon too, seems ok so far.

Hope it helps.

 

[bryantlin]

thanks for the prompt reply ajneo, unlike you i'm not in USA so afraid of the servicing issue should i get it from online vendors.

btw thanks for the link that you provided.

 

[Jinks]

Hi guys,

I noticed that online stores overseas are selling dslr cameras cheaper as compared to local stores. Would it be advisable to buy from such sites like B&H. Warranty wise i know there is no warranty but will the local service center service overseas products?

What are some of the things that i should look out for?
What are some recommended sites to buy from?

Appreciate all your comments.

As far as I'm aware, the local service centers will only honour local warranties. If you do decide to get your DSLR from B&H, you'd have to send it back to the US service center to get it repaired.

Lenses are less of an issue since they're covered by international warranties.

 

[frenchbean]

Yeah, buying from US online stores are definitely cheaper, but there are a few things to take note of. Many of the US online stores do not accept credit cards issued out of the US, or even if they do, like B&H, you will need to fax them your credit card for verification. Whether they ship out of the US is another thing. Do take note of those super good deals you see online, cuz most probably they are frauds. Go check out www.resellerratings.com to see the store ratings and review, they are pretty accurate indications on how reliable the store is.

Like Jinks said, warranty for camera bodies is usually limited to the US while warranty for lenses are international.

Here are a few online stores I've bought from before and had not problems with them, but that was when I was in the US with a US issued card, so no issues with shipping or credit cards for me.

www.buydig.com
www.digitalfotoclub.com
www.bhphotovideo.com
www.newegg.com

 

[bryantlin]

As far as I'm aware, the local service centers will only honour local warranties. If you do decide to get your DSLR from B&H, you'd have to send it back to the US service center to get it repaired.

Lenses are less of an issue since they're covered by international warranties.

i understand that local service centers will not honour US warranties but will they service the product if i pay for the services and part?

 

[Jinks]

i understand that local service centers will not honour US warranties but will they service the product if i pay for the services and part?

I'm not exactly sure. But hey, if you're willing to pay... I guess the service centers won't turn you away

 

[deadpixel]

i understand that local service centers will not honour US warranties but will they service the product if i pay for the services and part?

They will fix it for a fee. I've got several American colleagues who brought their DLSRs over from the US and when they sent their cameras in for servicing, the local service centres just charged them a fee for both parts and services.

_

 

[bryantlin]

They will fix it for a fee. I've got several American colleagues who brought their DLSRs over from the US and when they sent their cameras in for servicing, the local service centres just charged them a fee for both parts and services.

_

any idea what is the charges for the services?

i presume that the charges for the parts should be the same as local purchased product right?