Buying in Malaysia / Hongkong
 

Anyone knows about prices for a new A1 (PAL) in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) or Hongkong? I have some friends going down there and they might be able to buy a camera for me. Any advice if and where to buy in these places are welcome. My alternative would be ordering it from Germany (cheaper than Sweden).
Thanks,
Urban

Hi Urban.........
 

Can't help with prices in the areas you've mentioned, you could try the web or with a bit of luck someone from the boards in the area will come up trumps.

The major problem you're going to have (apart from incorrect plug on power cable) is the warranty - not insignificant on an XH - A1. Like anything, they can, and do, die straight out of the box, not often, but if yours is one of them, BIG problem!

You do not want to see any saving on the purchase price swallowed (even exceeded) by a whacky repair bill because Canon Sweden will not honour a foreign warranty (why they would has me mystefied, but it happens).

Why don't you trawl the EU sites - the UK being the favourite, and see what you can get there. I don't think any manufacturer can sideslip an EU warranty, if the equipment is in the EU (I stand ready to be disabused of that opinion).

Just a thought. Best to check that with your local "Consumer Affairs" people if there is such a thing where you are.

The other thing to take into account is what limits there are on bringing in high priced items from overseas - some countries (and the EU is not immune to this) take the position that anything not brought in "kosher" and thus paying gawd knows what duty is fair game for a whacky up front Customs charge which could well cause a bit of smarting in the wallet area.

Just check it out thoroughly before lashing out any serious dosh - this is not an inconsiderable amount to be parting with just to have it go "tits up".

Cheers,


Chris

Thanks, Chris.
How are the prices in NZ?

It is unlikely to be cheaper
 

Because it is considered a prosumer camcorder so most of the KL shop won't take stock of it. I am from Sarawak (east malaysia) and it took me 2 weeks to order one from Canon reseller, the price is about RM14,000 including shipping. It was December 2006.

You will definitely get a lot cheaper then my price at KL if you could find the stock.

I would recommend you try Singapore or HongKong if your friend is going there. And lucky you have a friend to help, this item must be hand carry to be safe.

Not that good...........
 

The prices in NZ, that is. I got my A1 in December last year and the price worked out at about 4,036 Euros equivalent. The HV20 turned up a couple of weeks ago (first in NZ) and was about 995EU. Being such a small country there is very little competition at this level of equipment and as such the suppliers can charge what they please.

Having said that, my supplier in Christchurch (Kens Digital - plug, plug) only added a nominal handling fee and I got it pretty well for what they paid Canon. I put a lot of business their way, so they are good to me!

HOWEVER, it has to be said that the monopoly position of (some of) the suppliers here has led to the most outrageous price gougeing imaginable - there is one supplier in particular, specialising in pro gear (one of the very few) [who shall remain nameless] which I categorically refuse to do any business with whatsoever.

Needless to say, my new Manfrotto tripod and Vinten head are coming from B&H in the States (plug, plug) - if, that is, they ever extract their digits and damn well send them! (DO NOT get me started!).

There are times when living at the ass end of the planet gets REALLY tedious.

Cheers,


Chris

If you're buying from Malaysia, you're getting the PAL version which does not have 30p. Something to consider if you want that.

When I was in Hong Kong in April, they were selling at HK$28xxx.

Chris, I feel your pain. I was in NZ over 14 years ago when I was a student there. There was no competition at all.

However, Canada is not much better. I got all my gears from the US.... I guess we are lucky that US is only next door.

Same here in Aus too - and you have to just about send the little finger from your right hand before B&H will deal with you - they won't accept PayPal unless you're in the U.S. Canada or the U.K. - what's that all about!