Has anyone had any dealings with chinaarts, hes a ebay seller that stocks VG20's at a reasonable price but the item is shipped from hong kong, I would much rather avoid this but the feedback looks good and he could be selling from abroad just to pass the savings onto us

I would be very cautious.
There can be serious warranty issues with "grey" market, or out of country purchases.
I was just in Hong Kong and was impressed that camera prices were no better than those available in the U.S. from BH Photo and others.

for what's it's worth.............

I watched a Sony video demonstration by a Sony rep.

He stated that legitimate Sony dealers "world-wide" are required to sell (new) at the same price..dictated by Sony.

I would avoid this dealer if I were you.

Jeff