This follows the practice of Sony initially announcing a higher price then lowering it closer to shipping. They did this with the other EX cameras.

I wonder if this will have an effect on Varicam sales and rentals.

Well Varicam is a different beast all together, this shouldn't touch that market at all. Varicam market is set in tape based workflows and P2 workflows and archiving is something production houses dont want to give up for their tape based Vcams. As well as the use of Varicam is usually in the more rugged environments, which the F3 definably would not handle well. My varicam and hpx500's have been through hell, and hold up perfectly well. I'd have to say that a lesser built camera would have been in bad shape.

Varicam is in its own world, should be fine, as i said, its a whole different beast.

In my neck of of the woods, the Varicam (original) has been effectively out of the running for quite some time (2-3 years). You can buy or rent for dirt cheap.

Or, basically, US$20,000 by the time the new VAT rate kicks in. Or, more to the point - zero UK sale to me, chalk one up for a transatlantic flight to NY...

Way to go, UK dealers. Ugh.

Whilst I share and understand your frustration about "rip off Britain", personally I wouldn't "advertise" that action on a public forum if I were you (anyone in the Inland Revenue might see it...!)

Don't forget the sales tax in the US.

In the UK if you're working for corporate clients or production companies, it makes sense to register for VAT, so you can claim it back.

I am registered for VAT, but it still ends up being 30% more and that's before other, incidental fees.

Okay! Grumble over.

Yes, always more, I imported my Steadicam from the US and upset the then UK agent.

I feel bad for all you across the pond with the ridiculous VAT rates.

Luckily, here in Illinois, we have NO sales tax on equipment purchased for "Graphic Arts Production", which is partly why so many movies are being filmed in and around Chicago. For fellow Illinoisans, the tax exempt form is "ST-587". Combine this tax exemption with my local Abel Cine and I am able to get the lowest prices (they match most competitors), no tax and usually no shipping in addition to excellent customer service.

In Virginia, in state based movie production companies are sales tax exempt for a lot of things, including food and hotels.

In Japan ...
 

We'll be paying full price for this camera plus tax. I often salivate at the prices in the U.S. and buy there whenever I can. That being said ... we often get a better price later ... after release.