Digital SLR in New York

TelePaul

Hey all, my dad sprung a surprise trip to NY for my family next week. I was thinking of taking this oppurtunity to get a digital SLR whilst over there? My folks say they'll forward me some money, though I'm not sure how much...so I'm just asking for thoughts, are Cameras, especially big names like Canon et all. considered cheaper in the U.S? Any recommendations of models and prices suited to an amateur? I've shot alot of 35 mm and love it, but trying to transfer that to computer is very difficult, and I'm annoyed with trying to get a clean scan. Your thoughts/suggestions are most welcome. Cheers!

TelePaul

Was looking at the Rebel Canon XT.

m_stan

yes they are cheaper in the US. And then you have the cheapness of the dollar at the moment (divide the Dollar price by around 1.3 and that's what it costs in Euro).

Take a look on ebay to get an idea of price.

Only thing to consider is your warranty will likely be US only.

I got a Canon Digital Rebel xti (400d) in October shipped from NYC to San Francisco where I was visiting on business. Haven't looked back.

TelePaul

m_stan wrote:

yes they are cheaper in the US. And then you have the cheapness of the dollar at the moment (divide the Dollar price by around 1.3 and that's what it costs in Euro).

Take a look on ebay to get an idea of price.

Only thing to consider is your warranty will likely be US only.

I got a Canon Digital Rebel xti (400d) in October shipped from NYC to San Francisco where I was visiting on business. Haven't looked back.

Excellent point on the warranty...I was under the impression that ti was a worldwide warranty...anybody else know? Thanks for that.

rymus

I would say you'll be able to get a worldwide warranty. Get a 3 year extended warranty, make sure that's worldwide.

I'm biased, so I'd say get a Canon kit. Enjoy the trip (and make sure you get into B&H at least once )

Calina

I bought my Canon 350D in Hong Kong in May. It came with a worldwide warranty. The issue with America I think might be the chargers. There was a recent post on the subject.

rymus

shouldnt be an issue. They'll support 110-220V so all you'll need to swap is the power lead (which has a standard figure 8 connector). Actually, I must pick up a couple of US cables for my upcoming holidays...

TelePaul

rymus wrote:

shouldnt be an issue. They'll support 110-220V so all you'll need to swap is the power lead (which has a standard figure 8 connector). Actually, I must pick up a couple of US cables for my upcoming holidays...

Ah okay...hmm...so I have to buy a new power lead?

mloc

Just back from NY myself, picked up a nice Nikon SB800 for my D200...

Have a look at the Rebel XTi or Nikon D80... both great cameras. Try em both, see which you like the feel of.

m_stan

TelePaul wrote:

Ah okay...hmm...so I have to buy a new power lead?

no just an adapter to convert the US two pin plug to an Irish three pin. This is what I did with my 400d. An 8 Euro adapter, and you're set.

rymus

converter or new cable, whichever is cheaper

m_stan

rymus wrote:

converter or new cable, whichever is cheaper

on the 400d its an adapter or a whole new charger, as the US charger is an all in one jobby with no cable. with an adpater, it works fine. not pretty, but it works

TelePaul

I was on the B & H site...browsing around. I realised I shouldn't confine myself to a Canon, as I hear good things about Nikon too. They also have alot of special offers, adn having seen how US vendors operate, I think I can get a good deal on something. Thanks alot for your help guys...in terms of digital SLR is there anything I should really avoid?

leinsterman

We are expecting Canon prices in Ireland to reduce in the new year as Canon harmonises EU pricing ... but I have not heard anything from Canon yet ... even if they do come down there will still be savings in the US.

As regards warranty you can buy a Mack 3 year international warranty ... usually better than manufacturers warranty ... see www.mackcam.com ... you can buy this independantly of the camera purchase within a month of buying.

I am very much in the Canon camp ... I really like the Canon EOS range of cameras ... but I'd say you can't go far wrong with either Canon or Nikon for DSLRs ... try em all before you buy em and go with you gut feeling ...

One thing to consider if you are visiting friends in US is to buy online at a US outlet in a different State (and ship to your friends) ... be extra safe and do it a good bit before you leave since the verification process can be a bit onerous for out of country credit cards ... this will save you State tax costs which in the case of NYC are 8.75% ... shipping is very often free within the contiguous US states ...

Only problem with this is you are travelling to New York where all the best Camera places are located ... as Rymus says you definetely got to get to B&H ... this place is great as a tourist attraction alone ... but be wary of their opening times ... these guys take Jewish holy day's very seriously ... they even close their web site!

One other place you could try is out in Brooklyn ... www.abesofmaine.com ... this is where I got my 20d ... ask for Charles ...

TelePaul

One other thing, will customs grab me on the way back? I hear the were getting stricter about things bought outside the E.U.

DadaKopf

I actually just got my Dad to pick me up a Canon Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) in the US. So long as the camera is in your luggage, or you leave the package behind, no problem at all. Sure, the last time Dad was over, he brought me back a MacBook Pro. Just took it out of the box.

Anyway, prices. The XTi kit plus 1GB flash card cost $1000 including 8.75% sales tax (depends on the state you purchase in). The kit alone cost $899.99, so pricing is pretty much dollar-for-euro right now. It was bought in BestBuy. Anyway, with the falling dollar (great short-term, long-term we're all f*cked), it worked out at €800.

If you're lucky enough to be going to New Hampshire, you can avoid sales tax altogether.

KdjaCL

Problem with buying in NY is that there are city prices and outside city prices.

If you getting one try get outside the city and find a best buy other wise the saving you make wont be as big.


kdjac

TelePaul

KdjaCL wrote:

Problem with buying in NY is that there are city prices and outside city prices.

If you getting one try get outside the city and find a best buy other wise the saving you make wont be as big.


kdjac

I was very lucky onc ein a guitar shop...I was chatting to the guy and he found out I was from Ireland; I paid 0% tax. I think he was just doing me a huge favour.

old boy

rymus i have a u.s. cable for a camera, pm me if you want it

rymus

decided just to get another 2 to 3 pin socket converter... Have a few electrical things I need to bring with me. Cheers for the offer anyway

Benster

So I'd be naive in assuming that an online US shop would accept a shipping address of "Room 210, Fitzpatricks Hotel, Lex Ave, New York" or some such?

Just thought I'd ask as I'll be heading over in July...

m_stan

yeah a lot of online retailers wont ship to hotels. I had mine shipped to the office in San Fran which got round that little issue. Normally the sites that apply this rule will have it mentioned in their FAQs, so check this before proceeding with your order

countryjimbo

Benster wrote:

So I'd be naive in assuming that an online US shop would accept a shipping address of "Room 210, Fitzpatricks Hotel, Lex Ave, New York" or some such?

Just thought I'd ask as I'll be heading over in July...

Don't do this, I tried it and even though it was accepted the delivery was late and I had left. I tried to arrange with the hotel to hold it for me as I was comming back soon and they agreed, however they still rejected the shipment. Had to go to a lot of hassle to get it.

Best stick with friends address's or an office is better.