Buying Equipment in Japan.

jackbhoy

Hi folks, first time poster here so be gentle with me

Heading to Japan during the summer and was hoping to pick myself up a nice new camera while there. Heard you can get some good deals over there and some good secondhand/refurbished stuff too. Hoping to buy something like Nikon D80, just wondering if any of you have any experience or buying here? Are there good deals to be had, good places to buy or downsides with regards to warrant etc?

Any feedback/advice would be appreciated.....

Fajitas!

Hi Jackbhoy, welcome to Photography!

My only experience of buying from Japan is through Ebay shops, but yep, there are some really good deals over there. I could be corrected on this, but I think a lot of Ebay shops have actual shops over there, it might be worth checking out URGalaxy and Kea Photo on www.ebay.com - If you see something you like maybe email them?

The warrantys are a bit of a problem, but a lot of shops are doing Mack warrantys now which is pretty handy.

I'm not sure of any refurbished kit, but I know it is out there, and much cheaper...but then again, you don't know what you're getting...

Carrigman

Fajitas! wrote:

I think a lot of Ebay shops have actual shops over there, it might be worth checking out URGalaxy and Kea Photo on www.ebay.com - If you see something you like maybe email them?

Er, aren't those shops in, like, *Hong Kong* which last time I looked was in China.

Fajitas!

Ah, yes...My mistake...I had a sore head this morning, as Roen will agree...

But yeah - I would imagine there are shops with good deals in Japan - considering Canon, Nikon and Sigma are all from Japan!

gandalf

I was in Tokyo back in 2002 and was planning to buy a digital camcorder but found prices were actually quite similar to here.

Saying that the electronic stores over there are something to behold. Enjoy yourself over there its a wonderful place.

jackbhoy

Cheers for the feedback guys.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice on a camera to purchase? I know this is probably the most common question asked on photography forums but any advice would be appreciated.

I am a total newbie and have only done the usual travel photography stuff but absolutely love to get into it more. As I mentioned above I was thinking Nikon D80 because of excellent reviews etc, does anyone have an opinions on this camera?. I'd especially like to try some night time photography so recommendations on equipment to buy to suit this would also be great.

Roen

Fajitas! wrote:

Ah, yes...My mistake...I had a sore head this morning, as Roen will agree...

But yeah - I would imagine there are shops with good deals in Japan - considering Canon, Nikon and Sigma are all from Japan!

Wasn't the only thing that was sore I'd say. I always thought that Japan would be on the dear side though.

Fionn

i've a neice that lives in Japan - i've asked about electronics and such but the word is that they're pretty spendy there - so dont expect huge bargins but you could expect the very latest gadgets etc.