Buying In America

[hobo]

I have a Canon 300V, but are spending so much on film & developments it seems worth while going digital. I have had a look around and so I can keep the lenses, etc which I already have it makes sense to stick with Canon.

Over here the 2 cameras which seem to stand out are the 300D and the 10D (approx. £700 & £1100 resp.). Whereas in states these can be obtained for $600 & $1000 resp.

With current exchange rates being what they are then the prices are half that of over here, and also due to the fact I have a trip to florida coming up very shortly it makes sense to buying abroad.

Is there anything to be wary of ? Also, import tax ? How much would it be & would you have to declare (how would they know ?)

www.everyprice.com/cgi-bin/search/hyperseek.cgi?search=CAT&Category=Consumer%20Electronics%3ADigital%20Cameras%3ACanon%3ARebel%20Digital%20Eos-300D&Qualifier=

www.everyprice.com/cgi-bin/search/hyperseek.cgi?search=CAT&Category=Consumer%20Electronics%3ADigital%20Cameras%3ACanon%3AEOS-10D&Qualifier=

Would probably opt for 10D, $989 = £539 at current exchange rates.

>>> Edited by hobo on Tuesday 13th April 14:35

>>> Edited by hobo on Tuesday 13th April 15:40

[hobo]

Maybe you got me wrong. The camera choice is not my major concern. The way I see it is if I can afford the extra then the 10D is the way to got.

My main worry was buying abroad.

Is the kit identical ?

I understand warranties will be void, but with the money I'd be saving on the camera itself, this is something I could live with.

My other worry was import duties. Although I would be going to States to buy equipment (not just getting it shipped over here) would I still be liable for import duties ? And if so, how much are they ?

Cheers.

[hobo]

toppstuff said:

Technically you are liable to pay VAT when you arrive in the UK.. BUT... lots of people take the camera out of its box and use it a bit. Fold the box up and post it to your home address with all the paperwork.. Put the camera in your hand luggage. When you go through customs try not to look guilty. They are'nt really interested in nailing the odd guy with a camera. But then you may catch them in clamp down mode, and be asked to prove that you bought the camera in the UK.. So there is a risk, but lots of people do it !

So then, even if I got the equipment shipped from US to UK the only payment (on top of cost of equipment) would be VAT @ 17.5%.

The 300D costs $539USD which at present equates to £297GBP. Add VAT to this becomes £349GBP.

Compared to prices over here for same kit (i.e £700 ish) then surely you'd have to be stupid not to.

>> Edited by hobo on Wednesday 14th April 08:19

[hobo]

And how much would import duty be ?

[hobo]

V6GTO said:

Try looking here:- www.hmce.gov.uk/

Thanks for that.

Just spoke to them & there is no duty to pay on digital camera equipment, so the only thing to pay would be VAT.

Therefore on that basis:

300D would be £297 + VAT + Shipping
10D would be £550 + VAT + Shipping

Bargain.

[hobo]

After weighting both camera's up (and also my talent levels), I think I'll go for the 300D.

As it is only £300 then I think I'll pay the VAT (not worth the hassle for £50).

Based on the fact that in total it will be £350 for 300D & I should be able to get rid of my 2 months old 300V on ebay for £125ish, all told its only going to cost £225 to go digital (excluding memory cards, etc).