Buying a "Grey import" camera...
Discussion
I think I know how this thread is going to go before I even have any replies 
but:-
Following on from Mrs WR's thread about buying a new camera she has more or less decided on a new Sony A6300.
However, after doing a few quick searches she has come across this offer:-
https://www.eglobalcentral.co.uk/s0ny-alpha-a6300-...
Now I explained to her that in my opinion I would not go down this route, it would obviously be a "grey import" with no official Sony warranty, maybe not to UK spec, and it would be better to pay another £150 and get it from a "proper" UK business such as Jessops, Argos or John Lewis with proper back up in case of problems.
Just my 2p, what do you think?
Also, have you any recommendations as to where to purchase it from, price naturally is obviously an important consideration.
Thank you in anticipation,
Wacky.
but:-Following on from Mrs WR's thread about buying a new camera she has more or less decided on a new Sony A6300.
However, after doing a few quick searches she has come across this offer:-
https://www.eglobalcentral.co.uk/s0ny-alpha-a6300-...
Now I explained to her that in my opinion I would not go down this route, it would obviously be a "grey import" with no official Sony warranty, maybe not to UK spec, and it would be better to pay another £150 and get it from a "proper" UK business such as Jessops, Argos or John Lewis with proper back up in case of problems.
Just my 2p, what do you think?
Also, have you any recommendations as to where to purchase it from, price naturally is obviously an important consideration.
Thank you in anticipation,
Wacky.
Horses for courses..
I recently purchased a Canon 80D. Read a few reviews and decided to buy the body from an approved UK dealer with a couple of lenses and other bits and bobs as grey imports.
Figured that I'd be happy enough to take the risk on the anciliaries but not the body. That said, I'm sure there are plenty out there who've had no issues and are delighted with the money saved after purchasing the whole lot as an import.
I recently purchased a Canon 80D. Read a few reviews and decided to buy the body from an approved UK dealer with a couple of lenses and other bits and bobs as grey imports.
Figured that I'd be happy enough to take the risk on the anciliaries but not the body. That said, I'm sure there are plenty out there who've had no issues and are delighted with the money saved after purchasing the whole lot as an import.
I've used Panamoz and Digital Rev before with no issues - that lot look dodgy though!
Have you tried http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/Sony/Sony-E-Mou... - not that much more when the cashback is taken into account ?
Have you tried http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/Sony/Sony-E-Mou... - not that much more when the cashback is taken into account ?
HDEW Cameras - bought my 2nd DLSR and lens from them several years ago, great service, and it was delivered on time. They supply a 3 year warranty so not worried that it may not be covered by a UK warranty. The camera and lens won't be any different, as they will have come off the same production line as the UK models, but the charger needed a socket convertor which HDEW supplied, and I actually preferred this to the UK version as it didn't need a long mains lead. After looking around for my next DLSR, I have just placed another order with HDEW even though they aren't the cheapest!
From reading the reviews on this exact company myself before taking the plunge and ordering I know I'm in the minority, but I had an awful experience.
I ordered two things from them, a canon 5d mk3. And a wide angle lens.
Instead of a camera I received a wireless speaker and had to wait 2 months for eBay to step in and refund.
The lens went faulty after 6 months and the process to have it repaired under warranty also took about 2 months. The service team are offshore and only commicate through the night and via email. They have a protracted returns process which involved me uploading videos to YouTube to prove the fault.
All in all I saved £400 in exchange for approximately 30 hours of my life, which I spent tearing what's left of my hair out and two months with a speaker for a camera.
I ordered two things from them, a canon 5d mk3. And a wide angle lens.
Instead of a camera I received a wireless speaker and had to wait 2 months for eBay to step in and refund.
The lens went faulty after 6 months and the process to have it repaired under warranty also took about 2 months. The service team are offshore and only commicate through the night and via email. They have a protracted returns process which involved me uploading videos to YouTube to prove the fault.
All in all I saved £400 in exchange for approximately 30 hours of my life, which I spent tearing what's left of my hair out and two months with a speaker for a camera.
Edited by MickyDncl on Monday 10th July 22:58
vtecsilver said:
HDEW Cameras - bought my 2nd DLSR and lens from them several years ago, great service, and it was delivered on time. They supply a 3 year warranty so not worried that it may not be covered by a UK warranty. The camera and lens won't be any different, as they will have come off the same production line as the UK models, but the charger needed a socket convertor which HDEW supplied, and I actually preferred this to the UK version as it didn't need a long mains lead. After looking around for my next DLSR, I have just placed another order with HDEW even though they aren't the cheapest!
+1 for HDEW - more than happy with service/supply of Canon 5Dmk3 however, I fear not a lot of use to the OP as they don't appear to supply Sony cameras - just Canon, Nikon, and Olympus.MickyDncl said:
Sorry it was eglobalcentral I purchased from via eBay.
Sounds like a pretty bad experience. Can see why it would put you off. I had read a few negative things about eglobalcentral. Trustpilot has them down as 5.1 out of 10 from 3000+ reviews which is not a good sign. I've used Panamoz a few times and they've been excellent. Trust pilot has them at 9.9 out of 10...
bazza white said:
£779 on Amazon prime day plus I think £150 cashback is also available.
Cheers Bazza.Mrs WR has just ordered a Sony ILCE6300LB with SELP1650 power zoom lens (24.2MP,APS-C Image sensor), should be £1028.69 for £779.00 plus £150 Sony cashback on Amazon prime for TODAY only.
Be quick, I THINK they only have ONE left now.Mrs WR sends you a virtual pint
Wacky Racer said:
Cheers Bazza.
Mrs WR has just ordered a Sony ILCE6300LB with SELP1650 power zoom lens (24.2MP,APS-C Image sensor), should be £1028.69 for £779.00 plus £150 Sony cashback on Amazon prime for TODAY only.
Be quick, I THINK they only have ONE left now.
Mrs WR sends you a virtual pint
Glad you got one, I was tempted myself but it's over budget for how much use I will get out of it so I'll stick with the a6000 or links gx80. Mrs WR has just ordered a Sony ILCE6300LB with SELP1650 power zoom lens (24.2MP,APS-C Image sensor), should be £1028.69 for £779.00 plus £150 Sony cashback on Amazon prime for TODAY only.
Be quick, I THINK they only have ONE left now.Mrs WR sends you a virtual pint
[quote=C&C]
+1 for HDEW - more than happy with service/supply of Canon 5Dmk3 however, I fear not a lot of use to the OP as they don't appear to supply Sony cameras - just Canon, Nikon, and Olympus.
[/quote]
+1 also from me. I've bought from them 3 times and the service advice (on phone) is as good as the prices.
+1 for HDEW - more than happy with service/supply of Canon 5Dmk3 however, I fear not a lot of use to the OP as they don't appear to supply Sony cameras - just Canon, Nikon, and Olympus.
[/quote]
+1 also from me. I've bought from them 3 times and the service advice (on phone) is as good as the prices.
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