Grey import or not? - Eos 60d

[jamiebae]

As above really, I've decided to sell all my Pentax gear and switch to Canon and I want a 60d. I can get a grey import (Japan model) body only for just over £550 (or even less if I order from HK and hope it doesn't get hit for VAT on arrival) while UK ones seem to be £700+ so it's a big saving.

Obviously the warranty is more comprehensive and probably longer if I buy from the UK but I think for £200 I'm prepared to take a punt on that. What's the general opinion, and what is the reliability like on these bodies?

Thanks!

[nellyleelephant]

I may be wrong, but I thought that Canon honoured the warranty on the body no matter where it's bought, I think it's lenses that aren't covered in this way.
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I think!

[jamiebae]

Interesting...

I'm currently eyeing up a 60d with EF-S 15-85mm for £1k but wondering if that's too much to spend in one hit and if I should go for cheaper glass to save my bank balance!

[bobda]

I did the same as you (ditched Pentax for Canon 60D) 18 months ago and was considering a grey - that is until I went away for work and was browsing Dixons travel at Manchester airport who were selling a 60d & 17-85 kit for £70 less than the lowest UK net price - at the time that was £916 vs £982 and a quick check online reveals I'm still quids in.

So - if you're going away any time soon via Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle or Stansted - or know someone who is - take a look at Dixons travel. As far as I recall if you're travelling in the EU they can order items in for collection on your return if they don't have them in stock. I was going to Switzerland so had to take mine away with me and luckily they had it in stock. You have to purchase on the outbound leg as the stores are all airside. You can call to check prices and order in for collection before you travel as well.

[jamiebae]

That's actually how I bought my Pentax k20d (well Samsung GX-20 actually but same thing) at BHX on the way out to Italy. They don't put prices online now so I've just called the store who quoted £768 for the body only, which is pretty much full UK price anyway!

[LongQ]

nellyleelephant said:

I may be wrong, but I thought that Canon honoured the warranty on the body no matter where it's bought, I think it's lenses that aren't covered in this way.
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I think!

The other way around usually.

[markmullen]

LongQ said:

The other way around usually.

Worldwide warranty on lenses but not bodies.

Have a look at Flash Camera, he does very cheap greys which Canon UK honour.

[nellyleelephant]

markmullen said:

LongQ said:

The other way around usually.

Worldwide warranty on lenses but not bodies.

Have a look at Flash Camera, he does very cheap greys which Canon UK honour.

Oh well, I knew it was one of them!