Has anyone purchased a movie camera
 

I will be in Bangkok 3 days before our tour begins. Is there a special mall and store that caters to electronics, movie cameras. Are the prices lower than in the US. Can I bargain in the stores as compared to the outdoor stalls. thanks. Alana

No, the prices are not lower than the US. You can get the best prices in the US by buying on the internet. The issues about buying electronics in Asia are:

1. price. The prices are slightly better for those who live in Europe, but for the US, we can get better prices online. (The prices are higher in Europe because of the VAT)

2. an international warranty. Most of the electronics you buy in Asia do not come with an international warranty.

3. Compatability with US electronics (power cords for re-charging, etc)

And, by the way, you can bargain in stores in Thailand. They may or may not be willing to lower the price, but it never hurts to ask.

To help you compare prices check out this online website for the point and shoot cameras(and other things): http://www.tohome.com/

For more serious equipments try: http://www.fotofile.net/

Another issue specific to movie cameras is that the ones sold in Bangkok are in PAL format, in the states players are NTSC, so everything has to be converted. Not a big deal if you're taking it all through an image editing program, but could be if you aren't.

The big electronics store is Panthip Plaza, on Petchaburi Rd; 5 floors of every kind of electronics gear you can imagine, and if you're paying cash, good discounts can be had.

But not at the Apple Store. US prices. No Bargaining.

purchasing a camera from US has lot more benefits then purchasing it from else where.
You will not be getting any international warranty on the products and in case there is problem with the product then you have to spend $$$ in the warranty period also to get it fixed.


Travelguruz
http://alanheib.travelencia.com