hong kong cameras?
 

Heading to Hong Kong soon for a few days and interested in purchasing a new camera (Nikon D200) Any suggestions on the best places to visit? I have heard conflicting reports on locations and quality of equipment etc. Would appreciate any assistance.
Thanks,
Darren

darren---i found the camera people very very difficult to deal with in HK---just a warning....not sure of the honesty factor either....there are tons of places...

If you are from the US, you'll find better prices online and you're assured of an international guarantee. If you are from the UK or Europe, apparently you'll find slightly better prices in Hong Kong. Always make sure you are getting a camera with an international guarantee...

I've been to Hong Kong 4 times and honestly when it comes to purchasing electronics including cameras I would feel much better buying them from America than in Hong Kong. I've noticed that alot of stores around Kowloon, especially Tsim Tsa Tsui don't post prices on stuff.

If you have to buy in Hong Kong (say it's cheaper than in Europe), go to a major chain like "Broadway".

www.ibroadway.com.hk

And I'd go to one of their stores at a large shopping mall like Time Square or Harbour City, instead of one in Tsimshatsui or Mongkok. The sales persons are often more pushy at a busy store in Mongkok.

Most of the cameras I checked out (Panasonic lumix) where $100 to $150 more expensive then online deals in US.

As stated above, unless you are from Europe you will not find prices any cheaper in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has no sales tax, which may make an item slightly cheaper. You may also be able to get the newest models here a few months before they are available in the US. Other than that, I do not find any big savings here.

Do a good bit of comparison-shopping before you go. For some price ideas for the items in Hong Kong, try the site noted above or http://www.fortress.com.hk/en/produc...era/index.html. Fortress is a local electronics retailer. They list prices. They are fixed price, but very reliable. They may bargain slightly if you pay cash and buy more than one item.

For other smaller shops, you might try looking in the Causeway Bay area, around the Sogo Department store; try the Jardines Bazaar area (get a map and look at the streets in this area). More local Hong Kongers shop here than tourists. You have to bargain, be able to do conversion from Hong Kong dollars to your currency quickly in your head. Knowing what you pay at home at what Fortress charges would be a good start. Paying cash will always get you a better price, many smaller shops won’t accept credit cards anyway.

No matter where you buy, be sure to see the item put into the box in front of you or open it and look at it before you leave the store. Be sure to get a warranty in English and be sure it is an international one, that is, you can get the item repaired under warranty for free in your home country. Some warranties are limited to the country in which the item is sold. Read the warranty before you leave t4he store. If the item comes with a charger, make sure the charger is dual voltage if you are not from a country with 220 voltages like Hong Kong.

I would NEVER buy from one of those electrons shops in Tsmi Sha Tsui, that is tourist central and you are likely to pay more than you should, plus you often hear cases of people getting empty boxes or a different item inside the box than they paid for.

Thanks all! I forgot to mention that I am from Australia so given that it has been highlighted that there are only small potential savings if from the US, I don't think it is worth my while investing in a new camera in HK! Appreciate the feedback so far!