Photography Thailand Forum

[Jorgen Eriksson]

Hi

I am soon relocating to Bangkok and was happy to find this photo community. Hoping to make the most of it!

Question: I am planning to buy a new D-SLR. How does camera prices in Bangkok compare to, say Hong Kong/U.S/Singapore etc?

Regards,
Jorgen Eriksson

[Chris Savery]

I have found prices tend to be a bit higher here than in the US. I don't know about HK and Singapore but suspect that they are both a bit cheaper - particularly if the taxes are out. In Bkk the taxes are always figured in already (7% VAT). I once bought a camera in Malaysia and it was much cheaper than in Bkk - mostly due to the tax not being charged there. But last year I went to check and most shops had increased their prices to be "compatible" with Bkk - only slightly less. I don't see any great deals on anything imported into Bkk. For things made in Thailand or sometimes China you can get good prices here though. There is a variety of computer stuff (keybords, mice, hard drives) that is made in Thailand and I believe some Nikon cameras are.
Chris :)

[CW Lawrence]

recently, I have been pricing equipment (as some of you might remember, I am looking for a few good lenses). As far as I can tell, at least with Nikon gear, the US is the cheapest - especially when dealing with online purchases. The only exception was with Tamron lenses, which were cheapest in Singapore.

I would really be interested to know where one could find the cheapest camera gear. Is it Japan, for Nikon?

[aprajogo]

Hongkong is cheapest, in my opinion. But you have to be careful since they might do some trick on you: the display item are not the same with the one you get. You have to check thoroughly. My experience: their display item is made in Japan, and when I agree to buy, they give me item made in Malaysia (I believe both will have the same quality but item made in Japan usually pricier than other).

Singapore also have good price, complete accessories. If you spend more than SGD$100 they will refund the GST.

[gregoire]

Aren't guarantees on camera bodies national as opposed to those on lenses which are international though? Meaning it's a good idea to buy your bodies where you live and your lenses wherever they are the cheapest. Jorgen said he wanted a new D-SLR so I think he should get it here (since he's relocating here).

[aprajogo]

Just want to share one thing about international warranty:

I got one lens bought in USA, with 5 years warranty. This lens is 1++ year old, bit dirty. So brought this lens to Nikon Thailand to check, and the technician there said that I have to pay the checking fee, since my lens is already out of warranty (international warranty in Thailand is only 1 year). Another fee will be added if they found something on it.

He said that 5 years warranty = 1 "real" international warranty, and another 4 years warranty is applicable in country where we bought that lens...

I don't know this is only Nikon Thailand regulation or it is applied world wide.

[Jorgen Eriksson]

Gregoire - you are right, warranty is one important factor that has to be taken into account and not looking only on the price tag.

For you guys who have lived in Thailand for a while: there shouldn't be any problems with warranty if buying from reputable dealers, right?

/Jorgen

[gindosianturi]

The question is:
Camera prices in Bangkok?

(one of) The answer is:
check this web: www.fotofile.net

G

[Reaper]

Heard from a friend that the camera prices in Penang is really low due to the lack of tax on good there.  Might want to look at Penang as an option.  If not, B & H photo in NY is quite reasonably priced

[gregoire]

I just went there and it was more expensive by a lot. Like 129 000 baht for a Canon 5D as opposed to 99 000 here.

[Reaper]

Currently in Sinagpore at the moment.  Was at Lucky Plaza and saw an OM lense for olympus.  The guy at the shop said that it was really old stock... like late 70's to early 80's.  Said that I could get a 70 - 210mm F2.8 - 3.5 Cosina lense for SD$250.  Really tempted but would have to go fully manual with that lense.  The Olympus lense, the 50 - 200mm f2.8 - 3.5 would cost me about SD$1500 upwards.  Is this a good deal?

[thebelge]

China is the chepeast place on earth I was told by chinese photojournalist. Then USA should be 2nd.
The Canon Eos 5D is actually sold 2000 $ in China/HK. compare to 99 000 bahts at fotofile and 2500/2800 in US rebated until 13 jan.

Fred