Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
USA vs Import
Page 1 of 4 next> last>>
Mar 14, 2014 08:33:00   #
Maine Guide Loc: Portland, Maine
 
I am still looking for DSLR camera as I stated earlier. However I'm finding that so many places apparently sell imported vs USA!
I've check numerous sources on line including some recommended by fellow members. Ive sent out four emails three days ago asking if these items were USA warranty or not no response. Are the imports as good, I read their the same items just not sold be an authorized dealer representing the company be it Canon or Nikon etc. I'm on a limited budget as I'm retired. I made the mistake of looking at a Nikon D7100 which I absolutely enjoy everything about it. But being out of my price range thought a D7000 with a standard lens might b doable. But some come without batteries and charger, oops there's the up cost. Most are not USA but imported is this a problem. I like the fact its a little more weather resistant, felt heavier and more comfortable in my hand, had more of the heft of my old AE1. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Reply
Mar 14, 2014 08:40:43   #
Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 
MG, the problem with any Nikon is the import does not include a US warranty and you want a warranty. Have you considered a Factory Reconditioned D7000? You can generally find them at B&H, Adorama, Hunts and others. ;)

Reply
Mar 14, 2014 08:45:44   #
wolfman
 
Here's a D7100 kit at B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1005009-REG/nikon_13302_d7100_dslr_camera_with.html

Reply
 
 
Mar 14, 2014 08:49:10   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
The terms "USA" and "Imported" are a bit misleading. They are all imported products and are almost always identical. The primary differences are the route they took to get here and the warranties. At B&H, for example, the USA version carries the factory warranty and the Imported version has a comparable store warranty. Cannon will service the imported versions, but Nikon will not from what I have heard.

Reply
Mar 14, 2014 08:49:51   #
wolfman
 
D7000 kit at B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/735300-REG/Nikon_25474_D7000_DSLR_Camera_Kit.html

Reply
Mar 14, 2014 08:57:01   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
Maine Guide wrote:
I am still looking for DSLR camera as I stated earlier. However I'm finding that so many places apparently sell imported vs USA!
I've check numerous sources on line including some recommended by fellow members. Ive sent out four emails three days ago asking if these items were USA warranty or not no response. Are the imports as good, I read their the same items just not sold be an authorized dealer representing the company be it Canon or Nikon etc. I'm on a limited budget as I'm retired. I made the mistake of looking at a Nikon D7100 which I absolutely enjoy everything about it. But being out of my price range thought a D7000 with a standard lens might b doable. But some come without batteries and charger, oops there's the up cost. Most are not USA but imported is this a problem. I like the fact its a little more weather resistant, felt heavier and more comfortable in my hand, had more of the heft of my old AE1. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am still looking for DSLR camera as I stated ear... (show quote)


All cameras are imported. The difference as has been stated is that " Grey market" cameras although cheaper have no USA warantees. Plus some of the grey market dealers are not as reliable as are the ones with factory approval. Refurbs are a great way to save money, and most have very low shutter actuactuations which BTW can be checked.

Reply
Mar 14, 2014 09:19:02   #
donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl
 
To me, this Non-Warrented "Grey Market" camera is a beeg bunch of marketing BS..

Just WHAT is the different between USA warrenty vs Grey when they are ALL built overseas ?

Reply
 
 
Mar 14, 2014 09:38:21   #
Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway
 
If you will shop B&H and Adorama you can't go wrong. They will disclose what is "gray market" and what is not. They will also explain what gray market is and the type of warranty it has through them. I haven't purchased anything gray but if I wasn't concerned about the extended warranty I wouldn't be afraid of it.I ordered a remote rf shutter release yesterday at 4:18 pm from B&H and it will be delivered this morning. Their service is exceptional. Good luck.
Maine Guide wrote:
I am still looking for DSLR camera as I stated earlier. However I'm finding that so many places apparently sell imported vs USA!
I've check numerous sources on line including some recommended by fellow members. Ive sent out four emails three days ago asking if these items were USA warranty or not no response. Are the imports as good, I read their the same items just not sold be an authorized dealer representing the company be it Canon or Nikon etc. I'm on a limited budget as I'm retired. I made the mistake of looking at a Nikon D7100 which I absolutely enjoy everything about it. But being out of my price range thought a D7000 with a standard lens might b doable. But some come without batteries and charger, oops there's the up cost. Most are not USA but imported is this a problem. I like the fact its a little more weather resistant, felt heavier and more comfortable in my hand, had more of the heft of my old AE1. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am still looking for DSLR camera as I stated ear... (show quote)

Reply
Mar 14, 2014 09:40:20   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
Maine Guide wrote:
I am still looking for DSLR camera as I stated earlier. However I'm finding that so many places apparently sell imported vs USA!
I've check numerous sources on line including some recommended by fellow members. Ive sent out four emails three days ago asking if these items were USA warranty or not no response. Are the imports as good, I read their the same items just not sold be an authorized dealer representing the company be it Canon or Nikon etc. I'm on a limited budget as I'm retired. I made the mistake of looking at a Nikon D7100 which I absolutely enjoy everything about it. But being out of my price range thought a D7000 with a standard lens might b doable. But some come without batteries and charger, oops there's the up cost. Most are not USA but imported is this a problem. I like the fact its a little more weather resistant, felt heavier and more comfortable in my hand, had more of the heft of my old AE1. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am still looking for DSLR camera as I stated ear... (show quote)


If the "dealers" you are emailing with that question do not respond, the gear is definitely "grey market import". Authorized retailers will always respond and will always sell you everything that came with the camera from the factory. Hunting for a bargain will always cost you more money in the long run.

Reply
Mar 14, 2014 09:42:01   #
Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Don, you are right, both cameras are the same. The difference is WHO imported them. Those imported by Nikon US have a warranty from Nikon US who issues the warranty and adds it to the selling price. They are the ones who operate and staff the service centers and stand behind the warranty. The cameras imported by others have no warranty unless it is provided by the seller. ;)

Reply
Mar 14, 2014 09:50:11   #
Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC
 
Maine Guide wrote:
I am still looking for DSLR camera as I stated earlier. However I'm finding that so many places apparently sell imported vs USA!
I've check numerous sources on line including some recommended by fellow members. Ive sent out four emails three days ago asking if these items were USA warranty or not no response. Are the imports as good, I read their the same items just not sold be an authorized dealer representing the company be it Canon or Nikon etc. I'm on a limited budget as I'm retired. I made the mistake of looking at a Nikon D7100 which I absolutely enjoy everything about it. But being out of my price range thought a D7000 with a standard lens might b doable. But some come without batteries and charger, oops there's the up cost. Most are not USA but imported is this a problem. I like the fact its a little more weather resistant, felt heavier and more comfortable in my hand, had more of the heft of my old AE1. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am still looking for DSLR camera as I stated ear... (show quote)


You did not say what companies you were considering, only that they were recommended by UHH members. I can't believe that most people here would recommend shady or less reputable dealers. And has been mentioned previously, all cameras are imported.

Reply
 
 
Mar 14, 2014 09:52:01   #
Ponce Loc: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
 
Everyone has given you great input just keep another thing in mind. When the company says it gives a US warranty that may not mean the manufacturers warranty. It is usually their own and Nikon will not warranty any "grey" market cameras. I don't know about Canon. For your new Nikon be sure you get a Nikon warranty. Good Luck !

Reply
Mar 14, 2014 10:14:21   #
rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA
 
If purchasing a grey market camera brings your dream camera within reach that you otherwise could not afford, then go for it. Life is short. To make your dreams come true, sometimes you have to take risks. If you are careful with your camera and treat it well, chances are good it will last at least a few years before breaking.

Reply
Mar 15, 2014 06:27:35   #
sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey
 
Well Nikon won't service grey market cameras.
donrent wrote:
To me, this Non-Warrented "Grey Market" camera is a beeg bunch of marketing BS..

Just WHAT is the different between USA warrenty vs Grey when they are ALL built overseas ?

Reply
Mar 15, 2014 06:41:08   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Import vs US is all about protecting the US dealers from an influx of product from other countries where the items can be purchased and delivered at a very low price. It is a disincentive for the customer to buy these products. It is NOT marketing BS.

Nikon is, and has always been very strict about their gray market policies. You cannot get the camera fixed if it does not have a legitimate warranty - either a USA warranty, or a true international warranty and receipt that shows that it was purchased internationally as a result of a face-to-face transaction.

Nikon takes the extra step to ensure that it has total control over this - only Nikon or its authorized repair network can fix Nikon gear. As of July 2013, Nikon stopped supporting the independent network.

So, my advice is to not purchase gray market. You won't be able to sell it later, or get it fixed if you have a problem - at least not by Nikon.

Reply
Page 1 of 4 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.