FSATIN Loc: Westchester, NY

I usually buy from Adorama, B and h and Amazon, but I am in the market for a Oly em-1. I saw it on a web-site Pixelhub store on Amazon for about $400 less than normal. I realize that this will not come with a US warranty. The site says they offer a 1 year warranty. Is the risk/reward for saving this much money worth it on a new camera from a supposedly reputable site ( their reviews seem pretty good) What do you guys think? I am a little nervous buying this, but I have read a lot of people do get these international models. Thanks in advance for your advice.

tsilva Loc: Arizona

If you want to gamble go for it, stop asking for people to tell you what to do and take responsibility.

FSATIN Loc: Westchester, NY

Thanks for your compassionate advice.

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

What's wrong with a person asking for advice? Why such a miserable response? Having a bad day?

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

I'd try to contact the seller directly and ask them point blank..."Is this a gray market/import model?" I've done it many times on eBay...the answer is always "yes".

Jahawk Loc: Rhode Island

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Agree 100% :)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Or you could buy a used one on www.m43.com

jcboy3

It's a one year seller warranty, rather than a third party warranty. I would assume it's worthless. The price is attractive; it's probably at least as good as buying a used model.

I personally prefer manufacturer warranty or known third party warranty on complicated gear (lots of things can go wrong).
But I also buy a lot of used gear; the savings more than compensates for the risk of getting a lemon. If you don't buy a lot of gear, then one problem can wipe out your savings.

Otherwise, I can't advise one way or the other; it's up to your risk aversion level.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

For that sort of savings it will definitely be gray market just make sure it is complete. Some unscrupulous sellers remove things from the package and then jack up the prices to get what is normally in the box.

Just so you know gray market is the same as US just sold through a different sales channel.

The odds are in your favor that it is defect free same as the US version. However should you be unlucky or damage it after one year it may be a hassle to have it repaired.

Save the money and roll the dice or pay the money and get a little piece of mind if nothing else.

Your choice.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I'm not going to try to advise you on whether or not to buy it, but before you decide I suggest you find out if authorized Olympus dealers will repair it without a US warranty. If they will, and the camera is what the sellers says it is, then the only thing you are risking is having to pay for any repairs yourself instead of having a factory warranty to fall back on. Canon dealers will, Nikon dealers won't. What is the Olympus policy?

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Based on a 2014 press release from Olympus....

“Olympus Imaging Corporation has been providing Worldwide warranty for digital cameras and accessories since April 1, 2004, except for some countries and regions.
However, the time has come to stop providing Worldwide warranty because of regulation by laws and differences in the infrastructure of the repair facilities in individual countries.
Please kindly be informed that Worldwide warranty will not be provided with most of our Micro Four Thirds System and compact digital camera products shipped after September of 2014.

The Worldwide warranty card you have, is currently still valid as long as it meets the conditions required for warranty repair. Also, the Worldwide warranty card enclosed with the new products which you purchase from now, is also valid. Local warranty card is valid only in the country where you purchase the product and all repairs undertaken in other countries will be a chargeable service.

For any questions please refer to the “Olympus Authorized Distributor List” and contact our Service Station or Distributor for assistance.”

http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/info/info20140828.cfm

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

If buying grey market is the only way for you to aquire your dream camera, then go for it. Life is short. Sometimes you have to take calculated risks in life to get what you want.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Now, don't y'all go gettin' down on poor ol tsilva. He's probably got a burr under his saddle 'cause no one gave him the advice he didn't ask for and he's plumb frustrated that he got took........