BebuLamar

If the OP is interested in a Z7 I don't think it's cheaper in China as Nikon made the Z7 in Japan.

SonyBug

Having been in China recently, last year, unless they have changed, it is capitalism with a capital C. I did not find much that did not start with a negotiation. So how are his negotiating skills? When they see "US" coming, the prices go way up and it takes a lot to get them down. The days when the merchant stands on the sidewalk giving away his stuff are over, if they ever were at all.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If he's a gambler, then he'll want to buy in China and gamble on the duty he might have to pay when he comes home. He will also gamble that his gray market camera won't need repair, and that he can get it repaired if necessary.

hammond

Think I can answer this better than anyone, since I actually bought by D500 in Beijing...
I bought mine at the official Nikon dealership, after having a shady experience at one of the huge camera superstores (where there are like 100 camera shops all selling cameras, lenses, and accessories).

1. You can negotiate a slightly better price than what is listed on B&H/Amazon IF YOU PAY CASH. Otherwise, the list price is almost the same as in the States... and if your son doesn't speak Chinese, I don't see how he's going to negotiate with the vendor (note: you'd be surprised at how many places you can negotiate for a better price in China - IF you speak the language).

2. If you don't buy it at the official Nikon dealership, you could end up with a grey market item. When I went to the huge camera market, I was offered the D500 at such an unbelievably low price that I had to assume it was either grey or completely fake. When pressed, the vendor said he could sell me a 'real' one at a more normal price. At that point, I was spooked and left.

3. No, you won't pay any taxes when you return to the States. Especially if he's been using it on his trip. There's no way the customs officials would know where he bought it. And for all the traveling I've done, I've never had to pay any customs on personal items.

4. Don't mess around with buying it in China if you can buy it in America. America actually has just about the lowest pricing of any market due to the volume of our combined sales. I found Nikon cameras were more expensive in Japan than America. And China is no longer a 'cheap' place to buy good quality gear. Since I doubt there will be any noticeable savings, buying in America will provide peace of mind and convenience if you ever need to get the camera serviced.

NOTE: If he stops in Hong Kong, one of the best used camera/lens markets in the world is Sim City in Mong Kok. Not a good place for someone with GAS, as there are so many quality used lenses priced well below what they would sell for on KEH, B&H, etc.

ggab Loc: ?

Very Presumptuous of you.
From OP "He is interested in buying a new mirrorless camera (his first), either Sony or Canon or Panasonic"

traderjohn Loc: New York City

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

I agree with all but #3. You won't pay taxes if you don't declare your purchase. And, if you are caught at customs...it is more than modifying your declaration. Are you prepared to take this chance and suffer the consequences? Is it worth $60-$260 in 'tax' savings?

And #4 is right on the $$$$$.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

All of my three cameras have expired warranties. All three have never needed to be repaired. So, if any need repair, I'll have to foot the bill, and decide if it is worth it to repair. My cameras are now four years old. All bought new. I, personally would not buy a Gray Market camera. Even at a discount price. I would also buy USA refurbished. I would trust buying a used gray market lens from a trusted eBay Seller. I do know one person, who bought a Nikon DSLR at an authorized Nikon photo shop in Germany, and he received an international warranty. If, I do get an upgrade to my cameras, It will be bought in the USA with a USA warranty. Canon is not as picky in declining fixing Gray market cameras, as Nikon is. Canon will repair it, as long as you pay for it. Out of your own pockets.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

Just buy it here and be done with it. USA model covered by a USA warranty and hopefully you will be able to understand Japanese or Chinese if you buy overseas. Try Greentoe for pricing.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I would simply say that, “if your son was MOVING permanently to China, Buy it in China, otherwise, buy American , preferably at B&H. ...RJM

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Stop being such a rude; SMART-ASS, BILLY!! ...RJM

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

He was posting in correct information that folks might just believe. If correcting someone who was misleading others was being a SMART-ASS and rude, then so be it.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Last I checked there is no import duty on almost all cameras and lenses coming into the US. Although, in today's 'Trade Wars' climate, who knows? Sales tax is an entirely different thing. States that charge sales tax, such as NY, expect the buyer to declare the purchase amount on their income tax filing and pay the required amount if it wasn't paid at time of purchase.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

1. Yes, and it depends on where he gets it.
2. No if he purchases it in a face-to-face transaction from a Nikon authorized dealer. No USA warranty. But you have an International warranty that can be repaired anywhere there are Nikon service points. To get service you will need proof of purchase. After the International warranty expires, you will still need to produce the proof of purchase to show it was purchased internationally, but from an authorized dealer, which makes it definitely not gray market.
3. I don't know. If your son uses the camera it may not be subject to customs tariff and duty.
4. If he is going to use the camera in the US, buy US product. Not worth the nonsense and hassles when he goes to sell it down the road.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Yup!!So it be!!