Camera Prices

We have friends coming to HK from Aus for a week and then onto Tokyo.

He mentioned that he wanted to buy a 'good camera' while he was away.

I have never really looked at camera prices in HK (just simple 'point and push' types for me) nor have I ever looked in Japan. So, for a 'good camera', should he buy here or wait until they are in Tokyo?

I thought here as the Aus$ is so good at the moment but your advice is requested - thank you

I believe HK prices are lower... I'd recommend you check Photo Scientific


6 Stanley St

852 2525 0550

9am-7pm Mon-Sat

Agree with Ed on prices. However take a very careful look at warranties. Are they worldwide? Sometimes you may have to convert the warranty to a worldwide one or it will only be valid in HK.

Thank you for the replies so far. It does seem that HK perhaps, offer better prices than Japan. If anyone else has knowledge of Tokyo vs HK camera prices, more input will be welcomed - it makes me look good when I tell our friends whether to buy here or Tokyo :)

Even when the Yen was 125 the prices were about even. Now with the Yen where it's at, HK is much cheaper. But one thing to keep in mind - the model numbers are different in some cases, and some Japanese-only models have a slightly different feature set (though rare).


In Japan, you can go to Shinjuku district - Yodabashi, Bic and one other chain whose name escapes me - most stores have floor models for you to handle at your leisure. Forget about that in HK. HK Canon has a flagship office where you can go and handle before going retail to buy.


Choices - no brainer, Tokyo has more choices especially in the rarer items (eg. Canon 24mmL f1.4 and 35mmL f1.4 lens - stores in Japan will have multiple units, whereas you would be lucky to find one unit at any store in HK). Why is this important? Some people like to open 2 or more lens boxes and pick the best lens of the lot - ie less dust, smoother focusing, etc).


But if you are buying more common items (eg beginner DSLR) then available all over HK and Tokyo.


Things like filters, hood covers, bags, tripods, straps - much more choice in Tokyo. Common items like CF cards buy in HK (but beware of fake Sandisk) but go to reputable places. Buy these at the computer malls and not the camera stores. Spare batteries - get in HK as cheaper.


Service - better by a mile in Tokyo (bring your pssport and get further discounts)


But if you know what you want and don't need much help from counter sales then get in HK at some of these stores: Man Shing and Wing Shing (Mongkok); Photo Scientific (prices 5% higher but located in Central and 100% trust worthy - ask for Peter); Kinefoto (located in Central and surprisingly had better prices than Mongkok stores). Avoid all those stores along Nathan Road in TST and by the Star Ferry Pier - total rip off and full of scammers. Avoid any store that has neon "Duty Free" signs in front - HK is duty free port so duty free is a given.


To really impress friends have a read of this website. His experience matches mine: rolandlim.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/camera-lens-street-price-list


Warranties - some companies (eg Nikon DSLR) will not honour warranties in Australia, some will (eg Canon DSLR). But at the price differential between buying in Aus and buying in HK, it is a no brainer if you buy a large kit.


Disclaimer - Aussie customs have every right to charge you import duties on you brand spanking new camera. Signs that you have just bought a spanking new camera - kept the box and manuals, kept the plastic wraps, kept the receipts, have no files on you CF card. Hope I have helped a little.

Thanks Philly. Great comprehensive answer.