SLR Camera Purchase - Hong Kong

[edman]

Just wondering if any AFF'ers can recommend a well-stocked but reputable outlet in Hong Kong for camera equipment. Being Australian/Chinese my dad has told me numerous times about the risk of purchasing things like this in certain areas of HK so recommendations would be appreciated as I will not be contacting my extended family over there until the last couple of days of my stay, otherwise I would ask them. Will be staying in TST near the harbour, yes there are plenty of electronics dealers on Nathan Road but many of these are the ones I've been told to avoid.

In particular I am after a Canon EOS 450D or equivalent in the Nikon with the twin lens kit for my dad's xmas present, and some lens' for my own EOS. Hoping to snag a reasonable bargain with the exchange rate where it is.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cyclogenesis]

I dont know if they actually have a shop front any more but I have done ALOT of business through these guys:
HKSupplies - Contact

Met the owner personally (was very active in dslrusers.com for quite some time... not enough time these days... we had a very nice business arrangement with them.)

 

[equus]

I would check the local Australian deals very carefully before leaving. A bit over 12 months ago, I was in the market for a DSLR. Ended up buying in Australia before I left (good deal, extended local warranty on offer), then getting the GST refunded at the airport.

As a matter of interest (and because some friends of friends were also interested), I then looked fairly extensively through HK, both in TST and Mongkok for equivalent, and couldn't actually get even the same price. Of course, as I was not buying, I didn't try to get the price down, but my conclusion at the time was that I had done the right thing buying locally.

I did, however, buy a Sony Video camera in Mongkok, but made sure we went to the actual Sony Office and had the warranty noted as being International and endorsed back to Australia.

 

[SimonM]

I've seen Wing Shing in Mongkok mentioned a few times in forums as being straight dealers, but not cheap by the sound of it.

I have them on my to-do list next time I'm in Hong Kong.

 

[FL360]

Read the buy section from the hong kong wikitravel page,
it has so far the most up to date and tourist friendly advice.

Electronic chain store such as citicall and broadaway etc will not give you the cheapest price, however they will not rip you off by selling you incomplete packages / seconds etc etc...

If you prefer to shop like the locals do, ????? Price.com.hk is a website which hong kong local use to compare and find the cheapest price of any electronics / games / gadgets etc, however you need to be able to read chinese to understand it all.

Don't be put off by buying from smaller stores, you have to be firm for the model, price and confirm that they have the stock on hand, test the unit before buying and make sure all the included accessories are there (check the manual for included accessories) before showing them your money, if they refuse to comply just walk away... all the rip off merchants in Hong kong are annoying at most, and won't get physical, if you are scared just call the police and they will be quite understanding......

Now about Canon cameras, a few months ago when the AUD is still down they are actually cheaper than in HK (or about the same price after TSR), what happen then is Canon increase their prices by average $200 AUD, together with the high AUD in the past months...so now HK is cheaper...

 

[samh004]

I'd check the price here before you go, as Hong Kong hasn't been as cheap lately as it was in the past.

As for places to buy, TST is the place, but you have to be careful. The common way they'll screw you is by advertising the model you want in the window, then as they "go get it" you pay for it, maybe playing with a demo model, and then they come out and say they have no more and offer an alternative.

So if you buy from these shops, insist on getting thew box from the back in your hands, and the product out so you can test it, if not, just walk along to the next shop.

When I bought my first 'film' camera there, they tried that trick on me and my mum, but we weren't having any of it.

I guess there's plenty of camera shops in Hong Kong, but I always pass one outside the Wanchai Computer Centre (near Wanchai MTR) that seems to be heaving. Can't recall the exact address though.

 

[edman]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far, appreciate the comments. The stories told about HK are the same as told to me by my father, which is why I'm seeking recommendations. I don't necessarily have to purchase in HK, there will still be time upon my return if it works out better to purchase in Oz.

But will definately take the opportunity to seek out what I need while I'm there. Actually favouring the d5000 Nikon now having read a little more about it. With lens around $750 AUD from retailers listed on price.com.hk compared to $970 AUD on camerasdirect.com.au

 

[markh]

Also watch out when you do find a shop in HK which has the cheapest item, I have found the they try to sell you accessories for a ridiculous price for which you have no idea how much they should be.

 

[samh004]

Also watch out when you do find a shop in HK which has the cheapest item, I have found the they try to sell you accessories for a ridiculous price for which you have no idea how much they should be.

So don't buy any then

 

[markh]

So don't buy any then

Oh I didn't buy any accessories, but when they tried the scam on me I said that I had heard of this happening and said no then they offered the same thing at half the price ! Still didn't buy the accessory though ...

 

[FL360]

The accessories scam happens everywhere...

Walk to HN, JB, DS stores and try to buy a big screen TV and if you look innocent enough they will try to sell you the $200 HDMI cable which alternatives can be as cheap as $15 ....

 

[Sprucegoose]

Just wondering if any AFF'ers can recommend a well-stocked but reputable outlet in Hong Kong for camera equipment. Being Australian/Chinese my dad has told me numerous times about the risk of purchasing things like this in certain areas of HK so recommendations would be appreciated as I will not be contacting my extended family over there until the last couple of days of my stay, otherwise I would ask them. Will be staying in TST near the harbour, yes there are plenty of electronics dealers on Nathan Road but many of these are the ones I've been told to avoid.

In particular I am after a Canon EOS 450D or equivalent in the Nikon with the twin lens kit for my dad's xmas present, and some lens' for my own EOS. Hoping to snag a reasonable bargain with the exchange rate where it is.

Thanks in advance.

negotiate everything, and check what they put in the box. Know your price and your porduct and you wont go wrong.

Nathan Road - very jappie. Reputable camera shop in major shopping towers is your best bet. Central every better.

cheers
SPRUCE

for my money Changi is the best place to buy anything in asia like that.

 

[samh004]

Central every better.

Oh yes, I forgot there were a few good camera shops on Stanley Street, in Central. Haven't been there for a while though.

 

[cosi]

Nowadays, IMO, the only advantage buying in HK is you get the lastest model, which may take several months to come to address as price is very similiar to Australia

Last trip in September, I purcahsed a Nokia Mobile for aaprox A$131 (unlocked) which has only just be released in Australia at $149 (locked to Vodaphone).

My local Chinese mate on the ground recommends this chain storesCyeshop.com - Chung Yuen Electricalbecause you know you are getting the genunine product.

Others you could try include

http://www.broadway.com.hk/

http://www.fortress.com.hk/eng/home.asp

YOu may pay a little more than a shop on the street, but you know the product comes from the manufacure and is not a copy.

 

[dragonman]

:...for my money Changi is the best place to buy anything in asia like that.

About to go through BKK and SIN on the way to the UK and the USA. I am looking for the best deal on the panasonic DMC-ZS3 camera. You think Changi is my best bet?

 

[Flying Fox]

Whilst I'm unable to answer your exact question, another option to consider might be to purchase what you want here in AUS from someone like -

Canon Nikon and Sony digital SLR Cameras and lenses - Sydney and Brisbane pickup - Discount Digital Photographics

Only do this less than 30 days before travel, then you take the DSLR with you and claim back the GST. I believe that the prices might be a bit more than HK but the again you will still have access to an AUS warranty etc.

 

[Sprucegoose]

About to go through BKK and SIN on the way to the UK and the USA. I am looking for the best deal on the panasonic DMC-ZS3 camera. You think Changi is my best bet?

yes mate i do. have proved it on many occassions, are you going into SIN town at all?? mostly crooks.

Cheers

SPRUCE

 

[dragonman]

yes mate i do. have proved it on many occassions, are you going into SIN town at all?? mostly crooks.

Cheers

SPRUCE

Well I have enough time to go into the city for some chilli crab. But I will take your advice and buy at Changi. Your advice is much appreciated.

 

[NM]

About to go through BKK and SIN on the way to the UK and the USA. I am looking for the best deal on the panasonic DMC-ZS3 camera. You think Changi is my best bet?

Not sure on cameras, but for computers and computer parts it seems that Hong Kong is significantly cheaper than Singapore. I got this from some Singapore-based work colleagues who have been with me in Hong Kong recently and they were very keen for a trip to Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po for their computer purchases.

Of course this may not relate to prices of cameras purchased at SIN or HKG airports.

 

[edman]

Not sure on cameras, but for computers and computer parts it seems that Hong Kong is significantly cheaper than Singapore. I got this from some Singapore-based work colleagues who have been with me in Hong Kong recently and they were very keen for a trip to Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po for their computer purchases.

That would be the computer markets, prices are very cheap but not really representative of shop prices. Nor is the quality of some of it. But some of the stuff is so cheap that its nearly worth the risk.