DSLR - Asian import advice

ShirePiskie

Hello!

Hoping this is the right place to post.

I am planning to buy a Nikon DSLR and budget allowing, a zoom lens as a birthday present (it's one ending in a 0, hence the 'big' present).

I've done a bit of searching online and keep seeing companies that import from Asia, with good reviews on shopping review sites, coming up with the best prices.

Does anyone have any experience/ advice about using them?

Many thanks.

daveyjp

You will get better value buying second hand gear. There is plenty out there with little use in excellent condition.

ShirePiskie

Thanks for the advice daveyjp.

I do appreciate I could get more camera for my money by going down the second hand route and am seriously considering getting a second hand/ refurbished zoom lens, but, as it's a special gift, I am looking to buy the camera new.

DomRavioli

Hi OP,

Please be aware that DSRs apply to UK firms, based in the UK. Our laws don't govern the rest of the world; buy from a trusted seller in the UK (or you could be landed with a fake from china/india etc) and spend the extra, so you could be caught out big time.

I bought a second hand Nikon D model DLSR for half the new price; came with box, lenses, in fact not sure it had ever been used, so if you purchase a nearly new one with full box in mint condition, I don't see why you would spend double the money on something which the recipient wouldn't know wasn't new.

ShirePiskie

Thanks DomRavioli, DSR isn't something I'd considered.

Taking on board Daveyjp and DomRavioli's advice, I've had a bit of a look at 'refurbished' and second hand equipment from retailers rather than private - from what I understand, on the sites I've looked at, these are covered by a guarantee (of various lengths).

Any recommended sellers?

See, this is why I asked the questions 5 months in advance of the birthday, plenty of time to adjust my choices.

anna_24

I can highly recommend HDEW cameras, based in the UK, great customer service, and prices close to the Asian import market

fingerbob7

I just bought a professional camera from Hdew, on the recommendation of a photographer friend. I ordered it on Tuesday, it arrived today, Friday. Its an Asian import, but brand new, with UK manual and charger, and UK camera menu. I saved £530 on buying the same camera from a Canon authorised dealer. It also came with a 3 year warranty provided by another professional company, so all in all I would recommend them if you need to save money. I would rather buy new than second hand, although I do both.