Hi guys,

Forgive me for the ignorance but I am a still photographer moving to video. I live in Sydney where we use PAL.

I am planning on getting the Z7 for wildlife filming as I need the interchangeable lenses option.
I am also planning to buy the Sony HVR-M35U HDV VTR which can playback both PAL and NTSC.

My question is whether it is a good idea to buy the camera in Australia and pay a lot more than what I will pay - getiing it from the US or maybe since I get the VTR as well - I can buy the camera from the US as I will be able to switch to PAL using the VTR.

I hope to produce wildlife films in HD for broadcasting.

I appreciate any advice!!

Ofer Levy
Sydney - Australia
http://www.oferlevyphotography.com

Ofer, details will be announced shortly about upgrade to Z7 to make it PAL/NTSC switchable.

There's been a bit of talk about it here already -

http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=109134

I would (of course) recommend you buy from a local dealer, especially in your case as you move from stills to video. That way, you'll have someone that you can call or go and see when you'll have issues. Will you be able to drop into B&H to ask the operational questions or try out accessories? Plus, I think you'll find Australian dealers offer a Sony backed 2 year warranty for HDV products, something else I don't think you'll get from a grey importer.

Ofer, details will be announced shortly about upgrade to Z7 to make it PAL/NTSC switchable.

There's been a bit of talk about it here already -

http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=109134

I would (of course) recommend you buy from a local dealer, especially in your case as you move from stills to video. That way, you'll have someone that you can call or go and see when you'll have issues. Will you be able to drop into B&H to ask the operational questions or try out accessories? Plus, I think you'll find Australian dealers offer a Sony backed 2 year warranty for HDV products, something else I don't think you'll get from a grey importer.

Thanks for your input Aaron!!
It all depends how much more I have to pay if I buy it in Oz. If its around 1000$ or more then I would prefer getting it from the US and buy a 4 year Mack International warranty for 270$ or so.

Ofer, based on tonight's exchange rate -

USA SRP - AU$7161 (not sure how to factor GST here!)
AUS SRP - AU$7900 ex GST

street price is often around 10% less than SRP as well, but don't quote me on that!

I actually contacted B&H about getting the Z7 and unless your over there, they can't ship it here to Oz due to Sony's regulations and stop on sending to different areas.