Safe to buy overseas?

[Dan Lahav]

I've found many good deals overseas (from reputable dealers) on cameras such as the DVX100. I found one for a very decent price that comes brand new except everything is in japanese (except the camera buttons, menus, etc) including warrantee. The company is based in the USA and offers a 48hour "lemon return" time. I could potentially be saving about $500 by doing this and was wondering if you guys thought it was worth spending the extra cash buying a camera w/ an American warrantee instead. Thanks.

[Mike Rehmus]

I wouldn't touch a gray market camera with a 10 foot pole. Just my opinion though.

[Chris Hurd]

The problem you get into when you buy a camcorder from overseas without an American warranty is, when you need to send the camcorder in for service (and you will eventually), you'll quickly find out that the only place you can get it serviced is the country it came from.

Camcorder serial numbers tell the technicians at a service center where that camcorder came from. If it was intended for sale in Japan, then it will be repaired only in Japan. The USA service center won't touch it. This policy protects the authorized USA dealers. Generally this becomes a much more expensive proposition for you than if you'd simply bought a sold-in-the-USA product.

Our authorized DV Info Net Sponsors offer the lowest realistic prices of any legitimate dealers. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you can somehow save money by doing one of these fly-by-night "it's only a Japanese menu" outfits. In the long run, you'll get burned when you discover the only way to get it fixed is to send it back to the country it was originally supposed to be sold in.

Consider setting your sights on a model you can readily afford, and choose one of our sponsors when you make your purchase. It's the smartest way to not only save money, but to also get the help you need when you need it.

Hope this helps,

[Dan Lahav]

dammit i knew that was going to be the answer :)

Thanks!