I have several questions to ask.
First should I wait to buy a camera in japan will i notice a difference in price. What camera should I use a point and shoot or D-SLR. also whats a good 10-14 mp camera for someone that doesn't do much photography.
Reply to this I would like to comment on the price of electronic items in Japan - be aware even though the technology is Japan is cutting edge, it is not the cheapest place to buy photographic equipment - or any electronic equipment for that matter. Places such as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and even the USA are cheaper. Also, any camera you buy in Japan is likely not have English language instructions - a real hassle when you are trying to get the most from your camera.
I personally thing an entry level DSLR is the best bet - such as a Nikon D60 or even the D90 if you want to spend a bit more. Canon and other brands have similar DSLRs, but my experience is restricted to Nikon.
Reply to this I agree with Shane's comments above. I would even go a step further and state that prices in Hong Kong were actually more than the US when I was there in 2007 (the US dollar has gotten a bit stronger since then). Also, I wouldn't wait to buy a camera on a trip as it will take 1 to 6 months to really get to know your camera in order to be able to get the shots you want. Even upgrading within the same brand took me months to truly get comfortable. When I upgraded from a Nikon D80 to a D700 it was as big a transition as it was from non-DSLR to DSLR.
Reply to this I have a canon sd750... its a great little camera easy to carry. But, next thing I'll get, not anytime soon... is a DSLR.
I like that the P&S is small.
Reply to this In the us right now the prices vary on the internet from about $335 US to $500 US. Does your price include shipping? Does it include any extras?
Mike T
Reply to this Have recently been to Hong Kong and Japan. Cameras and photo related items are higher in both places than the US. When buying in a foreign country you should note warranty language. Having to send a camera back to Japan may be costly. Most papers, instruction, etc. will be in the native language nit necessarily English. Check internet comparison prices in US. Many will ship for free and many will not charge sales tax depending upon where they are located and where you are located.
Reply to this Agree with you, I think the US is one of the cheapest places for electronic items in the word - and I have purchased a few electronic items from the US via post over the years. Within Asia - Hong Kong is still probably the best for this region for photographic items. Warranties are an interesting subject. Some warranties are region specific - so in Asia it is an Asia-Pacific warranty (this especially applies to computers) - which includes Australia and New Zealand and thus can get products serviced in these countries. This is beneficial if you live there, but no good if you are from Europe and North America.
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