Canon Australia - Slack!!!

[Matt123]

According to the Canon Australia website, the 300D will be available early October. (1st week so i've heard) They still haven't announced the official RRP. Most people seem to be estimating $1999. It would be nice of them to make the announcement so we can actaully find the best place to order one from.

I'm dying to get my hands on one, even just to play with in a store while i find the best price. ;-)

After also looking at the prices of lenses and flashes i think i might order them off the net. I can't imaging anyone in Australia coming close to what some places are selling them for on the net. Canon must be making heaps off the accessories in Australia. With the Aussie $ doing well it makes things even more attractive. Does anyone have any experience with e-tailers on the net. (wanting new gear) I have checked places like http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au and they still can't compete with overseas prices.

 

[Brentyboy]

According to the Canon Australia website, the 300D will be
available early October. (1st week so i've heard) They still
haven't announced the official RRP. Most people seem to be
estimating $1999. It would be nice of them to make the
announcement so we can actaully find the best place to order one
from.

I'm dying to get my hands on one, even just to play with in a store
while i find the best price. ;-)

After also looking at the prices of lenses and flashes i think i
might order them off the net. I can't imaging anyone in Australia
coming close to what some places are selling them for on the net.
Canon must be making heaps off the accessories in Australia. With
the Aussie $ doing well it makes things even more attractive. Does
anyone have any experience with e-tailers on the net. (wanting new
gear) I have checked places like http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au and
they still can't compete with overseas prices.

I've put a deposit down at the camera house in Brisbane, although they havn't got a price yet i've got them giving me the kit for $1850 after mentioning prices on dirtcheapcameras.com. Told me they would have it in store next wednesday. So all is good.

Can you link me to some of those overseas sites for lenses etc; Also how long does it take to recieve your gear from overseas?

 

[Matt123]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home

BHphoto is one of the bigger e-tailers that i know of. The prices aren't bad but can be beaten. I'm just not sure about some of the others yet.

According to the Canon Australia website, the 300D will be
available early October. (1st week so i've heard) They still
haven't announced the official RRP. Most people seem to be
estimating $1999. It would be nice of them to make the
announcement so we can actaully find the best place to order one
from.

I'm dying to get my hands on one, even just to play with in a store
while i find the best price. ;-)

After also looking at the prices of lenses and flashes i think i
might order them off the net. I can't imaging anyone in Australia
coming close to what some places are selling them for on the net.
Canon must be making heaps off the accessories in Australia. With
the Aussie $ doing well it makes things even more attractive. Does
anyone have any experience with e-tailers on the net. (wanting new
gear) I have checked places like http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au and
they still can't compete with overseas prices.

I've put a deposit down at the camera house in Brisbane, although
they havn't got a price yet i've got them giving me the kit for
$1850 after mentioning prices on dirtcheapcameras.com. Told me
they would have it in store next wednesday. So all is good.

Can you link me to some of those overseas sites for lenses etc;
Also how long does it take to recieve your gear from overseas?

 

[Easton]

Yes.. please keep us all informed and updated on how this camera fares here in Australia.

I've heard absolutely no news of this camera at all, most stores i know of haven't even heard of the 300D, trying to convince me that it dosn't yet exist.

Probably Canon Australia's fault for being too lazy.. i have a feeling that it won't be ready on the 1st of October, seems like they're alittle bit more behind..

 

[Shawn Foo]

After also looking at the prices of lenses and flashes i think i
might order them off the net. I can't imaging anyone in Australia
coming close to what some places are selling them for on the net.
Canon must be making heaps off the accessories in Australia. With
the Aussie $ doing well it makes things even more attractive. Does
anyone have any experience with e-tailers on the net. (wanting new
gear) I have checked places like http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au and
they still can't compete with overseas prices.

I've bought gear from B&H before.
For the 300D, I don't think it's worth it though.

US Price: $999.
Shipping (According to B&H website): $65 for ups, $70 for airmail
Total: $1064

Assuming a 67cent exchange rate (and not taking into account conversion fees etc.. which would just make it worse, the au price is:
$1588.

Add GST while is passes through customs. For something of this price it is extremely likely they will stop it and charge you GST.
Final Price: $1747

I hear dirtcheap is going to be selling them for $1750.. even if it's $1800 + $20 delivery, the cost saving really isn't that much.

Now, if you were going to buy a 35/f2 lens, then I'd buy that from B&H.

($380 vs $550.. they probably won't stop the package and charge gst on an item of this value..)

Shawn

 

[Richard91758]

Richard

 

[parna]

I'm after one too. A week ago I searched Australian web sites trying to find it, and most don't even list it yet. One that does and has for some time is http://www.centre.net.au They have it for pre-order at A$1699. This MAY ( I haven't asked them) be a USA model that they import, as they often have both Australian and USA models for sale, the USA ones are usually about A$150 cheaper. Due to the fact that the camera companies don't give you a warranty in Australia if the model is an overseas one, or bought overseas, this mob give you a 1 year replacement warranty themselves.

I have bought a USA model G3 off them before, and they seem fine to deal with, and they accept credit card, which a lot of companies are not doing so much these days.

However, centre.net.au have pre-sold all their first shipment, and so there is about a 6 week wait for the next shipment.

As to importing your own camera or lenses from overseas, there are some issues you should be aware of. I used to get lots of stuff from the US in the past, but it just isn't worth it these days, now that the GST is in.

Firstly, when you import it, you have to pay GST on it, and they are pretty strick on that, so that even if you put that it is a gift for somebody on it, you still have to pay.

Secondly, now that the Australian dollar has gone up, the price difference is less, so you need to get it very cheap to start with.

Thirdly, you may not have any valid warranty, so check that out well first..

I have found that freight in the US has gone up a lot in the past 18 months, and that companies overseas that have reasonable domestic charges for freight charge like a wounded bull for international freight, if they offer it at all, so that will really eat into what you may save.

I don't even bother to look for cameras overseas these days. I just buy them from centre.net.au

Problem now is I have sold my G3 and no new camera for 6 weeks!!!!

If anyone knows of any other good prices please let us know.

 

[Matt123]

I only plan on buying the lenses and flash from BH or similar. They are HEAPS cheaper than Aus. Even with the GST etc etc.

After also looking at the prices of lenses and flashes i think i
might order them off the net. I can't imaging anyone in Australia
coming close to what some places are selling them for on the net.
Canon must be making heaps off the accessories in Australia. With
the Aussie $ doing well it makes things even more attractive. Does
anyone have any experience with e-tailers on the net. (wanting new
gear) I have checked places like http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au and
they still can't compete with overseas prices.

I've bought gear from B&H before.
For the 300D, I don't think it's worth it though.

US Price: $999.
Shipping (According to B&H website): $65 for ups, $70 for airmail
Total: $1064

Assuming a 67cent exchange rate (and not taking into account
conversion fees etc.. which would just make it worse, the au price
is:
$1588.

Add GST while is passes through customs. For something of this
price it is extremely likely they will stop it and charge you GST.
Final Price: $1747

I hear dirtcheap is going to be selling them for $1750.. even if
it's $1800 + $20 delivery, the cost saving really isn't that much.

Now, if you were going to buy a 35/f2 lens, then I'd buy that from
B&H.
($380 vs $550.. they probably won't stop the package and charge gst
on an item of this value..)

Shawn

 

[Matt123]

Secondly, now that the Australian dollar has gone up, the price
difference is less, so you need to get it very cheap to start with.

How do u figure this??? The $ has gone up so it's cheaper for us to buy from the US.

 

[Merbert Ancriwalli]

http://www.canon.com.au/news/story_815.html

Quote:

"The EOS 300D is the first sub-$2000 digital SLR camera available in Australia. With an RRP of only $1,999 including standard lens, it features a high performance 6.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, and comes cased in a stylish titanium grey compact and lightweight body. "

Also, dirtcheapcameras have confirmed their price at $1,750

M.

 

[Andrew McRae]

http://www.canon.com.au/news/story_815.html

Quote:

"The EOS 300D is the first sub-$2000 digital SLR camera available
in Australia. With an RRP of only $1,999 including standard lens,
it features a high performance 6.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, and comes
cased in a stylish titanium grey compact and lightweight body. "

Also, dirtcheapcameras have confirmed their price at $1,750

M.

On my next trip to the US (I travel there about 4 or 5 times a year) I think it is worth a trip to Best Buy to pick up a 300D, and bring it back as personal gear.

I'll see if I can get hold of one of those CompUSA 10% discounts, in which case I figure $900 for kit. 67.4c US to AUD, so it should come to $1,330 AUD.

I can't believe the difference between US and Australian prices sometimes. At this rate, it might even be worth getting a 10D...
Cheers,
AMc

 

[Daniel Ciddor]

Also, dirtcheapcameras have confirmed their price at $1,750

I placed my order with dirtcheapcameras on Friday 26/9. They claim an ETA of "beginning of October". Is it likely that whatever they get in their first shipment will go to the people who ordered weeks ago, and I'll end up waiting for weeks to get mine?

 

[parna]

Secondly, now that the Australian dollar has gone up, the price
difference is less, so you need to get it very cheap to start with.

How do u figure this??? The $ has gone up so it's cheaper for us
to buy from the US.

Yes, but the same thing in Australia has come down considerably in price due to the higher Australian dollar, compared to what it used to be too. Now the difference in what the price in USA and Australia is a lot less, so that you have less to play with when you import it. Eg, what used to be US$1000 would have been A$2000 last year. Now it would be about A$1500.

 

[parna]

Also, dirtcheapcameras have confirmed their price at $1,750

I placed my order with dirtcheapcameras on Friday 26/9. They claim
an ETA of "beginning of October". Is it likely that whatever they
get in their first shipment will go to the people who ordered weeks
ago, and I'll end up waiting for weeks to get mine?

Quite possible! centre.net.au have sold their first shipment before it arrives and the next one is not due for six weeks. Only way to find out is to contact them.

 

[parna]

I only plan on buying the lenses and flash from BH or similar.
They are HEAPS cheaper than Aus. Even with the GST etc etc.

Have you checked about warranties? Do you care?

I took a chance on a nikon coolpix a couple of years ago and bought one from the USA ( warranty not recognised in Austalia) and it had a dead pixel on the CCD. I could have returned it to the place I bought if from but the expense of shipping etc would have made it way more expensive than if I had bought one here, so I put up with it. Wasn't had to fix in photoshop as long as you remembered.

My point is, it is a risk, as I suspect that since they don't recognise camera warranties outside the country that its bought in, then lenses are probably the same, and you can get a dud one.

 

[Brentyboy]

Also, dirtcheapcameras have confirmed their price at $1,750

I placed my order with dirtcheapcameras on Friday 26/9. They claim
an ETA of "beginning of October". Is it likely that whatever they
get in their first shipment will go to the people who ordered weeks
ago, and I'll end up waiting for weeks to get mine?

Quite possible! centre.net.au have sold their first shipment before
it arrives and the next one is not due for six weeks. Only way to
find out is to contact them.

Well i'm happy to pay $1850 as long as i get it on wed i guess

i'm looking at the canon 75 - 300 IS USM at dirtcheap for $900 or possibly the sigma 70 - 300 apo macro super for $490. Which of these lenses do you think is better value for money/image quality? Plz Help.

 

[parna]

Well i'm happy to pay $1850 as long as i get it on wed i guess

i'm looking at the canon 75 - 300 IS USM at dirtcheap for $900 or
possibly the sigma 70 - 300 apo macro super for $490. Which of
these lenses do you think is better value for money/image quality?
Plz Help.

Why not start a new thread on this question. At present it is at the bottom of an Australian thread, which most overseas people won't read. Use their expertise to find out which is the best, as most likely the price difference in the US is the same as Aus, so you will get a price to performance assesment just the same.

 

[parna]

Also, dirtcheapcameras have confirmed their price at $1,750

Just wondering how you find the price on dirtcheapcameras web site. They only list the camera with a $500 deposit. Do they only tell you the price if you contact them?

I have an order in with centre.net.au ($1699) but am free to cancel it at any time if I can find a good price and availability earlier than the 6 weeks I will have to wait to get it from them.

 

[Ryan Hothersall]

According to the Canon Australia website, the 300D will be
available early October. (1st week so i've heard) They still
haven't announced the official RRP. Most people seem to be
estimating $1999. It would be nice of them to make the
announcement so we can actaully find the best place to order one
from.

I'm dying to get my hands on one, even just to play with in a store
while i find the best price. ;-)

After also looking at the prices of lenses and flashes i think i
might order them off the net. I can't imaging anyone in Australia
coming close to what some places are selling them for on the net.
Canon must be making heaps off the accessories in Australia. With
the Aussie $ doing well it makes things even more attractive. Does
anyone have any experience with e-tailers on the net. (wanting new
gear) I have checked places like http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au and
they still can't compete with overseas prices.

I totally agree that canon have been dragging their feet too much. I am sick of waiting for mine. C'mon Canon pull ya finger out!

 

[Another birder]

I've put a deposit down at the camera house in Brisbane, although
Can you link me to some of those overseas sites for lenses etc;
Also how long does it take to recieve your gear from overseas?

I often buy from O/S ebay - a lot of retailers have ads there. Ive also gotten a bit from Adorama, and have nothing but praise for them.