Job Discussion Forums

Charlie&Mikaela · Joined: 11 May 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Melbourne, Australia

Hello All,

We are an AUS couple coming to China next week, wondering whether we should wait until we reach Hong Kong before buying a Digital Camera? Does anyone know the price differences between Melbourne and Hong Kong? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Charlie and Mikaela

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

Check out www.dpreview.com before you buy anything. This is a great site about features, camera types and functions.

I can't comment on price. I know that there are the shops along TST and other places that sell DigiCams for cheaper than others, but I would suggest you go to a more reputabel shop, like Fortress or Broadway.

I saw my camera, a Canon !XUS 400 for about $3000, but you may be able to barter. I love my camera. I really do. It is GREAT!! Small, easy to use, great clear pics.

delian · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Posts: 40 Location: Hong Kong

We recently bought a really good digital camera in Mong Kok for significantly cheaper than we could find in Canada (taxes suck there, I don't know what it's like in Australia) or TST - I actually find TST to be overrated for shopping. One of my colleagues who grew up here and is a real 'techie' recommended the place in Mong Kok. Anyway, I can't remember the exact street name, but I'll post it after I check the receipt for the camera or when my colleague shows up for work.

d

jenny-pnet · Joined: 16 Apr 2003 Posts: 59

If you post the model and specs of the specific camera you are wanting, then I'll do my best to price it at a Fortress shop tomorrow. Won't promise, but am intending to do the same for my brother anyway.

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

BUY IN HK

Go to a computer centre such as one of the Wan Chi computer centres.

delian · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Posts: 40 Location: Hong Kong

Well, my colleague didn't show up for work yesterday (life as a researcher has some perks!), so I looked on my digital camera's receipt for the address for you.
We bought a Fuji FinePix 7000 at a pretty inexpensive price and change at this shop called 'Hollywood AV Centre' on Sai Yeung Choi Street (exit E Mong Kok MTR, then turn right on Sai Yeung Choi Street). Actually that whole street had a lot of camera-related stores, but this was the most inexpensive one we found. The camera works beautifully, we have all the same guarantees, etc. We also got a good colour printer in that area.

Good luck.

Mark-O · Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 2:21 pm Post subject:

I've bought two digital cameras from Hong Kong, both on separate occasions. The first time I bought one from Tsim Sha Tsui and was subsequently ripped-off. Well put it this way, we didn't really save much on UK prices. We found the bargaining (even though we were buying 2 cameras) to be tight to non-existent.

The second time I went to Fortress (as mentioned above). It's a reputable, chain electronics store, they took me through the spec of the camera and even chipped a little off of an additional memory card. I probably could've bought the camera cheaper elsewhere, but at least I knew that I wouldn't get ripped off again. Incidentally, the camera was still �70 cheaper than in the UK.

Beware that even the Fortress prices are slightly inconsistent. I found a camera in one store which was 50-100HKD cheaper than in another Fortress store. I guess it depends on the area.

Champion...the wonderdog · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 25

I also recommend Fortress. Ask them about their free gifts as well. I bought a Pentax a couple of years ago and got a free tripod and an extra camera case. With a digital Nikon, I got a free memory card and a camera case.

They're very good at explaining all the functions and they'll change the camera's language as well.

Good luck.

mb2086 · Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 19 Location: london

Yes, don't get ripped off. If you go to a camera shop where the prices are not displayed in the window you are likely to be charged above the going rate, despite good presentations. These places trade on unknowing tourists who think they are getting a bargain. Do a surf of the web to find out roughly the price and then barter like hell. You will get a good deal if you insist on it and are not shy to challenge an insistant salesman. If they still insist on a prce you know is not acceptable then walk out and don't look back. Good camera shops will have the price displayed in the window but even then a little bartering doesn't go a miss.