Job Discussion Forums

[Jack Tripper]

I'm moving to Japan in July and want to buy a digital camera. Should I buy one here in the US or wait til I get to Japan?

Thanks!

J

[Icebeaver7]

if you buy it in the US, it costs less, but if you buy it in japan, you might get something technolgicaly more updated than here... but not by much. i'd rather buy it in the US, unless you're realy looking for the newest and most advanced camera.

[Gordon]

It should be much cheaper in the States. Last summer I thought the prices were 25-30% less in Canada than in Japan.

[ajarn]

Just another question on digital cameras. Where can I buy one in Tokyo that's in English (that is the camera itself and instruction manual) Is it expecting too much to be able to find a customer service assistant who speaks good English at my local Laox or Yodobashi? Do I need to go to Akihabra to get the best prices and service?

[ruggedtoast]

Generally in my experience Akihabira is a little more expensive than Bic and Sakuraya etc, unless you are prepared to haggle a bit, and even then youll only get about as much as if you used a point card at one of the big places.

As far as speaking english goes there are usually one or two people somewhere in a big store who will speak enough english to be able to help you - I know people who bought english interface cameras in the Bic in Ginza.

If you want to check prices from abroad OP some of the big stores are Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and Sakuraya -they should all have websites if you hunt a bit.

[Gordon]

A lot of the cameras have language settings, so you can adjust it to English. Then you can request a manual in English too.

[Don't get Ripped Off]

I brought a digital camera in Japan last summer for my girlfriend. I saved about $100 buying a camera in Japan vs Canada. I downloaded the English manual from canon's website.
I think after the exchange prices in the states are about he same here in Japan.