Camera Labs

Thanks for the reply. I just got a reply from Canon confirming that the only differences are the manual, box and charger. As for taxes I spoke to a friend of mine today and he said that you are meant to pay taxes we would cancel out any discount. When he brought a MBP in the USA he brought it back out of the box and nobody seemed to mind. He also said they are not strict on this rule at all. As you said it is mainly aimed at companies trying to get discounts to increase there profits in other countries

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

If you were to order it by mail, you would probably have to pay extreme taxes on it, and even worst, huge brokerage fee. When I was visiting Mexico for about 8 months, I ordered a T2i from the States since the prices were crazy over there. Even after paying taxes, and around 400$ in brokerage fees, I still ended up saving about 200$ as opposed to buying locally, and once I got back to Canada, I knew my warranty would work well. When we moved back to Canada, we had a special exemption that applied, so we were able to legally get it in for free.

The big advantage of this, is that if someone calls customs on us, we have the papers to prove that we legally brought the camera in. We can also sell it to anyone else and not have to be afraid of anything. If you do smuggle it, which 99.99% of the time customs will never question you about your camera (just take a few touristic pictures with it), just as much as they don't tend to bother you about the clothes you're wearing, or your wedding ring. Just make sure you don't tell a lot of people, in case some jealous shmuck calls customs on you. That happened to a friend of mine in the Colecovision era, and they came in and confiscated the game console.

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Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel T2i, Canon S90
Lenses: Tamron: SP70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD, Canon: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens, 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III, and EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Retired camera: Fujifilm Finepix s700

Yes I was not keen on ordering by mail because I would have to pay the taxes. I never really thought about reselling the camera. However I am pretty sure there would not be a significant loss with it being a US model and definitely not £700. I think it is a regularly done thing so don't think I would face too many problems with having it in my possession.

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

So Digital Rev just did a video discussing the difference between a 5DII vs a 5DII+Lens.

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Canon 5DIII, Rebel XTi/400D
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes
Vivitar 50mm f/1.8 for OM System

Thanks for the link I'll definitely watch that now. I do like the DigitalRev videos

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

Just watched the video. Was an enjoyable watch as usual from DigitalRev. But it did remind me that lenses are more important. Although I do already have one L lens so don't think I fall into the same category as the video. I am starting to think I would like 2 FF bodies if possible. One solution would be to buy the 5D2 now with the 70-200mm and get the 5D3 when the price drops. How long do you think it will take the price to drop to around £2K in the UK? If so I would only be paying £500 for the extra body overall which is definitely worth it

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

As for how long it takes for the price to drop significantly, I am not sure.
However, I am in a similar boat as that is what I am waiting on to buy one myself.

The early adopters pay a price premium to get it first.
I am more content to let them pay the premium and find any flaws that need to be fixed.

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Canon 5DIII, Rebel XTi/400D
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes
Vivitar 50mm f/1.8 for OM System

Good idea - see my first post.

But, having gone through similar hand-wringing myself many times, it's important to seriously consider all options just as you are doing.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

It does seem a bit stupid to be paying this premium price! Although I don't seem to be able to find any 5D2 for sale from any of the reputable dealers. I think I might have to go with DigitalRev if I go this route as BH photo don't have any either. As you said Bob when deciding on how you would like to spend a reasonably large amount of money you are always going to consider all the different ways of getting the items you want. I still definitely want a 5D3 but as the price will drop it effectively means I can get two bodies for about the same price as paying premium price for the 5D3 now. So for now I think it will be a 5D2 and 70-200mm. Around christmas time I will pick up a 16-35mm and then I will purchase a 5D3 sometime after that when the price becomes more reasonable

I think I'm also going to sell the 18-55mm and 70-300mm. The 18-55mm has not been used since I bought the 24-105 and I rarely use the 70-300mm. I will also never use it once I get the 70-200mm. I'll probably be lucky to get £100 but is better than nothing.

Many thanks,

James

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

To those who want the latest and greatest now, and the associated bragging rights, paying the premium is worth it.

To others who would rather get the most for their cash, waiting is a better option.

One thought I had though was that Canon might be having the price of the 5D3 artifically high in order to be able to get rid of their stock of 5D2s. That way they can milk the 5D2 for a little while longer, then drop the price when sales decline.

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Canon 5DIII, Rebel XTi/400D
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes
Vivitar 50mm f/1.8 for OM System

I totally agree with you know that I think about it. Theres not point spending £3k now since it will mean I have to wait longer to buy the lenses I want. Are canon going to just sell the rest of they 5D2s and then stop manufacturing them or are they going to manufacture more along side the 5D3 for a while. I can't find the 5D2 in stock at any of the major shops such as Jessops, Jacobs and B&H.

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

My thought about Canon wanting to still sell 5D2s is pure conjecture.
If they can still sell enough of them for that price, I do not see any reason why they might not continue to manufacture them in small numbers.
After this many years of production, it probably costs less to make than what they sell it for.

But they do probably have an exit strategy for when they will stop making them, if they have not already done so.

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Canon 5DIII, Rebel XTi/400D
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes
Vivitar 50mm f/1.8 for OM System

Canon haven't announced that the 5D2 has been discontinued which is why I am a bit confused as to why nobody has any stock. Maybe it has become a popular choice recently due to the price drop?

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

Does anyone know anything about Simply Electronics? I have heard this name mentioned a few times but don't know if it is reputable. They are selling the 5D2 for £1300 which is cheaper than DigitalRev. Are they a UK based company or would it be an import like Digital Rev?

Many thanks,

James

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
Accessories: Manfrotto 055XPROB with 808RC4 head, Canon 430ex II speedlite, Lowepro Nova 180AW and Lowepro Pro Runner 450AW

Oh that is so lame, every hot girl who can aim a camera thinks she’s a photographer -Stewie Griffin

Google a review of them from a third party site.

From the reviews, reading both the good and the bad, I would probably stay away.
They may be an alright company, but I would not trust them from what I read.

To be fair, I have been told I am too paranoid at times.

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Canon 5DIII, Rebel XTi/400D
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes
Vivitar 50mm f/1.8 for OM System