Camera Labs

Hello mates.
The family need to buy a grandaughter a DSLR for her 21st. The US seem to offer great Canon 400d deals through a credit card with lens+Mem+tripods+hard case++ for £410 + £50 shipping.
Although I expect vat will be charged am I being naive please?
thanks

Hi Keith,

You might like to look at http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/downloadFile?contentID=HMCE_PROD_009989 which details the duty rates importing goods into the UK. Digital still cameras are apparently free of duty while lenses attract 6.7% duty. Both are liable for 17.5% VAT. There used to be a few items which qualified for "special" duty rates from the USA but I guess the EU and the US have patched up their differences.

It might be worth getting in touch with your local Customs & Excise office to confirm the above and to get the appropriate TARIC code(s) so that they can be displayed on the package before it is shipped.

You also need to check out the warranty situation.

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.

Hi Bob. Thank you for that! What are your thoughts on doing it? Certainly the deal seems far superior there, warranty apart, but are they genuine, do you think? The Ebay feedback suggests so doesn't it. I'll get onto that site.
thanks again.
keith

Hi Keith,

I won't comment on the reputability of any firm but Google Groups can be a good place to check on the level of complaints, if any.

Bob.

_________________
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.

Always check http://www.resellerratings.com/

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hi Keith,

If you are looking for a reputable wholesaler in the US, you can check out:
http://www.abesofmaine.com

I have had a lot of experience with them and so have my friends. As an ex patriot living outside the US (and living around the world half of my life) I sometimes find it tough to pay the wonderful EU prices (especially here in Germany), but it is the company where I am going to order my new camera from.

They have some rules for ordering from outside the US but in my opinion they are reasonable. I have done it in the past when I needed something from them and my parents weren't coming over to visit and would bring it for me.

It wouldn't hurt to look.

Cheers mate,

John

Can I say a big thank you to everyone who have helped me. It's makes me feel so good apart from the advice which I shall take right now!.
Best wishes to you all
Keith

You're welcome!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses