Does anyone in S'pore know the price of a Canon Rebel Xti(bodyonly) as i might be visiting there this December

Question

Camera purchase price in HK,S'pore and Canada.

thanks edwin...when i came to Toronto 15 yrs ago with my Canon eos1000,there was no problem even when i got it new.I am not worried about the warranty as canon products are da best!No problems until recently.Anyway,buying one and bringing back is not a problem since i am granted a personal import exemption if i leave canada for more than a week.That's why i want to buy it while i am touring HK,M'sia and Sgp.Thanks anyway..

Answer 1

Camera manufacturers have licensed subsidiaries that are the official importers in different geographical areas. These official importers pay more for the cameras and lenses to support the warranty coverage in their geographic area.

It is legal for an importer in Canada or England (and any other country) to buy cameras and lenses in countries with a favorable exchange rate and then import them to re-sell at a cheaper price. This is called the "gray market" and although legal its (IMO) somewhat unethical. Why? because they never tell the buyer that their warranty won't be honored except in the country of purchase. So if you live in Canada and buy a Canon in Singapore you'll have to ship your Canon to Singapore for warranty service.

To combat the "gray market" Canon gives their camera different designations:

Japan: EOS Kiss Digital X

America: EOS Digital Rebel XTi

Europe, Asia, Oceania: EOS 400D Digital

You may also be liable for import duties and taxes when you bring your camera home.