Camcorder prices really high?

[BenderBends]

so i am looking to buy a camcorder for work.

we wanted to get the Panasonic 3ccd DVD camcorder (vdr-d300)

price in USA = USD 800 = HKD 6200
price in HK = USD 1100 = HKD 8500 (this is same price in 3 stores in Mongkok, TST, and TSTeast)


why such a difference? why more expensive in HK? shouldnt it be the other way around?

[BenderBends]

also...anyone know of a store to buy this model in HK...preferably in wanchai

[jimbo]

Computer centre theres a few stockists there you could try.

[discobay]

Remember that with DVD-based camcorders you are limited by the size of each DVD disc. That means carrying spare discs. Surely mini-DV and hard disc-based camcorders are more practical?

[BenderBends]

not when we need to send the videos to USA for viewing and acceptance
generally our videos are only 10-15 mins long, but we need as high quality as possible for TV viewing

my question though is why its usd 300 more expensive here compared ot USA

[discobay]

Maybe it's because it was released over there first.

[nation]

I can't say why but HK is no longer the bargain basement place that was 10 years ago. It's generally accepted that many items, even electronics, are cheaper in the US than HK.

[penguinsix]

Volume, volume, volume.

The economy of scale in the US is why it is cheaper there. You'll find this pretty much across the board in brand-name electronics. I know there are some who "know of this place or that place" where they can get a deal on the "X-J-Red 27" camera or such and such lens, but generally speaking, you'll find prices cheaper in the US for many of these brand name electronic goods.

But there is another factor at play... (coming to you from a guy who just bought a camcorder in the US last month).

As you may know, HD-TV is going all out in the US, and by 2009 you won't even be able to buy a 4x3 analog TV anymore. HD Camcorders came out last year, and they are now on ver.2 in the market. I got an HDTV camcorder for about $1200 US (Best Buy) and the advent of this new tech is already having a ripple effect on digital camcorders and their older analog cousins. The picture quality is wicked and I figured some of the things I'm shooting are videos I'll want to keep for decades to come.

[BenderBends]

well...then why not recommend a model to buy for my situation:

I need to use the camcorder here
it needs as sharp as possible video, color is not important
generally the videos we tape range from 2 mins to 15 mins
we send the actual video to USA for viewing and approval (hence why sharpness is ultra important)
Our budget is under 9000 HKD

[MXS_US]

Remember you can bargain here in HK. Even the stores in Time square. I bought a couple of digital camera and camcorder with my friends. The actual price is at least 2-3 thousands HK dollar cheaper than the price tag.