Buying in Canada

Hey there,
I live in Vancouver, and i am shopping around for a HPX170. Just wondering for the Canadian users, where they bought their cameras, or what is a reputable store in the Vancouver area. I'm not too keen on buying online, though Vistek is a good site, it's just disappointing seeing the same camera $2000 less on B&H. Plus with a purchase of this caliber, i would like to hold the camera in my hands first.

Thank you!
 
You really shouldn't trust Canadians for things like this. I'm sure you're well aware of what I mean.

Note: The views expressed in this post do not necessarily represent the views of the poster. Casalen, his real name, Time Spider Media and the Time Spider itself do not condone inflammatory prejudiced statements and are always friendly to our simple yet lovable northern neighbors.
 
For the 170 I'd give Vidcom a call. They are the big Panasonic pro shop. I always use Provision to get the best prices but they can't get the 170. Vidcom are great guys and rent every model.
 
You really shouldn't trust Canadians for things like this. I'm sure you're well aware of what I mean.

Note: The views expressed in this post do not necessarily represent the views of the poster. Casalen, his real name, Time Spider Media and the Time Spider itself do not condone inflammatory prejudiced statements and are always friendly to our simple yet lovable northern neighbors.


Dude - You may want to start thinking about how you're going craft your apology post.



btw - Lorne Lapham in Vancouver has been really great to deal with.



dmc
 
You really shouldn't trust Canadians for things like this. I'm sure you're well aware of what I mean.

Note: The views expressed in this post do not necessarily represent the views of the poster. Casalen, his real name, Time Spider Media and the Time Spider itself do not condone inflammatory prejudiced statements and are always friendly to our simple yet lovable northern neighbors.


Really Casalen... You Thinlk Canadians aren't Trustworthy... REALLY.

(Coming From someone who probably thought Bush was a God)

------------------

Back to the Topic at Hand...

My suggesting would be... go to a Store... Hold it, Use it, and if you like it.

Order it of the net.. (Ebay or whatever) I've been doing this for YEARS and never had Issues.

Order with your credit card to have the EXTRA insurance, Always handy!

The Warrenty on you Camera will still be accepted at you local (Panasonic) Shop if it wver breaks (Not likely durruing warrenty)

BTW VISTEK is an OVERPRICES TORONTO STORE... Their Super usefull when your in a jam and need a part ASAP... but if you have time... Shop Elseware.
 
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Does Vidcom sell, or just rent?

They do both. You should call up Lorne Lapham or Vidcom and arrange a time to go play with the camera before committing to the purchase. They might be willing to make a deal if you are getting it somewhere else for cheaper. Or they might not want to strike a bargain. Worth a shot.
 
I would contact Cinequip White, where I just purchased my HPX and associated gear. Get ahold of Yen or Ken in Toronto offices or get ahold of Vancouver offices. Best prices of three quotes I requested from Applied Electronics, Vistek and Cinequip.
Then again...what do I know...I am much too "simple" to offer any trustworthy assistance.
 
I bought from DS Video in the UK ... saved a pile of dough vs buying the same setup CDN. I bought it at a better price than whats listed now, but if you do the math I think you still save big. LINK
 
The problems with buying foreign come from the damn warranties. If you buy an HPX170 from the US and want to repair under warranty (like a burnt pixel in the LCD screen for example), you gotta ship your stuff to Panasonic USA to get the warranty since Panasonic Canada will only repair under warranty what has been sold from Canadian retailers. Pretty much the same applies to every company nowadays.

Of course, Panasonic Canada can and will repair your US or UK HPX170-171, but you'll have to pay.

I chose the 5-year canadian warranty. Yeah, I paid a bit more but I'm so much more at ease knowing my two cams are covered by a sturdy warranty.
 
The problems with buying foreign come from the damn warranties. If you buy an HPX170 from the US and want to repair under warranty (like a burnt pixel in the LCD screen for example), you gotta ship your stuff to Panasonic USA to get the warranty since Panasonic Canada will only repair under warranty what has been sold from Canadian retailers. Pretty much the same applies to every company nowadays.

Of course, Panasonic Canada can and will repair your US or UK HPX170-171, but you'll have to pay.

I chose the 5-year canadian warranty. Yeah, I paid a bit more but I'm so much more at ease knowing my two cams are covered by a sturdy warranty.

I got a 5 year EU warranty with my 171. The only difference between CDN & EU warranty is that I have to pay the shipping to get it back there should I need to use it. Seeing that when I bought my 171 I saved nearly 4K vs buying the same package CDN (170 + 2 x 32GB A series cards + 50i / 60i switchable) ... with FedEx Insured shipping @ 150.00 I can send it back to the EU quite a few times before it hurts my wallet ... But you have to decide how you get to sleep at night, so if an over priced CDN warranty is what works for you that's fine, after all its your cash, not mine.
 
Nice savings, I'm impressed the difference was that much! But didn't you need a UK or European-based address to benefit from the 5 year warranty? If I'm mistaken and you don't need to, that's quite a benefit then! It's worth checking out.

I gotta add though that for some businesses, like mine, it's not always about the money but also the time. Having to ship to Europe and wait an extra week (or worse) to get the same repair done may cost lots of money because of the time wasted while waiting.

Anyways, I'm not looking to get into an argument here since different businesses have different needs. I just want to inform about the benefits of buying canadian :smile:

Cheers!!
 
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Nice savings, I'm impressed the difference was that much! But didn't you need a UK or European-based address to benefit from the 5 year warranty? If I'm mistaken and you don't need to, that's quite a benefit then! It's worth checking out.

I gotta add though that for some businesses, like mine, it's not always about the money but also the time. Having to ship to Europe and wait an extra week (or worse) to get the same repair done may cost lots of money because of the time wasted while waiting.

Anyways, I'm not looking to get into an argument here since different businesses have different needs. I just want to inform about the benefits of buying canadian :smile:

Cheers!!
No, you don't need a EU address. The online form that you submit doesn't allow for a non-EU addy however, all you have to do is call them and they will manually enter your info for you with no hassles. As to the extra week shipping ... I believe that FedEx international priority is overnight. :)
 
Trust them. I bought mine in Canada. Don't buy in the US because the warranty does not transfer here! Vistek has deals but I bought mine at http://www.llsr.com Shipping is a but higher than Vistek but their prices are better. Ask for a package quote because they do not have their prices online (as oposed to Vistek)

Oh and P2 cards on ebay are WAY cheaper than vistek or llrs. I bought two and they are fine.
 
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