Buying online - any chance of DOA?

[RandyQ]

Hi fellows,
I'm planning to buy my GH1 online from a US merchant, but I plan to have it shipped to HK where I will use it. The thing is that I'm afraid that I might get a lemon and then have to mail it back.

I wonder what the chances are of my getting a defective/buggy camera? Is it better if I have it shipped to a friend in the US, who will check it out first, and then ship it to me in HK? Or is this unneccessary worrying over something that never happens, and its better to just ship it straight to HK?

FYI, I'm buying it online because I can't get one from over here, and the cams in HK are all PAL (I need an NTSC model).

rgds/ RandyQ

 

[Cassius]

It's extremely unlikely, close to zero chance. Make sure the buyer says it's in good condition and has turned it on to check.

 

[RandyQ]

It's extremely unlikely, close to zero chance. Make sure the buyer says it's in good condition and has turned it on to check.

If its extremely unlikely, does it make sense to just ship it to the final destination instead?

Actually, I am also concerned about the sensor streaking thing, that some have reported requires a burn-in period to eliminate. I'm afraid I may not be able to ship it back if it exhibits a streak problem and doesn't go away.

 

[MR Fanny]

be it small, there is always a chance of getting a dud. send to your friend if you are super paranoid to check like you said.