HMC155 from B&H Is it worth it?

3CHIP Productions

3CHIP Productions

Active member
So I'm updating from my DVX tonight and want to go with the HMC150. I was in shock to see that in addition to offering the US version of the cam, B&H is also offering the HMC155 (Japan version) for $480 cheaper? What the heck!?!?! Isn't that Grey Market???

So I call em up and the guy tells me that yes, they themselves have imported some 155's and are selling them with a 90 day B&H warranty for cheaper. He assured me everything is sealed etc. And after all. it's B&H... I trust them.

My question is why wouldn't I just get the 155 and save alot of money? I already have have the SD card and could care less about the bundled software. (What the hell is neo anyway?) Is 9 additional months on the warranty worth $480?? That $480 can buy alot of gear!

I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
 
Warranty is worthless when a manufacturer does not acknowledge a problem being a problem. 3CHIP, it would be more interesting to know whether Panasonic USA will repair your camera if you pay for it. So far I did not hear a definitive answer and as I am not a Panasonic owner I did not call Panasonic myself. It would suck to send the camera overseas for repair even if the damage is your fault and you'd agree to pay.
 
Warranty is 3 years on AVCCAM products if you register the product on Panasonic's PASS website.

Neo 2 would probably be included even on a gray-market import, I believe that's a worldwide offer and not just a USA offer.
 
Technally one year with a 2 year extended warrnaty upon product registration like Barry said.

Thing I hated about that is that my credit card company would have added there own extra year if it had been a "3 year warranty" rather than a 1 yr+2yr extension.


I'd go for the US version. I did (and was still able to register in Canada).
 
I just ordered the 155 model - after shipping to my area the saving is $455 - I am not too concerned about warranty. First off this is a solid state unit with an excellent reliability record. Secondly, one can assume that this is not first production batch since the camcorder is almost 2 years old. Also I figure, if anything material is wrong with the camera - it will show within the first 3 month.

....I will receive the unit in a few days and will let you guys know if there are any issues or caveats.

I would'nt hesitate a split second - keep in mind that the HMC will likely have a replacement comming up on the horizon to keep up with SONY and CANON's new releases, thus depreciating the 150/155 models. At any rate who cares about a non-transferable 3 year warranty should you sell to upgrade down the road.
 
Cranky said:
Warranty is worthless when a manufacturer does not acknowledge a problem being a problem. 3CHIP, it would be more interesting to know whether Panasonic USA will repair your camera if you pay for it. So far I did not hear a definitive answer and as I am not a Panasonic owner I did not call Panasonic myself. It would suck to send the camera overseas for repair even if the damage is your fault and you'd agree to pay.
Click to expand...


Their service center is in Texas. I have used it.
 
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