How To Identify A USA & Greymarket Camera

Jeff B

Jeff B

Active member
I am in the market for a HVX200 and have just read vidled's post about where to buy the HVX. In my discussions with people I was made aware that a friend's son has a used HVX200 for sale. Actually my friend is selling it because he is in the biz (audio mixer) and his son got a job oversea and no longer needed it. He let me check it out and it is in nice condition. He was very upfront with me and said that has no idea if it's a USA or Grey market. His son got it for school and did not keep any receipts. I tust this guy and have worked with him for years.

Here's my question: How can I tell if it's a USA or Greymarket camera? Is there something to look for on the camera, on the box or the paperwork that came with the camera? I know the warrantee is not transferrable but I just want to know what I am getting.

Also, is there anything I should be concerned about getting a used Greymarket camera vs a USA model? For example: not being able to update the firmware.
 
In your situation where you have access to the camera before purchasing: Couldn't you start by trying to get information about the warranty from Panasonic? Use the serial number etc.??? And with the resources you have, depending on how far you get with reps, you'll know where you stand.

You seem like you're in a fortunate situation where you can find out if it's grey market before you buy the camera. Compared to buying it online from a place that won't return your phonecalls... and you're lucky to get the camera in the first place.
 
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[B said:
Here's my question:[/B] How can I tell if it's a USA or Greymarket camera?
Click to expand...

It's quite easy. Underneath the view finder you see one of these designations -

HVX200P - USA model
HVX200E - PAL/European model
HVX200 - Japanese NTSC model

Hope that helps
 
Except I have an 200E and Panasonic are saying that the serial number I have is for a non EU HVX despite being bought from a UK Official reseller.

So whats the deal then Panasonic?

Majormorgan
 
kamikaze1213 said:
It's quite easy. Underneath the view finder you see one of these designations -

HVX200P - USA model
HVX200E - PAL/European model
HVX200 - Japanese NTSC model

Hope that helps
Click to expand...

Its not quite that simple, only the serial number will tell for sure. It may be a "North American" camera and grey market. I know, I've been there.
 
So what does Grey Market mean? Is it a Proper Panasonic camera, but shipped from another country. Or is it knocked off goods? Is it grey because they didn't come through your countries channels?

Thanks.

Richard M,
 
Grey market cameras are originally from Panasonic but they may have been built for a different market other than the USA. So they wont have a warranty in the US, only the in country they originated from. The menus may also be in another language. The way to tell if the camera was intended for the US market is to look at the serial number under the view finder. U.S. models have "TC" in the serial number.
 
Its strange. I have a European HVX200E. The box, all the mannuals, the menus set up in english, the label on the serial block, everything says its European and subsequently the one sold in the UK. But the serial number seems to point to something else according to Panasonic.

Strange.

MajorM.
 
U.S. models have "TC" in the serial number.
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Not true. The first camera I received had a TC and was later confirmed by Panasonic as grey market. If you are unable to register your camera for warranty or rebate, or receive no acknowledgment from Panasonic when you try to register, you may have a grey market camera. This is what tipped me off.
 
Serial number goes like this

A6NC00025

A6 means it was made in Jan of 2006, B would be FEB, etc. 06 means 2006
NC - Japenses (non-USA or as Americans call it Grey Market) version, TC - US version
00025 - its individual number for that month. . .

I have BOTH, they are the exact same camera. What a shock ! Same everything, same updates, same menus, same firmware, everything in English... Original warrantly for the non-USA version is only good in Japan, ie I would have to ship it there for service. USA model, if it went down, only covered in USA. Same warranty, different places to get them serviced UNDER warranty. I can have the non-USA model serviced here, it would just cost me money if still under warranty. . .

US version says AG-HVX200P, non-US says AG-HVX200

Not sure, though, about European (PAL) versions, sorry. . .
 
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So the only difference between the USA models and the others is a number on a sticker? If I understand correctly, the cameras are identical mechanically and warrantees are provided in the designated county. Help me understand why there is such a price difference.
 
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Price difference? from the authorized dealer price: 1) a non-authorized dealer who got his hands on a grey market shipment at a discount, 2) a crooklyn shop playing bait and switch, 3) stolen.

I agree there did not appear to be any difference between the grey market camera I had and the US one I have now. You just need to educate yourself about the seller, and decide what is important for the money. For me, it was in my best business interest to have a US camera with a US Panasonic warranty, and paying the dealer price was worth it.
 
I was referring to your answer #1... why are the European and Japan cameras so much less expensive for the US stores to purchase? The authorized US dealers are saying that the non-USA models are being sold to customers below their dealer cost. Isin't it the same plastic and glass with the same 1 year warrantee being offered by Panasonic (but in a different country).

Is it because of the exchange rate of the dollar on an imported product?

I'm looking at this from the perspective of the store's cost.
 
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I believe it has to do more with Authorized Dealer agreements, tariffs, exchange rates and the like ...If you are buying new go with an Authorized Dealer, the have USA factory warranties. If buying used, have the camera check out with Panasonic BEFORE hand.
 
Dont forget that a grey market camera is less expensive for a reason. Who knows where it has been - and likely it can't be sold where it came from for a reason. Often grey market electronics are refurbs from other countries repackaged as new and illegally shipped overseas to circumvent taxes and import fees. Often they are also factory rejects that find there way to the street. Grade A cameras are certified and sent on their way. Flip that coin, Ive known guys that got lucky, then again Ive seen it go very badly.
You think its exactly the same. Maybe - feelin' lucky...
 
I've purchased an HVX in august of last year from B&H. The price and the description on the invoice reflect a USA camera, however I was shipped a grey market unit. Under the view finder, it's HVX200( not hvx200P) and no TC in the serial number. This was confirmed by Pana USA... I'm really bummed about this because this disqualified me for the Book/Card promo and may compromise eventual warranty issues. I've contacted B&H about this and they told me nothing could be done as it took me too long to notice. Does anyone have insight about what i could do to rectify this matter?

PS: Camera was shipped to VT and not Canada.

Thanks.

Phil.
 
Hi,

Every country has their set of serial numbers. So like some have thought I said that all TC serial numbers were US. What I said was That all numbers in the US have TC, and that is not quite the same thing. All North America Serial Numbers have TC in them but that includes Canada, Pan-America, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. We also see serial numbers from Japan, those have the NC numbers. So lots of places to have gray market cameras come in.

Differences in currency prices, differences in the overall operating costs at the dealer level and at the Panasonic level can impact the price at which it hits the street. US cameras have to come in with the idea that there is a warranty that has to be covered as well. It isn't so simple, but the cameras do look the same. Now the NC cameras have a slightly different id on the scene files. So when you go to import Barry's scene files from his book you have to edit them but other than that all NTSC cameras are the same, in theory. Not sure about upgrade paths, as we have not gone that route in a major way just yet.

My recommendation is to buy from a vendor in yur area of the world and be sure they are fully authorized for the product. Then negotiate your best deal.

Best,

Jan
 
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