OK, admittedly taking the easy way out here... I could probably hunt around and find out about this, but maybe an OSPer knows something about this!

I have a good friend who is travelling to Asia in a a few weeks for business (Hong Kong, Tokyo, one other city I forgot). I've got a wishlist of Canon gear... is it any less expensive to buy it overseas?

Two reasons I can think of not to do so - USA warranty and taxes - if that's a problem, I'm not sure.

Does anyone know if this is worth looking into?

Thanks!

Hi Dawn.

Yodabashi Camera in Shinjuku preficture of Toyko is one of the best camera stores on the planet. The salespeople there have a photography o-taku (obsession) that is incredible.

That being said, the price difference is not enough to make me want to shop there. Due to the complexicty of today's equipment, I recommend you make purchases in the US so you can count on the warranty service in the event anything goes wrong. Remember you're a pro now!

If, on the other, you want to pick up the latest P&S or other electronic gadget, tell you friend to head for Akihabra for plenty of great deals on items that aren't available here in the US and encourage him/her to negotiate.

Thanks,
Sean