digital camcorder

[fleeps]

Looking to buy a digital camcorder when we go over for our holidays this july. Can anyone recommend where the best place is to buy one? Thanks.

[Cozzer]

I'll let you know when we come back but have been on a couple of sites and Target seem to have some brilliant offers.
We are buying a digital camcorder when we are over there.
Anyone had any problems doing this?

Sarah

[fleeps]

Thanks Sarah. I'll have a look at Target's web site.

[davie]

Be aware that USA camcorders are different in recording format and battery charging to UK/European ones.

You will have problems using it in the UK.

Others have posted the issues here - try a search for "camcorder"

Dave :)

[dbm001]

Hi,

I too was going to buy a camcorder in the US, however changed my mind and bought one from pixmania on the internet.

I think the only compatability problems would be with the charger's plug, as most chargers are switchable between 110-240 volts, so a simple plug adaptor should take care of that. Most camcorders, especially DV units are capable of displaying in both Pal and NTSC.

Just do a bit of homework first on the Camcorder you wish to buy, definitely check out pixmania though, they are a big company and have very good deals, it probably will work out not much dearer to buy from them. Also don't forget that if you have a problem with the camcorder, make sure it comes with an international warranty (ie. you can return it to the maker in the UK when you return if anything goes wrong with it).

Dave.

[dave41]

Hi ..second what dbm says about buying here....just in case of problems...

Have thought of buying one myself but have heard storys about reduced recording times etc...so i need to do a bit of legwork before i decide for definite.

Dave

[BCKloon]

You can easliy buy a camcorder in the USA for use in the UK but as people have mentioned your biggest concern should be the International warranty...If you buy in walmart for example you could return if faulty to asda over here but i not sure if that covers camcorders or not...

Another thing you have to watch out for is customs duty allowance which is only £175....

If you search the internet you will find sites that compare favourably with US prices...

[ulsterscot]

I'm reluctant to bring up the digital camera thing again but it seems relevant to this thread.

What about the differences in power etc? Any impact?

Most people on other threads seem to be considering buying in Walmart - does the possible ASDA return situation not resolve a lot of the issues?

[orlando04]

We were going to wait and get one in US, but then I decided I'd need some time to work out how to use it properly and I didn't want to spend my holiday doing this, so we've now got 4 months to learn !! The kids are getting fed up already !!

We got the Sony TRV33 from the Sony Centre here.

I had looked on the internet and was going to get from Pixmania - much cheaper, but they had sold out of the model I wanted :(

[Bob_and_Dawn]

When I bought a digital camcorder in Florida a few years ago, I had a look at various models and all of them came with a universal power supply which are capable or running at 110V to 240V 50/60Hz.
The only thing that needed to be purchased was a USA to UK plug adapter which cost $2.00.

It would be good to know the Walmart/Asda exchange police in relation to electrical goods though.

Bob

[ulsterscot]

Well, my wife swears that ASDA will accept Walmart returns and I challenge any of you to argue with her - I certainly won't.

[ianrey]

reading above only one problem re- Walmart

They don't stock PAL video recorders

We asked earlier this month and were told in the one on the 192
that they only stock NTSC

We did buy one in an electrical store on the 192 by Formossa Boulevard at an excellent price £300 PAL Panasonic Palm sized.
Other stores varied in price up to £450
The voltage isn't an issue as most chargers work 110- 240v
Shop around and you can get a bagain.

Ian

[ianrey]

As an addition Asda will accept Walmart returns. I bought a portable DVD player ( multi regioned it with a nice easy code) For about £110. Checked about returns and ASDA OK

Ian

[falcon46]

Quick Price COmparison - SONY DCRHC40


Walmart - $696.76 = Approx £391.42

www.EmpireDirect.co.uk

£556.50

Take your pick ??

[dbm001]

>Quick Price COmparison - SONY DCRHC40
>
>
>Walmart - $696.76 = Approx £391.42
>
>EmpireDirect
>
>£556.50
>
>Take your pick ??

Pixmania price £477 inc. delivery with 2 years warranty.

You were generous with the exchange rate (lucky to get 1.718 today = £405.56) and don't forget to add sales tax @ 6%, brings it to £429.89. Also if customs catch you bringing that through expect to pay plenty of VAT.

Just my opinion.

Dave.

[davie]

I agree - buy it in the UK.

I would go for the Sharp VL-Z1H for £240 delivered.

It digital, very small and light, full UK spec and warranty.

And you dont spend you holiday getting used to working it :D

http://www.electricaldiscountuk.co.uk/itfx_product_details.php?pid=2229&PHPSESSID=f9ba29e452d7c33d7c9ecb2f043d949d

Dave

[fleeps]

thanks for all the advice, think I might just buy before we go!