Photography

SBFilmguy · #1 07-04-2007, 03:35

Hi:

I need a new compact digital camera for my trip to Phuket. Are prices good in Patong or should I buy it in the US before I leave? Obviously lose US warranty by buying abroad and of course the dollar isn't very strong, but it's coming from Asia, right? Have a layover in Hong Kong but it's only 4 hours.

Thanks.

Captain · #2 07-04-2007, 04:05

Thailand is not cheap for cameras.

SBFilmguy · #3 07-04-2007, 04:18

I'll get one here

Dingo's · #4 07-04-2007, 04:18

My mate (also a fellow BM) recently purchased a camera whilst on his visit here to Phuket. He wasn't happy with the purchase as the quality was rather poor.

He returned home just this last week and put it up on ebay and found that it was only $30 less than someone was advertising it for in Australia/US. (I'm unsure the country it was being sold out of).

From what I have heard, electronics in Phuket aren't much cheaper than in Australia or the US. Not sure if purchasing in Bangkok would be better. I think Pantip plaza might be a better option if you are there....

steve@thaib · #5 07-04-2007, 05:12

Buy one before you travel, or if time allows Hong Kong should be good. Cameras aren't the bargain you would expect them to be in Thailand.

Coolhand · #6 07-04-2007, 22:20

There are two reasonably priced electric/camera shops in the departures/transit area of HK airport, prices aren't as cheap as in town - but four hours isn't enough to get you to Mongkok or Stanley Street; however you will get international warranty.

I would buy one in the States, if I were you - given the present exchange rates on the US Dollar, you are probably as well off. It will also give you the chance to get rid of all the packaging, read the instruction manual (yeah, right, we all do that don't we?) and take some practice shots with the camera before you need to use it in earnest on holiday. HK probably good deals on memory cards, etc. If you are going to need them.

SBFilmguy · #7 08-04-2007, 06:15

Thanks for the great info. I ordered a camera from Amazon: Pentax Optio WP30, waterproof to ten feet (which should be enough for the Valhalla jacuzzi, right?). Otherwise pretty much a point and shoot but I was looking for something to throw in my pocket and cart around. Free shipping, no tax, good price and 30 day return policy so probably as good as I could do. I'll definitely share some pictures and let you be the judge. Try to pickup some extra memory in HK.

MrDK · #8 08-04-2007, 11:08

Last time I was in LOS my camera was stolen and I bought a new one in Phuket. The price was a bit higher than in the US. After I arrived back home the camera had a mechanical issue and it proved (near) impossible to get local service. I could have sent it to the manufacturer.

I managed to fix it myself, however. Whether you save money or not, you should strongly weigh buying stuff like that locally (at home).

Bushdoctor · #9 16-04-2007, 06:17

Good advice. Don't they have the throw away kind in LOS? I have a hard enough time with warranty problems buying electronics here in the US at Best Buy, unless you buy the extended warranty.

LivinLOS · #10 16-04-2007, 10:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBFilmguy

Thanks for the great info. I ordered a camera from Amazon: Pentax Optio WP30, waterproof to ten feet (which should be enough for the Valhalla jacuzzi, right?). Otherwise pretty much a point and shoot but I was looking for something to throw in my pocket and cart around. Free shipping, no tax, good price and 30 day return policy so probably as good as I could do. I'll definitely share some pictures and let you be the judge. Try to pickup some extra memory in HK.

My buddy just picked up a Olympus point and shoot thats waterproof.. Great great fun..

I am gutted a proper 'waterproof' housing (100ft) didnt get produced for my sony.. Only a 'sport' housing which at 3m is ok for pool and splashing but not enough for real snorkelling and sea pics..

Theres some from last Sunday around and in the pool at my gaff..

BBQ Pool Party - a photoset on Flickr

Bushdoctor · #11 16-04-2007, 17:22

Great underwater pics. I have to go get one now. Too bad I missed the BBQ.

pablo · #12 16-04-2007, 20:10

Got really drunk on Songkran....lost my digi-camera.

Replacement at Carrefore (sp?) Patong, cost around 25% more, than I paid in USA.

Good news is, picture cards are quite a bit cheaper in Patong. 5555

Pablo