HPX-555 under US$10,000

[Barry Green]

Abel Cine Tech and Specialized Communications both have the HPX500 body/viewfinder/tripod plate/4 cards package for about $13,500. But you’d get a warranty and be dealing with an actual authorized dealer, rather than a gray marketer like GMP.

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[D. scott Dobbie]

The big thing you’re forgetting is that, IIRC, the Japanese versions have all the info in Japanese. This goes beyond the normal documentation that you could just buy the English version of. For example, the owner’s manual. In some cases the printing on the camera and the digital menus are all Japanese.

If that possibility doesn’t bother you, fine.

-S.

[Rennie Klymyk]

I’ve had a Japanese client for 15 years and they tell me on most comon products there are 2 Japanese versions, one of which has an “i”suffix and it is known as “international” model with english characters. You would definately want to check this before buying an HPX555.

When I go to this site here in Canada I am instantly recognised as to my location and everything is in Canadian currency and the payment goes to one of the 2 largest Canadian banks so that is reassuring. The site lists an AG-HPX500 PRELIMINARY which seems to indicate that model will become available soon as well as the HPX555 which is curently available. Clicking on the Guarantee once you add the item to your basket, they offer their own 12 month guarantee “as per manufacturer’s guarantee” as well as “Mack 2 year pro video international warranty”

I have been purchasing products out of the country for 20 years to take advantage of this type of savings albeit I have been buying from the US where due to the larger consumer base manufacturers have provided better deals. I can often save as much as 35% even after duties and taxes. To me this just reflects global market trends and the ability of a large global company to offer very competative pricing. The fact that several cow members have reported dealing with this company successfully in the last 2 years is very reassuring and I’ll be comparing their offerings along with B&H when I’m ready to make my next purchase.

That said, there is no substitute for a good relationship with a local dealer who can imediately pass you a loaner over the counter when your camera dies in the middle of an expensive shoot or go to bat for you regarding warranty repairs etc.

“everything is broken”