This is a bit of a philosophical question, I suppose, but if anyone can shed any light for me, it'd be appreciated.

I've been looking on the internet for a little while at various cameras, since I'm looking to buy one soon. Anyway, anytime I do a search for a particular model or click on a link to buy from one of the camera review sites, I always get a few links that are to US camera stores (I'm in the UK). I can't help but notice that there is a HUGE price difference between the Uk or European sites and the US ones. Just about any camera is about 1/2 - 2/3 of the price in the US as I'd have to pay in Europe. Does anyone have any idea why?

It can't be market size/buying power, because the European market is about the same size as the US, and most of the cameras are made in Japan, Taiwan etc - so it isn't where they're made either. I understand that there would be small market differentials, but it's pretty hard to figure why the difference is so much? Anyone have any idea why that is, and should I try to buy a camera from a US site instead?

Thanks!
Debbie

Debbie, I really can't answer your question why but I have purchased articles on US sites that are much much cheaper but always get caught at customs to pay the duty.

Well, it is cheaper in the US than in Europe *but* it is especially cheaper now because the US$ is going down, so for you living in the UK using the GBP the difference is pretty obvious. When the US$ was strong, it wasn't that cheap.
That said, keep in mind that usually the prices in the US are tax excluded while in the UK the VAT of 17,5% is usually included. Also, when you import something coming from outside the European Union you also pay the duty tax which is about 10% I believe, so to compare really well, add 30% to the US price and then don't forget to include the cost of shipping too! :)
There is also a risk with the guarantee sometimes when they are country based. The best would be to go to the US and test and buy a camera there before bringing it in the UK ;)

Olly

Thanks for the responses :)
Even though I'd love the holiday, I can't see me heading to the US anytime soon (can't bear the indignity of being fingerprinted) so I guess I'll be buying my camera here. I'd forgotten about VAT :rolleyes: