Buying a Camcorder from the US...

I was about to buy a Panasonic NV-DS29 camcorder, but checking prices on the web, I came across the US spec PV-DV102 - seemingly much more for no more money, but it not the same spec. as any UK-offered camcorder. Is this a good way to go? What are the customs / warranty / compatiobility issues?

[m@rk]

First of all it will be NTSC and not PAL so unless your TV (and Video) support this, you may have problems playing back your videos

Then you have customs.

You should really declare this if you are bringing it in yourself and they will then charge you VAT (17.5% on it).

If you get it by mail, customs will charge you VAT, plus a surcharge (about 2 or 3%) and then there will be a handling charge on top by the post office

Of course you could try and get it past customs in any number of ways but if you get caught, you WILL loose the camera and could be facing serious charges.

Tis a good point, but having packed my (admittedly UK sourced) camcorder into my hand luggage I've walked through customs without them even giving it a thought. If you still have the box with you they'll get shirty, but if it's in a carrying case they don't bother.