Buying a camcorder from the States

[nix]

I'm off to visit family in the States for Thanksgiving and have noticed that prices are lot cheaper there. (naturally I'll declare my new camera when back in the UK)

Basically, I need an HD camera which is ideally smallish and also works well indoors/low light and has a good mic. I'm not after anything with lots of extra fiddly bits, just something which will get the pics and sound right most of the time in point and shoot.

I've half decided to go for a Canon HF11/HG20. Am I right in understanding they are identical apart from size and recording media?

Are there any other cameras people would recommend?

Cheers

[senu]

The TG3 (Sony). None of them are stars indoors though
In the current climate are you sure of any savings?
Also if you use it in the States ( therfore no longer brand "new") declaring it on arrival here would be a matter for you ., I know what I would do
Have a read of similar previous threads though.They cover compatibility issues ( especially for SD DVD) and warranty concerns
As for the Canons you are right in thinking the HG20 is a sidestep not a big improvement on the HF10

[nheather]

I'd want to check two things.

1 - The video isn't restricted US format

2 - The warranty can be used in the UK. Canon used to issue warranties by region - this meant that whilst you are covered by warranty only Canon service centres for that region would work on the equipment. This could mean that you would have to return a faulty camcorder to the States for repair under warranty. Certainly like this a few years back - not sure if it is still the case.

Cheers,

Nigel

[senu]

True and covered in similar threads
However with HD it seem not to matter about HDTV compatibility , the difference is no longer NTSC/PAL: that becomes issue when creating SD DVDs

The 601 30fps/ 50i 245fps does not seem to be as crucial as the TVs handle pretty much anything

[nix]

Having checked Canon's website, it does seem their guarentee is for the USA only. Bummer.

What would happen if I buy it on my credit card, how would warranty work then? Also I have domestic appliance insurance. I don't think they specify country of origin...

[nheather]

What would happen if I buy it on my credit card, how would warranty work then? Also I have domestic appliance insurance. I don't think they specify country of origin...

Credit Card - If you mean purchase protection then that should be okay. If your credit card also offers some sort of warranty then you would need to look at the terms for the card.

Domestic Appliance Insurance - Shouldn't have any problem with where purchased but a couple of things to check. Will it cover a Camcorder, which is considered a Portable Device. Also, some policy expect you to use any manufacturers warranty first - differs between policies so worth a check.

Cheers,

Nigel

[nix]

I guess I'd better do some reading up on my T&Cs.

I had a look at the Sony TG3. It looks really good except one thing which does concern me is that it's not supposed to be that great at indoor /poor lighting situations. Maybe I've just read the wrong reviews... What attracted me to the Canons is their low light handling and also ease of use without having to fiddle with the settings unless I want to. I've got a Panasonic NV-GS150 at the moment, and so I think all of these new HD ones will be smaller than that.

[nix]

A quick update: I've done a little research and also spoken to Consumer Direct. If I pay with any UK credit card then I'm covered against faults and should be able to get compensation from my credit card company even though purchasing from abroad. A one year time scale is perfectly acceptable, though banks may complain, but we can refer them to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit act.

This means a green light to all our overseas purchases!