Prices in Australia?

Bostjan · 04-09-2008, 12:26 AM

Hello fellow Pentaxians from Down under ;-)

I am planing a trip to Australia in the following weeks, and plan to take as little of photographic equipment with me as possible. I will not bother You with my packing list, don't worry :-)
What I would like to know is how do the prices of photo equipment in Australian shops compare to say those on internet (in Sydney, Adelaide, Alice springs, Cairns, etc...). More specifically, prices of Pentax flasehs, DA* lenses (if I find myself in one of those LBA crises ;-), and I am really interested in SD card prices (say SanDisk SDHC 4GB Ultra II and Extreme cards), so that I can buy them when needed...

Thank You!
Bostjan

Keith · 04-09-2008, 02:24 AM

Pentax flashes will cost you hundreds of dollars more in Australia than in the USA or internet. Lenses and SD cards are also more expensive here and you would be well advised to shop before coming here.

Also don't expect to find too much Pentax stuff in Alice Springs and maybe Cairns.

Cheers
Keith

Bostjan · 04-09-2008, 05:53 AM

That is interesting... I really thought, that the prices in Australia would be lower that in Europe. That is a pitty...

Thanks,
Bostjan

Falcons · 04-09-2008, 06:35 AM

You can check this website out Cheap digital cameras and camera accessories | Camera-Warehouse they would be about average (perhaps just below average) for Australian pricing; you can compare to european prices then.

Their prices are 10% GST inclusive - which I think you can claim back when leaving or buy duty free.

*Bramela* · 04-09-2008, 01:59 PM

Be assured, prices in Australia are out of control. I call close to extortion.
I pourchase as much possible, overseas and last resort is here. What a sad indictment for local business.
Heres another site might give some indication;

Cheap digital cameras and camera accessories | Camera-Warehouse
Maybe that is the same one, but webpage changed recently..

*Ash* · 04-09-2008, 02:13 PM

Forget the australian market for photographic equipment.
It's totally useless.
You may as well throw half the money value of what you want to buy in Australia in the bin if you think you'll get yourself a good deal here...

A shame, really. I'm all for supporting local businesses and seeing Australia's economy grow, but dSLR photography is one area that just won't happen...

Bostjan · 04-09-2008, 02:27 PM

Thanks for the link!
After quick comparision of the prices here and in Australia, I found that the only thing that is cheaper in (at least on the mentioned web page) are Pentax bodyes. For instance, K20D in a local store in Slovenia costs 1.120,00 EUR (roughly 1.900,00 AU$, a whooping 400,oo AU$ more), everything else seems to be on the same level or a bit more expensive (in Australia).
I believe that this means, no "Down under LBA" for me this time, and I willl probably fill my pockets with SD cards, before going to the plane ;-)

Thanks again,
Bostjan

HGMonaro · 04-09-2008, 11:20 PM

you don't want to be coming all the way here to spend your time shopping!

Bostjan · 04-09-2008, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by HGMonaro

you don't want to be coming all the way here to spend your time shopping!

:-)) You are absolutelly right! There is so much to see and take pictures of...

Bostjan

mcjm78 · 04-10-2008, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by Bostjan

:-)) You are absolutelly right! There is so much to see and take pictures of...

Bostjan

Just to add one more thing .... You get 10% off GST free shopping as a tourist... so its good to factor that in.

pentagor · 04-10-2008, 06:30 AM

OOOhhhh, Bostjan! I would love to go Down under too. Maybe in a year or two with my family ... I hope so.

Bostjan · 04-10-2008, 01:55 PM

Yes, I am really excited about this trip. I remember how I dreamt as a child of visiting the misterious land Down under... :-)
Pentagor - it is a bit expensive, but I believe that it will be well worth it!
Will post some photos, when I come back.

Bostjan

*Bramela* · 04-10-2008, 02:14 PM

Bostjan, first time I have heard the word "mysterious" for our land down under.
Yes lots to see, particularly "outback" Love the comment, nevertheless.

.

Maxington · 04-10-2008, 06:07 PM

I'm from/live in Cairns, and there is only one shop in this city that stocks Pentax DSLR stuff, and they charge Recommended Retail Price. Which is flat out, gob-smackingly ridiculous.

Only thing thats priced ok inside Australia is the bodies, as you found out, you can find them close to USA prices after shipping and GST and customs.

And btw, don't be one of those tourists that visits Australia and only goes to see Sydney, Melbourne and the capital cities. Those are about as Australian as any other western-society city, that is to say, not at all. McDonalds is the same everywhere!

Though you said you are going to Cairns, Alice Springs, thats more like it.

pentagor · 04-11-2008, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by Bostjan

.....Pentagor - it is a bit expensive, but I believe that it will be well worth it!

Well, just about to sell all my lenses but one, to fund the trip....