Comments on: Nikon D200 vs. Canon EOS 5D

By: Cajetan Barretto

Cajetan Barretto — Mon, 29 May 2006 06:46:35 +0000

Mark,
Just an update. I decided to purchase the 80-200 F.28 D lens. The listed prices from my favourite US dealer
US Model 974.95 approx. KD 292
US Model with $50 rebate approx. 262
Grey Market Model 849.95 approx 254
I checked with Ashraf, and they gave it to me for KD 277.500. Considering it is with full warranty, and locally purchased without any hassles, this seemed to be a better deal for me.

I think that if you are making any major camera purchase, it would be wise to haggle with the salesmen here and get a competitive deal.

By: Cajetan Barretto

Cajetan Barretto — Mon, 22 May 2006 05:41:38 +0000

Hi Jackie,
I have been a long time buyer from bhphotovideo. I have bought from them various digital cameras, lenses, ipods etc.
I always worry about the following:
1. The shipping cost is always > $100 for international shipping (I choose UPS because they are a bit cheaper than DHL. DHL is usually in the $200 bracket for a small package)
2. Warranty. So far, I have never had an item break down. But if it is a very expensive item, I worry how I will get it replaced under warranty. This is the single most deciding factor that has made me buy camera bodies from Kuwait so far.
However with the Shop & Ship option, it could be an entirely different ball game.

By: Jackie Alphonso

Jackie Alphonso — Sun, 21 May 2006 11:05:06 +0000

None can match the vast selection range of photo and video equipment and accessories, prices and store reputation of B& H Photovideo in New York, USA. Their store comprises virtually one entire block in NY. They ship internationally and give the purchaser the option of using FedEx, UPS and US Post (the rates are very reasonable). Check out their website http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ - get the items you need into the shopping cart, check out and feed in destination details - you will also get an indication of shipping costs, to help you decide where to buy it from. Anyway, the prices available at US stores are far lower than anywhre in the middleeast, Singapore, Hong Kong or Europe. You could also check out other US photo video store websites like http://www.adorama.com (used by Amazon.com) or http://www.calumetphoto.com. Alternatively use http://www.dealtime.com - feed in your item and see which which store offers the best price for the product.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 20 May 2006 13:43:05 +0000

yeah although i dislike Aramex recently they are still the best option when ordering stuff from Amazon.

By: Cajetan Barretto

Cajetan Barretto — Sat, 20 May 2006 13:38:01 +0000

Thanks Mark. I knew about the Shop&Ship option, but was always hesitant to try it out.
That’s a great option. I will keep it in mind when I go for the 70-200 VR lens.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 20 May 2006 13:22:44 +0000

Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009GZANC

Shipping cost him KD9 using Aramex Shop & Ship

Ashraf originally told me KD370 but only once I told him I could find it online for $616 did he drop it down to 290KD.

I got my D70 from Kuwait though around 2 years ago for KD290. It was around $100 more expensive then Amazon which isnt a lot. I dont know why they are more expensive now.

By: Cajetan Barretto

Cajetan Barretto — Sat, 20 May 2006 13:20:20 +0000

Hey that’s very interesting !.
First of all, where did your friend pick up the D50 from?. Bhphotovideo lists it for $649.95 with the 18-55 kit lens. I normally factor around $100-$150 for international priority shipping for all my electronic purchases. That works out to around $800 and Iam sure I can bargain with the Ashraf salesman to give me something in this ball park.
However, I would be interested in your source of purchase, plus the shipping method that you use.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 19 May 2006 19:03:31 +0000

thats not totally true. My friend got a Nikon D50 with the 15mm to something lens for $616. In kuwait after discount they gave it to him for $995
Thats $379 difference which is way over KD100.

By: Cajetan Barretto

Cajetan Barretto — Fri, 19 May 2006 17:35:03 +0000

For all of Nikon purchases, I would suggest buying them from the local dealer (Ashraf). After factoring in the shipping costs, the prices are almost the same, plus:
1. You get warranty on your purchase. If you buy it from U.S., you will have to return it back to U.S. which will be quiet a mess.
2. If you are buying a body or an expensive lens, try buying it directly from the head office in Ardiya. The Sales guys there will give you 20% discount. Recently, I bought 2 SB-600 units, and they cost me the same as buying from http://www.bhphotovideo.com; plus I can sleep easy since they are under warranty.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 12 May 2006 19:10:23 +0000

yup i think its like KD790…

By: Q80Warlock

Q80Warlock — Fri, 12 May 2006 19:03:49 +0000

Thanks Mark…did they get the D200 ?

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 11 May 2006 11:23:44 +0000

Ashraf (Kodak)
Their prices sometimes are similar to the US prices. I got my D70 for KD290 when Amazon was selling it for KD270. Other times though their prices are a lot more expensive.
http://www.kuwait-toplist.com/ashraf/main2.htm

By: Q80Warlock

Q80Warlock — Thu, 11 May 2006 10:43:59 +0000

Who’s the Nikon dealer in Kuwait ?

By: Cajetan Barretto

Cajetan Barretto — Wed, 10 May 2006 11:01:00 +0000

Guitarzzz, D200 will not solve the fu***** dust problem :)
I get my D70 sensor cleaned from the Nikon dealer. However, at the end of the day, the healing brush in Photoshop is your best saviour.
Alternatively, you can take a DUST-REF photo, and use Nikon Capture to magically remove the dust spots.

By: Guitarzzz

Guitarzzz — Tue, 09 May 2006 17:09:24 +0000

Yeah, it kicks ass! I own a D70s but whats really bothering me is the fu***** dust that gets stuck on the sensor! Damn it!