BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Best Photographic Equipment to Buy

Photography Question 

Lisa Martindale
 

What Is a Gray Market Camera?


I don't understand the difference between a gray market camera and a regular camera. Could you explain?


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March 21, 2004

 

John Wright
  A gray market camera is a camera that is imported and not originally made for the USA. Essentially the cameras are identical - it's the warranty that needs some investigation. If you have a gray market camera and have a problem, getting it serviced may be tricky or cost more.


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March 21, 2004

 

Timothy W. Malone
  More on the warranty issue - gray market items usually are only covered by the seller for a short period, while regular items will be warranted by the manufacturer.


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March 23, 2004

 

John Kratz
  One more point: The owner's manual may be in a foreign language


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March 26, 2004

 

Deepak Gupte
  In India,gray market stands that cameras or any eqiptments purchased not from authorised shop is called gray market purches.If you purches any camera in grey market you will get the camera cheaper then the original shop due to non paying of any import duty and other overheads.But same time you will not recive any warranty from the manufacturer or seller.Once the purchese is over entire responcebility will be buyers.
Deepak Gupte
Rohan Photo
Pune India


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March 26, 2004

 

Lisa Martindale
  Thanks everyone for the answer. I bought a gray market camera one time not knowing what it was. I guess I better hope nothing goes wrong with it.


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March 27, 2004

 

Gregory Guido
  can you purchase an extended warranty through other companies ... to warranty the grey market camera? (IE) MACK Warranties?


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May 05, 2005

 
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