hey bros

with almost every camera on the market being made in china these days, i am curious about the
"made in japan" variants. can i assume that for a particular model of camera, that there is a "made in
china" version and a "made in japan" version? or are we talking about a completely different range of cameras
that are maufactured in japan?

rumour has it that in some of the department stores in tokyo, the "made in japan" cameras can actually
be much cheaper as compared to a "made in china" one sold elsewhere.

quality-wise, is it also fair to say that the japanese-made cameras are more durable and produce better quality
pictures?

For Nikon, their high end models like D3 and D3x are produced in Sendai, Japan. Whereas the other models like D40 to D300 are produced in Thailand. The high end models need to ensure high quality standards whilst not massively produced given theprice and demand for these. For their other models, the Thailand factory produce them in the bucket load since these serve the mass market.

For other brands, unsure but would expect the high end models to be produced in Japan to maintain quality standards and the premium price. Whilst the mass market models to be produce in other Asian countries to minimise production costsand maintain profit margins.

[ Last edited by  asia-play at 4-9-2009 14:51 ]

  exactly !

All Japanese manufacturers reserve their flagship models to be made in their home country !

Same thing with motorbikes actually , my mate's CBR1000RR has a VIN plate which says made in Japan , while the cheaper CBF500 is made in Brazil or Italy.

i'll admit that i am no expert or camera enthusiast.i  only own one sony digital camera
which at this stage in time (after 1.5 years + service) has decided to turn itself on/off
whetnever it fancies.

i heard that the premium "made in japan" models do promise durability. of course,
i expected premium prices as well but was quite surprised to hear that it was very possible
to pick up a high quality japanese made digital camera in some of the electronic or department
stores in japan for a better price than some of the mass produced cameras sold in other parts
of asia.

basically, my key consideration is mileage: i just want a camera that can produce decent
enough quality pictures and durability. is there a website that reviews and provides an
updated price list of digital cameras made in japan?

may very well research my options online and pass the cash to my mate who will be going
to tokyo soon to get it for me.

There is a general website for cameras dpreview.com which rates cameras. My advice, don't buy from Japan as you also have to pay 5% tax on any good purchased there. Also the menu and instructions will be in Japanese only. I had the same thinkingthat buying a camera would be cheaper in Japan but it's not much more expensive. Given that the Yen has strengthen against the US greenback, makes the prices evenmore expensive.

Best place to buy electronics is HK, especially cameras!!!

if anyone is interested,
here's a site with local price list of cameras/lens etc..

http://www.ygdragon.net/photo/cameraprice.htm

For those who cannot read chinese ... i use this site http://www.tincheungcamera.com.hk/ alot for reference.  This prices are more expensive than what you would get in a wing shing for example but it's good to browse for what you want at home before heading to the shops.