Photographic Equipment: USA vs. Import

When it comes to photographic equipment, "Buy USA" does not translate to "boosting the American economy."  Most of the camera brands are foreign, and, the few that are American, may not even have their equipment assembled in the US.

As far as photographic equipment goes, "Import" (or "grey market" or "Japanese model") means that the seller got the equipment, not from an authorized US distributor, but from a foreign distributor.  The price is slightly less.  The equipment is essentially the same as the USA version, except the model name.  And the warranty work is handled by the foreign distributor.

So, is it "safe" or "worth it" to buy an Import version?  It depends on your comfort zone.  Just know that you trade off price with ease of repair for warranty work.

For me, I do buy import.  Most of my equipment don't usually break down during the first year, so the US warranty has never been used, even if I buy USA.  In fact, I have never filled out my warranty card!!