Query for 60D owners

[ellie mac]

Hi all,

I've been considering upgrading my 400d (which I've had for 5 years) for a little while now, & as I've a birthday coming up now seems to be a good time to do it.

Although my ultimate aim would probably be a 5D, I feel this is some way off, and my current gear would be pretty limiting on that camera (most of my lenses are EF-S & I have no speedlight either) so I've pretty much decided on the 60D as the best intermediate option for me, with the idea of upgrading other gear over the next few years to eventually switch over to the 5D (or whatever is around by then)

Due to the strength of the Aus dollar at the moment & the relatively cheap purchase price in the US compared to here, I am looking at the option of buying from Adorama or B&H rather than from an Australian retailer. Even with the shipping cost I'm looking at saving around $250.

The only thing that concerns me about doing this is the warranty issue. So my question really is whether you have had any issues with your 60D that needed to be dealt with under warranty? Any Aussies that have had to deal with this issue?
I'm aware that some are having an issue with the grip peeling, but I'm assuming this would be a relatively low cost item if I had to have it repaired (does anyone actually know?)

Also if you upgraded from the 400d or similar are you happy with your choice or do you wish you'd gone for a different option?

Anyway, thanks if you managed to get through my rambling - would love to hear what people think.

[RichardTaylor]

I went from a 350D to a 40D a few years ago, and I am very happy with my decision.
To me a 60D is a logical upgrade, if you are not shooting sports or birds in flight etc.

Keep in mind if your total purchase price, shipping cost, and insurance is > $AU1000 you will be liable for 10% GST and customs duty of 5%

See this Australian gov't website for an example & more info.
When buying over the internet


I don't own a 60D.

[Woody]

Hello Elizabeth,

Another thing to keep in mind is what you miss out on for $250.

I bought a 450D from Harvey Norman a couple of years ago. List then was $1400. I ended up paying $1000 (after a lot of negotiating) I could have bought one os for around $800, so for $200 I received Australian warranty, Australian plugs, immediate delivery and a ten minute trip to air any grievances. I figured that it was worth buying locally, besides as an added bonus, I bought as I was flying to the US and got the GST back at the airport. So my total cost was $900.


Cheers,

John W

[ellie mac]

Hi guys,

Thanks for both your responses.

Richard, thanks for letting me know you feel the 60D is a good option to upgrade to. While I wouldn't say I'd never shoot sports or birds in flight if the opportunity presented it certainly wouldn't be a priority for me. I'm hoping the 60D will keep me happy for a few years while I upgrade other kit before ultimately going FF.

I was aware of the $1000 dollar issue, but thanks for pointing it out. A 60D body only is retailing at $999 US on adorama at the moment, so with the conversion rate & including shipping etc. it still came in at under $1000 AUS (how much would depend on the conversion rate used at the time)

Woody, not sure if by list price you mean RRP?, the best price I've been given locally is $1249 for the 60D body only - RRP is $1599 and I've been given prices from other retailers of around this figure, so I am already a fair way under that - not sure if my negotiating skills are up to getting it down any further. Most of the online grey market importers have it for around $1300 as well, so no benefit from buying from them at all. And sadly no overseas trip in the near future to assist with GST.

However on reflection & after discussion with my husband we have decided to see how we go in getting a decent price for one here. We can still decide to buy os if we aren't getting anywhere with the pricing - may have to throw that into the mix when discussing it in store.