It's a good question - there are so many "middle men" in Australia who make a lot of money for doing virtually nothing, just occupying a place along the supply pipeline. Result - inflated prices.

I'd be inclined to try Singapore or even the U.K. rather than the States - as far as I know cameras either record PAL or NTSC, not both - playback both maybe but not record.

I believe Sony do Worldwide warranties - may cost a little extra but worthwhile.

I'd be interested to hear how you go.

Be wary, if you have it 'shipped' you could end up paying import duty and local taxes.

Far better to have it brought into the country by a 'friend'

I've looked into this in depth and I regularly import stuff from the US, sometimes because it's a hell of a lot cheaper and othertimes because no one sells it here.
Firstly I know of no camera that'll record both NTSC or PAL period. In fact I don't even knwo fo wha that'll play both. In fact about the only piece of DV gear I know of that'll handle both is the DSR-11 VCR. So you have to make certain you're buying a PAL version.
On top of the US price you have to pay freight, factor in USD100 to 150 for something like a camera, make certain it's being shipped via a reputable carrier and it has insurance. Then you'll have to pay 10% GST, that's on top of the price of the camera plus freight.
Then you need to make 100% certain that you will truly get a warranty, don't trust what your told by the guys in the US, ask Sony here, if it all goes pear shaped consummer affairs here can't hlep you!
Then you need to make certain that you're buying what you think you're buying. If it's a NY camera dealer be afraid unless it's B&H. They oftenly sell the CAMERA for the advertised price, that doesn't include all the accessories that normally come with the camera, just basic things like the battery are left out.
Also factor in currency exchange fees, they can add another few percent. I'd suggest you steer clear of any internet dealer that will not accept Amex, even if you don't plan to use one to pay for the camera, the sharks don't like Amex becuase they take Internet fraud rather seriously.
If you want a good deal, I'd suggest globalmediapro.com, aussie dealers hate them but I know one guys whose bought through them with no dramas, they'll quote you a price on the day in AUD and freight as well. Even so all the above caveats still apply.

>>a Sony DCRVX2100 3-CCD costs $1,429.00US (RoyalCamera.com)...<<

farss touched on this but let me add...That is not a "real" price. Do a search here (or read all the complaints at one of the business rating sites) for Royal Camera and you'll find that you can ONLY buy a camera from them at their "great" price if you buy lots of other (usually cheap quality) stuff you don't need at ridiculously high prices. Do yourself a favor and always check the reviews on any company you buy from.
Randy

www.resellerratings.com

AFAIK all DV cameras PLAY both PAL and NTSC. Dont know of any that record in both formats.

Stay far away from Royal Camera and 99% of all New York City dealers.

John

PS Make that 99.999999999999%

Try contacting Tim Selander tim_selander@yahoo.com
I have purchased video equipment from him before. He works and lives in Japan and ships overseas. Very trustworthy.

John

If your friend in the US wants to buy it from a reputable dealer in the US and ship it to you. Here is a reputable dealer and a fair price for the camera:

Vann's.com

Hi Fixler,

I live in Singapore and use a PAL VX2000. If you need my help, do let me know. No catch whatsoever,assured.

james