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by **Trieu** on Thu Mar 22, 2007 9:45 pm

Hi All

Just curious is all.. but with our aussie dollar on the rise, is now the best time to purchase camera gear?
Does the AUD value affect camera gear much?
The higher the AUD the cheaper the gear? Well.. to a certain point I suppose.

by **Oz_Beachside** on Thu Mar 22, 2007 9:59 pm

a very good question. And I'm sure there are some economists in here, but I'll share with you my theory...

The AUD is currently close to 80cents. Which is almost an alltime high. That means, that the purchasing power of the AUD is as good as it gets. This of course, assumes you can purchase in USD.

If you look at places like adorama, or BHPhoto, or Calumet, or e-bay, items in USD are now "effectively" cheaper.

For example, a US$100 item costs AU$143 if the AUD is 70c. Or AU$125 when the dollar is 80c.

So, yes, if you are purchasing in USD, items are much cheaper (if you are buying in from overseas).

On the flip side, if you are purchasing locally, the USD "savings" are usually absorbed in the short term by the store. This increases their margin favourably at the moment, or unfavourably when the dollar goes down. (companies purchase insurance against these fluctuations, called hedges, but thats for another day).

Bottom line, yes, if purchasing in USD, now is a great time to BUY!!! I know I am shopping

by **Yi-P** on Thu Mar 22, 2007 10:32 pm

I believe that Poon and Gary are updating the list frequently.

And yes, it should be relatively cheaper when you buy in foreign currencies, but take in mind of any transfer charges and not all places trade at 80c, some may trade at 77 or 78c so they can earn a bit from your transfers.

But if given foreign value and you just need to deposit AUD into a specified AUD account at the 'market' rate, then it is very good deal.

by **Trieu** on Thu Mar 22, 2007 10:34 pm

Thanks heaps Oz_Beachside/YiP, yup that clears it up.

by **gstark** on Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:23 am

And all proces were reduced here just a week or two ago, specifically as a result of the strength of the Pacific Peso. The rate at that time was just a nudge under US$0.80, so I'm not sure that I need to do a further adjustment at this time.

by **johnd** on Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:15 am

Oz_Beachside wrote:The AUD is currently close to 80cents. Which is almost an alltime high.

Well, not quite Bruce. Us older types remember when the humble ozzie $ would buy you about US $1.20, it might have been even more. But your right about the last 10 years or so, it's near an all time high. I'm waiting til the D2Xs is $3K then I'll pounce. :wink:

Cheers
John

by **sheepie** on Fri Mar 23, 2007 9:07 am

The other thing to keep in mind is the reason for the AUD/USD move. Is it because the AUD is considered a good offering, or is it more a slide in the USD compared to other currencies.

These days, there a lot of prices NOT quoted in USD.

My point is, if the price isn't in USD terms to start with, and the AUD isn't actually getting better against currencies other than USD, then there won't be any benefit to us.

Of course the terms 'better' or 'worse' depend entirely on the context you're currently talking in. If you're exporting gear atm, or for that matter competing against imports, you'll be hating the current situation!

by **Oz_Beachside** on Fri Mar 23, 2007 9:30 am

johnd wrote:
Oz_Beachside wrote:The AUD is currently close to 80cents. Which is almost an alltime high.

Well, not quite Bruce. Us older types remember when the humble ozzie $ would buy you about US $1.20, it might have been even more. But your right about the last 10 years or so, it's near an all time high. I'm waiting til the D2Xs is $3K then I'll pounce.
Cheers
John

Oh, um, I... ah, I forgot about when it was $1.20. :wink:

Agree, add my D2 to the order as well John...

by **Ivanerrol** on Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:58 pm

Oz_Beachside wrote:
johnd wrote:
Oz_Beachside wrote:The AUD is currently close to 80cents. Which is almost an alltime high.

Well, not quite Bruce. Us older types remember when the humble ozzie $ would buy you about US $1.20, it might have been even more. But your right about the last 10 years or so, it's near an all time high. I'm waiting til the D2Xs is $3K then I'll pounce.
Cheers
John

Oh, um, I... ah, I forgot about when it was $1.20.

Agree, add my D2 to the order as well John...

And in the U.K. in late 1973 early 1974 when petrol, Coal and electricity was rationed. The Oz was UKPound 1.35 :cry: