Checklist before buying a grey import
Cameras from Japan and grey imports can be great value, but a short Language menu is common. Five minutes in the menu before you pay can save you a lot of hassle later.
Count the languages before you pay
Open Menu → Setup → Language on a Canon, or the Language setting in the Setup menu on a Sony. A camera sold in Europe or the US lists 25 or more languages; one made for Japan often shows only Japanese and English. If the seller won’t switch the camera on for you, be careful.
Ask about the warranty card
Grey sellers don’t always say the camera was made for Japan. Ask for a photo of the warranty card, the label on the box and the Language screen. If you plan to resell, remember that buyers expect their own language in the menu — French, German or whatever it may be — not just English.
Video system ( vs )
If you shoot video, you need the right system for your country. Ask whether both and appear in the menu. If not, note the model and firmware — on supported models we can unlock both after a free check.
Already bought it?
Use “Is my camera supported?” on our site or send us the model and firmware version. The check is free, and you pay only if your camera is supported and the setup works.
Frequently asked questions
Should I avoid cameras from Japan altogether?+
No — just check the languages first, or allow for adding them on a supported model. Don’t assume every Canon or Sony has every language.
Can the seller add the languages for me?+
Usually not — official settings don’t offer it. On supported models you can add them yourself over USB with our help.
Does adding languages give me a local warranty?+
No. We only change the language menu settings. Warranty depends on the country, the seller and the manufacturer.
Related cameras
Related guides
Canon From Japan Only in English and Japanese? The Fix
Bought a Canon in Japan or from a grey importer, and Menu → Setup → Language shows only English and Japanese? Nothing is broken. The camera simply has firmware for the Japanese market. The same model sold in Europe or the US has many more languages — and on supported models we can add them over USB.
→Buying a Grey-Import Canon? Check the Menu Languages
A grey import saves money — until you open Menu → Setup → Language and find only English and Japanese. Here’s how to check before you buy, and what you can do if the camera is already yours.
→Firmware Checklist Before Adding Menu Languages
Whether we can add languages depends on the exact model and firmware version — “Canon G7 X” isn’t quite enough. Gather these few details before you write to us and we can confirm much faster.
→Tell us your camera model — we'll check for free whether we can add your language
We reply within 24 hours