I was in Japan late last year and purchased a 100-400 mm Mk2 lens. Not sure if directly applicable since you're are looking to purchase DSLR, but think the $ saved would likely be similar.
As I recall, saved approx. 350 US$, as compared with Amazon, BH, Adorama.
I purchased from MAP camera in city of Shinjuku, additional comments:
-- there are a number of other camera shops in Japan (e.g. BIC, Yodobashi, etc.) I got the names from a link called "the complete Tokyo camera shopping guide" on the web. I physically went to a number of them and checked for prices against Amazon with my cell phone, many were MORE expensive than Amazon (!!), MAP Camera was cheaper than all of the others and also cheaper than Amazon
-- one thing to check is the actual exchange rate when you purchase, they told me an exchange rate that I would see on my VISA card when I returned home, the amount they quoted was better than when I looked at exchange rate I saw on the internet at time of purchase. When I DID return home, the exchange rate they quoted was incorrect, the one on the web at the time of purchase was closer to what I saw on my VISA bill. Still good savings, but not as much as I had expected. Use actual exchange rate on internet at time of purchase to estimate actual savings (e.g. don't believe sales person in this regard)
-- warranty only good in Japan. So I was taking a chance that would have no problems when returned to USA. So far, so good, but it IS a bit of a gamble in that regard.
-- when showed my Passport (make sure bring it with you to the store), they filled out a "duty free" form for me to pass through Japanese customs without incident. Nice to not have the additional approx. 8% sales tax that I WOULD have had if purchased in USA. And the "duty free" means NO Japanese tax.
-- read a lot on internet about taxes or duties upon return to USA and going through INCOMING customs in USA. It was a bit confusing, wasn't sure if I would need to whip out my VISA to pay some type of tax/fee at customs. I did declare on the customs form my purchases and the amount, the officer at customs just looked at it, and told me to go on through, no additional $ at incoming customs. Not sure what your experience will be in Canada, maybe do some checking to see what you can find out ?
-- found about about "CanonPriceWatch" AFTER the purchase. Seems like later on saw some deals "from authorized dealers" (e.g. NOT gray market) that were approaching the price I got in Japan. If did all over again, might consider that path instead. Maybe check out "CanonPriceWatch" "street prices" to compare with Amazon or prices in Canada.
Good luck ! And, by the way, Shinjuku has a lot of OTHER shops, things to purchase there, a shopper's paradise !
