Compact dSLR Camera

[Chezko]

Your recommendation much appreciated on a dSLR Cam.

While review on the websites are in abundance but have anyone any experience with Canon Powershot SX200IS, Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS3, or Sony DSC-H20? Where's the best place to get a good deal for cam?

Please share your view.
Much appreciated.

[nakatago]

Those aren't really DSLR's but I see what you mean; they're "pro-sumer" point and shoots.

Personally, I find the Peninsula-Funan area with the most number of good-reputation stores in the smallest area. I'd avoid Lucky Plaza like the plague; thought there is one shop that may be ok but I haven't tried.

Just on the top of my head you have:

* Cathay Photo in Peninsula

In Funan alone, you have

* John 3:16
* Alan Photo
* SLR Revolution

And since you're gunning for prosumer cameras and you'll be in Funan already might as well drop by

* Harvey Norman
* Challenger
* Courts
* Song Brothers

Since you seem like you already did your research, you can now interview sales people from these stores and get even more info while ignoring sales pitch BS and negotiate for better deals.

You can also google Club Snap so you can get even more information from the regulars there.

[Chezko]

Whoa! Thanks for that long list of stores!!

You are right, I'm definitely not keen to listen to all the BS from those sales guys, cant really blame 'em poor guys desperately trying to earn some commission but I've been down the interview-the-sales-guy route - hell! they either left me more confused than before I stepped into their shops or they'll push me more costly gadgets that I want but cant afford!!

I would still welcome views from those who own or used one of these "aim & fire" toys.

[nakatago]

Whoa! Thanks for that long list of stores!!

You are right, I'm definitely not keen to listen to all the BS from those sales guys, cant really blame 'em poor guys desperately trying to earn some commission but I've been down the interview-the-sales-guy route - hell! they either left me more confused than before I stepped into their shops or they'll push me more costly gadgets that I want but cant afford!!

I would still welcome views from those who own or used one of these "aim & fire" toys.

I own a Canon Powershot S3-IS. I don't use it now since I outgrew it and bought an SLR but I'm gonna give it to my sister so she can learn photography concepts and transition to SLR's eventually when she knows what to look for that will meet her style's needs. It's SX200's ancestor. Though old, I think the basics are the same. This class of prosumer cameras are the best you can get without getting an SLR, IMHO. The differences from an SLR are:

* no interchangeable lens (though adapters are available e.g. widescreen)--you're stuck with what's attached to the camera
* performance--in good lighting (e.g. broad daylight or with a flash), you can get pretty good shots that can be at par with those taken with SLRs
* accessibility of settings--SLR's tend to have settings more accessible, allowing quicker adjustments than when using prosumer cameras
* size--these things, are obviously much, much smaller. Though the Nikon D40, D60, D5000 and D3000 are the smallest SLR's to date

Also, I used to work R&D for Canon so I can vouch for the quality of the computer inside the camera.

For your reference, http://www.digital-slr-guide.com. Most concepts still apply.

[D_Mika]

Well I personally agree with nakatago.. Funan is the first shopping mall that comes to my mind when i do some Electronic Equip search.. The People in retail shops are friendly and most of the time value for money.
I'm Using a D40 Nikon.. But Gotta Admit this is a expensive hobby and more you get into it the more you realize What sort of a camera you really should look into..
IF you need any clarification on any models.. this is the best place to check out, It's a Wikipedia for Cameras

http://www.dpreview.com/

[Strong Eagle]

I think dSLR's are about to go the way of the dinosaur. Better electronic viewfinders and live view means that the bulky mirror set up is becoming more useless by the day. Already there are 4/3 cameras on the market (look at Lumix) that are compact and have pretty good frame sizes. 'C' size non SLR cameras are on the way.

Can't see the point of the mirror in a digital camera when the electronic viewfinder accurately reflects reality... after all, it too, looks through the lens.

[D_Mika]

Well True enough, But we gotta agree that there are constrains in point and shoot camera's ..

[nakatago]

Then, we'll enjoy what we have the most we can. When they go extinct, we'll just sigh and say, "Ah, those were the good, ole days."

Personally, I don't get so hung-up with what I have if I see something better, unlike some people do (can you say RIAA/MPAA)? Hey, if it's a good idea, why not accept it?

[D_Mika]

Well it wasn't very clear to me what you mean.. But my point was Not Getting the most expensive camera or Compare my preferability with others.. We both have our own camera's And We are fully aware of what we can do and don't..Bottom line we are satisfied with it.

But Chezko

Your recommendation much appreciated on a dSLR Cam.

So What i was Trying to say was Why not buy a better camera If you can afford it, rather than Just Buying a brand Name for the sake of having a camera.. I rest My Case

[nakatago]

My bad. That post was a reply to Strong Eagle.

[Deetz]

Hey I was just looking for Cameras today at Sim Lim after my camera went missing Saturday night

I had such terrible service there when I went in armed with quotes from Amazon.com. I'm looking at the Canon Powershot SX200 or the already mentioned Lumix ZS3 (One guy told me in Singapore it's the LX3... err no it's definitely not I see now that I'm home)

With the SX200 I see them selling for around $280 USD which is $388 SGD and guys in Sim Lim wanted $550ish but would go down as low as $500 but that's it.

If I don't mind waiting is customs a big hassle here ordering from the USA or wherever?

I'll definitely check out Funam. Seriously the sales guys at Sim Lim were so weird and pissed off it was odd.

[x9200]

I'll definitely check out Funam. Seriously the sales guys at Sim Lim were so weird and pissed off it was odd.

You have to know the places. In SLS there are only 2 so called reputable stores selling cameras and related stuff. There are 2 at Funan. PM me or do your search on this forum:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/

[Deetz]

Hey thanks X9200, yeah I think we wound up in one of the reputable stores in the end. I see that there's not GST or duty on anything under $400 SGD so I still might go that route but I will scour ClubSNAP.

Also by reputable stores that mean a good price, or just good service and honest sales staff? As for now I'm a cheap bastard and am just chasing bang for the buck.

[x9200]

Hey thanks X9200, yeah I think we wound up in one of the reputable stores in the end. I see that there's not GST or duty on anything under $400 SGD so I still might go that route but I will scour ClubSNAP.

Also by reputable stores that mean a good price, or just good service and honest sales staff? As for now I'm a cheap bastard and am just chasing bang for the buck.

Mostly the later but with the fair price. It use to mean you could get there and blindly buy what you wanted to without checking the prices before. Sadly, not everywhere any-longer. Still unlikely they will try dirty tricks on you like selling the camera cheap with 4x overpriced accessories.They are not necessary the cheapest but with reasonably good price: much cheaper as compared to places like Courts or Harvey-Norman though. Say, Courts price 650, the cheapest to find 520, "the reputables" 530-580.

[x9200]

Deetz, having a 2nd though I think I gave you a wrong answer. What I wrote still holds but the point is you should not estimate local price based on overseas prices (like from Amazon). Use only the prices in local chain stores or local online shops (bargaincity, gaincity jbronline) for your estimation. I briefly checked SX200 and 500-550 seems to be the right price. There are goods that are up to 4x more expensive in here than abroad and there is nothing you can do about.