What camera to buy?

ck71 · 25th January 2005

Hi all, I am new here, recently became interested in photography, want to know what camera should a beginner like me buy? since I barely know anything about photography (going to a basic SLR course this thur on SAFRA), I think I should just get a 2nd hand one, right? would appreciate any advices.

kegler · 25th January 2005

since u r going for the slr course...i pressume u r thinking of either slr or Dslr?
Get a 2nd hand is a good idea...but get someone familiar to checkout the camera for u....

Astin · 25th January 2005

If u are going for SLR course, then yr choice is either a film SLR or a digital SLR.
For digital SLR, the most popular models are currently Nikon D70 and Canon 20D.
For film SLR, some popular models are Nikon F80 and Canon EOS300V.

Maybe u will ask where to buy, most popular shops are Cathay Photo, Alan Photo and John 3:16, all near Funan area.

plinius · 25th January 2005

not forgetting Canon 300D if u have limited $.....

Originally Posted by Astin

If u are going for SLR course, then yr choice is either a film SLR or a digital SLR.
For digital SLR, the most popular models are currently Nikon D70 and Canon 20D.
For film SLR, some popular models are Nikon F80 and Canon EOS300V.

Maybe u will ask where to buy, most popular shops are Cathay Photo, Alan Photo and John 3:16, all near Funan area.

Adam Goi · 25th January 2005

Budget?

tommon · 25th January 2005

I think the most important factor is how serious R U? I suggest U borrow a camera just for the course then decide after you are done? A camera is not a cheap investment and therefore U do NOT want to regret it after buying one and find that it will not suit your purpose.

ck71 · 25th January 2005

Originally Posted by Astin

Maybe u will ask where to buy, most popular shops are Cathay Photo, Alan Photo and John 3:16, all near Funan area.

Do of these shops sell 2nd ones. My budget is anything below 2k

Originally Posted by tommon

I think the most important factor is how serious R U? I suggest U borrow a camera just for the course then decide after you are done? A camera is not a cheap investment and therefore U do NOT want to regret it after buying one and find that it will not suit your purpose.

thanks for the advice, I am pretty serious about it

Astin · 25th January 2005

With 2k u can buy new ones already, no need to worry abt 2nd hand ones.

rayz · 25th January 2005

You should be able to find one 2nd hand 300D with kit lens here...

I must warn you... once you get the camera, you will not just stop here...

There will be lens to buy, flashes to purchase, so on and so fro...

rayz · 25th January 2005

Originally Posted by Astin

With 2k u can buy new ones already, no need to worry abt 2nd hand ones.

Ya... I oso agree...

either a new Canon 300D or Nikon D70...

ck71 · 25th January 2005

Originally Posted by Astin

With 2k u can buy new ones already, no need to worry abt 2nd hand ones.

2k is my max, of course the cheaper the better, that's y wanna get 2nd hand. I figure once I "master" the skill, I would want sumthing more sophisticated, so I don't want to spend too much on my 1st camera

tommon · 25th January 2005

Try getting a Fuji S1 pro or S2Pro. most comes with a standard zoom. but even those DZLR are very good. I have a student who uses an old Olympus E10

ck71 · 25th January 2005

thks for all the info, will go check out all the abovementioned brands & models.

plinius · 25th January 2005

be warned that 2k is just enuf to get u started, the investment later will pile up...besides the camera + kit lens, you would need to get memory cards, xtra batt, tripod + head, camera bags, more lenses etc etc etc.....

Originally Posted by ck71

2k is my max, of course the cheaper the better, that's y wanna get 2nd hand. I figure once I "master" the skill, I would want sumthing more sophisticated, so I don't want to spend too much on my 1st camera

eason · 25th January 2005

If you are really interested.....go ahead to buy Digital SLR for example Nikon D70....Photography is an expensive hobby,but it worth!!!!

Or u can just borrow a camera from friend,familiar with the basic operation function and shoot some photos and then decide which camera to buy.....Pratical shooting is very important!!Shoot more,gain more....On the other hand,basic theory is the fundamental thing to have also.You will realize and gain more understanding by shooting the real photo!!Good Luck!!

Winston · 25th January 2005

Originally Posted by ck71

Hi all, I am new here, recently became interested in photography, want to know what camera should a beginner like me buy? since I barely know anything about photography (going to a basic SLR course this thur on SAFRA), I think I should just get a 2nd hand one, right? would appreciate any advices.

Since your budget is 2k

1) Get D70 + kit lens (18-70)
2) get a fast CF (at least 1Gb)

Thats enough for now

Dont get too much stuff at the start until u know what u like to shoot.
If you like landscapes a lot, you wont need the external flash that early, instead u need a tripod.
Slowly build up ur equipments. instead of getting all in the 1st month.

Xpose · 25th January 2005

if 2k is my budget and I am a beginner, i would rather get a 2nd hand camera, spend the rest of the money on some necesscities like maybe lens, flash, and a tripod.

Winston · 25th January 2005

Originally Posted by Xpose

if 2k is my budget and I am a beginner, i would rather get a 2nd hand camera, spend the rest of the money on some necesscities like maybe lens, flash, and a tripod.

As a beginner, I wont get a 2nd hand DSLR.
Since w/o knowing how to inspect and check for flaws, CCD dirt..etc
I might get one that has problems or has a very high shutter count..etc
(unless you know someone who go along with u to check out the camera)

Lenses, Flashes and tripod are not "necessity"
They are accessories.
You can buy them later.
Necessity are Battery and Digital Film, CF. w/o you cant even take a shot.

The Amt of $$ u save from a 2nd hand DSLR, cant compensate the 12mths of warranty and Free CCD cleaning, a brand new Shutter and a sound peace of mind.

In fact I would rather risk buying 2nd hand flashes and tripods and camera bags, since they are less likely to fail and cheaper.

XXX Boy · 26th January 2005

Why not get one of this :-

Its optics will beat the hell out of many SLR lenses!!!

dkw · 26th January 2005

Originally Posted by XXX Boy

Why not get one of this :-

Its optics will beat the hell out of many SLR lenses!!!

'Coz lens optics ain't the only thing that matters in photography

25th January 2005	#1
ck71 New Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: AMK Posts: 18	What camera to buy? Hi all, I am new here, recently became interested in photography, want to know what camera should a beginner like me buy? since I barely know anything about photography (going to a basic SLR course this thur on SAFRA), I think I should just get a 2nd hand one, right? would appreciate any advices.

25th January 2005	#9
rayz Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: North Posts: 291	You should be able to find one 2nd hand 300D with kit lens here... I must warn you... once you get the camera, you will not just stop here... There will be lens to buy, flashes to purchase, so on and so fro... __________________ photoblog

25th January 2005	#2
kegler Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,306	since u r going for the slr course...i pressume u r thinking of either slr or Dslr? Get a 2nd hand is a good idea...but get someone familiar to checkout the camera for u....

25th January 2005	#3
Astin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Astin Studio Posts: 4,724	If u are going for SLR course, then yr choice is either a film SLR or a digital SLR. For digital SLR, the most popular models are currently Nikon D70 and Canon 20D. For film SLR, some popular models are Nikon F80 and Canon EOS300V. Maybe u will ask where to buy, most popular shops are Cathay Photo, Alan Photo and John 3:16, all near Funan area.

25th January 2005	#5
Adam Goi ClubSNAP Idol Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Jalan Suka Posts: 5,321	Budget?

25th January 2005	#6
tommon Deregistered Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Currently, Singapore but hope Posts: 729	I think the most important factor is how serious R U? I suggest U borrow a camera just for the course then decide after you are done? A camera is not a cheap investment and therefore U do NOT want to regret it after buying one and find that it will not suit your purpose.

25th January 2005	#15
eason Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 192	If you are really interested.....go ahead to buy Digital SLR for example Nikon D70....Photography is an expensive hobby,but it worth!!!! Or u can just borrow a camera from friend,familiar with the basic operation function and shoot some photos and then decide which camera to buy.....Pratical shooting is very important!!Shoot more,gain more....On the other hand,basic theory is the fundamental thing to have also.You will realize and gain more understanding by shooting the real photo!!Good Luck!!

25th January 2005	#17
Xpose Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 259	if 2k is my budget and I am a beginner, i would rather get a 2nd hand camera, spend the rest of the money on some necesscities like maybe lens, flash, and a tripod.

26th January 2005	#19
XXX Boy Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: GEYLAND LOR 15 LO Posts: 1,104	Why not get one of this :- Its optics will beat the hell out of many SLR lenses!!!