Hi Sam,
Do a search on the forums, as recommended by member Cleonbus has recommended.
Browse through all the threads in the Newbies forum. You would have found out by yourself that we DON'T recommend you buying from such expositions, UNLESS you are desperate enough.
Why?
Because they are selling it at RRP (Recommended Retail Price). Also, the freebies might be considered liabilities! One example of that, is the free tripod given. Don't trust a $10 thingie to support your expensive investment.
Also, you can get lower prices at the shops. We don't recommend any shop, but we STRONGLY ADVISE you to AVOID places like SIM LIM SQUARE, LUCKY PLAZA. (Cavaet, you can try Orient Photo @ Sim Lim Square, Level 6).
Do your research thoroughly. Understand the various components you need. BUYING A CAMERA IS NOT LIKE BUYING CHAR KWAY TEOW. Whatever the sales person recommend you, may not be good for you. You might end up buying a useless and worthless artifact after that.
What camera?
So many out there! From level entry to mid-level pro to fully professional gear. Of course, without knowing your budget, we could have recommended you the very best, but your piggy bank can only afford to cough out something for entry level. Again, on this, do your research.
Also, like buying underwear, buying a camera is a personal issue. I like g-string, but I don't know about you. As such, comfort and ergonomics of the camera is just as important. You don't want to get cramps in your fingers after shooting a whole day because the grip is not appropriate for your palms. As such, go out to the shops to try out the various cameras available. Do NOT buy it on the basis that their marketing dollars is stronger. Buy it on the basis of your budget, camera's features. All cameras are the same, they can take good pictures. Remember that.
There are so many brands.
- Canon
- Nikon
- Sony
- Pentax
- Samsung
Take your pick!
What lenses?
Since you don't know what camera, just get an entry level first with a kit lens. This way, you get to learn what like to shoot, and can identify what next lens you could upgrade to.
But above all, upgrade your knowledge on PHOTOGRAPHY. Learn what is light and how it affects your picture. If you are not the book-reading type, go sign up for courses. Even CCs and SAFRA have got courses for such.
What Accessories?
Photography is a bottomless hobby. Many members can attest to it. As such you have to make sure you buy the right accessories right from the start. What are they?
- Dry Box/Cabinet
- Filters
- Bag
- Memory Cards
- Batteries
- Flash gun
- Cleaning Kit
- Tripod
- etc
HTH.
Cheers!
PS: This is not to prevent you from buying your camera, but to help you align your goals correctly with photography. We don't want you buying a white elephant which you will abuse by not using at all.