Hi Everyone!


samchia

New Member
Aug 29, 2010
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Hi everyone! I'm new to photography. hope can get some advice from you guys! :)

I was thinking of getting a dslr camera to start but i have no idea which brand and model i should consider. i would probably used it more for taking outdoor taking and skyline probably. Hope you guys can give me some advice. budget probably ard $1k. This coming weekend there is IT show was considering getting it during IT Show :D
 

Welcome to CS:)

Kindly do a search on 'What camera to get for a newbie' and 'Should i get a DSLR during IT shows'.You'll get LOTS of answers...
 

Welcome to CS..:)
 

Welcome to CS.

I encourage you to read more online, and join some newbie outings under the Outings subforum.

Good start here:

Camera basics
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309544

Composition
http://www.amateursnapper.com/photography/10-top-photography-composition-rules
http://digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-composition-tips

More topics covered here:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm
 

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.
 

Welcome to CS ^^

Photography is an expensive hobby so think twice about the items you are about to get. Research it first and make sure you know what you are getting before plunging your money into the items. ^^
 

Welcome to CS . . . :)

listen to the experts. the freebies are useless actually; i ended up buying another tripod, dry cabinets etc . . .
 

Welcome to CS . . . :)

listen to the experts. the freebies are useless actually; i ended up buying another tripod, dry cabinets etc . . .

Freebies Tripod are good to use to some extend if you wan to shoot portraits. You don't really need to spend extra to buy light stand if you are on budget.. can make use of ur free tripod to attach your external flash. :angel:
 

Freebies Tripod are good to use to some extend if you wan to shoot portraits. You don't really need to spend extra to buy light stand if you are on budget.. can make use of ur free tripod to attach your external flash. :angel:

But freebie tripods max height is usually less than 1.2m while a light stand can extend up to 2m...
 

But freebie tripods max height is usually less than 1.2m while a light stand can extend up to 2m...

depends ba.. Mine max height 1.65 +/- with the center column extend all the way.
depends on which tripod was given. even if its 1.2m if the person is sitting down or what. its still usable. depends on the situation.

But to me.. I prefer not to buy at IT Fair unless you want the freebies very much or on budget.. den get from IT fair to tong until got $$ to purchase other stuff..
 

Welcome to CS !

If you don't have a very clear camera model to buy, not advisable to go to the IT show and choose.

First of all, you will be easily pressurized to buy from the booth promoters, overwhelming you w/ tons of useless freebies and gimmicky camera functions.

Secondly, the price is not really attractive at the IT show and defective goods may be harder to return compared to fixed store fronts.
 

Hi
You may consider nikon D3000. Promotion with zoom 55mm -200mm+ extra battery. Try shops at Funan..... <$1100
 

hi, welcome to the club,

like what everyone is saying, don't bother with the IT show.. you can go there and squeeze with the crowd but thats about all you will get....


read up and like what dingaroo suggested.. get urself acquainted with the right stuff first..
 

Thank for all the advice people! I will consider properly before buying! :)
 

Freebies Tripod are good to use to some extend if you wan to shoot portraits. You don't really need to spend extra to buy light stand if you are on budget.. can make use of ur free tripod to attach your external flash. :angel:

But freebie tripods max height is usually less than 1.2m while a light stand can extend up to 2m...

depends ba.. Mine max height 1.65 +/- with the center column extend all the way.
depends on which tripod was given. even if its 1.2m if the person is sitting down or what. its still usable. depends on the situation.

But to me.. I prefer not to buy at IT Fair unless you want the freebies very much or on budget.. den get from IT fair to tong until got $$ to purchase other stuff..

I wouldn't trust such a tripod... imagine it topples over and smashes your $600-800 flash... :sweat::sweat::sweat:
 

I wouldn't trust such a tripod... imagine it topples over and smashes your $600-800 flash... :sweat::sweat::sweat:

hahha.. hmm.. i wun use it if very windy and if I'm planning to put an shoot through umbrella or reflector umbrella. But then again.. if got spare cash yes its still advisable to buy a light stand instead. It at least guarantee the weight and your flash and other stuff.. :angel: