D7000 does feature AF motor. By the way I am a user of Sony alpha. If you are on tight budget, do consider Sony system as all models have AF motors, buitl-in image stabilization, and built-in remote flash triggering meter. It means that all Sony cameras can AF, stabilises image and trigger off-cam flashes BY THE BODY ALONE. In this case, you will save a hell lot money. Of course, Sony system itself is still very good, capable and complete (And their lenses are actually cheaper yet excellent). I recommend it by its strength, not because of budget concern only.

If you prefer to stick with Nikon, it's nothing wrong also. I will try to recommend on both systems based on my experience.

As I mentioned before, a good zoom lens is critical due to its convenience. In wedding, large aperture zoom will be much favourable due to the bokeh most people go for. Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 is the best choice for Nikon and Sony 16-50mm f2.8 SSM will be for Sony (Check the price of both these lenses, you will understand why I say Sony's cheaper). The 2nd zoom will be a Ultra-Wide Angle lens for group shot. I strongly recommend Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 for both systems, due to the excellent sharpness and f2.8. It's cheaper than most of both original variants too (sharper too). Tokina 11-16mm is about RM1800~2100. If you're looking for a cheaper variants, go for (Most expensive ->cheapest) Sigma 8-16mm (nearly same price with Tokina 1116 but wider), Sigma 10-20mm f3.5, Sigma 10-20 f3.5-4.5, Tamron 10-24mm. I personally don't really recommend Nikon's & Sony's because of them being overpriced.

Afther zooms lenses, few prime lenses are must have. 50mm f1.8 (Both Sony & Nikon, priced RM600~700 and RM800~800 respectively). A 50mm will cover most of the needs that a prime lens need. If you don't mind changing lens so often and are more experienced in doing that, go for 35mm+85mm combo, and you will have most needs even more covered.

After lenses, here comes the flash. External flash with bouncing ability is a MUST (literally) in wedding photography. Don't expect ambient light to expose all your photos evenly. If you are tight in budget, invest in 1 flash and it must be the flagship. SB910 (SB900 for cheaper option) for Nikon and HVL-F60M (HVL-F58AM for cheaper option) for Sony are the ones you should look for. If you really don't have such budget, SB700/SB800 for Nikon and HVL-F43AM for Sony will also do. After the 1st flash, I STRONGLY recommend you to get extra flashes which are CHEAP BUT WITH SLAVE FUNCTION. Nissin and Yongnuo flashes will be fine. I have very good experience with Yongnuo YN460 so I belive YN560 III will be good choice also. Buy few of them, like 3 flashes to 5 flashes depending on your skills. You can then learn multi off-camera flash technique (This is also why I recommend Sony because of its built-in flash radio and the design known as "Cobra design") which will add magic in your images. Of course, you can slowly invest them step by step.

After a lengthy post, I would like to conclude that, invest slowly. You can start off with 1 cam + 1 Zoom (Go for 17-55mm f2.8/16-50mm f2.8 because of its all-in-one-ness) + 1 Flash, then slowly add in few primes and flashes. Prepare more batteries and you are good to go.

Well, you can consider below:

Fujifilm XF1
Nikon Coolpix P330
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1

The Panasonic cost around RM1300++, but it has electronic viewfinder and longest optic zoom at 7.1x. All of them are competitor of S110, good at low light shooting, and provide manual control.

Search for their review online and decide for yourself.

Lowyat might be a good place to look for camera.

This post has been edited by Kosumaledoko: Sep 27 2013, 10:01 AM

I have Lumix GF2 and PEN EP3 on hand, cannot decide which one to keep.

any advice?

The thing is, do you know what you really want from your camera? It's important to be clear with your photography needs before making any decision on investing gear, especially an ecosystem. Sorry for being straightforward, but I believe you actually know what you really want.

GF2's main selling point is the user-friendliness with the introduction of touchscreen and design targeted at girls. While EP3 and most of EP (not EPL and EPM) are mainly designed to provide more external control, featuring more buttons and direct access to many of the functions, thus making it more suitable for experience users or people who are promptly practising towards skills.

In short, keep GF2 if you just take photos of your daily life and don't really want to think too much about settings and configurations, so you can focus on composition. If you want to explore more into manual shooting and have good understanding of photography, I would suggest you to keep the EP3.

Actually i just bought both units together (used items) last month. Saw good deal then straight contact seller.
GF2 to me it's smaller to carry everyday in pocket (lumix pancake lens), but I've decided pass it to little sister use.
I'm keeping the EP3 yeah! and thanks

I see. Yeah, EP3 seems to be a wiser choice.

Wow, I'm very grateful for your reply cause I didn't expect such an insightful post, seriously! Thanks a lot Ryou! Will have to digest this for a bit and decide. I still have some further saving to do before getting a camera. The reason I'm mainly considering a Nikon is because I already own a Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens (using it with my m43 with an adapter). Thanks a bunch for the tips!

thanks for d info. i'll look into d model

I see. D7000 has been very cheap nowadays. And you will need at least D7000 to drive your 50mm f1.8 (if it's the older version) AF. But Nikon lenses are much expensive. Try consider 3rd party lenses too. They are improving.

Type of camera/lens/accesories : DSLR
Budget: around 2k
Your Location: P.J
Preferable brand : any
Type of photography u want to do : fast shutter for kid active movement
Any specific models in mind? : E100D, D3200
Any specific features u want? : any

Please advice

Thanks

Why so many new camera come out in a short time?
Last time i want to buy sx200 then 220 out, then 240 out. Price still so high, but old model dont feel worth it if compare to new model.

should i buy new camera straight or wait for price to drop?

Type of camera/lens/accesories : DC/DSLR
Budget : Less than 1.5k
Your Location : Penang
Preferable brand : Either
Type of photography u want to do : Indoors, infants,
Any specific models in mind? : None
Any specific features u want? :
Android OS? (With or without not an issue)
Main purpose, snap some baby photos, transfer (wireless) to phone for whatsapp/FB.

hi there, i would like to ask, sony rx100 is RM 1699 at a sony official stores, it is worth it? or are there a cheaper price shop? thx for answering~

and, sony nex-3n vs sony rx100, who would win in an overall fight? im a newbie btw in photography hobby section , i am looking to travel, want to take photos for memories, would be nice to have a good video recording too

1st, RM1699 is very much worth it.

2nd, I would say NEX-3N and RX100 are not comparable. Both are differently targeted models. RX100 is light and has f1.8 large aperture and it was meant to compete with LX7, XZ-2, S110 etc. NEX-3N coming with interchangeable lens and APS-C sensor, is an entry level mirrorless camera that's are meant to compete with other mirrorless like GF6 and E-PL5.

If you don't really want to explore too much into photography and will just want to take nice photos. The RX100 is more advisable since the Carl Zeiss lens on it is actually much more better than the kit lens bundled with NEX. The size of RX100 makes it a more pocketable camera too. If you are getting serious into photography and will prefer to learn more in the future, then NEX-3N suits you as you can always upgrade lenses in the future.

you are the best Ryou! thx for the tips, will come back and ask something later, ur the best!

Type of camera/lens/accesories : DSLR Camera
Budget: RM2.5k
Your Location: KL / Selangor
Preferable brand : Canon / Nikon
Type of photography u want to do : Landscape, scenery
Any specific models in mind? : Canon 700D / Nikon D5200
Any specific features u want? : Just looking for a DSLR suitable for beginner, looking to last me for about 2-3 years...

After googling it seems there are few more options, Nex 5T and Eos M.

Which one advisable?

Hi. Sony Nex-3NL vs Nex-F3K. Which one should i get ya?

Type of camera/lens/accesories : compact
Budget: around <1.5k
Your Location: Seremban, KL, Johor
Preferable brand : Canon
Type of photography u want to do : candid, random, scenery, life
Any specific models in mind? : S110, G12
Any specific features u want? : nope?

Please advise pros n cons on both cameras mentioned.is it worth the price for the functions?

Thanks in advance!

Type of camera/lens/accesories : entry level of DSLR or Semi? (no sure which)
Budget : RM1500 & RM2500
Your Location : Ipoh, Perak (does this matter?)
Preferable brand : Any brand
Type of photography u want to do : Landscape and Portrait

I wanted to start invest on playing snaping good photo but I have totally zero knowledge on this field. Because I saw people carry big camera and snap like pro and produce so great photo(people or landscape) and makes me feel like wanted to be like them.

So where should I start from? I need advice.