Gear isn't a determining point whether you're a pro at photography or a total newb. It does though, improve your outlook - some people will feel 'Whoa, this guy has a damned big lens and a big body, must be a seriously rich and pro person...' when they see someone lugging a 1DsMkIII around with a long L lens, but think 'Oh, another of those normal people we see everyday' when they see a person holding a prosumer/PnS.

I met with an uncle last trip though - he used a Nikon Coolpix P6000 (yes a very good prosumer too but it can't compare to the LX3's superior IQ) and I can say, in the midst of me and another tour member (a 50D user) he looks kinda... out.

Conclusion: it alters your image, whether people look up to you as a pro photographer (so called, some people have the gears but don't have the skill) or an average tourist. The final image captured and the wow factor in the image doesn't depend on the gears you use though. People can do very good with PnS but newbs can't even do better than a cameraphone with a DSLR.

Oh, and I like to watch some tourists act cool with their prosumers. Just act natural lah. Nothing beats natural.

This post has been edited by TheWandererX: Feb 9 2009, 05:35 PM

Yup, thy're going to increase, due to the appreciation of Japanese yen, everything made in Japan has to go up, up and up.

Nikon D40's specs is generally on par with Sony A100/A200, and below the entry-level range (A250, A350, Canon 1000D, Nikon D60) as these in brackets have superior capabilities compared to it.

Hmm, I'd recommend the Panasonic Lumix LX-3, previously I've quoted another member this model too, and you won't regret it - it has really superb IQ compared to the other gladiators.

Here, a review.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmclx3/

Anyway, it might be above your budget by a bit but fork out the extra - you will thank me for it.

Good luck scoring your deal.

Big-assed cameras are much better - they give you more control, has the ability to produce bokeh, can do fps shooting, action panning, panned shots look stunning, and they let you zoom really faraway. (with the telephoto lenses of course)

It's not quite of an expense. It's just paranoia.

If you are weighed on the prosumer, go for it. What you won't regret is following what your heart tells you, not your mind.

I'd recommend the f100fd. ISO 32000 and superior IQ makes it a win-win.

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Added on February 9, 2009, 9:19 pmI'd recommend the LX-3 if you can bump your budget up, but since you can't, you can settle with the cheaper but good for its price range Fujifilm f100fd, or the FX150 (you need to bump up your budget too). The Canon IXUS 85 is a good choice too.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-came...l-IXUS-85-IS/p1

Here, have a look.

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3440

These two reviews are quite reliable and you should be able to make up your mind.

This post has been edited by TheWandererX: Feb 9 2009, 09:19 PM

Canon IXUS 85 is around RM1000-1100. Fuji is around there. FX150 RM1400 +-.

Hey bro, I scouted your topic - didn't see you selling any Canon's or Fuji's? though your thread topic said so...

Anyway, thanks for helping out man, I ain't informed about these PnS prices

Should - unless you can find a cheaper body + lens combo. In my opinion, bargain it down a bit more (if it's used of course) or if it is new go for it.

I personally would go for the D90 over the D80 as it's newer and while I'm not sure of the details I do know that there are some significant improvments over the 80, one being HD video recording.

No probs man, good luck scoring your deal.

It depends on you - which one appeals more to you. Both are equally good for their price range, and I can say I'd have a hard time choosing too if I were you, but I'm sure you can make the choice yourself.

I read a review and it said that the Canon performs better than the Fuji in terms of sharpness - which means that's a score for the Canon.

Google 'canon ixus 85 is fujifilm f100fd comparison' and look for a site listing from camera.co.uk.

Anyway since you're already used to Canons then go for it.

It sure will.

I learnt this from forumers' advice that you should never go for Sony point and shoot cameras.

Both are equal - it is entirely up to you to go the Nikon way or the Canon way.

Agreed - if you can why not try out the G10 or the Nikon p6000?

I'd recommend you to buy the D60 and keep the extra money for upgrading later on. If you will consider Canon the EOS 1000D would do you good too.

The Canon IXUS 85 IS will suit your needs.

WB can be adjusted. Every camera can do that. It will be the same on a D60 too if you do not know how to meddle around.

Anyway the 1000D is a good choice, but since you're weighed onto Nikon side (D90) then you can get the D60 so later on you can choose to upgrade the body only.

Depends on the user. If the user's a pro he can make amazing shots out of a PnS. If you compare both users with an identical skill though, IQ of entry-level DSLRs are still way over the LX3's IQ. DSLRs are popular because of the superior quality of the camera sensor. If not, no one will want to buy an entry-level DSLR.

Yes, will be in the market for a while until it gets obsolete.

It isn't that old of a model anyway, still will be in production.

It is a good choice if you want it.

Anyway, my advice for you is to make up your mind instead of dwelling on 'which one should I choose...' as the time taken to make up your mind can be used to learn instead

Yup, Sony DSLRs can only take Sony Alpha/KM lenses.

Entirely up to you - camera prices don't fluctuate much unless there is a new model for that category of camera released.

Canon 1000D, sell off kit lens, bump up budget a bit more and get the 18-200mm (if you're looking for an all-rounder lens)

If not, please, state what you're going to use the camera for mostly.

I'd recommend the Canon EOS 1000D/Nikon D60 over these two models, because Sony isn't THAT popular and established in Malaysia yet, while Pentax... is totally unpopular, I have never encountered a shop selling it before. Correct me if I'm wrong, but IMHO settling for a well-known brand would be advisable.

400D is outdated. 450D is a minor upgrade over the 1000D and if you don't need these minor differences settle for the 1000D. What's more is that you get to save RM750+- from buying the 1000D which can be used to fund for a flash/lens

I'd recommend you to start off with a Canon EOS-1000D or a Nikon D60 first. Both are equal in terms of specs, lenses, etc. You'll be well off with either.

As mentioned in previous reply, 450D is a minor upgrade over the 1000D so if you can live without these minor differences go for the 1000D and you can save around RM750+-.

I'm not really informed about the PnS category but I've heard some good reviews of the Samsung and Olympus, so why not you all try this two models out and see which one you like most?

Ok, let's see.

1000D kit: RM2k. (with accessories, etcetc)
Sell off kit lens: RM450 (because new, but no box makes price lower)
Up to here: RM1.55k

Find 18-200 taken out from 50D kit: RM1.5k - RM2k

Total spending: RM3k-RM3.5k

I'm suggesting this because he might want an all-rounder lens. Also, don't forget Sigma 18-200/Tamron 18-200, both around RM1k (used) or RM1.5k (new)

2 AF points can be a big deal to you, or it won't be a big deal to you.

It all depends on the person behind the camera. Even the proest of pros can use a PnS, so for us learners, I'd settle with 7AF first, later on upgrade to a 40/50D don't say my name if you do get poisoned

Why do you want to go for the Tamron when the Canon 55-250 is so low priced?

It all depends on your bargaining ability. I believe the lowest you can get for those lenses and the kit for Rm2800.

If you bargain well, that is.

You know what? I'd suggest you stick with the kit first before investing in other lenses. Learn how to use your kit lens first and then only consider upgrading.