What focal range/lens/camera are you talking about?

Wide's advantage is you can see wide, not wide - cannot see wide lor.

Hmm? I don't really get what you're trying to ask here, please, can you rephrase?

Around RM2900, as kucing mentioned - I'm not really sure of the price myself.

No, kit.

I think body is around RM2k+... not really sure of the price myself.

If you ask me I'd recommend a 40D and the remainder can be used to buy a lens/flash. It'll give you an advantage over those who went for the HD video. IMHO we don't need it.

Second that - BOTH ARE EXPENSIVE

Hmm. I think you should settle for the 870IS then. the 980 is well over your budget.

Adding on, if you want to get a wide-angle shot, on a 1.6x sensor (not full frame) the image is cropped so you get less view from the sides compared to using a full frame camera. If you want to shoot cramped spots, the 'nt full frame' will be harder to accomplish while the full frame will be much easier to accomplish.

I hope you get what we mean.

I'd recommend the Canon 1000D/Nikon D60 (both <RM2k), but if you don't want to get the best of the category, go for the Sony a200, RM1.4k for a single lens kit.

I'd recommend the Canon 1000D, sell off kitlens & buy the 18-200mm. It might be a bit on the expensive side, but it'll serve you best during your travels. (you get to take scenery with 18, candids with 200)

Anyway, find out what you want to shoot most. If you shoot your kids in action (if you have any) or wife, candid is your choice - you'll need a fast and long lens. If you want to get up close with critters, macro is for you - you can use practically any lens with a Raynox or Hoya +1234 filters to get closer. If you want to shoot action, like drifts, car races, etc, sports photography is for you - it'll be extremely expensive though because usually this aspect of photography uses fast FPS cameras, namely the 40/50D (6.5fps) or the 1DsMkIII (10fps).

If you're on a tiiiiiight budget then go for it - but bear in mind the 300D is obsolete.

If you can go for the 1000D - it has an IS kitlens compared to non IS of the 300d.

Others I'll try to reply you all later today. Going to school.

I'd rather you get a 40D used kit set, which is at least RM500-RM1k cheaper depending on condition or a new set, recently saw prices like RM3050 and RM3220 (from forumers).

The 40D is FAR better than the 450D, but if you're really keen on an entry-level DSLR to start off with then go for the 1000D. Cheap affordable and won't fail to please you.

Both are equal in terms of specs but there is a letdown on the D60 - it has no inbuilt AF motor so you have to MF for some lenses.

The 450D is kinda in the middle of Canon's intermediate range and entry-level range, so it isn't recommended to get it. (in my opinion) For the a350 you'll knock into walls if you want to upgrade to L-quality lenses, while upgrading in Canon will give you a headache as there are too many lenses to choose from. Over 60

If you're aiming onto the intermediate range the D90/40D would be good. If you don't need the HD video recording then go for the 40D, but if you do, go for the D90.

There are quite a few - Digital Mall, Lowyat Plaza, Pertama Complex, Pudu Plaza,.... too many to name.

Try going to YL/DigitalsMania (both at same complex, Pudu Plaza) and ask them to quote you a price. Survey around for a week or two and grab the cheapest deal.

By the way, you should note that major DSLR manufacturers have increased their prices due to the recent inflation of the Japanese Yen, so you have to be quick to grab the last cheap deal before the prices increase (or before the manufacturer actually increases it)

Should be able to bargain the price till it touchea RM3k or lower depending on our ability.

450D lies in between entry-level and intermediate so I won't recommend it but if you want then go for it. Get a cheap used one - i can bet you will upgrade after you get your 450D.

I'd recommend a brand like Canon or Panasonic. Sony is a hopeless quality performer in the PnS category. If you want good pics go for the two brands named above.

If you're looking for a superzoom then get the FZ28. Cheaper and more value for money.

The LX3 was made for general shooting in mind. Though it lacks zoom capabilities compared to other choices, its image quality kicks the others into the dust.

Undoubtedly the LX3. Its IQ will beat any prosumer anytime anywhere anyhow.

I'd recommend the Panasonic Lumix LX3 as it has f/2 compared to other prosumers with f/2.8. The 1 stop difference will definitely help you a lot in night photography - and I forgot to mention, the LX3's noise control is SUPERB. Literally, it's a perfect all-rounder camera. The IXUS 980 isn't that bad compared to it, but the LX3 is quite ahead of the 980 in terms of specs and performance.

If you're looking for zoom or anything else, do let me know - I can recommend you others.

I'd recommend you go for a 40D body and a 70-200 f4L (IS is rm3.x k, while non IS is rm2.x k)

Both are high quality lenses so you won't regret getting it. I'm not sure whether the 40D has liveview or not though.

If you want a camera for holiday use only then go for the Panasonic Lumix LX-3. It's the best bet for you. If you want to experiment and play around with more stuff (at the expense of cleaning lens, drybox,etc) then go for the DSLR.

Both are equally good but the DSLR needs more care, attention and thinking as you won't get stunning images with pressing the shutter - you'll have to have creativity in a picture you wanna shoot.

Rather post here - it's easier and others will benefit from this too.

The P6000 is obviously better - and it's a prosumer camera meaning you have lots of settings to play with too.

In its class the Panasonic Lumix LX3 wins over it but if you like Nikon more then go for it.

Adding on, 40D with 18-55mm IS kitlens is priced at RM3.2k. There is another kit, the 17-85 - but the 17-85 is much more expensive.

Hmm, I don't think you'll be able to cover landscape (wide-angle) and portrait (telephoto) together unless you opt for the 18-200.

Oh well, the best bet would be:

40D body (used/new)
EF-S 18-200mm (RM2k+-)
Canon Speedlite 580EX II (RM1.5k+-)

All should add up to about RM5.5k.. if I'm not wrong.

Good luck hunting.

Another option would be the EF-S 10-22mm (RM2k+-) and EF-S 55-250mm (RM700-1k+-). Will be a bit expensive, but for wide-angle, every 1mm counts.

I think you can opt for the above choice too.

I don't think the D90's HD video recording will serve well, but if you need it, then go for the D90, but if you're mainly gonna focus on landscape and portrait, then I'd recommend the 40D setup as I've recommended previously.

EDIT: Can't your dad use your Alpha? if you ask me, a family using the same gears would sound nice. Unless you're planning to jump ship, of course.

This post has been edited by TheWandererX: Mar 4 2009, 10:26 PM

40D's specs are identical to the D90's, minus video, of course. The 40D is cheaper - and will make every penny spent worth as you don't want to spend 800-1K extra on something you rarely use right?

40D RM3400 body only? I recall seeing members buying a 40D kit @ RM3050 & 3200 respectively and that's just recently. Canon price hike doesn't affect camera bodies either - just the lenses.

Yes, it is an old model - but if you wanna save RM2k from buying the 40D instead of the 50D, it is definitely going to make ur money worth.

My comments are just comments - you'll have to do your own researching and molest both, then only you should make up your mind. My two cents.

I have personally experienced using a P6000/LX-3 and I can say the P6000 is kinda user-friendly (I just feel that its easier to control, as in the settings) but image quality-wise I'd go for the LX3.

I don't think I'd go for the G10, it's overpriced and doesn't do any better than the LX3 or the P6000. (in my opinion)

If you ask me, since you're already a Nikon user, why not get the P6000? The image quality difference isn't much, but if you pixel peep, yes, there'll be a difference that is easily spotted.

If you want to try out something new, and don't do flash photography that much, then go for the LX-3.

I hope I've managed to clear your doubts.

What about shutter count? It counts how many times have you clicked the shutter (taken a photo). May I know, what do you want to know?

Anyway, I'd recommend the Canon 1000D alongside the Nikon D60.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1000d/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond60/

Here, you should be able to make up your own mind based on this.

You could consider the Canon 1000D too.

Anyway, the a200 is a value for money DSLR at RM1.4k, but then when you want to upgrade lenses, it'll lose out to the D60/1000D as Canon/Nikon has a wider range of lenses.

Read a few reviews, play with both, and choose which one you fancy most.

Body image stabilizer helps to reduce ruined photos caused by hand shakes.

1000D more lens choice, easy-to-use menus, LV, IS lenses, L range...

If you're REALLY tight on a budget or you're a Sony fan then go for the a200 lah. If you ask me though - it can't compete with the D60 and 1000D. Other members' views may differ.