The viewfinder is a window for you to see the real image, while the LCD projected image is processed by the camera to reach the LCD.

I think you won't need the viewfinder unless you're really into detail. Most people will do well with just Live View.

I can second that.

Anyway, coolgirl, would you mind to use the template made available on the first page? It'll give us a brief description of what you're looking for in your new camera.

There are 2 choices which cost RM2k each - the D60 and the 1000D for DSLRs. Both can bring you a LONG way down the road of DSLRs.

I think you should settle for the Lumix LX3. It's the best prosumer you can get in the market at the moment. It's RM1.5k (around there) by the way.

Or, you can choose to get a Sony a200, a DSLR, for RM1.4k.



Oh. Ok, I think I've got an idea. Get the Nikon Coolpix P6000. Recently seen one and got to play with one and I can say - though it's a prosumer camera, it has a good pixel count and a good sensor to go along with it. RM1.5k though, not cheap.

Just a note - the a200 kit set goes for RM1.4k, and the Sony Time holiday promotions kicked it down to RM1.3k.

Next time, pay attention to every single detail. Don't be afraid to ask a little bit more about the product you're buying.

Anyway, just to let you know, go to YL Camera in Pudu Plaza to get your stuff - it's real cheap there. Lots of people I know (and I even met one guy when I went holidaying last 2 weeks) buy from there. Unprecedentedly, it's the cheapest shop around town.

Ohh. You're looking for zoom. Then get the FZ28. I can't comment on the previous experiences with Sony point-and-shoot cameras. Read up there, I can see joyyy also discourages it.

DSLRs need a BIT of extra care & maintainence.

Let's say you get a 1000D. You'll need to be careful with the lens and the body, no dropping it, slight drops are ok but
don't let it happen.

You have to clean the lens often so that dust doesn't accumulate.

When you change lenses, you HAVE to be careful NOT to let any dust in.

Lenses may have back focus/front focus problems. You'll have to send for calibration regularly. Same goes for the body. Has to go for checkups.

I can't think of more. =/

You sure have a big budget here.

Here, I'll give a few suggestions. Nikon Coolpix P6000 (I'm seriously impressed by this one, I didn't expect Nikon to come up with this) or the Panasonic Lumix LX3. The P6000 is RM1.5-1.6k while the LX3 is around RM1.6k-1.7k... not sure about the prices, that's a rough estimate, might be lower/higher. Both are prosumers, which are a notch up from the normal PnS.

You should read a few reviews to compare pros and cons, and then make your choice.

Happy reading.

The FX38 will do slightly better than the IXUS. Seen both, tried before, I'm happier with the FX38, if you're not going for looks.

If you don't like it, it's fine - your choice and my choice would surely be different.

I tried out the P6000 while I was on vacation - an uncle brought it along... I got to play with it, have a look at the PQ, and I can say it produces very good pictures even with its tiny sensor with a 14.x megapixel count (sorry, forgot how many, and I don't want to Google it to look smart or anything).

It isn't a bad camera - in fact this is one Nikon tiny camera I've gotten to like.

Yes, I can assure you. In my opinion it's the best tiny camera Nikon has made.

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3751

Here, there're more reviews of this sort, just Google for 'nikon coolpix p6000 review'.

I'm not pushing it into you - I'm just showing you what it can do. Please don't regard this post as a biased post.

Would be best if you got a 50D with 18-200 kit set. A bit more over your budget (I think) but it's well worth it.

Panasonic Lumix LX3 or the FZ28.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmclx3/
http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-came...mix-DMC-FZ28/p1

There are more - just Google it.

Then I really don't have any idea, because the others around these price ranges are mostly for style and don't process that great images compared to these 'black cameras' you call them.

I'd recommend the FZ28, since you have it in mind. Panasonic cameras do very well in this range.

Oh, and if you want to be different, get the SP-575UZ (if I'm not wrong). Quite a decent prosumer too.

Good luck making your decision.

Ouch. Rm1680. Expensive.

You can get better price somewhere else - just scout around for deals, look in your local camera shop or make a trip down to YL Camera in Pudu Plaza, they sell the cheapest DSLR gear around, don't know if they sell cheap prosumers too..

DSC-w110, if you ask me. Read some reviews about both of them first though, you may like the A470 more.

Um, would you mind using the template on the first page? Gives us an idea of what you're looking for in a camera.

It's in Kuala Lumpur.. if you're not from there then that would prove to be a big obstacle.

http://www.streetdirectory.net.my/malaysia...vel_site_45100/

http://my.pagenation.com/kul/Plaza%20Pudu_...7132_3.1374.map
1 year Canon Malaysia warranty. You can 'extend' it by not filling in your warranty card though.

Gray sets are very rarely sold in Malaysia, if there are any.

Then the FZ28 is for your budget.

Canon EOS-1000D, Nikon D60.

1000D Rm2k, D60 Rm2k.

Time for you to read, read and read about these cameras here.

Oh, you're living in UK? unfortunately I can't help you then... prices in UK are different from prices in Malaysia...

Oh. My previous post was intended for fabian. XD If you don't mind me asking, which part of KL are you in? I may have some shop recommendations for you.

Oh... you should know where Pudu Plaza is if you work in KL...

Not many shops around your place (and my place too ) sells gear for a cheap, reasonable price... I think it's easier if you found a way to go to Pudu Plaza. It's situated at Jalan Landak.

Not many. If you find the right shp.s

The warranty card. If they don't give you one or give an overseas one, don't get it.

Nope. Grey units' warranty if from the country of origin. Shop will act as middleman, if you need them to be.

The a200 would be best for your budget - oh, and if you want, you can opt for prosumer cameras which are stepping stones into the DSLR world (they can act as your second camera too once you get your DSLR).

Two choices are the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 and the Lumix LX3. Both are very good performers in the prosumer category.

a300 twin lens kit should be around RM2.5k+-.. and 450D is RM2.6k+- for kit. Correct me if I'm wrong - prices have been fluctuating recently.

Yea, the D60/1000D would be best for beginners with the budget to start out with. The a200 is priced very aggresively, RM1.4k for kit set and RM2k for twin kit, but I don't think you should get it either. I recommend you to increase your budget and get the D60/1000D.

Really? Where?

Surely cheaper de. Sorry yea, the prices fluctuate a lot so I can't go out everyday just to update.

Can you both use the template? It's easier to know and recommend what you need for your requirements.

Now you want a camera or a lens? If camera, it's fairly impossible to get a decent zoom lens and a body with your budget.

If lens though, I recommend you to get the 70-200mm f/4L IS USM. By far, it's the cheapest L lens.. and the PQ is very good too eventhough it's f/4.

Sellers usually won't trick you - you can bring them to court if they do so, if I'm not wrong.

Good sellers will let you play around with the camera, see what you can do with it, check every tiny detail, etc. Better sellers will even give you some freebies.

Don't worry la, this isn't like the handphone industry where things are easily duplicated. Cameras are delicate, precision equipments - there's no easy way and cheap way to make one.