Type of camera/lens/accesories: DSLR.
Budget: RM3.5k
Your Location: Kuala Lumpur.
Preferable brand : Nikon or Canon.
Type of photography u want to do : All.
Any specific models in mind? : Nikon D5000/D60, Canon 450D/1000D.
Any specific features u want? : SD card-ed and not CF card-ed.
He prefers the Nikon D5000, which was launched in April 14th in US.
Not sure if it's here in KL yet, can someone confirm this for him.
Got urgent need for the camera or should he go for Canon 450D/Canon 1000D/Nikon D60 (save much, much more).
Prefer Nikon cause I've got a 50 mm @ 1.4

This post has been edited by TechnoDude94: Apr 21 2009, 04:36 PM

Nikon D60 is definitely better than the Nikon D40/D40x because Nikon D60 is a replacement model for D40/D40x.
However, D80 is an old semi-pro DSLR.

I'd recommend the Canon 1000D or the newly launched Nikon D3000!
Both of them fall under your budget (entry-level DSLR budget).

Since I'm a Canon user, I'll recommend the Canon G10.
PS: Don't forget that the G11 is coming out soon (or has it already been released?)
Not sure about the Panasonic though.

Why'd you wanna get the Canon G9?
Should get the latest products like the Canon G10, btw, Canon G11 is coming out soon (or has it already been released?)
Regarding the Fujifilm, I don't like the feel of it as it's a little too small for my hands.
I prefer to *feel* the camera in my hands like how the G10 feels in my hands.
Not sure about the Panasonic though.

If you'd like a compact superzoom, get a F70EXR.
It's one of the smallest superzooms with 10X zoom.
Not sure about the Fuji S1500 but it's bulky.

Canon G10 has a: 1/1.7" sensor size.
Fujifilm F200EXR has a: 1/1.6" sensor size.
Theoretically, Canon G10 has a smaller size sensor but I've seen the pictures if Canon G10 and Fujifilm FX200EXR can't beat the Canon G10.
Please read this:
Canon G10 review at: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong10/
Fujifilm F200EXR review at: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09020402...epixf200exr.asp

PS: I'm using a Canon DSLR and Fujifilm compact, so I'm neutral.

I don't have the time to answer each question. Sorry about that.
When you say "theory", do you mean the "meaning" of the above words?
I don't know anything about Panasonic products though.
PS: I'll try to answer your questions, by tonight.

You've got 2 choices.
The Nikon D5000 Kit (18-55) + 50mm F1.8 = RM 3200 + RM 400 = RM3600+/-
or
The Canon EOS 450D Kit (18-55) + 50mm F1.8 = RM2700 = RM 300 = RM3000+/-

The 50mm F1.8 is a cheap lens that's good for portrait. (RM350 for Canon 50mm F1.8, not sure for Nikon 50mm F1.8)

The reason the price difference between the Nikon and Canon is so big is because the Nikon is newer and should be compared with the Canon EOS 500D but the RRP of the Canon EOS 500D is already RM3.6k. Referring to your budget, it won't allow the Canon EOS 500D, therefore I decided to recommend the Canon EOS 450D which is older than the Canon EOS 500D but much cheaper.
Also, the Nikon D5000 and Canon EOS 500D have video recording capabilities but the 450D doesn't.
However, if you'd like to record videos, get a camcorder.

This post has been edited by TechnoDude94: Aug 30 2009, 07:09 PM

No problem, mate.
Glad to help.

Please visit "shashinki.com"

Yeap, forgot to mention that.

No problem bro, glad to help.
I'll do the comparison.
Legend:
a) Canon EOS 500D.
b) Canon EOS 450D.
Sensor:
a) 15.1 million effective pixels
b) 12.2 million effective pixels

Image processor:
a) Digic IV
b) Divic III

Sensitivity:
a) ISO 100 to 3200, extendable to(6400) and H (12800)
b) ISO 100 to 1600

Auto ISO:
a) ISO 100 to 1600
b) ISO 100 to 800

Noise reduction:
a) Four levels
b) On/Off

Auto lighting optimizer:
a) Four levels
b) On/Off

LCD monitor:
a) 3.0 " TFT LCD, 920,000 dots
b) 3.0 " TFT LCD, 230,000 dots

Video mode:
a) 1080p @ 20fps, 720p @ 30fps, VGA @ 30fps, MOV (Video: H.264, Sound: Linear PCM)
b) No video capability

Live view AF:
a) Quick mode (Phase detect), Live view mode (Contrast detect), Face detect (Contrast detect)
b) Quick mode (Phase detect), Live view mode (Contrast detect)

High-speed continuous ]
a) 3.4 fps, 170 JPEG/Fine frames, 9 RAW frames
b) 3.5 fps, 53 JPEG/Fine frames, 6 RAW frames

Connectors
a) USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, Video output (PAL/ NTSC) (integrated with USB terminal), HDMI Type C
b) USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, Video output (PAL/ NTSC) (integrated with USB terminal)

Hope, I've helped.
PS: I edited from DPReview's comparison between Canon EOS 500D and Canon EOS 450D.

This post has been edited by TechnoDude94: Aug 31 2009, 09:09 PM

Have you tried the Canon PowerShot G10?
There'll be a new Canon PowerShot G11 coming out, however, that'll break the bank but the IQ (Image Quality) is superb.

Wah, Uncle Ian gonna get a Canon EOS 5D MkII?

Aiyo, don't lie ler.
I see you've already got the 5D MkII.

G9 is the predecessor of the G10.
G10 is the successor of the G9.
Btw, G11 is coming soon.

If your budget permits, you should always get the latest.
I have no idea why some people would tell you to refrain from the Canon G-series.
One advantage about the G10 is that it's heavier, however, it may be a downside to other users/photographers.
PS: I prefer heavier cameras so I can *feel* it.

Regarding availability to purchase a G9, I have no clue regarding that issue.

Well yea, your friends do have a point when telling you to refrain from Canon G-series due to it's high price (nearing entry-level DSLR prices )
Besides that, all I can think about is the Fujifilm F70EXR with 10X zoom in such a slim body!
However, it's got lower IQ (image quality) when compared to LX3/F200EXR.
But I doubt you'll notice the difference in IQ.

Something light weighted and can zoom 10X is the Fujifilm F70EXR.
It can zoom 10X and is ultra slim!

If you want HDR, I think you shouldn't have HDR features built-in camera.
HDR should be done through Photoshop.

Obviously Leica will be a better choice. :peace
However, got any Leica that'll fit your RM1k++ budget?
Sorry, I'm not sure about Leica prices.

shinningteen:
May I know what's your budget?
How come you left out the Canon brand?
Since, I don't know your budget, I'd recommend the Fujifilm F200EXR or the F70EXR (10X Optical zoom). Both of the have "EXR" and have pretty good noise level control at high ISOs.
PS: I'm currently using a Fujifilm F60FD as my backup, hence the Fujifilm-brand recommendation.