Playing eeny, meeny, miny, moe between a Nikon DLSR, Pentax DSLR and Olympus EP-1. Given limited budget, need for handy but powerful cam...*sigh* maybe I should just not buy one.
I may go and check out Panasonic cams before the sale ends in Glorietta :-)
The reason I have included Pentax and not Canon is because I had a couple of Pentax cameras before (I did some work for Pentax Asahi in their plant in Mactan Cebu ages ago) and I was satisfied. I also have my dad's Nikon Film cam and my first Olympus waterproof/shockproof camera.
So am the in-between-worlds right now...I don't want to get a for pro camera, but something which is handy (the operative word) but one powerful enough to get my favorite style of shooting sceneries and candid shots without having to run the gamut of settings...
am leaning towards EP-1, but it may be more expensive for my pocketbook..however, for those who might be able to afford to give it to themselves this Christmas...look at one of the designs for this babe...(its available in stainless steel and white versions) -
Try the Lumix TZ5. It's a great Point and Shoot camera or better yet, the Lumix LX3. Both have Leica lenses and are made by Panasonic.
The TZ5 camera's lens is like 28 to 300 mm optical zoom f3.5-4.5. The LX3 camera's lens is a Summicron f2.0 24-60 mm zoom and can really shoot in very low light conditions and has great macro capability. It can also shoot manual if you want to fool around and be creative with it. Otherwise, the auto settings are great and focuses fast. both can be easily put in your pocket or purse.
One last thing. The TZ5 can zoom in and out while you take video. The LX3 does not. In terms of results, the LX3 is better. Bar none.
yeah, I was going to check the Panasonic LX3 yesterday as recommended also by the guy who I talked to...masyado yata kaming talkative with ibat ibang topics.....nagsara na sale sa mall di ko natingnan tuloy hehehe..but I said I will go back..sabi ko tanungin ko kaya sina Sir B..tapos mag google...
nakaka-tempt kc zero percent installment and up to 18 months or more (?) to pay...argh!
For your information si Boy Yniguez uses LX3. I use it too, under the Leica D-Lux4 brand. Exactly the same camera but just different software. LX3 the BEST overall. That camera packs a punch!
I don't know yet...I noted above masyadong talkative kaming dalawa ng salesperson..ayon...niligpit at sumara ang sale area..so wasn't able to check out the Panasonic display..:-)
besides, I wanted to google first para makita ko going rates sa internet...then I'd have basis for comparison rather than just going with what they say...I'd probably go there a couple of times to check out all the stalls..lam mo naman babae...
Di lang babae. Me, that's how I buy my stuff (cameras, golf, etc) I do my research first, read reviews, check prices, get my hands on it, then I decide. I always try to find the deals wherein which I can have good customer service to take care of warranties and stuff after I buy it. Usually, your local store will be your best bet instead of getting it online most of the time. Be wary of the grey market. They do not provide warranties.
Tip: bring a sandisk memory card to the store, take several photos with the LX3, then upload them in your computer so you can see the results. That will also help you decide whether you want it or not.
ay nako, inis nga ako for Olympus, sabi pa ng hapon don sa binilhan ko may warranty daw sa Philipppines (well hello, akala ko the same when I bought my first laptop in HK na may international warranty)..e dehins pala...grrrr....
It just makes sense to do your your homework before you buy. In this day and age, you just have to be knowledgeable of the stuff you're buying specially if it is quite pricey because it is an investment.
That's the grey market I am talking about. In your case, you might have to send it back to HK for warranty repairs. It might be cheaper at first but more costly in the long run. They do the same here. They will knock off a few dollars but for repairs, I will have to send it to Japan or HK instead of the service center here.
actually, I didn't have a problem with the laptop I had acquired in HK..may international warranty talaga ang IBM when I had it repaired here in the Philippines :-)
yung sa US naman na cam ko..alam ko from the salesperson na wala talagang warranty here in the Philippines even if I bought it to Kodak Philippines, meron lang if don ulit sa store sa US I had bought it from
pero yung sa Olympus kc...turns out talaga when I checked their site (later, after the fact na..hahay, this is one of the times kc I wish I could google while going around in another country without too much hassles...) it was stipulated wala sila talaga unless bought in the country...
Check out thess links for the LX3. On the first link, if you scroll down, there are pricing comparisons. Just convert them into Pesos. I think, the price for the LX3 may have gone down by $100 from last year.
thanks Joey...dapat down nga kc sale dapat...hmm..baka cheaper if next year after Christmas pa..kc everybody (or almost everybody) buys during this season..
..ikaw ha...was steeling myself and kept telling myself not to buy, not to buy...eto naman..temptation Joey!
Why not try a Canon DSLR? I believe that is a very good camera, too. When in doubt, look it up in the Consumer Reports. That magazine is usually right about choosing the best product.
Actually, every retail stores are really bringing their prices down because they needed the sale. For instance, the IPod classic which normally sells for $249.00 now sells for $209. That's a $40.00 savings. I should have waited but then again, I wouldn't be able to listen to my music for a long time time. The JB Lansing IPod speakers are now just $9.00 which is priced regularly at $39.00. Just to give you an example.
I know what you mean but on the other hand, Black Friday means you have to fight traffic and the crowd. I just went to a specific place and I was out in an hour.
Canon is a good choice. I am a Canon guy now but the high end Nikons are getting better. I am still using my old Nikon lenses which are really really good and a cheap digital body, a D 50 which I bought from Craig's list a year ago. I just use manual settings and it works wonderful.
There are so many tangibles to consider but it seems like Nikon's recent models can deliver more bang for your bucks. The good news is, all have great technological features.
Buying a digital camera is like buying a car. There are so many choices. Is a Honda better than a Toyota? Mustang better than a Camaro? Mercedes-Benz better than a BMW? Ferrari better than a Lamborghini? The answer is purely subjective because all of these cars are good in their own respective categories. The same holds true for digital cameras. In the point-and-shoot category Canon leads the pack way ahead of Nikon and the rest. Nowadays, due to advancement in digital technology and optics, all cameras are good and will do the job. It's just a matter of personal choice when it comes to buying. However, to be an informed buyer, you have to do some homework. Google reviews of cameras you're considering; there are excellent review sites on the internet. And at the end of the day, it's the person behind the camera that really matters.
Here's a site that you should check out: www.bhphotovideo.com On the site, click on Digital Photography, then go to RESOURCES on the right side. Click on Digital Camera Buying Guide. You may also browse throughout the website or go to the search box for product information.
babasahin ko muna lahat and I will digest it all before I make a decision...so thank you very much for giving me more info (sometimes na overload na ako huhu)..
factors on my mind: - not heavy nor bulky, but not pang Pro - not super expensive (but well if I don't buy the for the pros type that may take care of that) - I have a couple of point and shoots already...so probably not another point and shoot - however I like a more portable camera even if its not as small as the usual p&s..actually the size of my Fujifilm Finepix is ok (which both Che and I used as basis na magkapatid kami basta camera hehehe) - well I have my dad's Nikon F70 naman...but its mothballed for now...baka magamit ko naman lens? - I am more into scenery and taking candid pictures of people in action and I am an impatient person...I do not want to spend time fiddling with controls for an hour so I'd do better with di naman palaging automatic but not that I have adjust everything and miss the chance to take the picture - for me timing is everything.. - dapat maganda ang service and warranty - I prefer taking pictures with the available light...flash and other accessories I can do without - not really fond of software to edit pictures...though I can crop..I like the concept of WYSIWYG ora mismo
I finally got to see the LX3 for about 5 minutes (too many people in Glorietta)...it is being sold for P29,999 zero interest, 1 year to pay....from CameraHaus...
P29,999, that is around $612.00 at P49/$1.00. Medyo mahal yata Cat. The link below is from B&H Photo and it is selling there for $398.95. Can you order direct form them? Kung meron sanang uuwi within the next 3 weeks, pwedeng bilhin dito at ipadadala na lang sa yo dyan. I don't know of anyone who is going home except my brother who is leaving on Christmas Day for Pinas. Too late na para ipadala dyan.
honga eh..nadinig ko pa naman sana that it went down to around 26K PHP...usually kc lower price ang Abenson...e sa kasamaang palad..since wala silang promoter ng Panasonic..e wala ring stock...grrrrrr....
B&H Photo..sounds familiar......don ako ang buy ng batteries ko sa NYC remember yung chat at kwentuhan natin about my Olympus cam....ang problem is pano warranty, pwede ba dito sa Pinas...
waaah...sayang...if pwede nga and ok sa B&H (kc credit card ko naman usually ok for some sites purchase)..di rin aabot kc uuwi na bro mo...
eto nga ...nag-tutulak na sa akin si Sir B na Nikon daw..Nikon...(I've been bombarding him with txt messages on LX-3, Pentax K-x, Olympus Pen..kulang na lang Canon's G10 and G11 (which are I think about 31K or 33K)...
aaargh..saklolohhhhh! nahihilo na ako..and its not even due to watching the 3D version of Avatar...
and they say may bagong ipapalabas after LX3 :-) which means...mag-down na naman ang presyo...*grin*
If you buy from B&H (Yes I remember our conversation about your olympus battery), you don't have to worry about warranty. If you take care of your camera, it will not screw up on you. Those Lumix are built well (All made in JAPAN). I never had problems with the 3 Lumix we have here (mine, Jamm's and Richie's) and they are all used quite often. Next question is, will they ship to Manila? If they do, have it shipped via UPS or Fedex so you'll have a tracking number and get an insurance. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Nikon is also really good if you're getting a DSLR. I like the D90, same as Che. I have a D50 for my old lenses and it works great for me.
I haven't heard of a new generation after LX3. Kung meron nga siguradong bababa ang presyo.
Avatar...is that the game you're watching or the movie?
1) Avatar - the movie :-) its wonderful. period. so happy. period.
I saw it last week hehehe..kaya nag-movie review ako egging other people and friends on to go out and watch it (but my being thrifty these days has made me not watch it in 3D) *grin*
2) ngayon yata nakita ko sa exhibit are D3000s for Nikons... they also told me to check out the L100..and its cheap..but well..hmmm....
3) I've had a couple of things shipped before from US to Phils using Fedex and it went on for some years, but, probably starting 2004...umandar ang Customs dito po...
the last time I did it (last year, and I had to go to the post office pa upon being notified by UPS) the amount of taxes I had to pay were exorbitant enough that even if I bought the items on sale, mas mahal pa ang labas! grrrrrrr...
OK, forget about getting items shipped to you from another country. Grabe talaga ang customs dyan sa atin.
We will be watching Avatar next week after Christmas. I heard a lot of good things about it and it is on track to recover its humongous budget of some 400 million. Some say it may be the first movie to make a billion. We'll see.
So you are eyeing the Nikon D3000. Here's a review of this camera:
I may go and check out Panasonic cams before the sale ends in Glorietta :-)
ReplyDeleteThe reason I have included Pentax and not Canon is because I had a couple of Pentax cameras before (I did some work for Pentax Asahi in their plant in Mactan Cebu ages ago) and I was satisfied. I also have my dad's Nikon Film cam and my first Olympus waterproof/shockproof camera.
So am the in-between-worlds right now...I don't want to get a for pro camera, but something which is handy (the operative word) but one powerful enough to get my favorite style of shooting sceneries and candid shots without having to run the gamut of settings...
am leaning towards EP-1, but it may be more expensive for my pocketbook..however, for those who might be able to afford to give it to themselves this Christmas...look at one of the designs for this babe...(its available in stainless steel and white versions) -
ReplyDeleteTry the Lumix TZ5. It's a great Point and Shoot camera or better yet, the Lumix LX3. Both have Leica lenses and are made by Panasonic.
ReplyDeleteThe TZ5 camera's lens is like 28 to 300 mm optical zoom f3.5-4.5. The LX3 camera's lens is a Summicron f2.0 24-60 mm zoom and can really shoot in very low light conditions and has great macro capability. It can also shoot manual if you want to fool around and be creative with it. Otherwise, the auto settings are great and focuses fast. both can be easily put in your pocket or purse.
One last thing. The TZ5 can zoom in and out while you take video. The LX3 does not. In terms of results, the LX3 is better. Bar none.
Good luck.
hi Joey..
ReplyDeleteyeah, I was going to check the Panasonic LX3 yesterday as recommended also by the guy who I talked to...masyado yata kaming talkative with ibat ibang topics.....nagsara na sale sa mall di ko natingnan tuloy hehehe..but I said I will go back..sabi ko tanungin ko kaya sina Sir B..tapos mag google...
nakaka-tempt kc zero percent installment and up to 18 months or more (?) to pay...argh!
weirdly...yung Kodak ko ganon..can zoom in and out...yung bigger Fujifilm ayaw mag zoom during video...ehehe...argh again!
ReplyDeleteFor your information si Boy Yniguez uses LX3. I use it too, under the Leica D-Lux4 brand. Exactly the same camera but just different software. LX3 the BEST overall. That camera packs a punch!
ReplyDeleteWith the LX3 (D-Lux 4) I am also very very happy with it. It will be a keeper for a long long time.
ReplyDeleteyes, and Leica lenses pa...hmm....*nguya sa fingernails and toenails*
ReplyDeleteYes Indeed! Baka maubos ang mga nails mo...LOL.
ReplyDeletemoving on to nails for the walls...
ReplyDeleteDo I see writings on the wall?
ReplyDeleteBilhin mo na yung LX3. I want to see your pictures. btw, how much is it selling there for?
I don't know yet...I noted above masyadong talkative kaming dalawa ng salesperson..ayon...niligpit at sumara ang sale area..so wasn't able to check out the Panasonic display..:-)
ReplyDeletebesides, I wanted to google first para makita ko going rates sa internet...then I'd have basis for comparison rather than just going with what they say...I'd probably go there a couple of times to check out all the stalls..lam mo naman babae...
Di lang babae. Me, that's how I buy my stuff (cameras, golf, etc) I do my research first, read reviews, check prices, get my hands on it, then I decide. I always try to find the deals wherein which I can have good customer service to take care of warranties and stuff after I buy it. Usually, your local store will be your best bet instead of getting it online most of the time. Be wary of the grey market. They do not provide warranties.
ReplyDeleteTip: bring a sandisk memory card to the store, take several photos with the LX3, then upload them in your computer so you can see the results. That will also help you decide whether you want it or not.
thanks for that tip Joey...SD ba gamit for the LX3?
ReplyDeletehahaha..yes for stuff like that...but even for clothes ganon kaming mga babae..not just for the gadgets...
ReplyDeleteay nako, inis nga ako for Olympus, sabi pa ng hapon don sa binilhan ko may warranty daw sa Philipppines (well hello, akala ko the same when I bought my first laptop in HK na may international warranty)..e dehins pala...grrrr....
ReplyDeleteIt just makes sense to do your your homework before you buy. In this day and age, you just have to be knowledgeable of the stuff you're buying specially if it is quite pricey because it is an investment.
ReplyDeletejust had a thought..in the end pala photo printer na lang binili..kc at least yon ang kaya sa bulsa..mwahaha!
ReplyDeleteThat's the grey market I am talking about. In your case, you might have to send it back to HK for warranty repairs. It might be cheaper at first but more costly in the long run. They do the same here. They will knock off a few dollars but for repairs, I will have to send it to Japan or HK instead of the service center here.
ReplyDeleteYes. Bring the High Speed one. It reads faster but if you don't a regular one will do. Test shots pa lang naman.
ReplyDeleteactually, I didn't have a problem with the laptop I had acquired in HK..may international warranty talaga ang IBM when I had it repaired here in the Philippines :-)
ReplyDeleteyung sa US naman na cam ko..alam ko from the salesperson na wala talagang warranty here in the Philippines even if I bought it to Kodak Philippines, meron lang if don ulit sa store sa US I had bought it from
pero yung sa Olympus kc...turns out talaga when I checked their site (later, after the fact na..hahay, this is one of the times kc I wish I could google while going around in another country without too much hassles...) it was stipulated wala sila talaga unless bought in the country...
Check out thess links for the LX3. On the first link, if you scroll down, there are pricing comparisons. Just convert them into Pesos. I think, the price for the LX3 may have gone down by $100 from last year.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dpreview.com/reviews/PanasonicDMCLX3/
http://www.amazon.com/review/RE4YPJUVDOWFH/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#RE4YPJUVDOWFH
thanks Joey...dapat down nga kc sale dapat...hmm..baka cheaper if next year after Christmas pa..kc everybody (or almost everybody) buys during this season..
ReplyDelete..ikaw ha...was steeling myself and kept telling myself not to buy, not to buy...eto naman..temptation Joey!
Why not try a Canon DSLR? I believe that is a very good camera, too. When in doubt, look it up in the Consumer Reports. That magazine is usually right about choosing the best product.
ReplyDeleteAl
Actually, every retail stores are really bringing their prices down because they needed the sale. For instance, the IPod classic which normally sells for $249.00 now sells for $209. That's a $40.00 savings. I should have waited but then again, I wouldn't be able to listen to my music for a long time time. The JB Lansing IPod speakers are now just $9.00 which is priced regularly at $39.00. Just to give you an example.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad I never experienced Black Friday while there in the US...
ReplyDeleteon second thought, it saved me and my moneybags I guess....
Probably for next time Al :-)
ReplyDeleteI seem to inadvertently collect cams..Canon will be next on my list when I want another type ..or have saved up again for the next camera...
I know what you mean but on the other hand, Black Friday means you have to fight traffic and the crowd. I just went to a specific place and I was out in an hour.
ReplyDeleteCanon is a good choice. I am a Canon guy now but the high end Nikons are getting better. I am still using my old Nikon lenses which are really really good and a cheap digital body, a D 50 which I bought from Craig's list a year ago. I just use manual settings and it works wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many tangibles to consider but it seems like Nikon's recent models can deliver more bang for your bucks.
ReplyDeleteThe good news is, all have great technological features.
Buying a digital camera is like buying a car. There are so many choices. Is a Honda better than a Toyota? Mustang better than a Camaro? Mercedes-Benz better than a BMW? Ferrari better than a Lamborghini? The answer is purely subjective because all of these cars are good in their own respective categories. The same holds true for digital cameras. In the point-and-shoot category Canon leads the pack way ahead of Nikon and the rest. Nowadays, due to advancement in digital technology and optics, all cameras are good and will do the job. It's just a matter of personal choice when it comes to buying. However, to be an informed buyer, you have to do some homework. Google reviews of cameras you're considering; there are excellent review sites on the internet. And at the end of the day, it's the person behind the camera that really matters.
ReplyDeleteHere's a site that you should check out: www.bhphotovideo.com On the site, click on Digital Photography, then go to RESOURCES on the right side. Click on Digital Camera Buying Guide. You may also browse throughout the website or go to the search box for product information.
Good luck Cat.
thanks for the tips to all..
ReplyDeletebabasahin ko muna lahat and I will digest it all before I make a decision...so thank you very much for giving me more info (sometimes na overload na ako huhu)..
factors on my mind:
- not heavy nor bulky, but not pang Pro
- not super expensive (but well if I don't buy the for the pros type that may take care of that)
- I have a couple of point and shoots already...so probably not another point and shoot
- however I like a more portable camera even if its not as small as the usual p&s..actually the size of my Fujifilm Finepix is ok (which both Che and I used as basis na magkapatid kami basta camera hehehe)
- well I have my dad's Nikon F70 naman...but its mothballed for now...baka magamit ko naman lens?
- I am more into scenery and taking candid pictures of people in action and I am an impatient person...I do not want to spend time fiddling with controls for an hour so I'd do better with di naman palaging automatic but not that I have adjust everything and miss the chance to take the picture - for me timing is everything..
- dapat maganda ang service and warranty
- I prefer taking pictures with the available light...flash and other accessories I can do without
- not really fond of software to edit pictures...though I can crop..I like the concept of WYSIWYG ora mismo
let me mull it over...
-
hi Joey,
ReplyDeleteI finally got to see the LX3 for about 5 minutes (too many people in Glorietta)...it is being sold for P29,999 zero interest, 1 year to pay....from CameraHaus...
P29,999, that is around $612.00 at P49/$1.00. Medyo mahal yata Cat. The link below is from B&H Photo and it is selling there for $398.95. Can you order direct form them? Kung meron sanang uuwi within the next 3 weeks, pwedeng bilhin dito at ipadadala na lang sa yo dyan. I don't know of anyone who is going home except my brother who is leaving on Christmas Day for Pinas. Too late na para ipadala dyan.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist.jsp&sku=573592&q=1&Q=add&is=REG&A=cart
honga eh..nadinig ko pa naman sana that it went down to around 26K PHP...usually kc lower price ang Abenson...e sa kasamaang palad..since wala silang promoter ng Panasonic..e wala ring stock...grrrrrr....
ReplyDeleteB&H Photo..sounds familiar......don ako ang buy ng batteries ko sa NYC remember yung chat at kwentuhan natin about my Olympus cam....ang problem is pano warranty, pwede ba dito sa Pinas...
waaah...sayang...if pwede nga and ok sa B&H (kc credit card ko naman usually ok for some sites purchase)..di rin aabot kc uuwi na bro mo...
eto nga ...nag-tutulak na sa akin si Sir B na Nikon daw..Nikon...(I've been bombarding him with txt messages on LX-3, Pentax K-x, Olympus Pen..kulang na lang Canon's G10 and G11 (which are I think about 31K or 33K)...
aaargh..saklolohhhhh! nahihilo na ako..and its not even due to watching the 3D version of Avatar...
and they say may bagong ipapalabas after LX3 :-) which means...mag-down na naman ang presyo...*grin*
If you buy from B&H (Yes I remember our conversation about your olympus battery), you don't have to worry about warranty. If you take care of your camera, it will not screw up on you. Those Lumix are built well (All made in JAPAN). I never had problems with the 3 Lumix we have here (mine, Jamm's and Richie's) and they are all used quite often. Next question is, will they ship to Manila? If they do, have it shipped via UPS or Fedex so you'll have a tracking number and get an insurance. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteNikon is also really good if you're getting a DSLR. I like the D90, same as Che. I have a D50 for my old lenses and it works great for me.
I haven't heard of a new generation after LX3. Kung meron nga siguradong bababa ang presyo.
Avatar...is that the game you're watching or the movie?
1) Avatar - the movie :-) its wonderful. period. so happy. period.
ReplyDeleteI saw it last week hehehe..kaya nag-movie review ako egging other people and friends on to go out and watch it (but my being thrifty these days has made me not watch it in 3D) *grin*
2) ngayon yata nakita ko sa exhibit are D3000s for Nikons...
they also told me to check out the L100..and its cheap..but well..hmmm....
3) I've had a couple of things shipped before from US to Phils using Fedex and it went on for some years, but, probably starting 2004...umandar ang Customs dito po...
the last time I did it (last year, and I had to go to the post office pa upon being notified by UPS) the amount of taxes I had to pay were exorbitant enough that even if I bought the items on sale, mas mahal pa ang labas! grrrrrrr...
OK, forget about getting items shipped to you from another country. Grabe talaga ang customs dyan sa atin.
ReplyDeleteWe will be watching Avatar next week after Christmas. I heard a lot of good things about it and it is on track to recover its humongous budget of some 400 million. Some say it may be the first movie to make a billion. We'll see.
So you are eyeing the Nikon D3000. Here's a review of this camera:
http://www.neocamera.com/review_nikon_d3000_more.html?gclid=COuJitKq7J4CFQwTawodsHIEiQ
Good luck, Cat.