I bought my first DSLR today!!

[huaiwei]

Now...make a guess which cam I bought. :D

[babystan03]

Now...make a guess which cam I bought. :D

350D......:lol:

[Vapour]

Hey Teo, it's a multiple-choice poll so I ticked all options :lol:

[Vapour]

Btw, congratulations :colgate:

[babystan03]

I'm expecting to see some great works........:yes:

[huaiwei]

Haha...its multiple-choice, coz this is not meant to be some kind of a vs thread! :D

Really excited, of coz, but stan...why you picked that choice? ;)

[gohcan]

350D?
I'm expecting your pics! Congratulations and enjoy it!

[babystan03]

Haha...its multiple-choice, coz this is not meant to be some kind of a vs thread! :D

Really excited, of coz, but stan...why you picked that choice? ;)

Haha......cos u hate canon?? :lol: :jk:

[huaiwei]

Yeah I hated Canon coz it was the brand of my first printer 10 years ago. :D

Thanks gohcan! ;) Why do you think I would go for the Canon? I certainly hope I have made the right decision! (no..it may not be the Canon yet..haha!)

[coldstar]

Yeah I hated Canon coz it was the brand of my first printer 10 years ago. :D



Well, do you really think you should have bought HP's printer ten years ago? That was the right decision for you,wasn't it? :lol:

[huaiwei]

Well, do you really think you should have bought HP's printer ten years ago? That was the right decision for you,wasn't it? :lol:
Haha...actually it wasent the right decision. My next printer was a HP purchased 3 years later, and is still working for me faithfully ever since, although it seems to be having problems lately. Nvm...my next upgrade will be an all-in-one...from HP! I dare not try another Canon printer! :D

Edit: Wait. I seem to be in semi-consciousness. My first printer was a EPSON...not a Canon! :D On reflection, yeah, I didnt like canon at that time coz it just seem so cheap, and my friends do report problems now and then.

[coldstar]

Haha...actually it wasent the right decision. My next printer was a HP purchased 3 years later, and is still working for me faithfully ever since, although it seems to be having problems lately. Nvm...my next upgrade will be an all-in-one...from HP! I dare not try another Canon printer! :D

Edit: Wait. I seem to be in semi-consciousness. My first printer was a EPSON...not a Canon! :D On reflection, yeah, I didnt like canon at that time coz it just seem so cheap, and my friends do report problems now and then.

Well well, right from the beginning, I could see through your plot of this thread easily.
Bashing Japan-made goods, as usual.
Then, what are you going to make a critical attack on? Nikon's camera? (I doubt if you have bouht a new Nikon, sorry), Ricoh's printer, Sharp's LCD,,,, :lol: Whatever turns you on!

[gohcan]

Yeah I hated Canon coz it was the brand of my first printer 10 years ago. :D
I also hate canon printers, but they have nothing to do with the cams. I had (and actually have) a Canon EOS 200 (non digital) and i love it.

Thanks gohcan! ;) Why do you think I would go for the Canon? I certainly hope I have made the right decision! (no..it may not be the Canon yet..haha!)Probably because is the one that i'd like to buy :D

[Justme]

I also hate canon printers, but they have nothing to do with the cams. I had (and actually have) a Canon EOS 200 (non digital) and i love it.

Probably because is the one that i'd like to buy :D

Actually, I hate HP printers. What is the point of a 37MB driver? I mean, what does HP need in a driver that take 37MB of data, that's equivilent to volumes A through to K of the Encyclopedia Britannica in terms of characters used, and all this to print off a page of text or graphics.

I remember when a printer driver could do the exact same things with 2Kb worth of a driver.

No wonder their software crashes all the time, and there are so many bugs. 37million characters to say "please print"...

[SUNNI]

dont just talk about it mate!
bring us some results!!!!!!!!! :D

[th0m]

I'm gonna go with the 350, since I got that camera about a week ago myself ;)

[Vapour]

I think I will definetely buy a DSLR in the future. The question is, Canon? Nikon? :D

[sequoias]

Who knows what he bought. I hope it's something really cool. If I were him, I would get the Nikon D70 or similar. :D

[gohcan]

I'm gonna go with the 350, since I got that camera about a week ago myself ;)
I've read many critics about noise or strange shadows in the pics. It must be a problem of production and the change the cam or a new one. Have you had any problem?

Edit: Reading again the opinions, that problem is on 300D. Any problem with 350?

[szehoong]

Canon 350D!!!

[th0m]

I've read many critics about noise or strange shadows in the pics. It must be a problem of production and the change the cam or a new one. Have you had any problem?

Edit: Reading again the opinions, that problem is on 300D. Any problem with 350?

Depending on what you're shooting, even with ISO 1600 the noise-level is very low. I didn't really have a benchmark, but a mate of mine who has a Canon Powershot Pro1, but wants the camera I have, took some test shots with both camera's, (they're both 8mp) and showed me the difference when he zoomed in to the fullest. The EOS showed almost no noise, whereas the Pro1 had quite a lot of noise.

But I'm finding out new things about my camera daily, so I may not be the best person to ask this ;) Maybe you should check out DPreview.com, they have a forum section too for each camera where you can ask these questions to people who know more about it.

[Kit]

Please, for the sake of mankind, tell me YOU DID NOT GET A 350D!!!!

[szehoong]

Please, for the sake of mankind, tell me YOU DID NOT GET A 350D!!!!


May I ask why? :?

[huaiwei]

Well well, right from the beginning, I could see through your plot of this thread easily.
Bashing Japan-made goods, as usual.
Then, what are you going to make a critical attack on? Nikon's camera? (I doubt if you have bouht a new Nikon, sorry), Ricoh's printer, Sharp's LCD,,,, :lol: Whatever turns you on!
Jeez.....you are jus crazy. I simply dont bother about the nationality of the brands as much as you do....whichever fits my fancy wins! :D

[huaiwei]

Alright...I suppose mankind is endangered going by Kit's comment, but yes, its a Canon 350D. :D

I must say it was a really hard decision. I have been thinking about this for months, and I seriously prefered the Nikon brandname over Canon, and I still do today. I really feel rather sad not buying the Nikon cam, but unfortunately, when weighing the pros and cons perculiar to my needs, I went with the Canon 350D.

The following were my considerations:

1. I absolutely hated the 350D's small grip. Yeah, I have rather big hands, so when I held the D70s, I felt the D70s is the cam for me. So why did I get the 350D still? Coz I was offered the verticle grip for quite a good price, and it felt better with it.

2. I loved the D70s' grip, but its quite heavy. Perhaps it is alright for the occasional shot, but I intend to bring it on an overseas trip, and on long photo excursions, so weight becomes a major issue.

3. I dislike the kit lens of the 350D, and much prefered the D70s'. Worse, the shop I went to dosent sell the 350D without the kit lens. So I was struck in a dilemma again, until I decided to simply buy another lens at the same time....and maybe sell off the kit lens. Any takers? :D

4. Pricing. The package deal offered to me for the 350D was just simply too tempting compared to the D70s'. I get a free 1GB CG card, on top of a big discount for the vertical grip. For the D70s, I get only a Nikon bag, which I am not likely to use at all since I have also gotten for myself a full camera bag which I carry on my back, much more comfortable then one slung on one shoulder.

5. In terms of picture quality and such, I would consider both as equal to the point of being insignificant to my needs. 350D's 8 megapixel censor gives it an added edge, however.

6. Add-on lens for Canon's DSLRs seems to give me greater choice, and at a more competitive price. Seems....coz that I have not researched this myself, but was told by the shop keeper.

7. The friend who brought me to the shop is a Canon user. The tought of sharing his lenses is an added bonus! :D

Yeah....so I went for the Canon 350D, but not without feeling a pinch of regret. Given these two cameras at this time, and considering my current needs, I have to for it. For all I know, I might even consider selling the camera and all its lenses and jump ship to Nikon should my needs change, Nikon produces a product which fits my requirements even better, and when my wallet becomes too fat! :D

What do you guys think of my decision process?

[babystan03]

Emm.....so long as you're ok with your own choice.........:yes:

[SUNNI]

im a big fan of Nikon also, but i think you made a wise choice for the 350d ;)

[MILIUX]

6. Add-on lens for Canon's DSLRs seems to give me greater choice, and at a more competitive price. Seems....coz that I have not researched this myself, but was told by the shop keeper.

Hmmm...retail person to tell ya which is better is not a wise move. But nonetheless, as long as ya happy with what ya got, there's nothing to worry about.

[hyacinthus]

3. I dislike the kit lens of the 350D, and much prefered the D70s'. Worse, the shop I went to dosent sell the 350D without the kit lens. So I was struck in a dilemma again, until I decided to simply buy another lens at the same time....and maybe sell off the kit lens. Any takers? :D


you can try selling at Clubsnap.


What do you guys think of my decision process?

it's normal I suppose. But, the part which you could borrow your friend's lenses sounds really good cos cost of owning the lenses is much more than that of the body. :)

Have you tried both camera's menu? Which do you feel is easier to use? Also, which camera's command & sub-command dial is easier to use when you try?

hmmm... did you also get a dry cabinet? lens cleaning kit? blower? UV/Circular Polarizer? remote release? tripod for your DSLR? hehehe... learn how to clean your camera sensor (the right way) yet? :D

Anyway, glad you got a DSLR. Would want to see more quality pictures from you after this coming Tuesday. ;)

[babystan03]

you can try selling at Clubsnap.



it's normal I suppose. But, the part which you could borrow your friend's lenses sounds really good cos cost of owning the lenses is much more than that of the body. :)

Have you tried both camera's menu? Which do you feel is easier to use? Also, which camera's command & sub-command dial is easier to use when you try?

hmmm... did you also get a dry cabinet? lens cleaning kit? blower? UV/Circular Polarizer? remote release? tripod for your DSLR? hehehe... learn how to clean your camera sensor (the right way) yet? :D

Anyway, glad you got a DSLR. Would want to see more quality pictures from you after this coming Tuesday. ;)

Haha....have u got yours?? :D

[Kit]

Alright...I suppose mankind is endangered going by Kit's comment, but yes, its a Canon 350D. :D

I must say it was a really hard decision. I have been thinking about this for months, and I seriously prefered the Nikon brandname over Canon, and I still do today. I really feel rather sad not buying the Nikon cam, but unfortunately, when weighing the pros and cons perculiar to my needs, I went with the Canon 350D.

The following were my considerations:

1. I absolutely hated the 350D's small grip. Yeah, I have rather big hands, so when I held the D70s, I felt the D70s is the cam for me. So why did I get the 350D still? Coz I was offered the verticle grip for quite a good price, and it felt better with it.

2. I loved the D70s' grip, but its quite heavy. Perhaps it is alright for the occasional shot, but I intend to bring it on an overseas trip, and on long photo excursions, so weight becomes a major issue.

3. I dislike the kit lens of the 350D, and much prefered the D70s'. Worse, the shop I went to dosent sell the 350D without the kit lens. So I was struck in a dilemma again, until I decided to simply buy another lens at the same time....and maybe sell off the kit lens. Any takers? :D

4. Pricing. The package deal offered to me for the 350D was just simply too tempting compared to the D70s'. I get a free 1GB CG card, on top of a big discount for the vertical grip. For the D70s, I get only a Nikon bag, which I am not likely to use at all since I have also gotten for myself a full camera bag which I carry on my back, much more comfortable then one slung on one shoulder.

5. In terms of picture quality and such, I would consider both as equal to the point of being insignificant to my needs. 350D's 8 megapixel censor gives it an added edge, however.

6. Add-on lens for Canon's DSLRs seems to give me greater choice, and at a more competitive price. Seems....coz that I have not researched this myself, but was told by the shop keeper.

7. The friend who brought me to the shop is a Canon user. The tought of sharing his lenses is an added bonus! :D

Yeah....so I went for the Canon 350D, but not without feeling a pinch of regret. Given these two cameras at this time, and considering my current needs, I have to for it. For all I know, I might even consider selling the camera and all its lenses and jump ship to Nikon should my needs change, Nikon produces a product which fits my requirements even better, and when my wallet becomes too fat! :D

What do you guys think of my decision process?

1) I have a 1D MKII and a 1DS for sale. They might just satisfy your ergonomics requirements.

2) Forget about point 1. My 1D MKII and 1DS will be of some hinderance in the weight department.

3) Going back to my 1D MKII and 1DS, kit lenses are the least of your problem since I don't bunde them with any lenses.

4) Buy either the 1D MKII and 1DS and I'll throw in 2 1GB cards for you. Come with a Lowepro card case. How ;s that for a deal?

5) I'm singing the "more megapixels doesn't mean anything unless you need it" melody but if its that important, the 1DS comes with an 11 MP sensor.

6) He's not really telling you the whole story.

7) That's pretty true.

The last thing you want to do is jump ship. Its a trememdous loss of money and it doesn't really help in taking better images in most(if not all) cases. If your requirements will only largely include architectural photography, then Canon will suit you just fine. Otherwise, consider some medium or even large format view cameras.

Hope you enjoy the 350D. :)

[szehoong]

1) I have a 1D MKII and a 1DS for sale. They might just satisfy your ergonomics requirements.

4) Buy either the 1D MKII and 1DS and I'll throw in 2 1GB cards for you. Come with a Lowepro card case. How ;s that for a deal?



Are you selling these at the price of an EOS 350D? (or at least near the price of it) :?

[szehoong]

I must say it was a really hard decision. I have been thinking about this for months, and I seriously prefered the Nikon brandname over Canon, and I still do today. I really feel rather sad not buying the Nikon cam, but unfortunately, when weighing the pros and cons perculiar to my needs, I went with the Canon 350D.

Well......at least you've done your homework so you should be happy bout it. My first digital camera is a Nikon but I've got a Canon as well......so it depends on if the camera model suits your need and wallet at the time of purchase........branding should comes second ;)







1. I absolutely hated the 350D's small grip. Yeah, I have rather big hands, so when I held the D70s, I felt the D70s is the cam for me. So why did I get the 350D still? Coz I was offered the verticle grip for quite a good price, and it felt better with it.


Yea......I hate the 350D's small grip. Even the 300D's grip is kinda small for my hand and it is bigger than the 350D.




Good that you've considered the cameras at all angles. However I would explain more to you the next time I see you and hopefully it would help on your next purchase (which I believe is not too soon) :D


Dun worry too much bout other people's opinion since you've already purchased your camera. Since you've got an entry-level DSLR, some comments might upset your purchase and you won't enjoy your camera. When you buy a Honda Civic you can't have it to perform like a Ferrari. Best is that you now concentrate in improving your photo-taking skills and start to get to know your camera better (esp before your all-important trip). ;)

Hope that helps and all the best in your photography experiences! :okay:

[Justme]

Well......at least you've done your homework so you should be happy bout it. My first digital camera is a Nikon but I've got a Canon as well......so it depends on if the camera model suits your need and wallet at the time of purchase........branding should comes second ;)


It's not so much about brand loyalty, but reality when dealing with SLR's, DSLR's.

With point&shoot camera's, you have just the camera, and that's pretty much it. It doesn't make any real difference if you buy a different brand as a 2nd or replacement camera - with the exception that your old memory cards may not be compatible.

But with SLR's, people often aquire a whole range of accessories, such as lenses, flash units, remote units etc, and to replace all of these with another brand which uses a different mount is rarely financially rewarding.

Once people choose an SLR / DSLR, they usually end up with that brand for life. The rare occasions when they do change is when everything get's stolen, and they have to rebuy from scratch or They sold everything a while ago because they needed money then, and now they want to start up (again from scratch) or they are simply very wealthy. But few will sell everything to swap brands as the loss on their old equipment compared to repurchasing brand new kit is simply not worth it.

[szehoong]

^^^ Yup....precisely my point! :okay:

BTW my Nikon digicam is a prosumer and my Canon is a DSLR .........I am a Canon SLR user for many years ;)

[Urban Dave]

Congrats! Longing for the pictures! Which lenses do you have?

[atkinson1]

Why isn't Canon 1DS Mark II on the list LOL
http://www.livingroom.org.au/photolog/images/thumbnails/Canon_EOS-1DSMKII.jpg

[huaiwei]

Why isn't Canon 1DS Mark II on the list LOL
http://www.livingroom.org.au/photolog/images/thumbnails/Canon_EOS-1DSMKII.jpg
Coz I dont belong to the "extremely wealthy" category Justme talks about, or the kind Kit seems to want to sell to? :D

[huaiwei]

im a big fan of Nikon also, but i think you made a wise choice for the 350d ;)
I hope so! ;) Have you gotten a DSLR yourself?

[Urban Dave]

:drool:

[huaiwei]

Hmmm...retail person to tell ya which is better is not a wise move. But nonetheless, as long as ya happy with what ya got, there's nothing to worry about.
I was indeed expecting the sales staff to be biased in a way, but I cant help it. I might end up making most of my purchases from them, coz they are just so competitive in the price segment. :D

[huaiwei]

Congrats! Longing for the pictures! Which lenses do you have?
Oh I got a Tamron AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3. Lousy aperture, but I wanted to use only a single all-rounded lens for travelling, so I settled for it. What do you think?

[Urban Dave]

Good all-terrain lense! eq to 29-320 !!!!!
I own a 24-120 (eq 36-180 conversion factor is 1,5 in Nikon DSLR) and I think it lacks wide angle, but this Saturday I will solve it with a 12-24 :D

[huaiwei]

Haha...wide angle will have to wait for me. ;) I need a good lens for night shots too.

[Urban Dave]

A tripot is just what you need for night shots ;) You can always manual focus easy. You can always use a high ISO and use Image Neat to erase the noise.

[th0m]

Good to see you got an EOS ;) I'm very happy with mine, and am looking to buy lenses, lenses and lenses! But, I have no money :D

[Kit]

Oh I got a Tamron AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3. Lousy aperture, but I wanted to use only a single all-rounded lens for travelling, so I settled for it. What do you think?

If you're using this for architectural purposes, I don't see an issue at all. You'd be shooting most of the time at f8 or even slower.

[atkinson1]

Show us some pics.

[Urban Dave]

Good to see you got an EOS ;) I'm very happy with mine, and am looking to buy lenses, lenses and lenses! But, I have no money :D
Longing to by some L lenses? :rofl:

[huaiwei]

Show us some pics.
Hadent done any outdoors yet, coz it was raining like hell for the past two days. Will be going out tomorrow, so I hope it turns out ok! :D

[Urban Dave]

Mmmmm. here three days without a single cloud in the sky :D

[huaiwei]

Mmmmm. here three days without a single cloud in the sky :D
Its coruscant afterall. :D

[huaiwei]

Btw I just bought my second camera today. :D

[babystan03]

Btw I just bought my second camera today. :D

So rich......:eek:

[Urban Dave]

Second camera? Another DSLR? :rofl::rofl:
Today it's also sunny here in Coruscant :D

[huaiwei]

Haha....actually it was god damned raining here still...I actually walked through the rain and got half wet on my way to the mall.

Ney..not a DSLR....I arent any richer then babystan. :lol: Its a Sony F88, and I got it for quite a bargain....only S$545!!

[babystan03]

Ney..not a DSLR....I arent any richer then babystan. :lol:

You think only mah.....:lol:

Wah your Sony offer quite good......:yes:

[huaiwei]

Haha...who noes what you spend on. :D

Yeah its a really good deal. Only last week, I was given a quote which was S$645!

[babystan03]

Haha...who noes what you spend on. :D

Yeah its a really good deal. Only last week, I was given a quote which was S$645!

Much less than you definitely.......:lol: :jk:

Yeah plus you dun need to spend extra on memory stick.......:yes:

[huaiwei]

Ney...bought a new memory stick as well. 512MB, and costs me S$125. Its not by sony thou, but by sandisk. :D

[babystan03]

Ney...bought a new memory stick as well. 512MB, and costs me S$125. Its not by sony thou, but by sandisk. :D

Wah.....memory stick so expensive.......:eek:

[huaiwei]

Its not too bad by now. My 128MB one was purchased for about $130 1-2 years ago. This is the worse thing about Sony cameras...I think I see some folks saying Sony is going to die if they persist in using their memory stick!

[babystan03]

Its not too bad by now. My 128MB one was purchased for about $130 1-2 years ago. This is the worse thing about Sony cameras...I think I see some folks saying Sony is going to die if they persist in using their memory stick!

I supposed now the situation is not so bad as you can get third party brands (like sandisk) also.........:yes:

[Urban Dave]

Compact flash are SOOOOO cheap! For 130$ You've got a 1 Gb Ultra III!!!!

[nova]

Its not too bad by now. My 128MB one was purchased for about $130 1-2 years ago. This is the worse thing about Sony cameras...I think I see some folks saying Sony is going to die if they persist in using their memory stick!

I second that bit about their death. :(

I have a Sony cam too.

[Urban Dave]

500$ For the sony! :omg: I would by some more lenses :D

[Jo]

I believe those prices are in Singapore's currency.
1.00 US Dollar = 1.64 Singapore Dollars ;)

[huaiwei]

Haha yeah...that makes it about US$300 only? ;)

[huaiwei]

I second that bit about their death. :(

I have a Sony cam too.
Which model? And how long you have been using it? Mine is my second sony actually, coz my previous model, a F55V is ending its functional life after 5 good years with a very punishing and unkind owner. :D

[Urban Dave]

OW!!!! For 300$ you can't by any lenses! At leas a decent one :rofl:

[huaiwei]

Yeap, hence the lens can wait? :D

[nova]

Which model? And how long you have been using it? Mine is my second sony actually, coz my previous model, a F55V is ending its functional life after 5 good years with a very punishing and unkind owner. :D

DSC-P10, with a 128 MB memory stick that set me back by S$100. Been using it since.. last year. I've only recently got to know more about its functions, before getting interested in this forum I'd just point and click. :)

[th0m]

Longing to by some L lenses? :rofl:
I'm still very new to the lens-business, but the L lenses are the most expensive ones, right?

I think I'll go for a Canon 17-85mm IS USM first, to replace the kitlens, plus add a little bit of range as well. But it will probably be until after the summer before I will have any money for anything ;) When the time comes I will look further into it. Do you have any other suggestions? I don't necessarily need a Canon lens, although the IS can be useful I guess.

[huaiwei]

Wah...Sony aftersales support is as impressive as ever. I get to register online for warranty, and gets 3 months extension for doing that. First time I dont have to mail the warranty card back!

"Thank you for signing up as a My Sony member. And smart choice on your latest Sony purchase, the DSC-F88/LJ."

I sure hope its that smart! :D

[Urban Dave]

Right th0m, they are the most expensive and the best ones! ;)

[hyacinthus]

@th0m, HW & Urban_Dave

Not sure if you are interested to know prices of Canon/Nikon/Tamron/Sigma lenses in HK or not... Here's the reference link. All in HK$.

http://www.ygdragon.net/index.php?page=photo/cameraprice.htm

As for Lexar 80x CF card prices, it's about the same as in Singapore. Though, I can see in HK is a few sing dollars cheaper. (Sorry, it's mostly in Chinese characters. But, you can still see the description and price in HK$ clearly)

http://www.hkgolden.com/hardware_price/default2.asp?itemtype=MEMORY&vendor_id=LEXAR&sort_by=P&I2.x=29&I2.y=14

[szehoong]

Wah.....looks like Huaiwei just strike a Jackpot or kena a lottery or something! :lol:

So where is your old Sony retiring to?

[Urban Dave]

Thanks hyacinthus, it could be used to see in the future!;)

[th0m]

Yeah, thanks Hyacinthus, nice list :cheers: Looks like I'll need around 500 euro's ;)

[Urban Dave]

What do you want to buy, th0m?

[hyacinthus]

@Urban_Dave and th0m
I am glad the info will be useful. Buying lenses and photography stuff is so expensive... good to compare first before buying.

th0m going to HK? The shop addresses (got it from the web) might be useful. :)

Wing Shing
55-57 Sai Yang Choi Street
Mong Kok
(MTR Mong Kok Station exit D3)

Man Shing
106 Tung Choi Street
(MTR Mong Kok Station exit D2)

Wing Shing (new store)
91-95 Fan Yuen Street
(MTR Mong Kok Station exit D3)
two streets away from the main store.

[th0m]

@Urban Dave: Probably a 17-85 mm IS USM, to replace the kitlens. On that list it sells at HK$4900, which is around 490 euro's. I just feel that the 18-55 lens isnt that good, but in buying the 17-85 lens, I get the same aperture, but add a bit of range. I do think I could spend more than 500 euro's on my lens though, so I may look for other options. Maybe I should forget about range for now, and just go with a better lens with the range of the kitlens, or even less range. The best in that category would obviously be the 16-35 f/2.8 L lens, but that runs at HK$11,710. That's a tad too expensive for me, so maybe I should stick with the f/4 aperture, but still get an L lens, so then the 17-40 f/4 L would be a good choice, at around HK$5,880. I just don't know if the IS is a must or not, I would assume it matters most for close-up shots, but if I buy a pricey L lens and I find out I have to use a tripod even during the day to take decent shots (I'm pretty sure that isn't the case, but I'm just exaggerating the scenario), then I'll take an IS lens.

@hya: I don't think I'll be coming to HK any time soon. The money I would spend on a ticket and hotel costs would buy me a pretty decent L lens, I think :D

[Urban Dave]

IS is image stabilizator right? I think is very useful for dark interior shoots and of course for a travel lenses, where you don't have tripod or flash (in case of small interiors). My 24-120 uses a VR (the IS for Nikorr lenses) and I only use it when I travel and I don't want to carry with me all the material.

[Jo]

HW, where did you buy these two cameras? I might go for the same combo, in the same city :)

[huaiwei]

Wah.....looks like Huaiwei just strike a Jackpot or kena a lottery or something! :lol:

So where is your old Sony retiring to?
Ney....I just decided to spend the money stored in my bank account! :D

Retiring? I am not too sure...probably in a tomb I setup in a dry box I am getting today. ;)

[huaiwei]

HW, where did you buy these two cameras? I might go for the same combo, in the same city :)
Ha! :D I bought my Canon from M S color at Ang Mo Kio Central(http://www.mscolor.com.sg/), which gives one of the most competitive prices here. Do send for an equotation first thou, because it tends to be cheaper. :D Other equotations you can compare with include Alan Photo (http://www.phsphoto.com.sg/) and TK Foto (http://www.tkfoto.com.sg/), which are some of the more popular outlets.

I got my Sony from Song Brothers at Sim Lim Square, which I didnt get an equote, but walked around to ask. Many other shops have stopped selling the model, including M S color and Alan Photo, so I have to do some leg work instead. Actually, I was lazy, and I only walked into two shops. :lol: A price of S$545 is low enough to impress me, coz the recommended price is close to S$800! You might get better deals if you walk around!

[Jo]

Thank you sir! http://www.vmp.ethz.ch/forumx/images/openbb/smiley/1.png

In Sweden (http://se.pricerunner.com/photography/digital-cameras/214696/prices) I can't find the Sony it for less than 4190 SKR (S$964). Scary eh? :D

[CborG]

still no pictures? :(

[huaiwei]

still no pictures? :(
Oh I just took some for the past 3 days or so...but more auto than manual. :lol: I will get them up tomorrow when I get the image processing software in place! ;)

Thanks for the patience, and sorry for keeping you people waiting!

[huaiwei]

Thank you sir! http://www.vmp.ethz.ch/forumx/images/openbb/smiley/1.png

In Sweden (http://se.pricerunner.com/photography/digital-cameras/214696/prices) I can't find the Sony it for less than 4190 SKR (S$964). Scary eh? :D
No problem Sir! :D

Heh....my european friends always puke when they discover the price disparaties. Prices of many of those lens were less then half price here compared to Europe, for example, and they were telling me I could make a small fortune bringing a few lens over to sell!

[hyacinthus]

I think is very useful for dark interior shoots and of course for a travel lenses, where you don't have tripod or flash (in case of small interiors). My 24-120 uses a VR (the IS for Nikorr lenses) and I only use it when I travel and I don't want to carry with me all the material.

Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G VR sounds great for travelling. Hmm... maybe, I'll buy one in HK end of the month. :colgate:

I've tried Nikkor 50mm f1.8D for dim indoor shots and portraits w/o flash at (1/focal length) min. The results were amazingly sharp. The lens is not expensive too. About S$180.

[hyacinthus]

Retiring? I am not too sure...probably in a tomb I setup in a dry box I am getting today. ;)

HW, my dad's film SLRs turned mouldy in a dry box... don't be penny wise pound foolish like him.

He just bought me a 60L electronic dry cabinet - an early birthday present which arrived yesterday. :happy:

Edit: You might want to get one from this vendor which provides free delivery (in Singapore)
http://www.digihub.com.sg

[huaiwei]

HW, my dad's film SLRs turned mouldy in a dry box... don't be penny wise pound foolish like him.

He just bought me a 60L electronic dry cabinet - an early birthday present which arrived yesterday. :happy:

Edit: You might want to get one from this vendor which provides free delivery (in Singapore)
http://www.digihub.com.sg
Oh..I meant dry cabinet...sory. I tot dry box just meant all kinds...be it a plastic box or a proper cabinet! :D I will be buying it in a few hour's time...

[Urban Dave]

Today I recived my 12-24 mm!!!!!!! :drool: I think great pictures are about to came! :D

[babystan03]

Oh..I meant dry cabinet...sory. I tot dry box just meant all kinds...be it a plastic box or a proper cabinet! :D I will be buying it in a few hour's time...

Wah seems like getting a DSLR is quite expensive.......so many acessories to buy......:eek:

[Sen]

OMG i want to see the pictures...

so which one did you by? haha ididn't read page 2 to 4.

[Urban Dave]

He bought the Canon 350D

[th0m]

Urban Dave, what are you doing here! You should be out shooting with your 12-24, and showing us the results :D

[hyacinthus]

Today I recived my 12-24 mm!!!!!!! :drool: I think great pictures are about to came! :D

Cool! :happy:

[Bitxofo]

Great Urban_Dave!!
:master:

[huaiwei]

still no pictures? :(
Sorry for the long wait!

The weather wasent good these few days, so these few wont be that good. And I was stil using P mode...hadent really tried all the setting yet. Trying to get a hang of it aline the way. ;)

http://img210.echo.cx/img210/8751/img00012s5sd.jpg
One of my first few test shots...hardly anything to shout about. :D

Some picts of the Supreme Court building:

http://img210.echo.cx/img210/3089/img00055s5ku.jpg

http://img210.echo.cx/img210/8199/img00045s6pl.jpg

http://img210.echo.cx/img210/1057/img00018s8cw.jpg

http://img210.echo.cx/img210/3967/img00040s6di.jpg

More coming up!

[gohcan]

Nice pics (i don't like the first one), but the nexts are nice. Have you got an extra zoom? Could you post the real size of one of them? I want to see the difference between the original and the resized one. Thanks!

[Kit]

Did you do any post editing? Some of those images seems over sharpened but its not entirely accurate to gauge from the monitor.

[Kit]

BTW, you can't really rely on auto mode when doing archi stuff. Switch to aperture priority and use a small aperture.

[Urban Dave]

Nice nice ones! The first one very useful to show the weather conditions there! I also agree some look like there were some sharpenning mask ore some photoshop filter.
Anyway, they are nice! :D

[huaiwei]

Nice pics (i don't like the first one), but the nexts are nice. Have you got an extra zoom? Could you post the real size of one of them? I want to see the difference between the original and the resized one. Thanks!
Thanks for the comments everyone! Yeah I used zoom..but my lens has only up to 200mm anyway..not much. Here is the original version of one of them, in which I used photoshop's "Save for web" tool, and used Jpeg low to compress it so that I dont have to post a 2.5mb file. :D

http://img228.echo.cx/img228/6813/img00055b0tw.jpg

[huaiwei]

Did you do any post editing? Some of those images seems over sharpened but its not entirely accurate to gauge from the monitor.
Yes, I used photoshop to sharpen the images to varying degrees, as some of them look rather flat. I also did "auto correct", and then resized them using the "save for web" feature.

[huaiwei]

Nice nice ones! The first one very useful to show the weather conditions there! I also agree some look like there were some sharpenning mask ore some photoshop filter.
Anyway, they are nice! :D
Thank you! But you could say I cheated by using PS to sharpen them. :D Yeah I was trying to snap the shots under a gloomy sky, so it was a challenge to bring out details in architecture. I used P mode and upped the ISO to 400.

Is there a way to bring out the sharpness as I did with photoshop, but without using the software? What settings I could try? Kit suggested above to reduce the aperture. Is that one solution to archieve this?

[Urban Dave]

200 mm??? JOJOJJO Mine is bigger :naughty: 300 mm :rofl:

[Urban Dave]

Did you remember the shutter speed for f/9 at 100 ISO? D70 ISO's stop at 200 (160 real, so you have to overexpose normally +.3 EV)
I normally dont' try to use higher ISO's than 200 if it's not necessary (also my VR in 24-120 helps a lot!)
Btw, I think that you never cheat when you use Photoshop, is just a tool, so if it helps to get better results: USE IT! Personaly, I like the PS sharpened image looking.

[huaiwei]

200 mm??? JOJOJJO Mine is bigger :naughty: 300 mm :rofl:
I shall resist the dark side of lens buying binges! :lol:!

[huaiwei]

Did you remember the shutter speed for f/9 at 100 ISO? D70 ISO's stop at 200 (160 real, so you have to overexpose normally +.3 EV)
I normally dont' try to use higher ISO's than 200 if it's not necessary (also my VR in 24-120 helps a lot!)
Btw, I think that you never cheat when you use Photoshop, is just a tool, so if it helps to get better results: USE IT! Personaly, I like the PS sharpened image looking.
remember the shutter speed? You mean I shd remember that setting when I snap the picture, or you want to know whats the speed I used for the shots?

What is VR btw? :D

Hoho...at least you appreciate PS. I know there has been a big debate over the use of PS and such in post processing, but I do hope what I have done above isnt over-doing it. Afterall, I didnt replace the lousy sky with bright blue! :D

[Kit]

Thank you! But you could say I cheated by using PS to sharpen them. :D Yeah I was trying to snap the shots under a gloomy sky, so it was a challenge to bring out details in architecture. I used P mode and upped the ISO to 400.

Is there a way to bring out the sharpness as I did with photoshop, but without using the software? What settings I could try? Kit suggested above to reduce the aperture. Is that one solution to archieve this?

Forget the dry cabinet, you need to get a tripod right away.

Yes, in a way, using a smaller aperture will help because it deepens the depth of field. This will improve detail clarity, especially towards the edges of the image.

[Kit]

remember the shutter speed? You mean I shd remember that setting when I snap the picture, or you want to know whats the speed I used for the shots?

What is VR btw? :D

Hoho...at least you appreciate PS. I know there has been a big debate over the use of PS and such in post processing, but I do hope what I have done above isnt over-doing it. Afterall, I didnt replace the lousy sky with bright blue! :D

VR = Vibration Reduction

Doesn't mean anything to you since you are using Canon. Canon's equivalent would be IS = Image Stabilizer. Many got lost in the midst of what IS can do and forget that it cannot replace the good o' tripod. Its helpful but there is only so much it can do for you. A good guideline to follow would be the 1/focal rule. If you are using a 50mm lens, then you shouldn't use a shutter speed slower than 1/50sec. Canon's claimed 2 stops advantage with the 1st generation IS. So if there's an IS module in your 50mm, you can go down to 1/13secs. That's just on paper, personally, I wouldn't use anything slower that 1/30secs with a 16-35 lens. Even faster for lens with longer ranges.

[huaiwei]

Forget the dry cabinet, you need to get a tripod right away.

Yes, in a way, using a smaller aperture will help because it deepens the depth of field. This will improve detail clarity, especially towards the edges of the image.
I do have a (cheap" tripod lah..haha. But that is not what I need now, because I am travelling without it.

I see your logic on the aperture now. Thanks for the tip!

[Urban Dave]

Kit answered your question about VR very well! I only use it when I am in a travel and obviously I don't have a tripod. When I want to take good nightshots, ALWAYS use a tripod, no matter I have a VR, I just turn it off.

[huaiwei]

A few more photos taken on that gloomy day...

http://img149.echo.cx/img149/5922/img00107s5kc.jpg

Wet tables laid out waiting for nightfall...
http://img149.echo.cx/img149/5151/img00121s5vq.jpg

Windows...
http://img149.echo.cx/img149/2946/img00046s8dl.jpg

The runway...
http://img149.echo.cx/img149/3125/img00122s5xf.jpg

[atkinson1]

Good pictures brother. That last one (skyscraper canyon) is so cool. It's definately been raining alot.

[huaiwei]

Thanks atkinson1! ;) I got some happier shots to show later, but I shall just post all the gloomy ones and finish them off now! :D

Snakey?
http://img148.echo.cx/img148/7561/img00144s9rr.jpg

Birdy!
http://img148.echo.cx/img148/416/img00087a8ul.jpg

http://img148.echo.cx/img148/662/img00087sa3at.jpg

Meow...
http://img148.echo.cx/img148/5112/img00057s6ar.jpg

http://img148.echo.cx/img148/5752/img00078s3du.jpg

Arrows.
http://img148.echo.cx/img148/6475/img00069s1vv.jpg

The bald...
http://img148.echo.cx/img148/1637/img00044s4hz.jpg

Hope you guys like them! :D

[huaiwei]

Finally....the SUN COMES OUT!!! :D

http://img62.echo.cx/img62/9062/img00363s7qe.jpg

http://img62.echo.cx/img62/5360/img00341s8fa.jpg

http://img62.echo.cx/img62/5413/img00336s8vz.jpg

http://img149.echo.cx/img149/6452/img00355s1pe.jpg

http://img149.echo.cx/img149/6977/img00376s3sf.jpg

http://img62.echo.cx/img62/2799/img00342s5cz.jpg

http://img62.echo.cx/img62/6749/img00333s6mz.jpg

[Urban Dave]

Amazing pics dude!!!!!! WTH is this girl doing to the birdy??? (botero's scuplture?)

The sunny day images are amazing.

[huaiwei]

Haha...possing for pictures in front of it? :lol:

Thanks so much for the compliments!

[Urban Dave]

I think is one of the most strange posses ever!:rofl:

[huaiwei]

I think is one of the most strange posses ever!:rofl:
:lol: Hence its captured forever in my cam as well? :D

A few more...

http://img68.echo.cx/img68/639/img00338s0mi.jpg

http://img148.echo.cx/img148/3297/img00347s2ts.jpg

http://img68.echo.cx/img68/787/img00358s7xi.jpg

http://img68.echo.cx/img68/7696/img00364s6tx.jpg

http://img68.echo.cx/img68/4876/img00377s1pn.jpg

[Jo]

That pose looks better from Huaiwei's angle. It's bordering on being sexy :naughty:

Great pix btw :)

[Urban Dave]

I want such beatifull skyscrapers here in Barcelona!!!!!! Amazing pics! You are enjoing the SUN a lot!

[huaiwei]

Hehe....getting baked in the process is more like it! :D

A few more shots of individual buildings:

http://img226.echo.cx/img226/323/img00331s0zw.jpg

http://img226.echo.cx/img226/3253/img00337s9sg.jpg

http://img226.echo.cx/img226/9029/img00346s7od.jpg

http://img226.echo.cx/img226/7528/img00366s2gu.jpg

http://img226.echo.cx/img226/817/img00370s5lg.jpg

[babystan03]

Maybe can rename this thread as Huaiwei showcase thread......:D

[MILIUX]

Just wondering. What's the sign says on that last pic?

[huaiwei]

Maybe can rename this thread as Huaiwei showcase thread......:D
Haha...maybe can move this to the Sg forum and name it as such? :D

Matixvolta...I dont see any sign in the last photo?

[Urban Dave]

Maybe he is refering to the one on the top of the building :P
I want my showcase tooo! :rofl:

[AltinD]

Just wondering. What's the sign says on that last pic?

"No Pictures"

:rofl:

[huaiwei]

"No Pictures"

:rofl:
Haha...help!!! :D

[AltinD]

I saw a Canon 350D in Dubai going for USD 1,020/-.

Thinking that it is Japanese made and sold in Singapore, I wouldn't be surprised if you paid 5 - 10% less then that.

[huaiwei]

I saw a Canon 350D in Dubai going for USD 1,020/-.

Thinking that it is Japanese made and sold in Singapore, I wouldn't be surprised if you paid 5 - 10% less then that.
But I bought mine for about the same price? Slightly less then US$1,085 in fact, so that would make prices in both places comparable! :eek:

Oh btw...is the one you saw coming with a kit lens?

[Urban Dave]

Cameras have diffenent prices depending where you buy. If you buy in the States and you are in Europe you can save a lot of money because of the difference value of the € and $

[MILIUX]

Haha...maybe can move this to the Sg forum and name it as such? :D

Matixvolta...I dont see any sign in the last photo?

I mean the neon light above the building.

[huaiwei]

I mean the neon light above the building.
Meaning the sign on top of the building?

[Urban Dave]

I suppose that Yes..

[AltinD]

Cameras have diffenent prices depending where you buy. If you buy in the States and you are in Europe you can save a lot of money because of the difference value of the € and $

Yes, but Singapore and Dubai have comparable prices, being both world's top re-exporters of electronic goods. Singapore has the advantage of shorter distance and no-custom duty agreement with Japan, while Dubai benefits from lack of sales and income tax.

The camera I saw had lenses at least 10 cm long. The price was from Carrefour but on the market in the city, ususally these items can be bought even cheaper but such high-end models will be difficult to find.

[huaiwei]

Hmm....but when it comes to electronics, Singapore is not really merely a re-exporter. It does actually have a sizeable electronics industry by global standards directly involved in the manufacturing process.

As for taxes, Hong Kong has no sale tax either. Singapore has a 5% GST, which tourist can claim a rebate for. The price I quoted for my 350D, btw, includes this tax. :D

[babystan03]

Hmm....but when it comes to electronics, Singapore is not really merely a re-exporter. It does actually have a sizeable electronics industry by global standards directly involved in the manufacturing process.

As for taxes, Hong Kong has no sale tax either. Singapore has a 5% GST, which tourist can claim a rebate for. The price I quoted for my 350D, btw, includes this tax. :D

That means if a tourist buy your camera, he can get it 5% cheaper than you?? :? (at USD1030)

[huaiwei]

Yeap. ;) All my prices quote includes GST.

[AltinD]

In Europe is 13%.

(I know that Singapore does have a manufacturing industry, with Matsushita, Philips and Sony producing there)

[huaiwei]

I was comparing camera prices with my european friends. Practically everything there is twice as expensive compared to here, but it seems more because the Japanese companiese deliberately kept the price differentiation more due to a business tactic then practical reasons such as taxes and distance? ;)

[AltinD]

I work with consumer electronics and cameras are somehow cheaper in Asia compared to Europe, but not by a considerable marging, also keep in mind the freight costs.

But I'm talking about prices before tax. If the prices on the shop have to be compared, then the difference is really considerable, becouse of 20% VAT tax and 30 - 50% (on profit) corporate tax.

[AltinD]

My Panasonic camera costed me $457 over here. Later on I checked with our European office and Panasonic there sells us (no-duty) that camera for 278 EUR (@1.3 = $361.50) so the difference is alot.

[Urban Dave]

Spain taxes are 16%!!!!

[Urban Dave]

I bought some lenses in USA, 431€ (transport included) in Bhphotovideo.com and 595€ or more in some Spaniards shops!

[th0m]

In Europe is 13%.

(I know that Singapore does have a manufacturing industry, with Matsushita, Philips and Sony producing there)

It's 19% in The Netherlands.

[AltinD]

It's 19% in The Netherlands.

Yes, but they refund you only 13% on Airport, when you leave.

[Urban Dave]

Yes, for people from overseas they refund some of the taxe, but for residents, they can't do anything to pay it :cry: