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Duty free is a rip for electronics, the only real savings you make will be on items where extra duty is applied such as booze, tobacco and perfume. Check out http://www.staticice.com.au/ Plenty of options for the Canon you want http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=Canon+sx430&spos=3

I've always liked the advice "the best camera is the one you have with you" as it applies on many levels. Smartphone camera quality (and specifically computational photography) has improved dramatically over the past half decade, enough that I would say a top-tier smartphone (Google Pixel, iPhone, Samsung S10, etc.) would suffice for most. Works out well because most people already have phones on them. It sounds like you're keen on shooting videos too however, with video recording capabilities of phones still leaving a lot to be desired. Should you want to upgrade to a dedicated camera option this leads to the second interpretation: getting something portable and easy to use. I've known too many non-technical people pick up bulky and relatively cheap DSLRs expecting them to dramatically improve their photos, only to not be bothered enough to learn to use the camera properly as well as rarely even taking them out because they are too big and heavy to carry everywhere. If you are really keen on photography/videography and willing to lug around 1-2kg worth of gear sure, but I'd say most average people are not. Back to recommendations, I like 'advanced' point-and-shoots like the Canon G7X/G9X and Sony RX100 series but they can be quite costly- ranging from A$700 all the way up to $1500++ They are pretty simple to use with reasonable auto-modes, fairly compact (not pants-pocketable but fits into coats/bags) and the image/video quality is perfectly fine for most I would say. There's a ton of reviews out there, at the time the Canon G7X mark II was lauded as a good vlogging camera. Not sure where in WA you are but JB HiFi has them and maybe you can check some out there. Going down budget I'm not sure I can recommend the cheaper (<A$300) point-and-shoot cameras. Picking up second-hand or waiting for sales of the aforementioned cameras is a better bet in my opinion. Otherwise, I'd say you're better off just upgrading your phone and maybe getting a tripod with phone mount for any videos. Make sure there is adequate lighting, turn on extra lights if you have to. Work with what you have.

Ahhh unsure about that one! Yeh when you put it like that it’s not really worth the risk. Thanks Ropey!

My last laptop purchase I flew to HK and ferry to shenzhen and had a dodgy weekend there, then purchased my laptop in HK and flew home to bkk, and broke even on the cheapest of that laptop I could find in Bangkok. Thailand certainly isn't even good value for higher spec electronics.

It's also a myth that electronics are cheaper in Asia. They aren't and they are frequently quite a bit more expensive than in the west. For US residents, duty free is hardly ever a bargain. It's only good for items that are sometimes hard to find in the states, such as certain Japanese whiskeys.

Many thanks, SAG and OTS. I think the absence of a pool would be a deal-breaker for me. Schlepping across the way to use a pool doesn't really work, as I have enjoyed running from my room to the jacuzzi with my LB guests in the evening at the Soi 6 location. Weather permitting, I'm poolside reading and listening to music for an hour or two every day.

Soi 6 is a much better location for the bars and a much newer hotel than the other two. My own personal preference between 11 and 13 would be 11 as a good location for Soi 11 bars and restaurants and the hotel itself situated in Soi 11 alley. From which you can take a few minutes stroll to Soi 3 then on to Soi 4. I found the rooms so much better than the 13 location as it doesn’t let in as much light and seem dark all the time. Where as 11 seemed much brighter with bigger windows. I’ve always had an upgrade at 11 and never at the 13 location. The only negative with 11 is there is no pool but you can use the Soi 13 pool I’ve done a more in depth view on both in my hotel thread as for what you get from both. Found on pages 4+5 But it’s just personal preference for 11 for me. Each person will have their own different preferences

Hakuna Matata Bwana I would assume that as they are all part of the same chain, then the rooms will be similar, just the pricing and guest types may vary. I have compared Citrus 11 and 13, but have never stayed at the soi 6 location. Citrus 13 definitely comes out on top, as its in a better condition, nicer customers, more convenient and cheaper. Maybe run some tests on Agoda between Citrus 13 and 6 and see what the differences are? Cheers SAG