Jackman11007 18 #1 Posted October 7, 2019 I’m thinking I’ll be need a half decent camera for this upcoming trip!! Obviously for sight seeing and hopefully some models also what cameras and camcorders does everyone use? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ropey 1,982 #2 Posted October 7, 2019 Smells of 1995 in here. Surely you just use your phone and/or laptop? Unless you're an enthusiast I guess, then I prefer the JVC VideoMovie, because you can insert the VHS directly from the camcorder into the player with no adapter required. 1 Jackman11007 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jackman11007 18 #3 Posted October 7, 2019 Smart phones are okay but not great especially when you mirror your movies onto a sizeable TV. Whats a VHS? 1 Ropey reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ssmurry 1,680 #4 Posted October 7, 2019 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. 2 1 Ropey, Jackman11007 and oliver17 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jackman11007 18 #5 Posted October 7, 2019 Might see what I can get in duty free. Was hoping to not surpass $500 was looking at the canon PowerShot sx 430 as it has good reviews for a novice like myself Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ropey 1,982 #6 Posted October 8, 2019 2 hours ago, Jackman11007 said: Might see what I can get in duty free. Was hoping to not surpass $500 was looking at the canon PowerShot sx 430 as it has good reviews for a novice like myself 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 1 1 Jackman11007 and oliver17 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver17 10,486 #7 Posted October 8, 2019 46 minutes ago, Ropey said: 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. 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. 1 Ropey reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jackman11007 18 #8 Posted October 8, 2019 I did see some deals at Changi airport... which made me think duty free but I did think if I couldn’t find what I wanted or a good deal I’d be stuck with my iPhone. Obviously I need some decent pics for a trip report haha! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ropey 1,982 #9 Posted October 8, 2019 11 minutes ago, oliver17 said: 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. 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. 1 oliver17 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ropey 1,982 #10 Posted October 8, 2019 2 minutes ago, Jackman11007 said: I did see some deals at Changi airport... which made me think duty free but I did think if I couldn’t find what I wanted or a good deal I’d be stuck with my iPhone. Obviously I need some decent pics for a trip report haha! Pics? We're looking forward to the movie now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ropey 1,982 #11 Posted October 8, 2019 6 minutes ago, Jackman11007 said: I did see some deals at Changi airport... which made me think duty free but I did think if I couldn’t find what I wanted or a good deal I’d be stuck with my iPhone. Obviously I need some decent pics for a trip report haha! The other good reason for buying in Aus is the consumer guarantees act, which Singapore and other Asian markets tend to not have. It often means the product delivered to Aus is of a more robust spec than the model released for Asia as the retailer is liable for replacement which is not the case in Asia who will push you off to the manufacturer, who will then decline a fix or replacement as you didn't fax in the warranty within 7 days or some other silly reason. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jackman11007 18 #12 Posted October 8, 2019 14 minutes ago, Ropey said: Pics? We're looking forward to the movie now! Ahhh unsure about that one! 11 minutes ago, Ropey said: The other good reason for buying in Aus is the consumer guarantees act, which Singapore and other Asian markets tend to not have. It often means the product delivered to Aus is of a more robust spec than the model released for Asia as the retailer is liable for replacement which is not the case in Asia who will push you off to the manufacturer, who will then decline a fix or replacement as you didn't fax in the warranty within 7 days or some other silly reason. Yeh when you put it like that it’s not really worth the risk. Thanks Ropey! 1 Ropey reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ssmurry 1,680 #13 Posted October 8, 2019 11 hours ago, Jackman11007 said: Was hoping to not surpass $500 was looking at the canon PowerShot sx 430 as it has good reviews for a novice like myself Fair enough mate, in that case I've heard good things about the Panasonic Lumix TZ range. I think the most recent ones TZ80 and TZ90 can be had in the A$400 range or even less if you can get it on sale. You can also look for older models on sale, here's the Sony RX100 for sub $500 https://www.ryda.com.au/sony-rx100-cyber-shot-camera It's a superb camera and at the time was used as the 'second' camera for many pros, it was that good. Blew away every other camera in it's segment. I've used the later editions and been very impressed with it's quality. Maybe I'm a bit picky but I've used my ex's Canon SX420 (the older one) and apart from being able to zoom really bloody far haha, I didn't think the images were particularly much better than what you can get with a phone nowadays. With that said, it's your money of course and I don't wanna pressure you into spending more than you want/need. On one hand I enjoy taking photos because it captures moments that often cannot be recreated, and having the right gear allows me to better achieve this. On the other, I've tried to cut down wastage as there's no point overspending on something you'll rarely use. Anyway apologies for the long rants. Regardless of what you end up using I'm sure you'll have a blast regardless. Just the mental images of some of the girls I've been with will stay with me forever hah! 1 Jackman11007 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jackman11007 18 #14 Posted October 9, 2019 12 hours ago, ssmurry said: Fair enough mate, in that case I've heard good things about the Panasonic Lumix TZ range. I think the most recent ones TZ80 and TZ90 can be had in the A$400 range or even less if you can get it on sale. You can also look for older models on sale, here's the Sony RX100 for sub $500 https://www.ryda.com.au/sony-rx100-cyber-shot-camera It's a superb camera and at the time was used as the 'second' camera for many pros, it was that good. Blew away every other camera in it's segment. I've used the later editions and been very impressed with it's quality. Maybe I'm a bit picky but I've used my ex's Canon SX420 (the older one) and apart from being able to zoom really bloody far haha, I didn't think the images were particularly much better than what you can get with a phone nowadays. With that said, it's your money of course and I don't wanna pressure you into spending more than you want/need. On one hand I enjoy taking photos because it captures moments that often cannot be recreated, and having the right gear allows me to better achieve this. On the other, I've tried to cut down wastage as there's no point overspending on something you'll rarely use. Anyway apologies for the long rants. Regardless of what you end up using I'm sure you'll have a blast regardless. Just the mental images of some of the girls I've been with will stay with me forever hah! It’s all appreciated thanks mate! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites