Europe or Hong Kong?

[captainredbeard]

Hi friends.

This is my first post, and though I've looked through some others, I haven't been able to find one that covered my query. Please excuse me if I'm repeating something that has been asked before.

So I'm leaving for Europe in about 4 weeks, and I'm stopping over in Hong Kong very briefly on the way. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about the prices of cameras in Hong Kong, compared to the cheapest prices in Europe? Also, where in Europe is the cheapest place to buy a camera?

I am thinking specifically of purchasing a Canon Digital Rebel XT (unless anyone has any recommendations of a similararly equipped dSLR), so if anyone could give me any cheap prices that they know of, that would be great.

...and....

This is going to be my first ever camera purchase. Do you think I am getting in a little too deep by going straight for a dSLR? Should I perhaps go for a point-and-shoot camera first? The reason I thought of going for a dSLR is that I think I might like to take a course in digital photography/manipulation, so it might be a bit silly of me to buy a more basic camera, and then have to upgrade in the not too distant future.

Thanks in advance. These forums and this site have been such a huge help to me already.

[LHR02]

Eagle is your answer man for this! If he doesn't see this post in the next day or so email him directly. He is the most techno saavy fellow to be found!

ging

and welcome to the boards too!

[MuvverRussia]

Cameras in Hong Kong are so, so much cheaper than in Europe (especially the UK). Lenses are especially cheap in HK too. Otherwise, if you're looking to buy in Europe you'll be best off buying from somewhere like Gibraltar, as they have tax free status (be careful bringing it back into Spain though).

The Canon Digital Rebel XT is known as the Canon EOS 350D in Europe and the Canon Kiss n digital in Japan/Asia iirc. To put prices into context, here in the UK you'll be looking at £520 (US$972) or so for a 350D with the 18-55mm lens, whilst in Germany you're paying around €700 (UK£477, US$895). In HK you'll be paying around the £400-420 (US$750) mark, possibly less.

Just checked with B&H and they have the 350D with 18-55mm lens for $769.95, with a $100 rebate (so $669.95 after rebate - complete bargain . I'd personally buy that. You have peace of mind, knowing that you bought it from a reputable company, you'll have a decent warranty too.

In terms of buying it to build up your skills, if you can afford it then go for it. The 350D has a fully auto mode - literally just turn the camera on, remove the lens cap and shoot, so it is accessible. Then, as you want to learn more you can use aperture priority/shutter priority modes, before going fully manual . There are also a number of scene specific modes on it and although I don't bother with them they could be worth a look.

[Eagle]

captainredbeard, first of all, welcome to the Boards! I've only got a few minutes to post this afternoon, so will try to add a bit to the advice the others have given.

First of all, as you're "stopping over in Hong Kong I assume you're travelling from Australia? It helps us a bit to know where you're from, so that we can "tailor" the information more specifically to your situation.

I don't have a lot of information regarding the prices in Hong Kong, so not sure what to advise on that? However, a couple of points to think about: if you purchase the Camera in Hong Kong, will there be any "warranty issues" if you have problems, either in Europe or after you get home? Secondly, the Charger will probably be a "world charger" (most Canons seem to be supplied with these), however the plug attached to the unit might be configured for HK so you will probably need Adapters to use this in Europe and possibly also back home.

As Muvver indicated, generally speaking Cameras and other electronic products are generally more expensive in Europe than in North American or other parts of the world (especially in the U.K.!!!). If you were to purchase in the U.K., I believe you'd be able to escape the dreaded VAT, however you might have to pay this initially and then request a refund as a "non resident"?

As far as whether or not you should buy a dSLR, that's a difficult question to answer without knowing a bit more about your photographic needs and what you hope to accomplish with the Camera. The main advantage of using a dSLR is the flexibility offered by having interchangeable Lenses. However, with that comes the need to buy additional "glass" which can increase the initial purchase price quite substiantially depending on which lens(es) you select. Of course, you will also need extra Memory Cards, extra Batteries, a good quality Case and perhaps an external Flash unit. One final but very important factor that you'll need to consider is the need to clean the Sensor occasionally. The frequency of this will vary depending on conditions in your location (ie: dusty) and how often you change lenses. Check out Visible Dust, Copperhill method or other sites for a better explanation of this. The need to clean the sensor can be reduced by turning the Camera "off" when you pop the lens off (the sensor is a "charge coupled device" and tends to act as a magnet for dust particles - if it's powered off, there is much less of this effect).

You might find that a "monster zoom" Camera such as the new Canon S3-IS might also fit your needs quite well. This is the recently released successor to the S2-IS and the recent review at www.dpreview.com gave this the coveted "Highly Recommended" rating! It doesn't have the flexibility or capabilities of a dSLR, but the cost is less and it provides the ability to shoot Video, which most dSLR's are not capable of.

I'm most familiar with Canon models, so that's what I tend to recommend. I believe Tony uses Nikon so he could provide more information on those. I use a Digital Rebel XT myself and so far have been very pleased with it (although I haven't had a lot of time to become thoroughly familiar with it, due to a variety of circumstances). There have been VERY "mixed reviews" on the quality of the kit Lens, so you might want to consider something like the 17-85 IS USM in it's place (it also gets mixed reviews, but these generally seem to be more favourable).

Which Camera you buy will no doubt be influenced heavily by your budget. The Rebel XT / 350D (whatever it's called in your area?) is a great Camera and was recently voted the BEST "budget" dSLR in a recent test in Popular Photography magazine. It's small and easy to carry, which is one of the reasons I like it for travel. However, some users complain that the small size makes it difficult to hold properly. That hasn't been my experience. Of course, if one has a large Lens attached, it's not quite so light anymore! The one minor "deficiency" that I didn't like was the small LCD on the back, but that was a trade-off as with a small package like that, I doubt that it's possible to have the large LCD as well as the top display - there simply isn't enough room!

Two other Canon models that have received good reviews are the older 20D (probably discontinued by now?) and the newer 30D; they are both larger and heavier than the Rebel, but built like a Tank!!! The Rebel XT / 350D will probably be replaced this fall (according to rumors), but since you need a Camera now, there's no reason to wait. One could wait forever for the "best" model with all the bells & whistles!

If you're thinking of taking a course and getting more involved in Photography, buying an SLR will provide you with a Camera that you can both use now on your holiday, as well as "grow into" as your abilities improve. Check the reviews for any Cameras you're considering at www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com for further details. You can probably get by on this trip with just a good "walk around" Lens such as the 17-85, and then purchase other Lenses and accessories as funds permit.

Good luck with your decision. If I think of anything else, I'll post another note.

Cheers!!!

[captainredbeard]

Thank you so much for your help!

Sorry, I really should have mentioned that I am from Australia, where we can only get the the 350d/XT for $900 - $1000US. Bit of a rip off really. My budget is about $800US for the camera, though I'm aware that it will cost a bit more once I get a memory card/a bag/whatever.

As for what sort of camera I want, I really just want to be able to take really nice, high quality photos in a variety of conditions. And I must admit, I want a camera that looks like a 'real' camera (ie. SLR style). Judging by the reviews that I've read, I'm leaning toward sticking with Canon, since they seem to have a good reputation.

The B&H price is about what I am willing to pay for the camera, but unfortunately I won't be going to the US this time around. It looks as though bargains can be found in Hong Kong if I can find the right place, though I've heard that there are also places that will have no problem ripping me off. I'm only there for a few hours on my way to Europe, but staying there for a couple of days on the way back. I may even end up buying a cheap point and shoot, just to take happy snaps of my trip, then try to find a bargain on the 350D on my way back (if I haven't run out of cash by then!).



So many options, so little time. I'm a very indecisive person, which makes this extremely difficult! I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever I end up getting though.

[Eagle]

captainredbeard, a few comments on your last post.

I'm sure you would be able to take "high quality photos in a variety of conditions" with several different types of Cameras. However, I agree that SLR's look like "real Cameras". I've used Canon products for quite a number of years, so I'll be sticking with them also. One thing I like about Canon is that they have the size and expertise to engineer and manufacture their own chips and sensors (such as the Digic II chips, CMOS sensors etc.). I feel this helps to integrate the various components to work better as a "system" to produce top quality images (IMHO of course).

If you decide that a DSLR rather than a "monster zoom" would be best for your uses and your trip, you might be able to get by with just the Camera and kit lens for this trip (the 18-55 is a reasonable "walk about" Lens), and then expand and add components as funds permit. I would also recommend at least one extra Battery and perhaps a 2 GB CF Card (depending on how many photos you take, you would probably have to stop by local photo shops to have these burned to a DVD when the Card becomes full). One other useful accessory is a "neutral" filter to protect the front element of the Lens from scratches or whatever. You might be able to avoid buying a Case this time if you have a reasonably good Day Pack?

One tactic you might consider would be to scope out some reputable dealers in Hong Kong on the net and perhaps even put a deposit on a Camera (provided the price is right). Again, if you buy in HK you might have "warranty issues" should problems develop. As soon as your flight lands, take a Taxi to the shop and pick up the Camera. Just a thought?

With regard to the "cheap point and shoot" you might find (as I did) that these can be a bit "limiting" as far as travel photography goes (that's why I'll be using a DSLR on my next trip). Most of the P&S Cameras only have 3x optical zoom and a lens with a somewhat limited field-of-view. Check the reviews on the S3-IS as you might find that this would also fit your needs. BTW, the S2-IS received some good reviews also, and now that it's been discontinued you might be able to find a few in shops at very attractive prices.

Hope this has helped. Good luck with your decision and happy travels!!!

[spetz]

Hey there,

I have allot of friends who go to HK every year from Canada. You can allways get great deals on technology there cameras and phones. Most of my friends buy at least one or two phones every time they go for friends etc... Anyways if you are concerned with warranty be very careful with where you get your stuff. Lots of stuff is cheap because its a good deal but allot is also shady. So just watch out and make sure you buy from a reputable place and not a stall some where.