Tips: Getting My First DSLR

In January 2010, I got a few friends of mine were asking me what model of camera should they get as their first ever DSLR - it is including my team lead, Lal. They still have money to spend from year end bonus perhaps. :D. By the way, I am not pro nor expect in this field but here I am sharing my point of view in getting DSLR especially for newbie.

In this post, I am not going to give review on each entry level camera available in the current market but I am sharing my points of view about getting first DSLR. Most of us will be in dilemma in choosing the brand and model to invest in. :). Here are a few tips and points from me - they might be help you in making your final decision:


THE BRAND

1. Which brand should I get:
- Buy same brand as your friends - you can learn from them, testing their gear before you get yours.
- Don’t 100% believe on those crap articles saying that Canon is the best, Nikon is for pro, sony is for newbie. A good photo comes from a good photographer, not the lens nor the brand. You will learn how to overcome the limitation of your camera.
- All entry level cameras – be it Nikon, Canon, or Sony – it performs fairly same.

2. My Point of View: Canon
- Good after sale service.
- They offered 3 years warranty last time when I bought mine but I am not so sure now.
- Pro is using Canon. LOL!
- Large user based - you can find second hand items almost everywhere.
- Organizing events with small amount of fee (or sometime free) for Canon users.

3. My Point of View: Nikon:
- After sale service suck! Clearing dust is taking weeks even it can be done in 10-15 minutes. I don’t have personal experience but I know this from my reading in photography forum. Not single user faces same problem but many!
- Nikon camera is most solid body if compared to Sony and Canon.
- Large user based - you can find second hand items almost everywhere.
- They have Nikon Academy – provide studio rental, workshop, etc and of course with a fee.

4. My Point of View: Sony
- Not bad in after sale service. I have no personal experience because my Sony A700 is still strong to serve me.
- New in DSLR market, thus smaller user based if compared to above brands.
- Organizing workshops for FREE for all sony users


THE PRICE

1. Know the market price.
- U can use photography forums or ebay.com to get the rough idea about the cost.
- What are the items come with the price tag.
- Make sure you are well aware of the price and model. A single letter would cost you thousands of money. E.g: Canon 70-200L f2.8 IS lens is sold at +-RM8k (Malaysian Ringgit) while Canon 70-200L f4 IS is around RM4.8k.

2. Do not buy with accessories.
- If you not sure about price of accessories, do not buy it together with camera body. The shop will charge you 100-300% higher than normal price - to compensate with low margin of camera body.
- The shop normally will throw a few cheap accessories like tripod, memory card, screen protector, bag and filter. You actually pay 'hidden fee' for it. Try ask them to reduce the price and take those cheap freebie.
- Entry level cameras normally come with at least free memory card - 4GB. Check (on box or in manual to make sure) for the accessories come in the package if the seller say no.

3. "Playsafe".
- Do not buy the item if you do not know the market price.
- Do not buy from TARITA - Lowyat Plaza, Sungei Wang, etc. They are famous by overcharging newbie buying first DSLR. I also was conned by them when I was buying my very first DSLR. RM300-RM400 item but they charged me RM850. It's all because I didn't do enough homework.
- Do not get blind with high price tag. Shops normally put high price tag and reduce it significantly. E.g: a filter worth rm50 with price tag of RM350 but the seller offers you at RM150. Sound a good deal, isn't?

NOTE: All points are from my personal preference after a year in photography.

If you like my post, please share with your friends. ;).

As usual, you can contact me for any reasons at admin@afhamaziz.com. I will try to reply you soonest possible and I am willing to share my knowledge, skill, etc if needed.

Thank you for reading.

- Afham Aziz