Digital Camera Suggestions

[littl_flier]

Thanks very much for all your thoughts guys. I'm stuck in remote Northern Territory and suprise suprise but Telstra's Next G Wireless Broadband Network doesn't work as well as advertised so I’ve been in the dark for a while.

I have decided to go with NM's advice and go for the zoom- which means the Panasonic TZ3 looks great. Sounds like the majority seems to agree, my only concern is the built in batteries. The fact that it’s SD is good too because they seem to be cheaper per mb from memory? I originally wanted shockproof because I can be a little clumsy but it just seems too good to miss. I notice if I’m really desperate that there’s even official waterproof case I can get hold of. The biggest thing is that it needs to fit nicely in my pocket, I have one of those FujiFilm digi’s with a really chunky lens and I never take it anywhere because it’s too difficult.

Flashware- I’m definitely keen to use your contacts. I’m just going to wait until I get back into civilization and have a look in a store to have a play etc. (hopefully Saturday)

Just as far as the TRS goes, as long as I buy within 28 days of departure, can I just claim it back at the airport ($300+ assuming)?

Thanks again!
littl_flier

 

[moa999]

Just bought a TZ3 from a HK based seller on ebay for just over $500 delivered with a whole stack of accessories. Next auction from same seller posted below.
PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-TZ3 DIGITAL CAMERA + 2GB SD Battery - eBay Panasonic, 6.0 to 7.9 Megapixels, Digital Cameras, Lenses, Cameras. (end time 20-Oct-07 21:23:04 AEST)


Won auction Wed night. Sent Thu via trackable EMs (via Auspost site). Delivered following Monday.

Under new customs laws no GST/ customs tax payable for any single order under $1000 value.

 

[BlacKnox]

I have decided to go with NM's advice and go for the zoom- which means the Panasonic TZ3 looks great. Sounds like the majority seems to agree, my only concern is the built in batteries. littl_flier

With all respect to people on this forum, the TZ3 is an excellent camera, though still not superior to an IXUS 75 IMHO. Value for money (and future intentions) you need to gauge yourself. What's important for most people IMHO is both cams have a 3inch view - I suspect important for a point and shoot. Don't worry so much about batteries; from 5 years ago they've made such an improvement. Cheers

 

[localknowledge]

Alot of good ideas from others, if you still have not purchased, I recently got a Sony T100 colour black and is packed with features, has a nice optical 5x zoom and has a high def output (with purchase of optional cable) and takes some amazing snaps, is 8.1 MP, and have seen this around for $550.00 (sony store in sydney is having sale), highly recommend.

check out the link

Sony CyberShot DSC-T100 Digital Camera - 8 Megapixel + FREE Memory Stick and Card Reader

Cheers.

 

[Yada Yada]

I concur - the LUMIX - their lens is a Leica, which is very good indeed and does have zoom from wide angle (36mm equivalent) to telephoto (about 450mm from memory). The anti shake system is also effective.

I have an older one and have used it for work and have shot several hundred photos between recharging the batteries at the 5 meg pixels level of quality.

It is easy to use and I have rarely been disappointed with the results.

I am not a professional, but have used a wide range of cameras, and always been satisfied with the LUMIX for the price.

I am also a Panasonic Lumix guy. I've found mine much simpler to operate than others I've had in the past (Canon & Sony). It is also a great size for the top pocket.

 

[Shano]

I recently got an IXUS 70 to replace a Pentax Optio that was stolen when I was in Guangzhou earlier this year.

Considered the 75, but the price I paid for the 70 was the same as the insurance payout, whereas the 75 was ~ $100 more expensive.

I find the 70 to be a good camera for what I paid for it. I have a Pentax K10D as my other camera for times that I am not concered about carrying a complete camera kit, but the little Canon is great for snapshots and is very compact.

 

[JohnK]

Canon IXUS75. Excellent camera.

<snip>

For well under $400 (parents picked one up a few months ago for ~$380), it's a bargain.

OK, this looks like a good camera. At SYD tax and duty free it is advertised at $349. Can someone find cheaper elsewhere? I will probably have a look at some stores in the next few days.

I have looked at shopbot and I think the cheapest is ~$320 but pay through Paypal (I totally refuse to use this service), don't accept Amex and wait for delivery. Ebay was a total waste of time, if not bidding on an auction, as the cheapest is priced at ~$340 but shipped from Hong Kong or USA or Nigeria.

The Olympus 725SW looks OK as well at a similar price. I think the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 at $400+ is a little expensive.

I am not much into cameras but thought I may make an investment in one as I keep spending ~$20 on the one use disposable cameras whenever I am in the mood to take some photos.

I was thinking of buying before my trip to Queenstown for the Kiwi Mainland Do in 2 weeks time.

 

[BlacKnox]

OK, this looks like a good camera. At SYD tax and duty free it is advertised at $349. Can someone find cheaper elsewhere? I will probably have a look at some stores in the next few days...

I bought mine for $500+ when it was first released in April; so it's come down in price a fair way. I saw it advertised in some store's pamphlet (e.g. Big W, K Mart, Harvey Norman??? - anyway one of the big players) last week for between $320-$350 me thinks. IIRC the same store was advertising the latest Playstation III for $660, down from the RRP before of $999. Always pays to wait a bit after the initial product launch.

 

[Flashback]

I bought mine for $500+ when it was first released in April; so it's come down in price a fair way. I saw it advertised in some store's pamphlet (e.g. Big W, K Mart, Harvey Norman??? - anyway one of the big players) last week for between $320-$350 me thinks. IIRC the same store was advertising the latest Playstation III for $660, down from the RRP before of $999. Always pays to wait a bit after the initial product launch.

Add me to that list.. I took delivery of mine April 2

 

[tscharke]

OK, this looks like a good camera. At SYD tax and duty free it is advertised at $349. Can someone find cheaper elsewhere? I will probably have a look at some stores in the next few days.....

$13 cheaper (inc aussie warranty)
Canon IXUS 75 Digital Camera - 7 Megapixel - Digital Camera Warehouse Australia

 

[Shano]

OR $309 at ShoppingSqare.com.au

CANON IXUS 75 7.1MP BLACK DIGITAL CAMERA - ShoppingSquare.COM.AU – Online Bargain & Discount Shopping Square

Although there is a $18 delivery charge on top of this

 

[JohnK]

$13 cheaper (inc aussie warranty)

Thanks but they charge $16 for delivery and "PAYMENTS BY AMERICAN EXPRESS WILL INCUR A 4% SURCHARGE." Surcharges are not good business practice. Now I could go to their store in Canterbury, which is 3 minutes from my place, but I would still pay the 4% surcharge unless I paid cash.

OR $309 at ShoppingSqare.com.au
Although there is a $18 delivery charge on top of this

Almost same conditions as above.

Can we claim back the GST through the TRS by purchasing from these types of suppliers?

 

[serfty]

... Can we claim back the GST through the TRS by purchasing from these types of suppliers?

As long as the Australian company you purchase from supplies you with a TAX INVOICE and the GST Inclusive total of the TAX INVOICE is at least AUD300, and the sale date is within 30 days of your international departure.

More here: Advice for travellers

About the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

The TRS enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

To claim a refund you must:

• Spend $300 (GST inclusive) or more in the one store and get a single tax invoice
• Buy goods no more than 30 days before departure
• Wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft or ship and present them along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at a TRS facility

...

 

[littl_flier]

Thanks for the TRS clarification Serfty. Looks like I might actually buy now.

Went in and had a look at the TZ3 in Myer and Harvey Norman today. Was initially a little surprised by the size and weight but with a 10x zoom, I should've expected that. It's quite a nice looking camera, though Myer and HN only seem to have them in Black. Looks like I might have to buy elsewhere (ie. Bronze or Blue as below ).

My main concern is still dropping it but I guess I'll just need to be careful.

I'm just waiting to hear back from Flashware on whether I should go for this one PANASONIC DMC-TZ3 BRONZE DIGITAL CAMERA - ShoppingSquare.COM.AU – Online Bargain & Discount Shopping Square, or whether I should buy the bundle he can get wholesale for me. Interestingly, the absolute best HN would do for me is $545. :shock:

 

[littl_flier]

I'm the proud new owner of a Panasonic TZ3 that arrived in the mail yesterday. A big thanks to everyone for their suggestions and particularly Flashware for helping me with my final decisions.

I ended up buying it on EBay (a first for littl_flier) and paid $386.99 including the camera, a 2GB card, case, mini tripod, extra battery and a few other little things which included the $60 priority post.

The zoom is amazing and the camera took the clearest pictures, even last night in the dark where my old camera would have crumbled miserably.

Well Done Team!!!

 

[Keith009]

Am also thinking of a new camera for my upcoming flights as the current one fails miserably without flash; I feel awkward sometimes when meal service is conducted with dim lighting and I have to use flash to take pics of my food and startle everyone else. I will read through this thread and make up my mind. Would you mind if I end up with the same camera, littl_flier?

 

[littl_flier]

Am also thinking of a new camera for my upcoming flights as the current one fails miserably without flash; I feel awkward sometimes when meal service is conducted with dim lighting and I have to use flash to take pics of my food and startle everyone else. I will read through this thread and make up my mind. Would you mind if I end up with the same camera, littl_flier?

Of course not QF009, it would be a shame to waste the expert advice we've already tapped.

 

[Keith009]

Hm any idea if prices in Tokyo are cheaper? Am thinking Akihabara/Electronic Town. I didn't really pay attention to cameras last time I was there. Or would it still be cheaper getting it at one of the online stores?

 

[JohnK]

I feel awkward sometimes when meal service is conducted with dim lighting and I have to use flash to take pics of my food and startle everyone else.

I have noticed your avatar but please explain the fixation with the need to take pictures of airline food?

 

[Keith009]

I have noticed your avatar but please explain the fixation with the need to take pictures of airline food?

Just something I enjoy doing for my own collection and for trip reports. I'm a big fan of inflight food.
It does invite questions on some flights. But I feel like a flight is a waste if I don't have pictures of the food.