Camera and photography thread

[STEVE G]

Why not this camera

Get the kit 20mm f1.7 (40mm equivalent in 35mm format)

I take it you mean this FB:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002 ... d_i=468294

Whilst it's a bit more than I was thinking of spending, I might be tempted if it's considered worth the cost.
I do like the format as that's definately something that I would carry around with me and use, rather than a DSLR that I know would get left at home.
I fly quite a bit with just hand luggage so size and weight is an important issue.

[FatBoy]

Why not this camera

Get the kit 20mm f1.7 (40mm equivalent in 35mm format)

I take it you mean this FB:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002 ... d_i=468294

Whilst it's a bit more than I was thinking of spending, I might be tempted if it's considered worth the cost.
I do like the format as that's definately something that I would carry around with me and use, rather than a DSLR that I know would get left at home.
I fly quite a bit with just hand luggage so size and weight is an important issue.

Yes that's what I was referring to.

Worth the cost? Best camera I've ever had in my 50+ years and that 20mm f1.7 is very highly regarded. Sharp as a tack.

If I may suggest:-

Add a high quality glass screen protector from day one. Large LCD and easily scratched.

Stretch the wallet a little further and get the optional EVF. In harsh light it is sometimes difficult to see the LCD.

Hope this helps.

[mabubba]

Amazing shots. I am definitely thinking now of moving up to a 4/3 camera instead of a dSLR. I'm with SG, I'll probably end up leaving it at home most of the time.

[Spitfire]

As has been mentioned, a trip outside LOS to get a decent camera of such that is being talked about would be in order as the prices here are.....well......unreasonable IMO, Hong Kong has been mentioned, maybe right.

I had a look in the local mall and the prices for a decent Cannon/Nikon etc are running into a thousand pound plus ($1600) for the basic stuff, not even close to what is being talked about by you guys.

Slightly constraining for the average enthusiast really, although, I could be wrong through not looking hard enough.

[buksida]

You could still get taxed bringing something back in from HK - its annoying as the prices are up to 30% cheaper outside of Thailand.

If anyone has a solution on getting hold of decent kit without paying Thai prices I'd love to hear it!

[FatBoy]

I buy all my new camera gear abroad via the internet.

Used gear I buy off eBay. Again abroad.

Shipping is quick, usually at my home within 3/5 days.

Tax (when charged) is 7%.

[STEVE G]

Worth the cost? Best camera I've ever had in my 50+ years...

Well I can't argue with that!
I'll now have to see if I can get that into my annual budget somehow.

[buksida]

Getting gear delivered abroad isn't an option, getting it delivered here is very risky in terms of having it go walkabout or getting taxed on import. Shame, eBay has some great deals!

[FatBoy]

Getting gear delivered abroad isn't an option, getting it delivered here is very risky in terms of having it go walkabout or getting taxed on import. Shame, eBay has some great deals!

I've bought 100+ items over the past 2 years ranging from $100 filters to $4,000 film scanners. Not one item "lost" or damaged.

The tax (when charged i.e. about 25% of the time) is insignificant compared to the price saving.

Lots of items I buy are not available in Thailand and offshore facilities are a boon.

[buksida]

So you get expensive camera stuff sent to Thailand without it going missing or getting taxed?

May give it a go with that f 1.4 ... its about 25% cheaper in HK!

[FatBoy]

Worth the cost? Best camera I've ever had in my 50+ years...

Well I can't argue with that!
I'll now have to see if I can get that into my annual budget somehow.

My ideal setup. 20mm, 45mm and 90mm. (40, 90 and 180 equivalent in 35mm)

As you can see, hardly weighty.

All fits in the GF's handbag easily!

[FatBoy]

So you get expensive camera stuff sent to Thailand without it going missing or getting taxed?

Never ever goes missing. Taxed some times. Marked as used/second hand camera equipment seems to avoid tax. Newer items taxed "sometimes" and then at 7%.

btw all the items shown in my previous post came from abroad.

[hhfarang]

Taxed some times. Marked as used/second hand camera equipment seems to avoid tax. Newer items taxed "sometimes" and then at 7%.

Well, I've never tried it with cameras or electronics of any kind, but I have ordered clothing and rubber matting from the U.S. and both times the import tax was about 100% of the cost of the items. Won't do that again... or is HK different as it is in Asia?

[FatBoy]

Taxed some times. Marked as used/second hand camera equipment seems to avoid tax. Newer items taxed "sometimes" and then at 7%.

Well, I've never tried it with cameras or electronics of any kind, but I have ordered clothing and rubber matting from the U.S. and both times the import tax was about 100% of the cost of the items. Won't do that again... or is HK different as it is in Asia?

As I understand it the tax is very high for items "that can be made in Thailand"

Maybe this was your problem?

[hhfarang]

FatBoy,

You're not wrong about that camera.

I just finished reading the full 34 page review here:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicgf1/

It seems to be the perfect camera between "point and shoot" and "DSLR" in size, performance, and price, although the price is about the same as entry level DSLRs. I like the smaller size and that 20mm lens is incredible. There is also a zoom lens available that you didn't mention. I take it you're a purest.

We own two Panasonic Lumix cameras, both older 6 megapixel ones, my wife's purse point and shoot and my old (one of the first) superzoom 12x ones and they have always performed well for what they are. I also have an older Canon pocket camera (also 6mp) that I've been happy with. I've always considered Canon and Panasonic my favorite two brands of digital camera offerings, and before the current ones I owned a Fuji (p&s), Olympus (superzoom), and a Nikon (p&s).

When I can afford a new camera I will certainly consider this one or one of it's successors.