Sister going to Thailand

[randomwalsh]

Hi people.

My sister is going to Thailand and basically we want to know if it is cheaper to buy a slr camera here or in thailand.

She is flying to thailand via Bangkok (confined to airport)

She is interested in the Nikon D5100 and I see a special at SAcamera for the D5100 + 18-55mm + 55 - 200mm for R8799
http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1022444/Nikon_D5100_with_1855mm_VR_and_55200mm_VR_lens_kit/

It will be her first SLR camera and I know the D3100 is a beginner SLR camera but I have heard that you can out grown it pretty quickly.

So what I am saying is the D5100 a good future investment?

 

[azbob]

She is flying to Thailand via Bangkok? Bangkok is in Thailand.

 

[upup]

hope she is not taking some white stuff with.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Get it here

You'll save under a grand but you'll have chucked it if you have just one warranty issue.
Here:
http://www.bangkokshoppinggirl.com/2011/05/canon-and-nikon-digital-camera-sale.html

Second from the top = 27900 Baht for the kit = about ZAR 7500. Then you'll still have to pay SARS on the way in. Just not worth it!

Photo Hut is one of the better retailers that side... same price
http://www.photohutonline.com/product_list.php?cat=020&bid=003

 

[StrontiumDog]

I thought the topic would involve talk of drug mules here. Oh well...

 

[BrokenLink]

Not worth the bit of money you save. Too many warranty issues. Customs is fairly useless, she can just walk in with it and not pay SARS, but even so there is a possibility that she would be searched and would have to pay import tax.

 

[chrisc]

Rather buy it here. The saving is not great. If you were going to Singapore on the other hand...

 

[randomwalsh]

so why do people always say get your electronics from that side of the world. when it not actually cheaper?

Are they just misinformed people?

So are you saying that singapore is the place to buy electronics? I wonder why thailand isnt as cheap as its basically on top of singapore...

 

[Freaksta]

I think back in the day you could gt greater savings. That being said you still can save a lot on higher end stuff such as canon lenses! Entry level stuff is generally quite competitive.

 

[AthenianOwl]

I thought the topic would involve talk of drug mules here. Oh well...

Haha! Me too.

 

[satanboy]

We can only tell if we have pics of your sister.

 

[Dolby]

so why do people always say get your electronics from that side of the world. when it not actually cheaper?

Not that this is a electronic, but I was stunned that Digital Experience wanted to sell this mini tripod (http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-709B-Table-Tripod-Black/dp/B0000YD2JC) at R699.00 and it's $34.00 on Amazon.

I swore I'd never buy at that place again the last time I went (due to service) - but now I'll avoid due to pricing. Orms have it at R400.00, which is very decent.

 

[bwana]

It might be a bit cheaper overseas but if you get it locally then at least it gives her the opportunity to get used to it before she goes abroad. A lesson or two would be a good idea. Understanding the fundamentals like the relationship between aperture, shutterspeed and ISO will definitely serve her well.

 

[randomwalsh]

I agree with the lessons part but unfortunately she is leaving on tuesday. So with a budget of R8000 should she go for the D5100 or D3100?

 

[hilton]

The D5100 is a 'one notch up' body but I would be getting better lenses with the D3100 if it were me buying.

Does she even want a DSLR?

Reason I'm asking is because with that budget she could get the Nikon J1 with the 10-30mm lens, + 30-110mm lens or maybe even the V1. These bodies are more suited to chicks/moffies so maybe check it out before she ducks.

 

[bwana]

I agree with the lessons part but unfortunately she is leaving on tuesday. So with a budget of R8000 should she go for the D5100 or D3100?

Can't help you with that one - I'm a canon shooter.

 

[bokka1]

She won't get it for much cheaper at the airport. She will have to go to Phantip Plaza in Bangkok. In Phuket it will be more expensive.

At the current exchange rate the price will further increase.

Just get it here.

Sent from my GT-I9100

 

[randomwalsh]

Ok so the vote is to buy here then.

She is in joburg. Where would she go to look at one today?

For a amateur what would you recommend?

The D3100 with twin lens kit is 6999 at Makro and comes with R1200 free training?

I personally am saving for the D5100. but is the extra moola worth it compared to the D3100?

Anybody who owns these camera please comment.

Bwana what would the similar model in the Canon range be? Also I havent used a canon before but heard that the nikon interface and menus are easier to use?

 

[hilton]

I 'think';

D3100 = Canon 1100D
D5100 = Canon 600D

 

[hilton]

The D3100 with twin lens kit is 6999 at Makro and comes with R1200 free training?

If it's anything like the free Canon training then don't hold your breath. In fact don't even take this 'value' into account.

Also I havent used a canon before but heard that the nikon interface and menus are easier to use?

The Canon menus are dead easy to navigate and I don't see how they could be easier. That said, if the Nikons are indeed easier then it goes without saying that Nikon has designed their system for complete fools