This is a common question that often people asked me about which model should they start with.  I received this email earlier, and I think it is a good question that I would like to share the answer with all of you. 

Dear Calvin,

I must say I enjoy reading your columns and articles, which serves to guide and advise newbies like myself. I intend to buy a DSLR soon. As a hobbyist photographer, would you recommend the Nikon D300s?  Please note that my subject photography shall vary as I’m an outdoor enthusiast. I wish to buy the right DSLR without having to make an upgrade later. I appreciate your time in answering my email and I look forward to receiving your insightful reply soon.

Thank you.
Best regards,
Wee Boon Han

More »

Often I received emails from readers seeking advice in photography.  Today I decided to publish some of the emails I received, and I created a new category called “Dear Calvin” dedicated to those who wish to seek for some advice.  My consultation fee is very expensive.  Be prepared to pay one cup Teh Tarik and Roti Telur.  Feel free to email me if you have any problems regarding to photography.  Here is the first one

Dear Calvin,
May I know where to buy Nikon D300s at RM5000.00.
I am staying in Yong Peng, about 100 km away from Johor Bahru . At the moment I own D80 and D40x . My lenses are Nikon 18-200 mm VR , Nikon 50 mm 1.8D, Sigma 18-50 mm F/2.8 EX DC Hsm macro, Tokina 11-16 mm f/2.8 . Should I wait for the price to drop further eg. RM4800 or buy D700. Please kindly advise me. I thank you.

Yang Boon Cheong from Johore Bahru

More »

Remember I told you about the latest D300s street price was RM5300 last week?  Yes, and I also mentioned that the price is still “higher than reasonable price” at RM5300.

My blog must’ve read by Nikon CEO, Santa Claus or something, and Nikon decided to slash price further. Now it dropped to RM5000! Yes, no kidding!

Nikon D300s hit my benchmark for “the price is right”.  If you listened to my advice from my previous post, and decided to stay and wait for until it dropped to a more reasonable price, congratulations.  Two weeks of patience is not bad to save RM700.

Nikon D300 is replaced by D300s since July 2009. The remaining D300 have been snatched as soon as people heard the ridiculous price for D300s. The price was a whooping RM5700, a premium of RM1300 compared with D300. The extra premium (as high as 30%) paid is unjustifiable for the minimum upgrade. Details about the difference between D300s and D300 can be read in “Should you buy Nikon D300s or D300?”

USA and Australia already received the news on price cut for several Nikon DSLR bodies including the D300s, D700, and D3x. Amazon.com, B&H and Adorama is now selling the Nikon D300s at the newly reduced price.

The new revised price I would expect to fall in the range of RM4800 to RM4900 for Malaysia. Compared with the Nikon D300 at the price of RM4400 before EOL, an extra premium of 10% for the minor upgrade, I would say the price is fall into the just right bracket.

If you are upgrading to Nikon D300s, it would be the right price now.

Update :

The new street price I got was RM5300.  RM400 difference (or merely 7.0% dropped) .  It is 10% less than what I expected.  I shall call this as “still highter than reasonable price”.  If you are desperate looking for a new pro body, and don’t mind paying extra RM400+-, then it should be ok to get the D300s; else just stay and wait until it dropped to a more reasonable price which is below RM5000 mark.

It was another great year of Mean Machine 2009 in Auto City Juru, Penang.

Lots of amazing event running two days event on 31st October & 1st November 2009 in Auto City.

Launching of the Porche Panamera

Car Modification, Classic Car Showcase, Beauty Pageant Contest, not to mention numbers of stunning event girls. 

Here are some of the photos I’ve taken on the last two days.

More »

It is kind of surprised me that Nikon announces the new AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR.   I guess if you can’t afford the premium Nikkor AF-S 105mm VR Macro, well, you still have a second choice by downgrade to DX, 85mm, F/3.5G and pay lesser than the premium.

Here are the features:

Source:
http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2009/1014_nikkor_02.htm

It’s been some time Nikon D3 is out of stock everywhere, and rumours is flying around for the new D3s.

Today Nikon announced new D3s as the replacement model for D3.  As expected, D3s is only a minor touch up improvement over D3.  So don’t get over excited.

Based on the official D3s price tag of US$5,199.95, I would expect it will cost RM16,000 street price (D3 was RM14,000) when it hits Malaysia. It is expected to be available on December 2009 before Christmas.

Here is something new in D3s:
- 720p / 24 fps HD movie mode
- HDMI HD video output

The rest of it are basically minor improvement.

Details of new features:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0910/09101403NikonD3shandson.asp
http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2009/1014_d3s_01.htm

Sanyo claims that the new Eneloop is able to be recharged approximately 50% more times than the previous version.  In another word, previous version of Eneloop can recharge 1000 times and the new version can recharge 1500 times.

Sano also claims that the new Eneloop is able to remain energy as much as 90% after 6 months, 85% after 1 year, 80% after 2 years, and 75% after 3 years if you leave it unused. More »

There will be a Mid-Autumn Festival organised by Auto-City in Auto-City itself on 3 October 2009.  The event including:
- Free Lantern for Lantern Parade
- Lantern Making Contest
- Chinese cultural Costume Contest
- Lantern Colouring Contest
- Mooncake Eating Contest

Details can be optained in http://www.autocity.com.my

Good news for all Nikon fans from the Central Region.  There will be a Nikon Show on 14-18 October 2009 in Mid Valley Megamall.  There will be the usual cameras and lenses showcase.  There will be also photography talk, catwalk photography, and photography contest as well.  It really make Northern Region people jealous.

Schedule as follow:
More »