Hi Folks,
I get this question quite a fair amount of time – Where To Buy The Cheapest DSLR In Singapore?
Will it be at Harvey Norman? Best Denki? Courts? Audio House? Mustafa?
Not exactly … I find that I usually can get better price at almost any moment, for any given product, at smaller photographic specialty shops.
And the following shops are where I usually buy my DSLR and Photographic Equipments:
Cathay Photo Store (Pte) Ltd
111 North Bridge Rd #01-11/14 (Tel : 6337 4274)
6 Raffles blvd, Marina Square #02-219 (Tel: 63396188)
I bought my Nikon Speedlight SB900 and Nikon AF-D 20mm f2.8 prime lens here.
Update: I also bought my Nikon 24-120 f4 VRII here.
MS Color
Blk 711 Ang Mo Kio Central Ave 8, #01-3501C Singapore 560711 (Tel: 64576380)
I bought my Nikon D90 Kit here.
Update: Also my got my Sony Nex 5 Dual Lens Kit here.
Alan Photo
#05-20 Funan Digitalife Mall (Tel: 6883-0922)
#01-38 Sim Lim Square (Tel: 6336-0922)
I bought my Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens here and a Fujitsu Digital Compact.
Orient Photo
#06-31/53 Sim Lim Square (Tel: 63391035)
I bought my Sigma 50-150 f2.8 lens here.
Lords (Closed Down Already Renamed iPhoto, I Think)
304 Orchard Road #01-79 Lucky Plaza (Tel: 62354605)
I bought my first DSLR – a Nikon D40x kit from Lords based on recommendations from my Uncle.
I bought my Nikon D700 Body and a Nikon AF-D 50mm f1.4 prime lens here.
Crumpler Wheelock
501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place #02-06
I bought my Crumpler Seven Million Dollar Home (it’s a camera bag) here.
Tips On Getting The Best Price
- Always check the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) against the manufacturer’s website (street price is usually around 15-20% lower than this price … subject to some other factors)
- Wait for a Sale Season – Great Singapore Sale, Year End Sale, IT Show, PC Show, COMEX, SITEX, etc (so you get extra freebies from the manufacturer)
- Call each and every shop to check the price and availability of the photographic equipment you want (lowest price doesn’t equate to stock availability)
- Check that the price quoted is for Cash or Credit Card Term and if the equipment is a local or grey set (note that parallel import set has no local warranty).
- Reserve your set with the cheapest merchant with available stock and go get it! (don’t play them out ok!)
- Pay cash if you can cos it’s usually the best price
- Oh, if you buy more, can bargain more too (a little more)
There are other shops out there … but these are where I buy.
Also, there is not a single shop that will always be the cheapest, you need to check around.
Plus I do not endorse nor am I affiliated with any of these shops nor guarantee that they will give the best price (I just happened to be their customers) … but I do know they are not too far from the rock bottom even if they are not the cheapest at that moment 
Happy Shopping!
Cheers,
James
Hi James,
Thanks for your post! It is very informative! However, I am interested in getting a compact camera instead. So do the price of compact cameras apply to these stores that you have mentioned??
Thanks!
Hey Freda,
I’ve once bought a Fujifilm compact digital camera from one of them before … If I recall correctly, the price was better then normal retail price too
So just call them up with the model you want and see if the price is good
Hi, sorry to disturb you again!
I went to Sim Lim Square just now, and a shop offered me $1150 for Canon EOS 600D I Kit Set.
With freebies,
EOS Bag, 2x 8 GB SD Card, Tripod, 1x High Powered Made in Japan Battery (Not Original).
Do you think it is worth the price?
The Camera kit have a original battery, the “not original battery is an addition freebie”
Hey Hayden,
No worries about disturbing me
The current promo should be an EOS Bag, 8GB Card and a Canon 600D User Guide. The rest are extras.
Street pricing with just the basic gift should be about S$1000 – S$1060, so those additional pricing is for the “extra freebies”.
I would personally prefer to get original battery, my own choice of SD Card and Tripod even if it mean I’ll pay a little more for it
Do you think that I should buy a package with freebies ($1150++), or should I buy a normal promo set? ($1050++)
I am afraid that the freebies will be useless(easy spoil)
I really cannot decide,
Hey Hayden,
That I can’t decide for you :p
But just to let u know the original battery should be abt $80, SD Card below $20 and an average tripod with 3 way pan would be between $100 and $200.
haha! ok thanks for the info
But if you are in my position, which will you prefer? haha, sorry, I am really indecisive haha.
Or maybe just stick to IT Fair hahahaha.
Hey Hayden,
If it was my own purchase and I don’t need to use the camera now … I’ll wait till IT Show before deciding.
There will definitely be more freebies than what’s on offer now
Hi, James!
I’m a student and looking for a dslr. I’m thinking of buying the Canon Rebel T3, which, accompanied with a lense, costs S$690 from sg-based ddelectronics, costs S$690 and S$681.75 from Amazon. Do you think I should ask around local shops to see if there’s a better price? If yes, where? (All I need is a very cheap dslr that can take good photos. S$690 is my limit) Any suggestions? Thank you very much in advance!
Hey Qi Ting,
You are unlikely to get a better offer than S$690 for the Canon EOS 1100D (which is Canon Rebel T3 in other markets such as the US) at most local shops.
Reason is simple, ddelectronics is selling you a grey set – i.e. it has no warranty or service support from Canon Singapore – and that’s why it’s cheaper, it’s imported.
So if you are find without the local warranty, I guess it’s a good buy
If you hunt hard enough … I think you may be able to get a local set at around S$750.
I know you are a student … maybe can save a month more to get that extra S$60?
The Sony Alpha A290 has a list price of S$699 and a street price way within your budget but I think the Canon EOS 1100D is a better choice
Hi James, thank you so much for your reply! Its very very helpful.
How much u got nex 5 for? Any free gifts / cash discount when u got yours?
Thinking of getting 5N
Hey June,
Wow … That was some time ago when Sony just launch the NEX 5.
I think I got it at S$100 less than the list price. Probably S$1099 for the dual lens NEX 5 Kit.
If u are thinking of getting the NEX 5N, you should head down to Sony Days 2012 today.
Hi James!Sorry for the off topic just want to ask if there are any forums here in SG that I could sell some of my stuff?Thanks!
Hey Francis,
For photographic stuffs … head over to Clubsnap Forums.
For gadget stuffs … head over to Hardwarearone Forums.
Ok! Since I am not in a rush, I should heed your advice
I got that $1150 w/ freebies quote from Song Brothers @ Sim Lim Square. Tried to google for info about them, but found a few bad reviews about them. Still in a dilemma to buy from street shops or IT fair hahah.
Thanks for your help
Heh Hayden,
Never bought anything from them before … so I can’t comment
But yeah … just wait for IT Show
Hi,
I am a new to DSLR cameras and heard that Nikon D3100 is a good start for entry level. Is that a good buy or should I pick D5100 instead? Whats the street price for both now, do you know? Thanks!
Hey Adrian,
Street price of Nikon D3100 should be btweeen S$800 and S$850 while Nikon D5100 is around S$1000 – S$1050.
If you can afford that extra S$200 … the D5100 is a much better buy
Hi james,
Do you have any ideas for the price of nikon d300s and d700 will be? And where is the cheapeast store?
Thanks.
Hey Juan,
The Nikon D300s has a list price of S$2388 and street price is probably around S$1800.
The Nikon D700 has a list price of S$3888 and street price is probably around S$3050.
Both models comes in body only … but I don’t see much stocks around currently.
Hi James
Do u think Panasonic G3 is a good camera??
Hey Cheeboon,
I can’t provide an answer to such a question … it really depends on your expectation for the camera … can you tell me what you expect it to do for you?
Hi james,
Please advice which camera is good for closeup product.
Many thanks.
Hey Kongq,
If you are referring to DSLR’s … you just need Macro lenses with the correct working focal length for your product
Hi! I am from the Philippines and my dad plans on buying a Nikon D3100 in Singapore for me as a graduation present
We’re actually arguing that it would be better for him to buy here in the Philippines considering that we can actually visit the store easily if ever we need to avail of the warranty. He says it’s cheaper in Singapore (He has no idea of the actual price. He just assumes). Such camera actually costs 31,000 pesos (around 920 Sing Dollars I think) here and that includes accessories like the tripod,bag,SD card, batteries etc. Maybe you can give me the price of the Nikon D3100 there? It will surely be of great help. Thank you very much. 
Hey Anthony,
The retail price of the Nikon D3100 is S$919 … with street pricing below S$850.
IF you need the warranty, it’s better to get it back in the Philippines where it can be serviced locally … if not having to sent it back to Singapore for servicing would wipe out your cost savings purchasing it here
Can any1 recommend me a shop that’s sells street price and good service for A65 Sony?
Would appreciate it.
Current budget around 1500 at most.
Hey Zaim,
Sony A65 with kit less has a retail price of S$1399 … so you have the budget to get it anywhere in Singapore.
I personally prefer to shop at Cathay Photo … as they have a wide range of products and staffs are professional
They were the ones (together with Sony) showcasing the new A65 and A77 to the local community when these 2 new DSLR’s were launched last year … so they should know it pretty well
I also saw this from another vendor : ddelectronics
Sony SLT A65 Digital SLR Camera Twin lens kit and Sony SLT A65 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens, both at good bargain price.
but not sure if they give memory stick..
Kindly advice
Hey Zaim,
ddelectronics is not listed as an authorised dealer for Sony Singapore so they are likely to carry parallel imported set (or grey set) without local warranty.
The twin lens kit is definitely not a local set as Sony Singapore only carries the single lens kit.
In any case, the street price at street shops should match the price at ddelectronics (S$1269 for the single lens kit) so why not get it locally
Hi , I want to buy a DSLR Camra Either NIKON D7000 or Canon D600 , I am buying first time Professional Camra I Tried Rates in Funan/ Mustafa / Simlim/ Luckey Plaza n Few more shop ….I donot know what is Diffrance between both …N why prople compaireing both …
Mind you suggest and guide me, which should buy for long life ? n Wht r the best price or any location u may suggest ?
Hey Sinduria,
The Nikon D7000 and Canon EOS 600D are 2 different DSLR targeting at different group of users … the 600D is targeted at entry level user while D7000 is targeted at more advance users.
Check both of them out at the IT Show and get a feel of both DSLR to help you understand your own needs
Both are pretty new so they will last for 3-4 years and usually street shops gives the best prices … check out the shops I usually frequent above
What is the best filter lens would you recommend me to buy for dslr 5100?
Hey Stardome,
The filter will depend largely on the lens you are buying for.
If you are using the kit lens for the D5100 … a Hoya UV filter will do
Should I buy dslr on it fair 2012? Or should I just buy at street shop?
Hey Jame,
You can get more freebies and purchase with purchase deals at the IT Show but you pay the full retail price.
While street shops gives you discounts off the full retail price (what we call street price) but they cannot match the freebies given.
So it boils down to which suits your needs the most … direct discount or do you need the free gifts
Hi James,
I am a beginner with DSLR, I am looking for photography class for beginner. Can you suggest some details on this.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
ND
Hey ND,
I’m self taught so I’ve not tried any courses before.
But a friend of mine said the basic photography course by objectifs is pretty good.
Check out what he has to say:
http://edunloaded.com/tag/objectifs/
Hi James,
Can you give me advice on any lens which is like the sort of best walkabout lens for my Canon 1100D? Thanks so much!
Hey Jeremy,
Hmmm … best walkabout lens?
Can’t say which is the best but the popular ones are either the 35mm prime (on crop sensor like your canon 1100D) or 50mm prime on a full frame DSLR.
Many folks also use zoom lens such as their 18-55mm kit lens … some even use their telephoto zooms lens.
It all depends on your working distance and field-of-view you need for your walkabout.
I use the 20mm and 24mm and sometimes my 50mm or 24-120mm (on full frame) for my walkabout.
Hey James its me again ! I have decided to buy in singapore . LOL . I guess saving the few hundred isn’t a much of an issue to me . Anyway just to ask . Between the D300s and Nikon D7000 , which is a better one ? Or comparing it to a 7D ? Thanks !
Hey Melvyn,
Each has their own strength and their own target users.
As a hobbyist … the D7000 would probably be better.
If you are serious about photography and need all the advantages of a pro DSLR body … then go for the D300s.
I can’t comment much about the Canon EOS 7D as I don’t have much experience with it … but many of my friends on Canon uses it
Hi James,
I will be travelling to Singapore in a couple of weeks. Can you suggest to be a good place where I can get the Canon 550D at a really good price.
I am from India and here it costs around S$ 900.
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
Carlton de Souza
Hey Carlton,
Sounds like the Canon EOS 550D is about the same price in both places
Hi, anyone knows where to get cheap lens, especially Nikon Speedlight SB-XXX series as thinking of getting one but no idea where to get a cheaper one. Thanks.
Hey Winson,
Not sure if you plan to get lens or flash but street pricing at street shops are the cheapest in SG. Just call or visit them to get the latest price
Hi ,
I am planning to get EOS-600d with 18- 135 lense from Naranjan . Please comment / Advise . I am worried if the piece is a grey market piece . Please advise .
Would appreciate if there are any other better location .
Thanks in advance
Karthik
Hey Karthik,
Grey market sets are basically still the same product but source from an unofficial channel (i.e. not from Canon SG) so you won’t enjoy warranty coverage.
That’s why it’s cheaper. If you are getting a grey set … Just make sure you are comfortable with that idea and check your goods thoroughly.
If you don’t feel comfortable with that idea. Just pay a little more for a local set from any street shop ( such as those I frequent ) for the peace of mind
Hi, I bought my Canon 600D recently from the Singapore IT Show 2012. I feel like getting a extra lens for portrait shots, do you have any recommandation for beginners interested in portrait shots?
Are macro lens a good investment?
Hey Hayden,
Congratz on your purchase of the Canon EOS 600D
If you need a portrait lens that gives you nice separation and bokeh for a crop sensor DSLR … try the 50mm … an affordable choice would be the EF50mm f/1.8 II @ S$159.
Investing in Macro lens? Well … worth it if you need to take life size 1:1 shots or really close up shots
Oh hi!
Thanks for the guide!
For the EF50mm f/1.8 II @ S$159, is that price the retail price? is there a street price for lenses? I’m afraid I will be scammed by the store owners when i didn’t do enough homework regarding the price.
Hey Hayden,
The S$159 is the Suggested Retail Price from Canon … so that is the max you should be paying for a brand new set.
Street Price is usually lower by 10% – 20%
Hi sorry to disturb, I’m a student interested in getting a dslr and my budget is around 700. Is it possiblem to get a dslr with that amount and what camera is recommendable? I’m thinking of canon 1100D
Hey Catherine,
Only the Sony A290L has a list price within your budget … the Canon 1100D has a list price of S$849 but if you get it at street shops …. the street pricing should be below S$800.
So if you can stretch a little … the Canon EOS 1100D is within your reach!
Hey thanks ! I decided to spend 780 for D3100 is it worth it?
Hi Catherine,
MS Color e-quoted:
Nikon D3100 kit with 18-55mm VR—$759(inc.gst) free 8 g card, Nikon bag,
card reader plus 15 mth agent warranty register on line.
EOS 1100D Kit (EF S18-55 IS II)
$749(inc,gst) free 8 g card, EOS bag plus
free lcd protector worth $13.50 from mscolor
plus STGB camera strap and extra Second canon battery
plus 15month agent warranty register on line
Entitle to buy Canon EFS 55-250mm is II len @249..retail $469
You need to print and show the e-quote email in order the staff accede to the quoted price.
Rgds,
Sam
Hey Sam,
Thanks for sharing
Hey Catherine,
My first DSLR was a Nikon D40X … a predecessor of the D3100.
For the budget you have … I feel it’s worth it.
But do note that it’s replacement is expected to due later this year (if you can wait and pay a little more … as is the case for newly launched products).
Hi James,
Which is better choice, Nikon D3100 or Canon EOS 1100D? Both come close with the street price of SGD750~780.
rgds,
Sam
Hey Sam,
Both are on par … try them out and have a feel of which feels better in terms of handling, weight and feel.
For beginners, the Nikon D3100 has a guide mode that teaches you a little about photography and how to get certain effects … which I like
Do note that there are rumors of a 24mp D3200 coming soon … which is expect to have some significant upgrades!!
Hi James,
Hmm..D3200, interesting. Is that why the D3100 price is coming down?
If rumor about D3200 launching in April is true, what is the usual new launching price, in your opinion and experience? 900? 1000? or more?
Thanks and Rgds,
Sam
Hey Sam,
That might just be the reason
I expect the replacement to take the same price point as the D3100 … likely to be around S$900 – S$950 at launch with street price 10% lower
Hi James,
I’m from Vietnam and going there this week. Planned to buy a Fujifilm X10 and was recommended Cathay Photo (that’s why I found your above article when searching for Cathay Photo).
Have a question that do you know how much does it cost a Fujifilm X10 in Singapore? I’ve been trying to find that information but no clue for the moment.
Thanks
Phong
Hey Phong,
Street Pricing should be in the S$800+ range … not sure of the specifics as I have not been actively looking for the X10
Just call up the street shops to enquire when you reach Singapore to compare the prices … just note that it should never go beyond the recommended retail price set by Fujifilm (even with tax included).
And Welcome to Singapore!
Hi James,
I am currently using a Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm lens. Been thinking to get a zoom lens, preferably 18-200mm. Any idea what will be the street price like and any recommendations or advice?
Reading through some forums, there are people using Tamron and Sigma lens too. What’s the difference?
Sorry for your time and thanks in advance.
Hey Sam,
The street price of the AF-S VRII 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED DX should be between S$1000 to S$1100.
It is a very good walk about lens for general photography and travel … but it might be a little front heavy (18-200 is 565g) for your D3100 (455g).
Tamron and Sigma are lens makers who also makes variations of their 18-200 lens for Nikon F-Mount … they are usually cheaper than their Nikon Counterparts but I prefer Nikon Lens for their resale value and compatibility
Thanks so much for the explanation & advice, James.
Didn’t know the lens weight that much. Maybe shall settle for a 55-200mm instead.
Thanks James
Hey Sam,
The 55-200mm is a good alternative.
If you need a single lens solution … the 18 – 105mm is a great alternative if you don’t require the 200mm reach
Hi! Do you think Canon EF50mm f/1.8 II is a good lens?
Hey Hayden,
It’s a decent lens … and for the price you pay for it … it’s hard to find something more value for money
Hi James,
I will be travelling to Singapore in a couple of weeks. Can you suggest to be a good place where I can get the Canon 600D at a really good price.
I am from India and here it costs around S$ 1200. With 2 years warranty
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
vinod raju
Hey Vinod,
Which Canon EOS 600D Kit are you referring to? The one with 18-55, or 18-135 or some other variations?
In Singapore, a Canon EOS 600D Kit with 18-55 lens has a list price of S$1199 … street pricing is about 10-15% lower usually but it only comes with 1 year warranty.
If warranty coverage is important to you, it might be better to get it in your home town
I am thinking of get the Nikon D5100 as my first DSLR camera and an addition 35mm Nikon Prime Len for street photography. I was just wondering if I should get Nikon D5100 body only, purchase a 2nd hand Kit Lens and a brand new 35mm Prime len instead? Or should I just take the full package D5100? I worry that purchasing the 35mm Nikon Prime Len will send the kit len pointless. I understand that both lens are great beginner lens.
Thanks for you advise.
Justin
Hey Justin,
The official Nikon 5100 Singapore set comes in Kit only … with the 18-55mm DX Lens.
If you are being offered a D5100 stand alone body only … I’m not sure if you can claim warranty with Nikon Singapore.
As such, my recommendation is just get the Nikon D5100 Kit and purchase the 35mm prime (I assume you are getting the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G).
Both the kit and the prime are excellent beginners lens for DX format and serves different purpose … the kit lens is flexible with zoom capability and VR to compensate for handshaking) while the fast and bright prime lens allow you to shoot in low light conditions that can’t be done on the kit lens (among other things).
Cheers,
James
Hi James,
Thanks for your reply. Another question I will like to ask is does Nikon Camera comes with International Warranty cause I will be travelling to Hongkong and US in the upcoming months and maybe purchasing the camera there.
Is it true that the cameras at theses countries are cheaper and how much cheaper will it be? Will you recommend me to purchase in Singapore or these countries?
Thank You!
Hey Justin,
Nikon DSLR Bodies are covered by local warranty only … so if warranty is important to you … buy it from the place you will be staying put in the coming 12 months (for SG it’s 12 months warranty … some countries have longer coverage).
As for whether it’s cheaper … it depends on where you buy it from … some places are cheaper while some are more expensive.
In general, I find that street prices in Singapore are pretty close to oversea prices (after you factor in GST at the custom) … and I prefer a local set since I do mind about warranty
Hi, just wanted to ask about how trustworthy is it to purchase a DSLR in peninsula Plaza . This is the shop that draw me to them as their prices are much much cheaper than the funan’s outlets . Are they trustworthy ? And are they selling a brand new one ? Not new as in refurbished .
Hey Melvyn,
If the quoted price is about 10-15% cheaper than the official price (SRP) listed on Nikon SG website … it should be ok (provided they have a warranty card issued by Nikon SG).
If it’s much cheaper … it’s likely a parallel imported set (so called grey set) and you will have to send it back to the service centre where it was distributed (since Nikon DSLR Bodies do not come with international warranty).
Whether it’s new or not, I can’t say … you will have to check it yourself (at their store or when the box arrive if you purchase online)
Hi,
I am visiting Singapore next week. Can anyonce adivce me on the current street price for Canon EOS 7D
with 18-55 Lens.
Where you think I should try for above – Slim Lim or Orchard Road?
Cheers,
Sheron
Hey Sheron,
The Canon EOS 7D kit in Singapore comes in either EOS 7D Kit I (EF S15-85IS) @ S$3399 list price or EOS 7D Kit II (EF S18-135IS) @ S$2799 list price.
Street price is usually 10-15% off the list price.
You can call up any of those shop I listed to check for pricing … remember to ask if they have stock on hand before you head down.
Hi James,
I need to get an extra battery for my Nikon D3100. Any recommendation whether I can get a good price for the spare battery? Is there any other compatible brand or only original from Nikon?
Thanks in adv
Hey Sam,
I’m not to sure of the price for the EN-EL14′s.
But I recommend original Nikon Batteries as my past experience with 3rd party batteries wasn’t good at all … yeah, they cost more but none of my original batteries have given my any issues
Noted on your advice.
Thanks James
On a side note, I was in Bangkok over the weekend and went to source out the original Nikon batteries there. Most of the shops quoted me around 2400baht which is almost SGD$100. Didn’t get it in the end. Think local price will be cheaper than this.
Hey Sam,
I’ve not ask around for the EN-EL14 before and Nikon Singapore website doesn’t state the list price … so I’m not sure.
But I wouldn’t be surprised if it is that expensive
hi james,
can you please help me suggest where to buy lumix gh2 body only? and roughly how much is the price?
Hello!
Am considering to get a canon eos 550D kit II . How much does it cost roughly?
Also, should I purchase the 550D or the 1100D? What is the difference between both of them?thanks(:
Hey May,
The Canon EOS 550D Kit II has a list price of S$1449 … street price would be around S$1300 (give or take a little).
I wouldn’t know what to recommend since I don’t know your budget, requirements or preference … but if you have the budget … the 550D would be preferred.
There are too many differences to state here but I would say the main diff would be the lens (18-135 vs 18-55) & the sensor (12MP vs 18MP)
Hi James,
I intend to get myself a Nikon D7000 with 18-105mm len. So far, from my search online the cheapest found is $1888 (with a bag and 8GB) from Alan Photo. Is this a good deal? Or do you know of a better deal for what I am looking for?
Thanks in advanced.
Regards,
Raymond Leong
Hey Raymond,
The Nikon D7000 Kit has a list price of S$2199 … so at S$1888, it’s a pretty good price already
Just check that it’s a local set with warranty by Nikon Singapore.
Hi can I ask about eos 600 too.
There is a promo at best but not sure if good deal
Eos 600d w 18-135mm at 1549 . Free gifts are 2x 8gb ( source unknown ) tripod dry box n cleaning kit w 70 gsd offset . Vs ms foto basic w one 8 gb sd card at 1380
What is ur opinion. I have my own dry box but no tripod
Hey Jojo,
The current offer of the EOS 600D Kit II from Canon is S$1549 with the following gift:
- SD 8GB card, EOS Bag & EOS 600D User Guide
- Purchase-with-purchase: EF S55-250 IS II lens @ $ 249 (usual $ 499)
So you should get the above as a minimum … anything else is extra from the shop. The price quoted is also inclusive of GST (Oh … and I’m not sure what you mean by 70 gsd offset).
With the Getting from MS Foto (not sure where that is … or do you mean MS Color?) … will save you S$169 to select your choice of Tripod and 8GB SD Card.
Do note that usually, the free gift version of tripod/SD Card is pretty basic stuff … but after market tripods, like those from Manfrotto, and high end SD Card … can cost much more than the savings of S$169.
So if you don’t think you will be carrying around a tripod (essential for night shots of landscape scenes) … the S$169 savings could get you around 10 pcs of 8GB Cards
Hi James,
I am a new to DSLR cameras and heard that Nikon D3100 is a good start for entry level. I have enquired 5 shops in Singapore and each have a different in pricing (S$729 to S$889). do you know reason for this difference? Also, i had seen the authorised dealer list for nikon dslr camra, and some of the cheaper price shop are not included. Is it OK to buy from them? Please advice me. Thanks!
Hey Rajan,
The current promotion for Nikon D3100 is S$899 … if you get from chain stores like Harvey Norman, Courts or Best Denki … it should be around this pricing.
Street Shop should be able to go under S$800 for cash terms transactions.
My understanding is that list in Nikon website are shops that take stocks direct from Nikon while other shops take their local stocks from these shops.
As long as the D3100 kit you are getting includes a warranty card by Nikon Singapore … I think it’s ok
Hi,
I am from Philippines and the price for NIKON D3100 here, specifically in Cebu City, is 24,000 pesos already or around 700-710 SGD.
I am seeing websites from Singapore now and they offer for about 800-850 SGD for a D3100 kit.
So does it mean that Philippine market price with warranty is cheaper compared to in Singapore even on street price?
I was looking for a price in almost all of the websites in Singapore selling DSLR’s and I was upset to the fact that I thought Singapore is selling a little cheaper DSLR’s compared here in the Philippines.
Should you have any updated prices for Nikon D3100 18-55VR kit and Canon 550d, I will be more than grateful.
Thanks!
Hey Jayson,
Nothing to be upset about … with raising cost of living here in Singapore, some of our consumer goods are not as cheap or affordable as we would love it to be.
If it’s cheaper in Philippines, just get it there and if you are staying in Philippines, you get to enjoy the local warranty in Philippines too
Hi,
I am looking for my first DSLR, I am not sure to buy D7000 or 60D, the price should be a bit diff, just do not know with one is better for a fisrt buyer. And i want to ask you, do you sugest to buy the grey set?
Hey Oliver,
Both the D7000 and 60D are great products … you should look into the system itself to help you make your choices … such as whether your prefer Nikon or Canon handling (so you should actually try both DSLR) and which brand offer the lenses of your choice (in terms of focal length, weight & pricing).
You can take grey sets IF you don’t care about warranty
Hi,
What do you think about this type of classified ads : *Censored*
We find the 7D for 950 SGD, on the same website there are brandnew 5D mark II for 1200SGD for exemple. They pretend to be brandnew in real store.
Do you think it is fake ? On each ads there are contact info with tél (I can’t call, I am coming in two weeks).
Finally, I know it is soon a big sale period in June. Do you think we can find 7D or 5D mark II cheaper than now (-30% or something like that) as the 5D mark III is already here ?
Thank you very much.
Hey Loup,
A Canon 7D Body has a list price of S$2249 and a 5D Mark II has a list price of S$3199.
Even sold 2nd hand, I don’t think it will go as low as the price you saw in those classified.
So I don’t think those are genuine classifieds.
For the Great Singapore Sale (the big sale in late May to late July in Singapore every year) … most promotion from Canon will still be going at their list price with more freebies thrown in.
Street shops is the way to go if you are looking for a cheaper deal … usually 10-15% off the list price.
If you need more discounts … look for grey sets (without local or sometimes without any form of warranty) but I’m unsure of their pricing since I don’t usually buy them
Oh and Welcome to Singapore!
Thank you very much. It seems not to be cheaper than in France ! It’s a shame :/.
Cheers !
Hey Loup,
Yap … and the Euro isn’t helping … if it slides anymore, I think I’ll head over to France to buy my electronics
haha
.
And what about the used market, very developed online in France. Didn’t find anything interesting in singapore, maybe directly in store they sell used product ?
Hey Loup,
What sort of used product are you looking for?
Modern 2nd hand body/lens or the good old film era products?
There are some 2nd hand shop at Peninsula Plaza and Adelphi (Both near to Funan Digitalife Mall) … you can check it out there
Hey;
Thanks. I am looking for modern 2nd hand body !
I will check Peninsula Plaza, I hope it will be cheaper than in France as the brand new products are a little cheaper in singapore.
The 7D body cost for 7nd hand in France is approximatively 1400 SGD.
Hey Loup,
Not very familiar with 2nd hand 7D pricing.
If you can’t find a good buy at 2nd hand shops, you might want to check out the Clubsnap Forum (just google clubsnap) for 2nd hand deals in their Buy and Sell section.
Most of the sellers there are locals
Hey,
Thanks for your tips. I will be in Singapore next month.
Could you tell me what is the street price for the canon 7D ?
Do you know approximatively how much we can get during the Great Singapore Sale, for exemple on a canon 7D ?
Thank you very much.
Alex
Hey Alex,
I believe loup has the same question and I’ve provided some insights above (check my reply above)
And welcome to Singapore too!
Hi James,
Do you have any idea when D3200 will hit local market? Since the Amazon kit price is US$699, what price you guess for local market?
Cheers!
Michael
Hey Michael,
I’ve not seen it locally yet.
Price wise, My guess is that it will be between S$900 and S$999 since its replacing the D3100.
Hi James,
Great thread.
Just moved to singapore last week. I was aspiring to buy a Canon 550D/600D or a Nikon D5100. Where is the best place to get these at the lowest price possible (can you also suggest a possible price I can get them for). And can I expect any freebies along. Or should I wait for the IT show.
Thanks in advance,
Siddharth
PS:Can you please tell when and where the IT show is?
Hey Siddarth,
The next IT Show is called PC Show 2012 … it starts tomorrow and ends this weekend (7 – 10 Jun).
If you want the lowest pricing possible, head for a street shop. If you want the best mix of free gift possible, head for PC Show from tomorrow.
Hi,
Just want to know what is the current street price of Fuji X100. Should i get it now or wait for the upcoming IT show?
Hey Desmond,
I’m not exactly sure of Fuji X100′s street pricing.
The next IT Show is called PC Show 2012 and it starts tomorrow (7 – 10 Jun).
X100 on Fuji Sing website is announced $1599 (with few gifts : case, SD…) : not sure we can find better price…
Hey Chris,
You can find all the latest pricing and free gift from PC Show 2012 below:
http://livinginsingaporetoday.com/21128/digital-cameras-and-dslr-promotions-at-pc-show-2012/
And yes, the X100 is now selling at S$1599. So I would expect street pricing to be around S$1400 give or take a little
Hi James,
Your thread is really informative! I’m working part-time in the office and my pay isn’t very high. I’m looking for a good DSLR/SLR that is below $1000. What do you recommend?
Hey Jenducky,
There are a couple of choices:
- Nikon D3100, Canon EOS 1100D and Sony a35/a37 should be around S$800 region street pricing.
- Nikon D5100, Canon EOS 550D/600D and Sony a57 would be around or slightly above S$1000 street pricing.
All of them are great for beginners, so check them out and choose the one you are comfortable with.
Hi
I’m looking for a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR (Retail Price $SGD599). Does anyone know where I can get a better deal?
Thanks.
Hey Mike,
Sounds like you need to visit a street shop to get better pricing (check the list of street shops I go to in the article above).
Street pricing should be in the region of S$500.
Hi James,
May I know what’s a prime len mainly used for? I’m still new to the dff type of lenses. Do you know of any street shop that sells Canon telephoto zoom lens 18-200 that is cheaper than retail shop? I’m thinking of getting a telephoto zoom lens and a macro lens I think. I’m mainly into taking close up shots of objects/photos of people with like blur or bokeh effect. For this is use macro lens right?
Hey Jeremy,
Prime lens are fixed focal length lens. It’s advantage is superior optical quality, lighter weight, smaller bulk and typically have much larger aperture (what we like to call fast lens).
People like to buy prime lens because they are fast (typically from f/2.8 – f/1.4 but some are below f/1.4) so they can achieve higher shutter speeds in night photography or shallower depth of field (more blur/bokeh effect as you say).
If you want to take close up of small objects at very near distance (less than 30cm), you will need a macro lens.
If you want to take close up of people (portrait shots, face shots, half body shots) at 1 – 5m, you can use medium telephoto lens such as 85mm f/1.8 primes.
The EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS you are thinking of getting is a general walkabout lens … it might not give you the desired effect you wish to achieve.
Ohh. Thanks for your guidance! (: So I should get a prime and macro lens first instead of going for the 18-200 for general walkabout lens first? And which prime and macro lens will you recommend me to go for? Like can shoot more variety of photos, doesn’t need to be potrait shots only.
Hey Jeremy,
It’s hard to suggest which prime or macro unless you can tell me what sort of shots you would like to take and your working distance.
Prime and Macro are specialized lens … but they can take any picture you want but the perspective will be different.
For a start, go try out the EF35mm f/2 (list price S$529) or EF50mm f/1.8 II (list price S$159) for primes and for macro, test out the EF-S60mm f/2.8 Macro USM (list price S$889).
Okay thanks so much! The difference between the 35mm and 50mm for prime is just the focal length? Maybe I’ll get the 18-200 and prime first then. Btw is it alright to equip my canon 1100D with 18-200? Cause 18-200 is quite heavy itself.
Hey Jeremy,
The main difference would be the focal length.
You can also get the 18-200 first. Since it’s a zoom, you can set it to either 35 or 50 and shoot at that focal length to see if you like the perspective before buying the primes.
And yes, the 18-200 will be front heavy for your 1100D … an alternative option is the 18-135
Btw, for general walkabout lens, do you think I should go for 55-250 or 18-200? The price difference is quite alot so can’t really decide..
Hey Jeremy,
18-200 will be a better lens for general walkabout photography.
Okay thanks for your help! Btw do you have any shop recommendations which I can go to for the purchase of canon 18-200 lens which is cheaper than retail outlets?
Hey Jeremy,
All the shops I frequent is listed above … I usually buy from the one that quote me the cheapest price with available stock
Thanks James so much for your help! (: I think I’ll get the 18-200 and be careful when using it with my 1100D. I’ll check around the shops you listed and get from one of them. (:
Hi James,
I just bought a EF 50 prime lens ytd, It’s quite a good lens with nice blurring effect. Thanks for your advice. (: Btw, is it true that the quality of image for 18-135 is better than 18-200? And that most of the time we do not really need until 200 focal length? Cause I do not really know how much the difference between 135 and 200.
Hey Jeremy,
Great!! Enjoy your new lens
Usually, the image quality of super zooms like the 18-200 (that’s a 11.1x zoom) can’t be as good as a normal zoom (7.5x). Professional fast zoom lens usually stay within a 3x zoom factor (such as a 24-70).
But whether you need a 200mm or not it really depends on your subject of your photography.
A nature shooter specializing in birds will find 200mm too short … they go for 300mm, 400mm or even 600mm or more.
While a landscape shooter usually stays wide and seldom go beyond 35mm.
Ohh. So normally zoom lens is use for taking landscape? I’m actually not that into taking birds, but like landscape, people and close up of objects. If that’s the case, 18-135 will not be useful? and I should go for smaller zoom lens with better image quality? 24-70 is out of my reach for now cause of it’s price. Are there alternate lens I could go for?
Hey Jeremy,
Actually all focal length can be used for landscape but most people prefer going wide to cover it all
If you are new, the 18-135 is a good place to start since your prefer focal length is an unknown and you are on a crop sensor.
If you are on full frame (like the 5D Mk III), the 24-105L would be a value for money zoom lens
Ohh alright. Thanks so much for the advice! (: Btw if I want to shoot a moving object, I have to increase the shutter speed and ISO so that the object won’t be blur and dark?
Hey Jeremy,
If you want to stop motion, go Shutter Priority and set the shutter speed you want.
Leave ISO on auto. That should do it
Oh okay. Thanks so much! (:
Hi James,
I would like to ask you a favor, I’ve been looking for a D700 here in the Philippines but the price is just too high here compared to the manufacturer’s listed price on the net. If you could give me a ball park figure or an actual quote for the Nikon D700 from any of the shops you listed, I would really be grateful! I would be visiting Singapore on the 21-24 of June so I was thinking of buying the unit there if it would be cheaper.
Hey Jeng,
I don’t have an actual quote but it should be in the range of S$3300 street price (list price is S$3888 Body only) … IF they have stock at all.
Most of the shops don’t stock the D700 anymore and if they do bring it in, it’s just 1 or 2 pieces.
Do call them when you arrive and just go to the one that has stock … and Welcome to Singapore