Singapore - Best place to buy a new camera?

[Moose.]

Ok, so I want to buy a new camera and will find myself in Singapore in a couple of days time. Where's a good place to pick up a decent digital camera? I'm thinking Lucky Plaza or maybe the Funan Mall? Any other places I should be looking?

Cheers

[dom9]

We just bought her new Canon 550D SLR from a normal 'chain' type shop, a bit like the UK version of Dixons and we basically paid RRP for it but we wanted the warranty and comeback as it was quite an expensive package with all the bits and pieces...

However, we could have had it cheaper and, in fact, we got a new camera for my F-i-L down in China town, at the People's Mall, or whatever it is called (will try and find a card) and the chap we got it from was S$100 cheaper than Lucky Plaza and about S$200 below RRP.

I think they pretty much price fix in Lucky Plaza, as they all know each other and are owned by the same people... If they appear cheaper than the main shops on Orchard Road then they make sales, so they aren't doing the bargains like you get in some of the local malls for local people e.g. China town.

What model are you looking for, specifically?

[Moose.]

Funnily enough either a Canon 550D or a Panasonic Lumix GF1. I want to have a play with them both before I decide which to go for. I do a lot of travelling out here in SE Asia, so want the best quality I can afford but still have a lightweight package; hence the GF1.

Out of interest, how much was the 550D from one of the bigger stores?

[halogen]

Best place where they will let you try both will be http://www.cathayphoto.com.sg/. You can also try SLR Revolution or John 3:16, both on the 4th floor of Funan Mall.

I will not recommend buying anything from Chinatown, Lucky Plaza or Sim Lim Square, unless you know exactly what you want and how much you are willing to pay for it.

[XJSJohn]

As Halogen says, cathay photo.

There is also a few second hand camera shops on Princip street if you want a few extra lenses.

[Moose.]

Thanks chaps! Arrived a few hours ago after a 2.5 hour delay leaving Balikpapan (Now I know why Mandala are so cheap). I took a quick look in a couple of shops in Funan mall, just to get a feel for the prices. Very slightly dearer than the UK but they will thrown in a bag, memory card etc. so on a par I guess.

Tomorrow the hunt begins properly

[XJSJohn]

balikpapen, you poor bd .... i did a short job over there a few years ago ... not much going for it other than oil trash bars!!

actually they weren't too bad .....

[dom9]

Sorry guys, just back from Bintan - Did you get one?

We paid pretty much UK RRP with the 'package'.

[Moose.]

XJSJohn said:

actually they weren't too bad .....

Not too bad at all

I ended up getting the GF1, with a few extras. Getting the GST back pretty much made the price the same as the UK. However, seeing as I don't live in the UK or plan to be back in the near future, I can't really compare too much.