Digital camera advice / recommendation

Nah it's reight!

 

whatever you get

make sure you also get a tripod for the night shots that will be long exposure - eve if its only a small one. No matter how steady you hold it, anything over 1/4 second shutter will cause blur. Looks great on your small camera screen util you get uploaded onto the pc.

Also make sure you have some manual settings or can play with apeture and shutter speed - and not just point and shoot - otherwise you will be stuck with the auto modes. If you want to get a bit more adventurous you will want these.

 

Don't be sucked into more mega pixels is better stuff. It's all down to the quality of the lens.

I've got a Canon IXUS400 which is only a 4mp camera, but it blows the socks of say a Kodak 8-9mp compact.

I'd recommend like Jud and go for an IXUS80.

Canon's after care is fantastic too - My IXUS 400 which is now over 5 year old, died on me a few months back. It was the CCD that had gone. Phone call to Canon, they put me onto their approved repair centre and I sent it off. Camera came back a couple of week later with brand new CCD and new internal CF reader part - All repaired Free of Charge.

 

It's pissing down here at the moment, so make sure it's a waterproof one! Seriously though, the good thing about the current weather is that it clears away all the pollution so it's a great time to get clear night shots when the rain stops... why not use one of the professionals on the Kowloon waterfront though, being as it's your honeymoon? They don't charge much & you can bargain with them.

If you do want to buy in Hong Kong, follow this bloke's advice - use the first one he mentions & quote his name. the shop doesn't want to lose it's good reputation & you'll get an excellent deal.

 

RE: Digital camera advice / recommendation - with link!!

Sorry... here's the link: http://rolandlim.wordpress.com/2007/08/26/recommended-camera-shops-in-hong-kong/

 

Hi mate, so do you live in Hong Kong then??

 

Yeah, I do. Just flew in from Japan & it's teeming down outside...

 

Can't wait mate. We're staying for 4 nights at Langham Place in Mong Kok before flying on to Bali then Singapore. Don't worry I'm well prepared for the fact it will rain lots!

We've had a couple of restaurants recommneded called Aqua in Kowloon and Peral on the Peak - do you know if they're any good? Also planning to go to Ocean Park (for the missis to see the pandas).

Any tips would be appreciated!

 

Langham Place is a good spot... very convenient - & exploring round Mong Kok is a day out in itself! Aqua is a top restaurant - be prepared to pay top dollar & make sure you book in advance, but it is unforgettable. Peral on the Peak, I'm not sure of, but your trip has to include the Peak, so if someone recommends it, then go for it! Ocean park is always a great day out - I must have been a hundred times, but it's well worth it - I was there about six weeks ago & they're building a whole load of new stuff which won't be ready until next year or so, but they have finished the new panda house, so the missus will be happy!

Make sure you do the 'Avenue of Stars' walk on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront - at 8 PM they have the laser light show on the buildings across the harbour - you can tie that in with Aqua. Also, I recommend going to the 'SoHo' area in Central (find the mid-levels escalator & go up until you start hitting the restaurants - there are loads to choose from & most are good. You can then head to nearby Lan Kwai Fung which is the upmarket bar area for a few after-dinner drinks. The best bars near your Hotel are in a place called Knutsford Terrace - it's a 2 quid taxi ride from your Hotel.

If you have time, I would try to squeeze in the cable car ride (Ngong Ping 360) to the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island (near the airport) - It's a fantastic ride & if you've got a head for heights book one of the glass bottomed cable cars!

Bali is great at this time of year - usually dry & windy & a hence a bit cooler - hire a car for a real experience!!! Singapore is boring... you should have cut that bit out;-)

 

Yeah I understand Aqua will be about £40 per head with alcohol? Going to try and tie it in with the light show. Do you think I should wait til we get there and get the concierge to book it or should I do it before we fly?

She's panda mad so that'll be a highlight. I really fancy Po Lin Monastery but Vicki hates cable cars so I'll have to convince her thats the way forward! Thanks a lot for the tips mate, really helpful! And don't worry, Singapore's just a one night stop to take her for over-priced Singapore Slings...