Buying Camera Gear

May 7th, 2008 by Kapa

Recently, I’ve had a few relatives & friends make enquiries about buying camera gear, so I thought I would write this article about it.

A common question is why is there such a price difference when searching on the internet. Firstly, you will need to understand the difference between Australian distributed & grey imports. It’s exactly the same equipment, just cheaper for a few reasons:

  • it by-passes the Australian distributor who add a premium to the cost for local warranty (more on this later)
  • global companies (not just camera manufacturers) price their products according to the local market. It just smart business, price the item according to what the market is prepared to pay for it.
  • Distributors buy in bulk, very big bulks, and accordingly have to hedge (protect) themselves against the currency fluctuations.
  • Grey importers (i.e. when you don’t import the item yourself) don’t operate from retail locations, hence reduce their overheads and require a lower markup to make a profit.
  • NOTE: Most manufacturers warranty is only valid in the country of distribution. This means that if something goes wrong with your grey import, you will need to send it back to the country of distribution to have it repaired under warranty, or pay to have it fixed locally.

    I have bought both locally distributed equipment as well as grey imports. I like the idea of a shopfront, talking to a sales person, playing with something before you buy it, knowing who’s door to knock should you have a problem, and most importantly, knowing that if my equipment breaks down I can go straight to the distributors service centre at Lidcombe and have it looked at almost immediatly.

    As for retailers that sell equipment covered under local warranty, here is a few I’ve used myself:

  • Digi Direct
  • European Camera Specialists
  • Foto Riesel
  • But as I said, I have also bought grey stock, sometimes the price difference is just too much to justify paying for the local product. Here is some places I’ve used to buy grey stock.

    Bought direct from overseas supplier:

  • HK Supplies
  • B & H Photo
  • Local Importer:

  • D D Photographics
  • When buying from overseas, always take into consideration the costs associated with bringing into Australia, freight, insurance and of course Customs & Duties.

    If you can’t decide what camera to buy, don’t ask me (I’m biased), make use of the best camera resouce on the internet, Digital Preview.

    If this information is usefull, or you have any comments that can benefit readers, please use the feedback option below.

    Post Christening Shoot

    April 8th, 2008 by Kapa

    Today I shot a ‘post christening’ session in the studio. In a nutshell, the parents wanted some photos of their son in his outfit, and here is a small sample.

    The young man looking happy & content.

    baby christening outfit boy

    Some back to basic framing, making use of negative space.

    baby christening outfit boy

    Finally, he had enough.

    baby christening outfit boy

    So, his parents stripped him & we got some nudies.

    baby naked nude boy

    Angel-Rose

    March 30th, 2008 by Kapa

    Gorgeous little girl with a name to match, Angel-Rose. I met her family outside the Greek Orthodox Parish of ‘Saints Constantine & Helen’ and grabbed a couple of candid shots of her in her pram.

    Angel Rose baby greek orthodox christening

    The service soon started and Angel-Rose was distracted by the flash on my camera, gave me some good eye contact.

    angel rose greek orthodox christening

    The godfather has his hands cupped filled with oil, the priest dipping his finger into the oil anoints the face, chest, mouth, nose, ears, legs and feet in dedication to the service of Christ. Grand-mum holding Angel-Rose securely. Note the way the priest is holding her feet, definite sign of experience to stop her kicking around.

    angel rose greek orthodox christening

    Angel-Rose getting well and truly baptised.

    angel rose greek orthodox christening

    A candid with mum just after the service.

    angel rose greek orthodox christening

    The reception was held at GEoRGES on King St Wharf, the afternoon sun was terrific and provided a great place for a few informal family portraits.

    angel rose greek orthodox christening georges king st wharf

    Dean

    March 15th, 2008 by Kapa

    I’m going to start in the middle today. This photo was taken as they are walking towards the baptismal font after the service of the Catachumen which is conducted at the rear of the church. I know it’s an ordinary pic but what I want to show is the amount of natural light available at the Greek Orthodox Church of “All Saints” in Belmore.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    The church is surrounded with yellow stained windows, and with the afternoon sun glowing bright the entire church had a warm natural colour to it. This changed my style of shooting for the service, more to what I like, using the available light to capture the image and the flash is just for a little boost.

    When the very first shot of the day looks like this and I only guessed the exposure I know I’m going to have a good day.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    A quick formal at the entrance while waiting for the Koumbarie & guests to arrive.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    In almost a mirror image of a photo I took a few weeks ago at Ioanna’s Christening, the god child & godparent exchanging a look during the service.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    The oil is poured into the Godfathers hands in preparation to anoint Dean.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    Dean having a wonderful time in the baptismal font.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    A very quick lesson on cropping & making a few basic changes.
    A good image like this.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    Turns into a gorgeous one like this.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    Dean’s first offering, a lock of hair.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    A Christening cake in the shape of a christening box made by Sweetart.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    A couple of heroes from Superheroes Inc showed up to entertain the kids.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    When I did the “first run” processing the images, this candid caught my eye.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    However after going through all the images, I’ll leave you with my favourite for the day, the mood and emotion in this one is a standout.

    Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints

    Sweetart

    March 15th, 2008 by Kapa

    Today at Dean’s Christening I liked the concept behind the Christening Cake, it was in the shape of a Christening box with the bit’s & pieces hanging out of it.

    sweet art cake design
    sweet art cake design

    It looked great under the coloured balloons used to brighten up the place.

    sweet art cake design

    The level of detail was amazing, check these out.

    sweet art cake design
    sweet art cake design

    Sweet Art Cake Design
    Phone: +612 9361 6617
    Web: http://www.sweetart.com.au/

    SuperHeroes Inc

    March 15th, 2008 by Kapa

    Need someone to entertain the kids? Then look no further than SuperHeroes Inc. Today at Dean’s Christening Superman & Spiderman were there to perform their super feats.

    SuperHeroes Inc - Superman Spiderman

    They told the kids stories of amazing adventures.

    SuperHeroes Inc - Superman Spiderman

    Kept them in awe with their tales of courage.

    SuperHeroes Inc - Superman Spiderman

    Played hide and seek with them (not many places to hide in a restaurant).

    SuperHeroes Inc - Superman Spiderman

    Played games with them.

    SuperHeroes Inc - Superman Spiderman

    Painted their faces?

    SuperHeroes Inc - Superman Spiderman
    SuperHeroes Inc - Superman Spiderman

    and of course, every kid wanted their photo taken with them.

    SuperHeroes Inc - Superman Spiderman
    SuperHeroes Inc - Superman Spiderman

    SuperHeroes Inc
    Phone: 9326 4686
    Mobile: 0412 477 733
    Web: http://superheroes.com.au