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Ok so I'm looking at upgrading my compact digital to a dslr.
After spending several hours reading through posts here, I have managed to narrow down to a few models so I finally got to the shops to see what the prices were.
I was highly disappointed when I got to the shops I seemed to know more about the cameras than the salesman or woman. I did however get the positive out of the trip as I could get my hands on the different models and find what was best for my hands.
Does anyone know of any great or even decent camera stores that I could get some more info and general help with my decision? I have some idea of what I want but I'm really not so keen on spending all that hard earned cash on such little knowledge of what I'm buying.
I have not yet updated my profile but I live in Canberra so I am basically happy to check out any stores in the ACT. Preferably southside but if there is nothing decent here, I will drive north side to check them out.

Thanks for any help!!

kel88 wrote:I was highly disappointed when I got to the shops I seemed to know more about the cameras than the salesman or woman.

I'm shocked!

I am truly shocked!

Does anyone know of any great or even decent camera stores that I could get some more info and general help with my decision? I have some idea of what I want but I'm really not so keen on spending all that hard earned cash on such little knowledge of what I'm buying.

I think that for Canberra, Ted's might be your best bet.

Failing that, come up to Goulburn this weekend, and you can have a play with my D300. Murray may be there with a D3 as well; I could always brung a 30D and a D200 as well, if you twist my arm sufficiently.

More importantly, you can chat with me, and you'll get some good impartial advice.

I think that for Canberra, Ted's might be your best bet.

I agree. I have found the staff at Ted's Civic quite helpful. I was allowed to wander around outside the store taking photos with their cameras before I bought my first DSLR. Yes, I was accompanied by one of the sales staff, but fair's fair. I bought from them even though they were not the cheapest at the time. Such service needs to be rewarded or it will vanish.
I used my own CF card, so was also able to take my photos home & have a close look at them too.
They were also quite conversant with their gear. I had no sense that I knew more than they did.

Don't try for this at lunch time though. Maybe early to mid morning, and try to tee it up in advance.

Hi Kel88,

I live in tuggers and have a Nikon D200 with good glass.
Give me contact details and we may be able to show you the gear.

Cheers,
CD

Try walking into a Harvey Norman store at 4:30, service doesnt exist in there!

On a 2nd note, I find that most CameraHouse or Paxtons have very helpful and friend staff!

tntman wrote:Try walking into a Harvey Norman store at 4:30, service doesnt exist in there!

Why wait till 4:30?

On a 2nd note, I find that most CameraHouse or Paxtons have very helpful and friend staff!

Helpful is good.

So too is friendly.

But what about knowledgable? We were just listening to a tech segment on a Sydney commercial radio station, and the so-called tech specialist managed to get every answer wrong, IMNSHO.

gstark wrote:Helpful is good.
So too is friendly.
But what about knowledgable? We were just listening to a tech segment on a Sydney commercial radio station, and the so-called tech specialist managed to get every answer wrong, IMNSHO.

at the 'tech specialist' but I do work at Camera House when I need to sell my time for money. I will agree about the lack of knowledge that some ppl have and what they can get away with!!!

gstark wrote:

tntman wrote:Try walking into a Harvey Norman store at 4:30, service doesnt exist in there!

Why wait till 4:30?

Ahh-- some people like me dont have much time during the day due to parent commitments so the best time earliest I can get there is 4:30!

On a 2nd note, I find that most CameraHouse or Paxtons have very helpful and friend staff!

Helpful is good.

So too is friendly.

But what about knowledgable? We were just listening to a tech segment on a Sydney commercial radio station, and the so-called tech specialist managed to get every answer wrong, IMNSHO.

It's funny how some camera salesman try to tell me things like this pocket camera can go ISO3200 or 6400! They try to tell me that what it means, is that you can shoot in dark without flash! That was the funniest explanation I've ever had...

You'd be suprised that at Camerahouse, Paxtons, Teds etc that the ladies and gents selling the items there are sometimes semi pro photographers!