Korean Job Discussion Forums

[NYC_Gal]

My 3-or-4-year old Panasonic Lumix broke last weekend, and I'm in the market for a new camera. I don't want a Sony because of its non-SD format, but otherwise, I'm pretty much open to any brand. I'm looking to spend 250,000 or less. I'm not camera savvy, so want something easy to use. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, I'd like something small so that I could always have it on me.

Thanks!

[Samapi]

I use a sony cyber-shot dsc-w350. Takes standard SD cards. Video is pretty good. Cost about �140 (about 250,000 won probably less).

Has some good functions like auto-macro, steady-shot and a panoramic setting.

These are a couple of my shots:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs069.ash2/36827_415634638132_516408132_4774883_6534048_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs328.ash1/28569_387407398132_516408132_4059899_4493826_n.jpg

[crossmr]

I just bought a Pentax Option W90 about a week and a half ago in Japan. If you're worried about it breaking, or you want a camera you can take anywhere with you, even under water, this or the Panasonic Lumix DSC-TS2 is an excellent choice.

They're water/dust/mud proof. The Pentax is also shock proof from around 4 feet and cold proof to a lower temperature than most regular cameras.

Shots from my Pentax:
Macro
Zoomed out a bit
Sky
Underwater


That said the Pentax might not be a choice for you unless you're planning on a vacation in the next little while. It's not yet available in Korea, though I noticed that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 is. It wasn't a couple weeks ago before I went to Japan.

The only thing to keep in mind with the Panasonic though is that it's language locked. I actually wanted that one over the Pentax, but Panasonic has decided to language lock all their cameras. Buy it in Japan, you only get Japanese and there is no way to change it. I'm assuming if you buy it in Korea it would only be in Korean. I could have handled that. But it in the US you get English/Spanish/French. I have no idea what possessed Panasonic to do this. The Pentax can easily change it's menus, even to Korea when it isn't available yet.

Cost, with exchange was around 370,000W but it is a great camera, and if you ever have any intention of going to a water park, or being at a bar where someone might spill a drink, or taking a camera to an outdoor event where it might rain, you should seriously consider a waterproof camera like this.

Here is the DMC-TS2 on Gmarket
http://item.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=190354026&pos_shop_cd=SH&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T&search_keyword=dmc-ts2

For me the Lumix would have been worth the price difference, the movies are a little better quality than the Pentax.

or if you're going to Japan or know someone who is going get them to pick you up a Pentax (Don't forget to show your passport for a 10% tourist tax free discount!)

If you want another choice for a point and shoot water proof camera there is also the Casio Exilim.
I haven't tried it, but one of my friends just bought this for her vacation to Japan.

Pictures weren't bad, but the price is close to the Pentax
http://item.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=189816879&pos_shop_cd=SH&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T&search_keyword=exilim%20g1

for me I'd get the pentax over the exilim.

[NYC_Gal]

Thanks guys. The SONY one looks more like what I want.