Why NOT to Buy a Camera in Japan
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- čas přidán 7. 02. 2021
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Buying a camera in Japan may not be the best idea... Today we are talking about why, along with how to choose a new camera and so much more!
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Exciting Days!!! Has there ever been a better reason to be a part of the Notification squad? lol
And Yes... I’m on Clubhouse for now~
This is going to be the year of giveaways, with many being Notification-Squad specific! 😉
Glad I could answer some questions for you!
Looking forward to seeing you guys sharing love with each other in the comments below!
See you in that next video!!
Why Junichi Kato is strong???
"Pick the one that gets you out there" is such a great quote! And congrats on 200k! When did this happen?! I remember watching the randomly recommended "advice for a better japan trip" video at the start of last year
Gah! What is the notification squad? Do you designate people as members of the NS? I feel so silly for asking.
Clubhouse is very fun , hope to see you on there !
Hi, Norm!
... Thanks for the shout-out. 🤓🙏
Hi Gerald!
Thanks for what you do~
My 2 favorite CZcamsrs in one place!
You're crazy.
Probably the best mentality of the "What's the best camera" question, I've heard. Thanks!
Used Lenses, on the other hand, absolutely BUY IN JAPAN! I swooped up so many good deals on immaculate 2nd hand lenses from MapCamera. They are incredibly honest with their inspection down to the teeny tiny dust - it's insane!
P.S. Holy cow. Gerald and Lukasz in the same video?! 🤯 🤯 🤯
@@TheJohn8765 because it is. Almost anything you find there being sold as 2nd is usually like new. And if it is not the price gets waaaaaay cheaper than you’d imagine
Hey it's Jason vong
Yo it's Jason Vong 🔥🔥
@@TheJohn8765 used undie?
Map Camera really does have CRAZY GOOD deals… nearly 45-50% off site wide on their second hand lenses and they barely seem used!!
Me watching this video in a camera store in Japan 🤣 (silently returning the camera to the shelf and existing)
Silently existing! love it.
Ninja style
Regarding buying in Japan, definitely not necessary for new gear. However, it can be nice for second-hand as I've bought a DSLR and lens in excellent condition for about 40% off the new price. The only thing is I dunno if you can get them without speaking Japanese as I only found them listed in sites in Japanese.
But I've not been disappointed buying second-hand in Japan.
"Use it till you break it" is an amazing motto to use for most things in life. And then if you add a "learn how to fix anything that you break" motto to that - you're golden!
Agreed!
"Use it til you break it" is super great advice. One thing I've applied from my days in engineering jobs is to master your tools. Know what your tools can and can't do, and let that guide your decisions in future purchases.
I'm in the group that bought my A7siii here in Japan, and while I love the video quality, it just seems so silly that they limit the menus to only Japanese and no 50fps...I hope that they can open their eyes, realize that we are in the year 2021, and start thinking more globally
I knoooowwww
I can’t believe they actually limit the frame rate options and all that as well
Just bonkers lol
Write them a letter. Is a start.
As to my understanding, if you know your way around tech you should be able to slap a modified firmware on it.
Don't personally own an A7siii, so I don't know for sure.
Is it a Sony thing? Because i bought my Canon M50 in Japan and it's just the name that's different. All the rest works the same.
@@SyntheticFuture I tried this, but seems that Sony went out of their way to remove the NTSC/PAL switching option from the camera menu. I confirmed this with Sony reps both over the phone, and at their official Sony store. A7Siii cameras bought in Japan can not switch to use PAL (even though the electrical frequencies in Tokyo are 50Hz....just madness)
Use your camera until you break it.
Norm: Challenge accepted.
LOL
My sister is a photographer and an old Japanese camera is a great souvenir idea! 🤔And that 360 camera looks wild! 😄
Get a just-CLA'd all-mechanical one. Spotmatic F, Canonet QL17/QL19 GIII rangefinders, the Olympus 35 SP rangefinder or the iconic OM-1 SLR - they and a lot more are solid performers and will run without a battery.
A 35 SP lives in my bag these days beside an OM-D E-M5 mk2; now if only we can travel safely again and record new memories whether on celluloid or silica.
Saw this and went on a camera phase for 3 months learning everything I could getting hyped about taking good photos. First video to get me into photography and loved it. You are a true inspiration.
I love that price of advice in the beginning. Really helps you rethink if you should purchase something or just double down on learning to master your current equipment
I love this. I used to be very into photography until a decade ago when I struggled with really bad depression and my camera died on me. Right now I'm taking a visual design class at my college and it comes with the whole adobe creative suite for free and it's got me feeling inspired again and wanting to save up to get a new camera.
That was a very good tutorial for beginners. Also very good observations about buying items in Japan. You brought up many things people don’t think about. My sister lives in Tokyo and will often buy from US vendors, have it shipped, and still be much cheaper than Japanese stores. Good stuff Norm!
I was just binging Norm's Ehime videos. Those videos have such a chill vibe it always calms me down.
Thanks so much
I love those videos
Can’t wait to get back
@@TokyoLens thank you for all the amazing videos.
The best camera is the one you have with you...someone wise said once...
since that I am only shooting on my phone....they have come such a long way....
Every single camera video you put out has so much good information in it. I’m about average with my camera knowledge (probably), but you just know so many good tips and tidbits; I’ll never skip your camera focused content
'Use it until it breaks' sounds like great advice even outside photography. Thanks for the video!
As someone who loves photography videos like this make me feel like there is so much to learn still😊 Now I kinda have the dream to find a niche camera from the 50s in Japan 😅
This is the absolute best video on what camera to get advice I’ve ever heard. I’ve been getting the question all the time, but now I have a much better answer to give. Thanks man.
I have REALLY been getting into photography lately. Tbh I'm not sure where to start when it comes to buying an honest to God, truly great lens. Your videos not only have been helping me with that issue, but also have inspired me to move and work in Japan 😃
Totally agree to this. Thats the Same question I had before I bought my first ever DSLR. Im a non-pro and just want to learn basic photography. I didnt buy the expensive one I just bought crop DSLR from Niko D5300. It was a good camera for starter and learn the basic of photography. I realized that sometimes its not really how expensive your camera is but getting the right angle, framing, drama and aestetic. 😊 Thanks for always bringing me Japan! Im your big Fan from the Philippines and I miss Japan so much. Hope to be able to travel back there.
Thanks Norm for your no frills and candid review and comments. Always had that question to buy in Japan but that fog is lifted. TYVM. Please keep these videos coming.
I was shocked when I came to Japan and all the Japanese electronics were more expensive than they were back in the UK. Someone told me this was because there is an additional tax that you have to pay to cover the pensions of the workers of the company that isn't charged abroad (I don't know how true this is) but my wife (who is Japanese) told me that it's mostly down to the fact that most Japanese people will only buy Japanese electronics, so they don't have to compete against brands from other countries - like Samsung. It means that the Japanese manufacturers can charge a lot more in Japan than they do abroad.
Just when I was trying to look for a new budget camera 😂
It's for a gift tho
This was a SUPER helpful video! Thanks, Norm! Looking forward to the next one!
It's amazing to see how and what stuff you use to make amazing videos but more awesome is that the really nice photos you post are just taken with phone cams with the help of some equipment. It's fun to watch this even if I'm not looking for cameras cause it feels somewhat like a behind the scenes in a way.
As a camera-phone person, I still found this incredibly informative. (Also cracked up at Norm petting his camera early on in the video.)
My Japan camera story was when my brother and I were in Akihabara and walking by Yodobashi Camera. They were pumping out their theme song onto the street, which I realized was a swinging version of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic " 😆
WOH! Just recapping your videos and seen your collection of cameras. Incredible. Loving your content, they excite me and give me confidence as I'm planning on taking my two boys aged 15&13 for our very first time ever to Japan in January. Keep up your great videos.
Having watched your channel for a while I am slowly getting back into video and photography. Thank you for reigniting this in me!
Great advice! I'll definitely hold off upgrading until I've outgrown/broken my current setup.
I'm a beginner to intermediate level photographer and went from point-and-shoots to phone cameras to a beginner DSLR camera set (Nikon D3200 w/ 2 lenses). I also have a Fujifilm Finepix waterproof point-and-shoot - has gotten me surprisingly good photos when still.
My advice: watch films, don't be embarrassed to take shots, bring an extra battery, and practice practice practice!
Thanks Norm for the video, always a delight.
Also, great words of wisdom, investing your money and resources in something once you have exhausted the limits. Thanks !
I'm trying to get back into photography after a long hiatus and it's honestly like starting from scratch. I have a Nikon D3200 from the dark ages and want to upgrade but I don't know where to start. I love your channel and am now a part of the notification squad 😁👍
Indirectly this answered a question on how to prepare for my future trip to Japan, and it mirrored what I was already told so thank you Norm 🙂
I was in Hiroshima for a Mazda event in 2019 and I needed a reasonable zoom camera to replace my antique Canon PowerShot SX230 HS. Fortunately, Bic Camera has the PowerShot SX740 HS in stock, and the sales clerk was nice enough to switch the language to English.
I'm still shooting photos on a canon t3i and honestly, it's taught me more than I think I would have ever learned than with a expensive dslr.
This was really great advice.
Honestly phone cameras today are great quality. It was a good reminder when you said to figure out which aspects are important to you before upgrading, that's advice I can use in so much of my life.
I used to only use my phone, but started trying to use an old DSLR my sister gave me because 1) that tactile aspect makes you feel more legit 2) I wanted to be able to focus on something/blur what's not focused. The only problem is the camera has auto focusing problems, but I figure it just helps me improve on my own manual setup!
Thanks you just saved me a lot of time as I was planning on buying 1 when I get out there again your AWESOME
Hey Norm! Thanks for the advice!
I was using an old Kodak point and shoot camera for most of my Japan trips for 10 years and got some great pics and wonderful memories out of it. Unless you are interested into going deep into photography, I'd say there are plenty of good and inexpensive cameras to choose from. My old Kodak finally fell apart(literally) last year and I bought the same camera on Ebay and was planning to use in until Covid shut out Japan. Soon as the border is open, I am heading back to Japan with it.
I remember when DSLR and other digital cameras were just coming in, and I thought no-one (professional) would ever want them over analogue cameras. Doh! However, I still like the saying that the best camera is the one you have with you. The nerdy side of me does like the idea of the 360 camera, though!
Amazing Video! Very informative!
Man really missing out on this notifications squads. I've been so busy with stuff in life, hopefully I'll be able to catch next video early.
Thank you very much, that was very informative norm :)
😭..everytime you do the money being thrown at the wall shot I literally die inside..it is hilarious.. your last video, I had to literally pause the video because I was laughing so hard I was in tears..🤣
Wise words! Part frugalness but also just part challenge, I use my old tech to see how far my skill can take me. Even the most rudimentary tools when you have honed your skills can create beautiful results.
I recently started taking pics on my phone. Messing with iso ss and aperture makes tou appreciate your phone way more
For me, that's a new perspective on when to buy better gear; appreciated! Great video as always, thank you for sharing.
Hey Norm! Notification squad 🎉🎉🎉
Helllll yeaaaaaahhh
@@TokyoLens Notifications been on since I discovered the Channel!
This channel was Love at first play ❤️
I was just using my new Canon power shot SX430 IS camera 📷 today to take so beautiful snow photos. Cant wait to use it some more.
Thank you for this video! Finally, my question has been answered in the way that I can make informed decision! Thank you! 😊
I LOVE your use of inserts in this video!!
A creative eye helps as well 😊 Love getting out and about with my daughter who loves photography. Sunrises are our favourite.
Fantastic advice and sum up! I worked in a camera shop for 7 years and am currently a photo technician at a uni; all these years later I still tell people "pick up a camera and see which one feels nice in your hand." I shot with a Sony a7R3 which is perfect for me as I have joint issues so the lighter weight and smaller grip is perfect for me while offering the quality I want within my work. However if I gave that camera to my brother who's built like a tank he'd find it far to small and fiddly. You really need to get your hands on a camera before you make a purchase. If you like the way a camera feels in your hand then you're more likely to pick up the camera as you head out.
I have a JVC Everio camera, if I move to Japan should I upgrade before hand, or will that be good enough to start out? I tried using it for a film course in uni and my prof docked us points for it (the video was certainly much 'softer' then other students)
I had been comparing some cameras in a low budget for this field. Something you said in there was actually really helpful. Because I'd been watching all these reviews, tutorials and comparison videos...and they talk a lot about features that I mightn't really use, but I think I let myself get distracted by all that talk. Like, what 'I' would actually use for.
You’re videos are my fav to watch on CZcams. Best content. Thanks for this particular one. Learning lots! 🇨🇦
Great video Norm! Love the overview that can be understood from beginners and more experienced photographers alike.
Question about the Canon 90D, how does videography and photography fair without any image stabilization? Do you notice it or have you learned ways to avoiding shaking/blur?
i have an A7iii but i totally agree with you! i still shoot a ton of my photos on just my phone. and with a gimbal for the phone you could honestly just use that to start a youtube channel too! most of the time, people wont notice.
An even bigger reason for getting your camera before you go to Japan (or any destination): get to know your equipment before you go! I once traveled with a camera (the first Sony RX100) which I only received the day before my flight. And while all of the basics were clear, a lot of the more intricate settings were not and some things were actually bothering me. And you just don't want to read manuals on the go. Also, the camera I got started to have some problems after a few days of use, and some days later stopped working altogether, so for most part of that trip I still had to use my old camera I brought as a backup.
And after a few years of using high end compact cameras I'm back with my old DSLR again. Exactly for the reason you mentioned: the feel of it. The phone is perfectly fine for snapshots, but in the end there's just nothing like taking pictures with a real camera. Even when those compacts are close in image quality, much more convenient when it comes to video, and obviously are so much smaller and lighter (the main reason I switched to those a few years ago), taking pictures with those just doesn't bring the same joy as working with a proper camera.
As a phone-camera user with the "use it until it breaks" mentality and a 4 year old phone that refuses to die, the struggle is real. The development of phone cameras since my last purchase honestly has me speechless.
Those are really helpful tips to know. I've been wondering about GoPro and 360º cameras for some time.
I have quite an old Pentax dSLR, that I was given, and had always thought about upgrading. Though, due to various life circumstances (COVID not being one of them) I haven't actually used the Pentax in roughly 18 months.
Roughly 6 months ago, I upgraded my phone for access to the camera, and find that, for what I use it for, the phone is better for my circumstances than the Pentax, and the phone camera gets a lot more use.
i use your videos while studying to keep as company
in your experience whats the best camerea for nice photo and video's for a beginner that not to big, fall/waterresitent and can do a lot but is not to hard to understand?
Aloha Norm, I love these info vlogs! I very much love Photography! The pointers you have really help! I started shooting photos in middle school back in the 70's. Completely engaged in the hobby life long! I even loved doing children's & families portraits at a small store, while I was in college. Now, I'm sharing photography & excited to shoot video with my daughter Kanoa. Hoping to do more & put decent videos on yt someday! I love the equipment I bought through your links too! Thank you! You are so appreciated!
My first real camera purchase was the Sony a6000. Not only is it a great starter camera if you decide to upgrade later to a different Sony camera, you still get to use all your lens because they all use the same mounting system. There is a disclaimer though depending on the lens and camera you buy, you might have to deal with a cropped image.
What microphone and headphones do you recommend?
The 360 is on my list for 2021.
Hey Norm, I love your content, keep it up :D
awesome gear brother
Dude im trying learn about photography and maybe i Will buy a7rii any advice before i purchase that camera?
Ooh good tips! Didn’t even think about region locking.
Drive it till you break it. Great life advice! Also, I think I've been doing that with my phone. I can't do what I want if filming with my camera, but im fortunate enough to have started my college life as a photography major, with a friend who believed in me. So I have a nice camera... unfortunately I need to re-learn all of it, but at least I have the equipment! It's helpful to know what basic stuff does, to know what bells and whistles you need, for what you're trying to do.
Thanks for sharing Norm :)
Great video!!! I actually sell cameras full time in Australia, and i really couldn't add anything else to your tips for choosing, as it sounds very much like my own sales speech
Thank you for the amazing advice!
I would have loved another 15 mins of this type of content.
Do you always use the go pro for your drone shots?
This was spot on! I was surprised when I found out that Sony (purchased in Japan) only came with Japanese settings.
The best answer, you make it sound easy to understand
very cool video, makes me wanna go outside and practice shooting pictures
Always glad to add a little bit to someone’s day
Really cool vid again! love seeing gear vids :D Kinda wanna get a 360 cam for the fun of it now XD
Definitely keeping this in mind the next time I get a camera! (Currently using a canon T7i rn and I love it a lot ^.^) thanks Norm!
Considering how gorgeously you capture your adventures, especially of the countryside, I'd take your advice on cameras any day of the week, Norm.
Great video! As a photographer I have a few recommendations.
If you are a beginner and also want good non-4k video, I highly recommend the Canon EOS T7i. It has good auto-focus for stills, but in video it uses dual-pixel autofocus that is crazy good. The body I think is less than $700.
Lenses, don't think that native lenses (canon, sony, nikon) are the only way to go, third party (tamron, sigma) are just as good, if not better, and half the price. I have a Tamron 28-70 f2.8 Gs and it's focus speed and stabilization is incredible.
Vintage lenses, if you learn to manual focus there are some really great lenses out there, that will cost less than $50. And learning in full manual will make you a better photographer/videographer in the end.
Also, if your photos just don't seem as good as you want, 90% of the time it's you not the gear... Sorry. When your gear is holding you back, you will feel it.
Tripods, GET A GOOD ONE! Even if this means it is old, aluminum, and heavy. That just means you will build a little more muscle while out shooting.
Action cameras, my brother is a youtuber and has had great luck with a Yi 4K. They aren't as tough as a gopro, but they are cheap.
He also uses a DJI Osmo Pocket, it has a full gimbal, tracking, and is incredible for walking and talking into the camera because wherever you move it follows your face movement. It is just und $300, but with the gimble and the video quality it is a good price.
Yay, the advice I needed hehe
now, this was fun. and I see two more videos about Cameras from this guy. and to think I started on abandoned videos because there are so many abandoned but really amazing places in the mountains of Virginia.
Norm, do you have the lens guards for your One X2?
Watched with headphones. All the desk thumping hurt my brain... 🤯 🤣🤣🤣
Lots of great info. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it
Hope your day is great
This is a very nice crash course for "what camera should I buy"!
Nice video, this in addition to your other videos on the topic really gave me more of an idea on what I should be looking for specifically.
And I guess for most stuff, a phone camera is fine after all lol
Looking forward to the next vid!
Glad I could help
Even if just a little
Thanks so much
And see you soon!
I am a new content creator on CZcams, so all your tips on what to use/look for have been super helpful. I'm currently filming on the Samsung s20, which has been really quality. The biggest issue has been the auto focus. Any suggestions?
Hi Norm, Have you tried the DJI Osmo Pocket/ 2? I’ve seen a few Gimbals in your videos wonder if it would be a great addition to your early morning running videos!
Thanks norm for this great video 📷!! I'm just saving for a Sony a6400 to start doing photography ! Love this topic 👍.
Excited to see what you do with it once you get it
Thanks so much
Thanks for advice👍
Also something to consider: Some Japanese Sony Alpha Models default to NTSC, while European models default to PAL, resulting in different FPS settings they offer on the menu (25/50/100 vs. 30/60/120). They do this to match the local power grid frequency and reduce flicker with artificial light sources. Although you can change the mode this is particularly annoying with the A6300, which will always issue a warning you have to manually confirm everytime you turn on the camera if the PAL model is running in NTSC or vice vera. There is a firmware tweak for this but it's rather inconvenient.
Great to know about the Camera😄
Excellent video, I love gear videos especially if it from non tech focused channels. Make me think what should buy not become its newest. Btw I bouth few lens from Japan that was cheaper to get in Japan because of the 8% and credit card discount.
Keep making great video especially behind the scenes video