What does a tech journalist do when his magazine is killed by the Internet? Start a blog of course. Follow Vince Sales' tech adventures -- from photography to video games to tablets -- in Third World Nerd.
1. Nikon D800
This beast of a full frame camera is practically a medium format Hasselblad with its 36.3-megapixel resolution. Updated HD video superpowers round out the package impressively.
Price: PHP168,000 (body only)/US$3,000
Where to buy: kimstore.multiply.com, Amazon
2. Olympus OM-D E-M5
Olympus has the holy grail: a camera that's compact in size AND stellar in image quality. They even managed to squeeze an electronic viewfinder and a revolutionary new image stabilization system in the E-M5's svelte body.
Price: PHP62,500 with kit lens
Where to buy: Digital Walker, Power Plant Mall
3. Canon EOS 5D Mark III
All those letters and numbers in this camera's name mean that it's all business. It's a still photo camera without peer AND a professional video camera. It's the best of everything.
Body Only: PHP169,998
Kit: EF 24-105 F4L IS USM: PHP219,998
Where to buy: Canon, Bonifacio High Street
4. Nikon D4
Another monster camera from Nikon, the D4 is the company's flagship camera. It's capable of an incredible 10 frames per second burst rate, and features an improved autofocus system and video capabilities that can put your current camera to shame.
No local availability confirmed
Price: US$5,999
Where to buy: Amazon
Locally, try: Avant, Ambassador Appliances, SM Appliance Center
5. Leica Monochrom
It's basically a Leica M9 that shoots only in black and white. Bonkers? Actually, no. The Monochrom promises superior tones and fine detail that are unmatched by any color camera. Oh wait, we take it back. This camera is bonkers because its price is insane.
No local availability
6. Fujifilm X100
Already a classic, the fixed-lens, APS-C-sensor-powered Fujifilm X100 isn't the fastest camera out there, but the images it takes are stunning. The hybrid viewfinder and classic design make it oh-so-sexy.
Price: P59,990
Where to buy: Digital Walker, Power Plant Mall
7. Fujifilm X-Pro1
Like the Fujifilm X100 with interchangeable lenses, the X-Pro 1 has all of the X100's retro good looks and its hybrid viewfinder. It also has a growing family of lenses.
No local availability confirmed
Price: $1,700
Where to buy: Amazon
8. Canon EOS 650D
Entry-level SLRs never looked so good. 18 megapixels, 9 cross type AF points, and a flip out capacitive touchscreen all mean that you get a lot of camera for your money.
EOS 650D Body: PHP41,998
EOS 650D KIT 18-55IS II: PHP46,998
EOS 650D KIT 18-135IS STM: PHP60,998
Where to buy: Canon, Bonifacio High Street; Avant; Ambassador Appliances, Digital Walker, SM Appliances
9. Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS
You can drop it, or dunk it in the pool, and it will keep on shooting because it's shockproof, waterproof, crushproof and even freezeproof. Best part? This camera has a bright lens with an aperture of f/2.0, which means those underwater photos won't be so dark.
Price: P19,995
Where to buy: SM Appliances
10. Canon S100
Canon's reliable S line of PowerShot cameras hits the big 100. The latest incarnation features a 12-megapixel sensor powered by Canon's DIGIC 5 image processing engine. Good stuff.
Price: P28,998
Where to buy: Canon, Bonifacio High Street; Avant; Ambassador Appliances; Digital Walker; SM Appliances
11. Sony NEX-7
Sony's flagship mirrorless camera features more power and control than mirrorless shooters are accustomed to. 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, twin dials, and an excellent OLED electronic viewfinder, this camera has everything except a wide choice of lenses its mount. Never fear, you can use practically any lens with this camera and the right adaptor.
Price: P69,999
Where to buy: Sony Centre Megamall, Sony Centre Shangri-la, Sony Centre Gateway
12. Panasonic LX5
There's a reason why everyone from your mom to your best friend has one of these cameras. It's small and compact, and the pictures are great. It's a no-brainer, except rumors of an LX6 to be released soon are churning.
Price: PHP14,800
Where to buy: kimstore.multiply.com
What other cameras can you recommend?
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