Review: My first SLR Camera- Nikon D5200 from Mayer Photo

This is a long overdue post, dating 7th July 2014, the day I bought my Nikon D5200 camera. Like some, I have held a point and shoot camera all my life, dating from film. My folks are not gadget people. Basta gumagana ng maayos, ok sa kanila.

In one of my previous posts, I have thought about getting a slightly advanced p & s (point & shoot) camera, since my Sony W300 of 5 years has broken down it seems (new mc corrupted, lost majority of my photos from Bohol (2013) and Dubai (2014) trip, and had to make do with a smartphone camera).

After repeatedly canvassing for a Canon G1X and Sony RX100 (they cost around 19k-21k cash) from Henry's Trinoma upon suggestion of my partner. Some friends suggested that I get my hands on a DSLR Camera. I have long avoided the temptation or trap for the ff. reasons:

1. DSLR is expensive.
2. The hobby is expensive and addictive. 
3. I don't want to carry a heavy load, while traveling.   

Thank god for the internet, I did my research, consulted my partner and zeroed in on a few starter DSLR models. It was a three-way tie for: Nikon D5200, D3200, D3300. I picked the Nikon D5200 upon the prodding of Uncle Rick:

 

My Nikon D5200 with kit lens

So, Uncle Rick, a photo hobbyist himself accompanied my mom and I to Hidalgo Street, He primed us up with: bring cash, keep your outfit simple. Let's go on a Monday to keep crowds away.

Upon arrival, I started canvassing while they roamed around. This was a helpful tip, yet I didn't follow it. I started to ask from the ff shops (as of July 2014):

1. i-Click outlet- Nikon D5200. 23,500php with 6 mos. service warranty. Ok silang kausap, but I don't know their aftersales service.
2. Henry's- I talked to Henry himself and the wife. 24,700 last price with 6 mos. warranty. 
3. Others- to order or no stock. 
4. Mayer Photo- 24k php cash, 6 mos. parts, 1 yr. service warranty. Includes 8GB MC, camera bag, and Nikon backpack (as thrown in). Actually, I canvassed with Ramon and his daughter, and said I will return and compare with Henry's. I requested that I get a fresh stock inside the shop and not from the glass display. Fortunately, they have it and Ramon said "last price, mura na ito." I added a lens filter, Sunpak 52mm for 200php, tested the camera and thanked him with a smile. I'm telling you, I'm not leaving the place empty-handed.

 For those who want to get an upgrade to branded camera bag and/or memory card. Puede basta add lang kayo. 
 

To date, I've had no problems with the camera, test shots here. Overall, it is a great starter DSLR w/o breaking the bank. Read up, keep taking shots and evaluate them and/or with a seasoned photographer. Your gear is as good as you use it, master them.

Also, all my transactions with Mayer Photo are all smooth and positive. 
Staff is knowledgeable and friendly, marunong na sila mag-Hokkien sa presyo. Like some, I ask kung puede pang babaan. They would tell you at what price they can, and kung mababa na yan.

Hindi ko po naabutan si Sir Ramon in bad mood. Always ended my transaction with a thank you and smile. Never fails.

For the past few months, my partner and I have bought several accessories from Mayer:

1. Larmor LCD Screen protector for Nikon D5200- 500php
2. Hoya Lens filter for Nikon D5000- 600php
3. Benro tripod for #2- 1.2k php Kausap namin si Auntie Helen, and dahil siguro Chinese kami, naging 950php.
4. Phottix  3 in 1 cleaning kit (inc. lens pen, cloth, blower). 500php 

Highly recommend Mayer Photo- 5 Stars for price, quality and service! Basta huwag lang kayong makulit, tawad ng tawad tapos hindi kayo bibili.

Please refer here for a complete list of Hidalgo sellers.

Basic Photography Class with Jo Avila

Recently, I just finished my Basic Photography Class by Jo Avila. My interest in photography was sparked due to my partner's love for the craft, we're set to watch the WTA Finals in Singapore this Oct 2014, and a series of unfortunate events:

Took my old but trusty point and shoot Sony W300 camera to Bohol (2013) and Dubai (2014) trips and the memory card got corrupted. Hence, only some photos remained. Since the camera is 5 yrs old, I think it's time to replace it- that's another topic.

I don't have plans to be a pro, but a hobbyist who knows how to take the 'right' photos, not just the centered, touristy types, and to learn something new. Maybe an events photographer on the side at most.

So I searched the internet for photography classes, and Jo's caught my eye due to the ff:

1. Location- 15 Gold Bldg., Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan City
2. Affordability- as an anniversary promo, he's giving 50% discount to prospective students @ 3,000Php for 4 Saturdays (1 month split into 3 half days and the last day is a whole day class). Lunch included for the last day. At times, he hosts special classes, which are only 2 Saturdays of the month, for those who are busy.
3. Experience- He's been in the business for 18 years now and is a Canon EOS Ambassador. Although I didn't know him prior, I've read good feedback from past students. Best of all, one can take make-up classes and numerous refresher classes for FREE!

So, I decided to drop Jo an e-mail and inquire. Grateful that he allowed me to catch on Sept 13 (missed the 6th Sept class), I joined and paid the fee on the spot.

Jo is really a passionate photographer and teacher. He teaches in a way that you will easily remember what he says and apply them when you start doing it on your own. As a newbie, I found all the concepts overwhelming, but after all the classes, I started digesting them.

Jo Avila doing the Canon Ambassador pose for white balance testing on my Nikon D5200

The best way to know you are learning is to incorporate these in your snaps or paying it forward. By sharing some pointers with my partner, who learned the craft from her dad.
She works in Singapore and tries to go out and photography on a weekly basis. So on a Skype call, I would critique her photo and say- don't tilt your camera while shooting, use your feet or legs to get closer to the subject.

Recently, she took photos on overcast skies, she used ISO 100. The photos looked underexposed. So, I suggested that she try using ISO 400 because the higher ISO will make up for the overcast skies.

Also, Jo is a certified critique. During the post processing class, I took a 'straight' photo of my dad (flat on flat, photo to follow) and he reminded me to put an angle to it, and how to shoot horizontally, among others. I guess that's the consequence of missing the first class, which I duly made up for last Oct 11.

Ask away in class, and Jo is happy to answer them. When he doesn't have a photo shoot after, he'll stay over at his studio and you can just keep firing away.

He's a practical adviser- the finer points he gives are common sense in photography lingo. Also, he doesn't encourage students to keep buying new gear. What he does is to tell his students to buy the stuff that they need (ex. cleaning kit, camera strap), and to keep learning with the lens that they already have (kit lens or whatever you have). The point is, he wants you to master your gear before transitioning to a new lens or getting a new SLR.

Just bring your SLR/CSC Camera to the class! Jo is a Canon Ambassador, but he will teach you how to work with your camera. I own a Nikon D5200 and it was cool with him.
 
Overall, I've got to give Jo Avila a 5-star rating. He's a cool and practical teacher and emphasizes to improve your skill with your current gear. It was totally worth it!

As a bonus, students will receive a Jo Avila discount card. This avails his students a year's worth of discounts from his sponsors, from Canon to various gear and others.

 PS: Here's a sample of my own post processed photo: