Cameras, Printers, Monitors, Storage Buying Guide
Comex is currently taking place at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Center. From the 30th of August to the 2nd of September, the expo will span three floors (3, 4, and 6), and its doors will be opened from noon to 9pm daily. In this segment, we highlight noteworthy digital cameras, printers, monitors and storage products to look out for. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!
Buying Guide Index
Comex 2012 Shopping Resources
Remember to check out the HardwareZone Tech Show Portal for the latest consolidated shopping resources and updates.
Cameras
Comex 2012 happens right before the big German camera show Photokina in September, where new models will be announced (or have already been announced, like the Sony NEX-5R which will be arriving only in November). While old models will probably see successors later this year, if the camera you're looking at was released earlier this year, chances are good that it won't be replaced that quickly.
If you don't want to play the waiting game, Comex 2012 still has a myriad of choices to offer, from DSLRs to mirrorless system cameras to simple compacts. Prices may not always differ by much, but Comex offers usually come with a host of functional freebies like dry cabinets, camera bags, card readers, tripods.
Canon (Level 4, Hall 404)
Canon PowerShot A2400 IS
The A2400 IS drops $20 from $189 to $169 to become Canon's most affordable star buy at Comex 2012. 16MP, 5x optical zoom, a 2.7" LCD display and 28mm wide-angle lens. The A2300 is cheaper at $149, but you don't get the A2400 IS' Smart Auto and Intelligent IS (Image Stabilization).
- Comex Price: $169
- Usual Price: $189
- Promotion: Free 2 x 8GB SD cards, case, 4GB flash-drive, wireless mouse/calculator.
Canon IXUS 125 HS
Canon drops this mid-range compact from $349 to $299. Comes with a 16MP sensor, 5x optical zoom, 24mm wide-angle lens and a 3" LCD display.
- Comex Price: $299
- Usual Price: $349
- Promotion: Free 2 x 8GB SD cards, case, 4GB flash-drive, a-Jay One earpiece.
Canon IXUS 500 HS
Looking for a compact with a little more zoom? The diminutive IXUS 500 HS comes with a 12x optical zoom, 10MP sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens and 3" LCD display. The IXUS 510 HS is $50 more at the show at $449 (U.P. $499), and is nearly identical except for its 3.2" touchscreen. Unlike the majority of digital compacts today, the two cameras record to microSD cards, so grab the free cards Canon is offering.
- Comex Price: $399
- Usual Price: $449
- Promotion: Free 2 x 8GB microSD cards, Crumpler case, 4GB flash-drive, a-Jay One earpiece.
- Online Warranty Promotion: Free NB-9L battery.
Canon PowerShot S100
The PowerShot S100 was one of our favorite premium compact cameras of 2011. It comes with a 12MP sensor, 5x optical zoom, 24mm wide-angle lens, 3" LCD display, f/2 lens and built-in GPS. Battery life is low at 200 shots however (we suggest you grab the online warranty promotion's free battery), and it's nearly one year old at this time so it might be due for an upgrade soon.
- Comex Price: $699
- Usual Price: $699
- Promotion: Free 2 x 8GB SD cards, Crumpler case, 4GB flash-drive, Polar heart-rate monitor watch, a-Jay One earpiece.
- Online Warranty Promotion: Free $50 Takashimaya voucher, NB-5L battery.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Casio (Level 4, Hall 402 & 403)
Casio EX-Z680
The Casio EX-Z680 is a slim (16.5mm) 14MP shooter, with 5x optical zoom, a 26mm wide-angle lens and 2.7" LCD. Comes in silver and black. Casio gives you 20 points with this camera with which you can exchange for free gifts, an 8GB SD card for example costs 15 points.
- Comex Price: $169
- Usual Price: $269
- Promotion: Free power bank, cleaning cloth, cleaning solution, cleaning brush, jumbo blower, Exilim lanyard, camera casing, 8GB SD memory card, mulit-card reader, 3-section tripod.
- Points Awarded: 20
Casio EX-ZS150
The Casio EX-ZS150 packs a long 12.5x optical zoom, with a 16MP sensor, 24mm wide-angle lens and 2.7" LCD.
- Comex Price: $299
- Usual Price: $399
- Promotion: Free cleaning cloth, cleaning solution, cleaning brush, jumbo blower, Exilim lanyard, camera casing, 8GB SD memory card, mulit-card reader, 3-section tripod.
- Points Awarded: 50
Casio EX-ZR200
The EX-ZR200 comes with a mode dial, 16MP sensor, 12.5x optical zoom, a 24mm wide-angle lens and 3" LCD.
- Comex Price: $499
- Usual Price: $549
- Promotion: Free cleaning cloth, cleaning solution, cleaning brush, jumbo blower, Exilim lanyard, camera casing, 8GB SD memory card, mulit-card reader, 3-section tripod.
- Points Awarded: 100
Fujifilm (Level 4, Hall 402 & 403)
Fujifilm X10
Released late last year, the X10 is Fujifilm's premium compact camera, with a large 2/3" 12MP EXR CMOS sensor, and a wide f/2 to f/2.8 telephoto manual zoom lens equivalent to 28-112mm.
- Comex Price: $899
- Usual Price: $999
- Promotion: Free 16GB SD card, 32GB Class 6 SD Card, Case, Original Battery, 8GB Thumbdrive, Tripod, Screen Protector.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR
The Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR comes with a 16MP sensor, 15x optical zoom, 24mm wide-angle lens, built-in GPS, high-speed continuous shooting and 3" LCD screen.
- Usual Price: $549
- Promotion: Free 8GB SD card, case, screen protector, cleaning kit, mini-tripod, card reader, battery.
Fujifilm FinePix XP50
The FinePix XP50 is tough; 5m waterproof, dust-proof, -10 degrees freeze-proof and 1.5m shock-proof. 14MP, 5x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle lens and 2.7" LCD.
- Comex Price: $329
- Promotion: Free 8GB SD card, case, mini-tripod, screen protector, battery.
Nikon (Level 4, Hall 402 & 403)
Nikon Coolpix S6300
The Nikon Coolpix S6300 comes with a far-reaching 10x optical zoom in a compact body. Also features a 16MP sensor, 2.7" LCD, 25mm wide-angle lens and Full-HD movie recording.
- Comex Price: $299
- Usual Price: $349
- Promotion: Free 2 x 16GB SD cards, cleaning kit, mini-tripod, card reader, camera case, EN-EL 12 battery, 2.7" LCD screen protector.
Nikon Coolpix AW100
The Nikon Coolpix AW100 is a rugged waterproof, shock-proof, cold-resistant camera. Comes with a 16MP sensor, 5x optical zoom, 3" LCD, Full-HD movie recording, 28mm wide-angle lens, built-in GPS and electronic compass.
- Comex Price: $429
- Usual Price: $479
- Promotion: Free 2 x 16GB SD cards, cleaning kit, mini-tripod, card reader, camera case, EN-EL 12 battery.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Nikon D5100
The Nikon D5100 is more than a year old at this stage, but remains a competent and relatively compact DSLR camera. Shoots 16MP at a maximum of 4 frames per second, comes with a 3" swivel LCD and Full-HD movie recording.
- Comex Price: $979 (with 18-55mm kit lens)
- Usual Price: $1199
- Promotion: Free 2 x 16GB SD cards, electronic dry-box, tripod, rainproof DSLR bag, Supreme cleaning kit, card reader, extra battery, camera strap, 3" LCD screen protector, 52mm UV filter.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Olympus (Level 4, Hall 404)
Olympus Tough TG-320
The Olympus Tough TG-320 is dust-proof, 1.5 shockproof, -10 degrees freeze-proof and 3m waterproof. Shoots 14MP, comes with a 28mm wide-angle lens, 3.6x optical zoom and 2.7" LCD.
- Comex Price: $348
- Usual Price: $198
- Promotion: Free 8GB SD card, Olympus Li-42B battery, camera case, screen protector, 3 months local extended warranty.
Olympus XZ-1
The Olympus XZ-1 is a premium performer, going for a low price at Comex (one reason may be its age, the camera is more than a year old). Shoots 10MP with 4x optical zoom, a 28mm wide-angle lens, bright f/1.8 lens, 3" OLED monitor and dual IS (image stabilization).
- Comex Price: $498
- Usual Price: $748
- Promotion: Free 8GB SD card, Olympus Li-50B battery, XZ-1 camera case, screen protector, 3 months local extended warranty.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Olympus PEN E-P3
The E-P3 was one of the best mirrorless system cameras of 2011. It features a 12MP sensor, built-in image stabilization, fast AF, 40 variations of Art Filters, Full-HD video and a 3" OLED touchscreen.
- Comex Price: $1248 (14-42mm & 40-150mm twin lens kit), $998 (14-42mm lens kit)
- Usual Price: $1548 (14-42mm & 40-150mm twin lens kit), $1298 (14-42mm lens kit)
- Promotion: Free 8GB SD card, PEN camera case, Olympus BLS-5 battery, screen protector, E-workshop, 3 months local extended warranty.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Samsung (Level 4, Hall 402 & 403)
Samsung WB150F
The WB150F is a long-zoom compact with 18x optical zoom, 14MP and Wi-Fi.
- Comex Price: $399
- Promotion: Free Blu-ray player (BD-E5300), 8GB SD card, Samsung camera case, extra Samsung battery.
Samsung EX2F
The EX2F is Samsung's latest premium compact performer, it comes with a 12MP sensor and a bright f/1.4 lens. It's also Wi-Fi capable and comes with a 3" AMOLED display.
- Comex Price: $699
- Promotion: Free dry-box, power bank charger, 8GB SD card, Samsung camera case, extra Samsung battery.
Samsung NX1000
The NX1000 is Samsung's latest entry-level mirrorless system camera. It comes with a 20MP APS-C size sensor, 3" LCD display, in-box flash, goes from ISO 100 to 12,800 and is Wi-Fi capable.
- Comex Price: $999 (with 20-50mm kit lens)
- Promotion: Free 8GB SD card, NX workshop, NX carrying case, extra Samsung battery, purchase-with-purchase offer of 50-200mm lens at $199 (U.P. $449)
Sony (Level 3 & Level 4, Hall 404)
Sony NEX-5N
The Sony NEX-5N has superb image quality thanks to its large APS-C sensor. The only downside about the NEX-5N is that it's really tuned towards the automatic shooter in mind. Also, Sony has just announced the new NEX-5R (skipping O,P and Q), but that will only be arriving in November. The NEX-5R is probably why the 5N has been further slashed to $999 from $1149 on the printed brochure.
- Comex Price: $999 (with 18-55mm & 16mm lens kit)
- Usual Price: $1199 (with 18-55mm lens kit), $1299 (with 18-55mm & 16mm lens kit)
- Promotion: Free 8GB Sony SD card, carrying bag, DSLR lens guidebook, SDW course, screen protector, NP-FW50 battery.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Sony Alpha A65
The A65 has continuous shooting at 24MP up to 10 frames per second, AF in Live View which actually works, an OLED EVF, and even built-in GPS.
- Comex Price: $1399
- Usual Price: S$1399 (with 18-55mm kit lens)
- Promotion: Free 8GB Sony SD card, DSLR lens guidebook, SDW course, screen protector, LCS-AMB carrying case.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Sony Cyber-shot RX100
Sony's latest and greatest premium compact camera is causing a stir with its large 1" image sensor and fast f/1.8-f/4.9 glass. The downside? A short 3.6x optical zoom (28-100mm in 35mm equivalent) and of course, that premium price tag.
- Comex Price: $999
- Usual Price: $999
- Promotion: Free 16GB Sony SD card, SDW course.
Printers
With documents to print and copy, images to be scanned, printers are a staple in the home and office. And there's no better time to upgrade your ailing old printer than at Comex 2012. Check out our printer picks below!
Brother (Level 4, Hall 404)
Brother MFC-J825DW Inkjet Printer
Brother's top of the line all-in-one inkjet printer will let you print, fax and scan all in one convenient package. The MFC-J825DW comes with built-in Wi-Fi and supports printing from the cloud as well via Apple Air Print and Google Cloud Print. To make your printing even faster, the MFC-J825DWE also sports an automatic document feeder. Other features include disc label printing and printing photographs directly from media cards.
- Comex Price: $318
- Promotion: Free Fujitsu travel router worth $70, trolley $15 and product training
Brother MFC-J430W Inkjet Printer
The MFC-430W is an inkjet all-in-one. This compact printer lets you print, scan and copy. While being affordable, it doesn't skimp on value-added features such as built-in Wi-Fi and sporting an automatic document feeder.
- Comex Price: $198
- Promotion: Free $20 NTUC voucher, trolley $15 and product training
Brother DCP-7060D Mono Laser Printer
Don't need to print color documents? Go with this 3-in-1 Mono Laser Multi-Function Centre that has speedy print performance. The DCP-7060D is capable of automatic double-sided printing with print/copy speed of up to 24ppm (pages per minute). It also has a covered paper tray (250 sheets) that keeps paper free from dust.
- Comex Price: $188
- Usual Price: $228
- Promotion: Free $20 NTUC voucher, trolley $15 and product training
Canon (Level 4, Hall 404)
Canon imageCLASS LBP7018C Color Laser Printer
Laser printers are better at printing text documents and thus are commonly found in offices. However, most laser printers tend to be mono printers that can only print black and white documents. But what if you need a laser printer that also prints in color? The imageCLASS LBP7018C is Canon's entry level color laser printer. It's energy efficient and prints 16ppm for monochrome documents.
- Comex Price: $279
- Usual Price: $299
- Promotion: Free $30 NTUC vouchers, trolley worth $13 and Mr Bean vouchers worth $5.40
Canon PIXMA MX897 Inkjet All-In-One
The PIXMA MX897 is Canon's top of the line all-in-one inkjet printer. Its duplex ADF makes double-sided more convenient and five individual ink tanks help save costs as you can replace them individually. The PIXMA MX897 also comes with built-in Wi-Fi and supports Apple Airprint.
- Comex Price: $369
- Usual Price: $399
- Promotion: Free GP portable battery pack 4000mAh worth $88 and trolley worth $13
Epson (Level 4, Hall 403 and 402)
Epson Expression Home Xp-402 Inkjet Printer
The Epson Expression Home Xp-402 is a multifunction inkjet printer that will fit right in your home with its slim dimensions, which helps to save desktop space. Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, the Expression Home Xp-402 supports Apple Airprint and Google cloud print.
- Comex Price: $168
- Usual Price: $198
- Promotion: Free trolley and Sennheiser headphones worth $39.90
Epson ME Office 900WD Inkjet All-In-One
Laser printers may offer superb print quality for business documents, but inkjet printers are catching up fast. Inkjets offer sufficient quality for normal business documents, and the Epson ME Office 900WD also offers good value with its print, copy and scan functions. Save more money with its individual ink cartridges so you can replace only the ones that need replacing. The ME 900WD also prints A4 documents at 15ppm in monochrome and 7.1ppm in color for fast and efficient printing.
- Comex Price: $239
- Usual Price: $298
- Promotion: Free trolley worth $19.90 and $30 NTUC voucher
Fuji Xerox (Level 4, Hall 401, 402 and 403)
Fuji Xerox DocuPrint P255 dw Mono S-LED Printer
Suitable for personal use or small workgroups, the P255 dw print up to 30ppm (pages per minute) and is capable of up to 1,200 x 1,200 dpi print resolution. The P255 dw also comes with both Ethernet and wireless (802.11b/g) connectivity. Other features include automatic two-sided printing (duplex).
- Comex Price: $189
- Usual Price: $199
- Promotion: Free $40 NTUC Vouchers + Free trolley worth $15
Fuji Xerox DocuPrint M255 z Mono Multifunction S-LED Printer
Need something that's not only able to print documents, but also copy, scan and fax? With a fast print speed of 30ppm (pages per minute), the M255 z will feel right at home in your office with its 50-sheet ADF (automatic document feeder) and DocuWorks 7.3 document handling software, where you can archive, search, edit, share, and secure digital documents in a variety of formats.
- Comex Price: $389
- Usual Price: $399
- Promotion: Free $60 NTUC vouchers + Free trolley worth $15
HP (Level 4, Hall 401)
HP Deskjet 3520 e-All-in-One Printer
The Hp Deskjet 3520 is an affordable inkjet all-in-one that's suitable for home use as it can print, scan and copy. You can also wirelessly print from your mobile device. With automatic double-sided printing and copying, the Deskjet 3520 offers great value.
- Comex Price: $139
- Usual Price: $159
- Promotion: Free $20 NTUC Vouchers
HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One
The HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus will suit SOHO with its print speeds of 20ppm (pages per minute) for mono documents and 16ppm for color documents. It is capable of automatic double-sided print, scan, fax and copy. Other features include the ability to easily print a one-sided copy of a two-sided ID card.
- Comex Price: $549
- Usual Price: $599
- Promotion: Free $50 NTUC vouchers, free trolley worth $19 and 2 year onsite exchange warranty
HP LaserJet Pro M1536dnf All-in-One
If you don't need to print in color, but require a printer to be fast, then the HP LaserJet Pro M1536dnf might fit the bill. It's fast (26 pages per minute) and has automatic double-sided printing. With a 250-sheet paper tray, the LaserJet Pro M1536dnf also supports HP ePrint for printing on the go.
- Comex Price: $429
- Usual Price: $539
- Promotion: Free $20 NTUC vouchers, free trolley worth $19 and free Trend Micro Internet Security worth $39
Oki (Level 4, Hall 403 and 402)
OKI C301dn LED Color Printer
The Oki C301dn offers great value with its fast print speeds of 20 PPM (color) and 22 PPM (mono). It also features double-sided Auto Print and the ability to print paper banners that are up to 1.3m in length.
- Comex Price: $299
- Usual Price: $349
- Promotion: Free wireless headset worth $49.90, extended warranty and $50 cash rebate
OKI MC361dn
The MC361dn is one of the best color LED all-in-one printers, which makes it a great buy for SOHOs. The MC361dn is capable of printing, copying, scanning and faxing. Its LED technology allows for sharper and consistent color output. If you're intending to do some heavy-duty printing, the MC361dn's 250-sheet paper tray will ensure that you don't need to replenish paper frequently.
- Comex Price: $699
- Usual Price: $899
- Promotion: Free wireless headset worth $49.90, extended warranty and $200 cash rebate
Monitors
To enhance your digital experience, why not let your eyes feast on the visual glory of latest IPS computer displays without bursting your budget. There are also 3D monitors that will literally add a new dimension to your visual experience, take your pick from 23 to 27-inch models.
Acer (Level 4, Hall 402 & 403)
Acer S2325HL
This 23-inch full HD LED monitor is an attractive-looking one due to its distinctive off-center mount. Its optimum resolution is 1920 x 1080 for your viewing pleasure in wide screen format. Located at its base are the control buttons, while to its side are the connectivity ports that include VGA and HDMI ports.
- Comex Price: $239
- Usual Price: $469
- Promotion: $219 (for the first 50 sets only)
Acer S221HQL
The Acer S221HQL is a competitively-priced 21.5-inch full HD LED monitor that will make an excellent companion to your existing one. With its small monitor stand, it doesn't take up too much space as you expand your computing display.
- Comex Price: $179
- Usual Price : $249
AOC (Level 6, Hall 602)
AOC e2352Phz 23-inch 3D LED Monitor
This 3D monitor in its 23-inch glory is from AOC and it is one of the most competitively priced monitors on the show floor. Its 2D performance makes it suitable for the office environment, making it a versatile upgrade display option.
- Comex Price: $289
- Usual Price: $369
AOC E2357FH 23-inch Wide LED Monitor
This award-winning 23-inch monitor boasts of a sleek and thin side profile; its ultra-narrow bezel measures just a svelte 5.8mm, for a borderless appearance that is ideally suited for use in a dual-monitor or multiple display configuration.
- Comex Price: $259
- Usual Price: $279
ASUS (Level 4, Hall 602)
ASUS VG23AH
This IPS 23-inch full HD LED monitor features ASUS' 'All-in 3D Technology' that is able to convert normal 2D images into 3D ones. Together with the bundled 3D glasses, it lets you view your 3D content at its optimum resolution is 1920 x 1080 in wide screen format. With its connectivity options that include dual HDMI 1.4, single-link DVI and VGA ports, you can connect a host of devices to the ASUS VG23AH for an immersive viewing experience.
- Comex Price: $399
- Promotion: Free HDMI Cable Pack (worth $39) and SanDisk 16GB Thumbdrive
ASUS VK278Q 27-inch Widescreen LED Monitor
The ASUS VK278Q LED monitor measures a whopping 27-inch and its 16:9 screen is ready for all your full HD content. It also also features a 2MP webcam at its top bezel.
- Comex Price: $549
- Promotion: Free HDMI Cable Pack (worth $39), NTUC Voucher worth $20 and SanDisk 16GB Thumbdrive
Dell (Level 3)
Erratum: The Samsung booth in the map is actually the Dell booth on Level 3.
Dell U2412M UltraSharp 24-inch Monitor
This 24-inch monitor has a unique 16:10 aspect ration which makes it appeal to users who cannot get use to the more commonly found wide-screen 16:9 ratio. With its e-IPS panel combined with LED backlighting (W-LED), it will appeal to the most demanding users, like colour enthusiasts, photographers and designers, who need high color fidelity.
- Comex Price: $369
- Usual Price: $399
- Promotion: Free wireless Targus mouse
Dell ST2420L 24-inch Flat Panel Monitor
This 24-inch monitor boasts of a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080; it is excellent for watching your full HD videos as it boasts of a response time of 5ms. It comes with a 5-year warranty.
- Comex Price: $269
- Usual Price: $279
- Promotion: Free wireless Targus mouse
Storage
Movies, music, photographs. You can never have enough storage, and if you're running out of it, now's a great time to head down to Comex 2012. Expand your capacity with our choices below!
Buffalo (Level 6, Hall 601)
Buffalo Portable HDD MiniStation USB 3.0
Buffalo has been in the storage business for awhile, and is trusted brand. Check out the Buffalo MiniStation if you're in need of 1TB of portable storage. It's USB 3.0 compatible for faster read and write speeds, and is shock protected as well as offering data encryption.
- Comex Price: $129 (1TB), $259 (2TB)
- Usual Price: $179 (1TB), $299 (2TB)
Buffalo Portable HDD MiniStation Thunderbolt
Need a portable hard drive's that really fast? Give the MiniStation Thunderbolt version a spin. It also features USB 3.0 connectivity in a compact and portable package.
- Comex Price: $329
- Usual Price: $349
- Promotion: Free Thunderboltworth $150
Seagate (Level 6, Hall 602)
Seagate 2.5" Slim Portable Drive
If you really need something portable, the Seagate 2.5" Slim Portable Drive is one of the slimmest hard drives you can get. At just 7.8cm think, this slim beauty also works with both Mac and PC.
- Comex Price: $109 (500GB)
- Usual Price: $149 (500GB)
GoFlex Home Network Storage System
The GoFlex Home Network Storage System allows you to have automatic, continuous backup of all your files and folders. By connecting the GoFlex Home Network Storage System to your Wi-Fi router, you can stream content to networked computers, media players and game consoles. You can even access your files from your mobile device using the free app for iOS and Android.
- Comex Price: $229 (2TB), $299 (3TB)
Western Digital (Level 6, Hall 603)
Western Digital My Passport
Looking for an affordable portable hard drive? The Western Digital My Passport hard drive offers great value with affordable prices and large storage capacities. It also features USB 3.0 for fast trasnfer and read speeds.
- Comex Price: $119 (1TB), $269 (2TB)
- Usual Price: $159 (1TB), $299 (2TB)
- Promotion: Free pouch
Western Digital My Book Live
The Western Digital My Book Live allows you to have your own personal cloud in the comfort of your home. Connect the My Book Live to your wireless router to allow for shared storage and wireless backup for all the computers on your home network. You can also stream movies and music to your connected TV set or media player.
- Comex Price: $199 (2TB), $249 (3TB)
- Usual Price: $239 (2TB), $299 (3TB)
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