Winner Announced – What Camera to Buy

A big THANKS to everyone who responded to Robyn’s question last week about what camera to buy.

If you didn’t see the post, click here to read what all the fuss is about.

Then come back here because … today we find out which answer Robyn found most helpful … and … thus … who wins the free copy of “Photoshop for The Creative Soul” on CD-ROM.

O.K. here’s the scoop. Robyn needs a new camera. And asked my advice. So I put the question out to the Photographers who regularly read and follow Photoshopzoo.com

The answers people posted on the blog have been truly outstanding. And show the level of expertise, knowledge and talent of our readers.

Which just goes to prove the point I’ve been making in Photoshop circles: Photoshopzoo.com readers really are the brightest, sharpest, most savvy photographers and photoshop users on the web.

So, now, without further ado, let’s dive into Robyn’s latest email to me. And find out who Robyn voted as the winner to our little photoshopzoo.com reader competition. (Actually, Robyn doesn’t name the winner here. But the field does narrow to just 3 finalists)

Hello again Shane

What a task! I’ve almost gone cross-eyed reading all those expert comments- made me realise I needed to really define what I wanted and expected in my additional camera. Have you got 80-odd CD’s as everyone’s comment was immeasurably valuable?

Most of these experts have advocated DSLR’s but I don’t really want to go that route largely because of size, multiple lenses etc so guess I really want a compact digital with the same or better features than my Olympus,viz a thoroughly reliable “point and shoot” which gives crisp images with vivid colour in most light conditions, and has a good optical zoom.

I haven’t yet decided  – and you haven’t told me your recommendation yet!! - but I think perhaps Panasonic Lumix ( #9 & #86) or the Sony Cybershot (#84) might be the way to go for me. I’m loathe to bother with Canon again even though my returned camera (with replaced optical unit) has produced a couple of good outdoor shots. Anyway, my daughter is scoring that camera and she’s pleased because she likes Canon and is prepared to really give it a go.

When reading all these posts I realised how ignorant I really am and how lucky I was to fluke such a fantastic camera in the first place! I have never edited any shots I’ve taken with my olympus (just deleted those I wasn’t happy with) and have had two separate camera houses offer to buy my prints for posters! I might add these pics were absolutely point-and-shoot ones of glorious scenes in Japan, taken on the “auto” setting , straight from the box. This is all credit to the camera, so maybe replacing it will be harder than I imagined. I have many professionally printed photobooks of magnificent images from family occasions, weddings etc to say nothing of our treasured grandson, to glorious landscapes we’ve enjoyed on our travels, so the Olympus has served me very well. Since those early days I’ve certainly ventured much further (with your tips and techniques!!) and now use most facilities of the camera, but cannot overcome the “lag” as I mentioned in my original email.

I couldn’t really separate #9, #86 and #84, Shane. That’s the best I can do. I am just so grateful to everyone for their advice and so very humbled by their generosity and expertise.

Cheers

Robyn

O.K. So here’s the thing. Obviously there can only be one winner. And Robyn narrowed it down to three finalists. So who’s the winner?

Well, Robyn didn’t just read your advice! But acted on it. And went out and bought not one … but two cameras as a result of your comments.

Here’s the email Robyn wrote describing the experience … AND … announcing the winner:

Good Morning Shane

Well, would you believe I’ve bought 2 compact digital cameras AND had my Olympus “refurbished” so I’m all set to have some more snapping fun.

Despite my bad experience with the Canon (which my daughter is having some success in using) I bought the little IXUS you recommended as well as  a Panasonic Lumix TZ7 (for the longer optical zoom).

So, I’ve finally made up my mind and can’t thank you and all those whizz photographers enough for their input. I know many will shake their heads in disbelief that I didn’t spend the money on a DSLR when in fact it would have been a more economical option but I’m not quite ready to go down that path yet.

Perhaps I should mention I have 2 sons who would be very happy to inherit any of the cameras should I decide to dispose of them in the near future!!!! And “No” I have nothing against my sons either, love the three offspring dearly as well as their partners etc.(Chris’s query re my daughter, I think he was #6)

In light of the purchasing decision I made I’d have to say #9 Rohinton Mehta would get my prize were it up to me to do the awarding!!

Thanks a million

Robyn

And since the final decision for not only what camera to buy but, who wins the copy of “Photoshop for The Creative Soul” IS up to Robyn …. Rohinton Mehta IS the winner!

So CONGRATULATIONS Rohinton.

We’ll be in touch via email to arrange sending out your prize.

PS: If you did NOT win but would like to own the “Photoshop for The Creative Soul” CD training program you can grab a copy for 25% OFF! That’s a SAVING of $24.25.

All you have to do is click the link below and hit the “Add To Cart” button as shown in the image here: (to get the discount you will have to use the special coupon code: augustonly

Click to get it: “Photoshop for The Creative Soul”

Click here to see the full range of training tools you can apply the discount coupon to in the month of August: http://www.photoshopzoo.com/products

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