I was amazed to read Jessops Chairman David Adams’ comments in the latest copy of Amateur Photographer magazine as to why Jessops have stopped stocking Pentax cameras. With the K20D, K200D and K-m, the Pentax line-up has never been stronger or more competitive, giving features and specifications (2 command dials on the K20D – with customizable functions, weather proofing on both the K20D and K200D) that are simply non-existent in competitors’ ranges at these prices. Pentax have consistently offered excellent value for money, and have continued to expand their lens range and accessories. So the reason Jessops have dropped them? David Adams says “…the (Pentax) products were not the most compelling offer in terms of functionality and price.” I’d say he was fundamentally wrong on both counts.
Now, I haven’t shopped in Jessops for some time, as being a Pentax user I’ve always been disappointed in the stock that they’ve held. There are far more knowledgeable and better stocked shops such as SRS Microsystems, Park Cameras, CameraWorld etc that are more than happy to offer the customers true choice and advice. Whilst I don’t wish any company to suffer, I have to say I have never recommended Jessops to anyone wishing to buy a camera, as their opinions have always been biased towards Canon, and while they do make superb cameras, they are not right for everyone, and customers deserve to be offered a choice at what appears to be an independent shop.
I’ve lost count of the times I heard a customer saying “I want to buy an SLR” and the Jessops sales assistant saying “You want one of these” as they handed them a Canon. The correct response would of course be to ask “What interests you photographically? How much are you looking to spend? Here’s a range of cameras that might be suitable, have a play with them, ask any questions, and see which one suits you best”. Unless you genuinely really need a high frame rate, any DSLR from any manufacturer is capable of satisfying the general photographer. But each camera feels and works differently, and it’s this aspect that needs to be addressed when buying a camera, all other things being equal.
As far as I’m concerned, if you’ve got £500 to spend, you can’t get a better built, more highly specified camera than a Pentax K20D. David Adams obviously disagrees.
Archive » January 2009
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Monday, 26 January 2009
Due to demand...
Just a quick post to say I'm running an extra Photography in the Park Workshop at Thorndon Park, on Sunday 8th February 2009. Obviously this isn't too far in the distance so book now to avoid disappointment!
Monday, 19 January 2009
No Third Runway at Heathrow
If, like me, you were dismayed by the government's decision to build a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow Airport, then have a look at Greenpeace's campaign to stop it.
It's called 'Airplot' and basically they've bought a plot of land right where the new runway is planned, and they need our support to stop the build. You can sign up as a 'beneficial owner', just as over 20,000 others have so far (including me).
The more voices there are, the louder they are.
If you're wondering why the growth in flying is such a bad idea, this summarizes it nicely.
It's called 'Airplot' and basically they've bought a plot of land right where the new runway is planned, and they need our support to stop the build. You can sign up as a 'beneficial owner', just as over 20,000 others have so far (including me).
The more voices there are, the louder they are.
If you're wondering why the growth in flying is such a bad idea, this summarizes it nicely.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Don't forget...
Just a little note to remind you that if you're getting in touch with me, perhaps to enquire about 1-2-1 photography tuition or my photography workshops, if you leave a message please don't forget to include a contact number for me to ring you back!
So, for instance, if you're Christine from Chelmsford, and you're wondering why I haven't rung you back, it's because I don't know your number. :-)
So, for instance, if you're Christine from Chelmsford, and you're wondering why I haven't rung you back, it's because I don't know your number. :-)
Saturday, 3 January 2009
Photo Tuition Gift Vouchers
Happy New Year to you all, I hope you had a good festive period!
Many of you will have received One-to-One photography tuition gift vouchers for christmas, and may be wondering about the best way to go about using them. Now, assuming they're for tuition with me, here's what you do...
The voucher entitles you to a 4 hour tuition session, at a location of your choice. If it's in the Brentwood/Chelmsford/Romford area, there are no further costs involved, if you'd like to meet outside these areas, I will make a small charge for travelling.
Have a think about what you would like to cover during your time with me, and start making notes of any questions you may have, to ensure you get the most from the session. Decide what time of year would suit you best, don't feel you have to use the voucher straight away. If you want to wait until Spring or Summer, that's fine - there's no expiry date for the voucher.
Give me a ring, or email me, to arrange a date, time and location for your session. Feel free to discuss anything at this time, as it's better that we both know what you would like to get out of the tuition before we get started. I am available any day of the week, but please be aware that I run workshops and also work for Essex Wildlife Trust on certain days, including weekends, so you may need to be flexible with your chosen date.
I can cover all sorts of requirements during these tuition sessions, whether it's getting to grips with the basics of your camera, or how to approach composition, or more specific themes like close-up or macro photography.
The whole point about 1-2-1 tuition is that you should get as much as possible from the time you have with me, so make sure you ask lots of questions, take lots of notes (even if they're just taken mentally), and above all enjoy yourself!
Many of you will have received One-to-One photography tuition gift vouchers for christmas, and may be wondering about the best way to go about using them. Now, assuming they're for tuition with me, here's what you do...
The voucher entitles you to a 4 hour tuition session, at a location of your choice. If it's in the Brentwood/Chelmsford/Romford area, there are no further costs involved, if you'd like to meet outside these areas, I will make a small charge for travelling.
Have a think about what you would like to cover during your time with me, and start making notes of any questions you may have, to ensure you get the most from the session. Decide what time of year would suit you best, don't feel you have to use the voucher straight away. If you want to wait until Spring or Summer, that's fine - there's no expiry date for the voucher.
Give me a ring, or email me, to arrange a date, time and location for your session. Feel free to discuss anything at this time, as it's better that we both know what you would like to get out of the tuition before we get started. I am available any day of the week, but please be aware that I run workshops and also work for Essex Wildlife Trust on certain days, including weekends, so you may need to be flexible with your chosen date.
I can cover all sorts of requirements during these tuition sessions, whether it's getting to grips with the basics of your camera, or how to approach composition, or more specific themes like close-up or macro photography.
The whole point about 1-2-1 tuition is that you should get as much as possible from the time you have with me, so make sure you ask lots of questions, take lots of notes (even if they're just taken mentally), and above all enjoy yourself!