Every 12 months a new camera body or high end compact camera are introduced to the trusting photo community. Small Sensor Compact System Cameras has become the fastest changing segment with new bodies launched in less that 12 month cycles and in most cases using the same 12MP sensor. Not only the cameras are changing every 12 to 18 months, software companies also learned just how lucrative these updates are. Many of us have been caught up in the past, always ready to try that improved new sensor, better processor and all that are continuously presented as new and improved to the photo community.

Popular forums are fighting to announce new arrivals first, preview them or even test these new cameras, software and lenses first. Many people go buy new equipment just so they can be the first to report their findings on forums. While all the testing, talking and reviewing are happening the camera companies are writing higher profits and the software companies are growing like never before. Contrary to the enormous growth discussed, the 2nd hand camera market collapsed virtually completely. Never before has new cameras lost their value as fast as what is happening in this current over saturated digital camera market, we live in…..

In August this year my son's wedding happened and just prior to the wedding he gave me his "old" 7D Canon as a gift. I was so thrilled with the new toy that I decided to use the new camera on the wedding. No need to tell very few images were good or even useful. This weekend my daughter asked me to take a few pictures of her, she likes to have something new for her facebook and other. In the interim I used the 7D much more but still I am not as comfortable with it as I am with my trusty Olympus, E-PL2.


My first reaction was to take the better camera and I reached for the 7D. As I did that I realized it is not 100% true and I opted for the one I know best, the E-PL2. In addition it so happened that I worked on CS4 which I know reasonably well. I therefor stayed with what I knew best. I added a few of the images I took with my E-PL2 for you to see. I would not have had similar results with the 7D, first because it is not necessary a better camera and secondly it is the users experience with his or hers camera that makes the difference.

I used several unique portrait techniques to edit these images. I plan to add these techniques to the Expert Page during those two weeks over year end, look out for them as they are really powerful.

The best Photoshop training source I have found to date is that of the web service called, Kelbytraining. Scott Kelby and people like Matt Lloskowski have been closely linked with Adobe Photoshop for as long as I know. I bought a few of their books over the years plus I have been a keen supporter of a few excellent magazines over the years.

Today I only subscribe to Kelbytraining and am 100% satisfied with the level of training I get, the huge database with training material and the regular updates and new material produced. One of the trainers, Calvyn Hollywood, a German guy is one of my favorite trainers at the moment. He introduced a great technique for getting the detailed type look seen in the image with the blue background. Calvyn uses a technique he calls FAD, search for it and try it…….



I started my article talking about the rate with which new equipment are presented to us. I will be telling a lie if I say I do not enjoy the technical side of digital photography or if I said I did not get completely excited with holding that new toy in my hand. Does the new camera or the new software produce better images? Personally I continue to get the best results with those bodies and editing software I know best…….

Siegfried