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› archive for April 30th, 2009

Walkabout: The Evening Varietal

So, yesterday evening was Nick and I’s first time doing walkabout in the evening, AND NONE OF YOU SHOWED! But, we forgive you, because our friend and co-worker Dawn stepped out with us for it and we had a lot of fun anyway. The weather cleared up all nice there near the end of the day and the light up through the Veteran’s Memorial parks was nice. And random girls asked Dawn to take their picture. We’ll file that under “awesome”. I played some with fast shutter speeds and was pleased with the results that gave me at one of the fountains, which Jody informs me was made by one of the Calder clan (seriously, three of you in a row named Alexander? Friggin’ not cool). The post-walkabout chill at local haunt Rock Bottom was also a blast, and much merriment was had by all. Stayed tuned for when you too can be one of the cool kids and join us out in the wilderness known as Indy.

Oh, and check out this absolutely shinetastic new gallery widget down here:



What do you want your camera to do?

What do you want your camera to do?

I’ve asked this question thousands of times. The answers back are interesting as are the answerers. Some people know exactly what the want when they come into a camera shop, some act as if mystical forces drew them in and they are unwitting participants in the experience.

My least favorite answer to that question is the one most often replied. “Take pictures.”

Usually the answerer is not being intentionally obtuse, they just want guidance, and information and don’t know the options or how to express their needs.. The next few questions the salesperson asks are supposed to narrow down the buyers desires, and intentions. “What do you like to take pictures of?” or “Do you have kids or pets?” “Do they play sports?” “Do you already have (or, did you have) a camera?” Is this your first camera?” Your first digital camera?

I’m reminded of an old joke.

A man walks into a Doctor’s office and says, “Somethings wrong with me Doc. I hurt all over.”The Doctor asks a few questions to narrow down the information, but the patient doesn’t know what may have happened to him. Eventually the patient demonstrates by touching his forehead and immediately grimaces in pain, then he touches his knee to the same results, then his chest again the terrible pain. “The Doctor says that’s enough I know how to treat you.” “Whats wrong with me Doc?” says the patient. The Doctor answers, “You have a broken finger.”

The process of narrowing down a persons needs versus their preconceptions can be an enlightening experience for both seller and buyer. Because we listen and have experience here at Roberts they almost always leave with the camera that best suits their needs. If you are new to the process remember the we offer a free class with nearly every camera we sell.

Remember, if it hurts to push your shutter button you may have a broken finger.



Spring Expo 2009: Crumpler

As Mr Henry across the room is enjoying his just-arrived today 6 Million Dollar Home (the Black / Gunmetal / Lime Green variant, for those of you sporting too much curiosity [and which we don't stock but will happily special order for you]), as well as a couple Headaitch totes, I figure now’s probably the right time to break out the shortest and… strangest… Expo interview we did. It’s… no, you know what? Just watch:



Nikon D5000 Rockin’ the Shelves

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D5000Need a Nikon digital SLR camera with HD video and a tilty, flippy LCD screen? Need a camera with a legendary sensor, advanced 3D Matrix AF, and advanced matrix metering? Need a camera with a bold red triangle inspired by designs from the same man who gave the Volkswagon Golf it’s red stripe around the grill? Need an 18-55mm VR lens with a built-in AF motor to work with the AF-S only drive system of this beastly new camera?

Well, golly be, we have them in stock. Order away to your hearts content, just click ze image above!



May Olympus Money

If you have ever read a Roberts Blog, you know that we have a few Olympus Camera devotees here. I have both types of Olympus Digital Cameras myself, one of the Stylus 1030SW shock and waterproof models and one of the DSLR Digital Camera kits as well. My Olympus DSLR is the E-520 and I have several camera accessories as well (macro lens, 40-150 zoom and 75-300 zoom as well as the wireless remote capable F-36′R’ Flash).

If you thinking about buying a new Olympus Digital SLR camera May is the month to do so. Starting Friday May 1st and continuing all month Olympus is offering $100 to $200 instant savings on Olympus bodies and kits starting with the E-520 models all the way up to the Professional E-3 flagship model.

If you have read many Digital camera reviews you already know that Olympus has incorporated many ground-breaking features in their recent model lines. Again if you just search our store blogs for Olympus you will see many of the innovations I mentioned.  With the opportunity to take an additional $100 or even $200 off this could be the extra motivation you need to get a spiffy new Olympus Digital SLR like mine or even better a E-3 like Derek’s.




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