[HinFrance]

Because this contest was always open to pros and others with access to loads of kit and photographic opportunity (like photography students, who are basically proto pros) there was never really any realistic chance of a poorly funded UK based amateur photographer ever winning.

Past winners have all had at least one of the following characteristics, and often several:
1) Exotic (and therefore more exciting) non European location
2) Use of specialist equipment (i.e this year's underwater housing)
3) An element of what for want of a better word I will call freakshow in the pictures involving people - see Andreas Dragan's winner for a perfect example
4) Professional or semi professional photographer

They really should have two categories - one for photography students and pros, and one for amateurs. And only students and amateurs should be eligible for a monetary prize of any kind; further that prize should be modest and possibly limited to vouchers for kit or training.

Some years ago I remember seeing the comment that pros regarded the DCM POTY as easy meat. Cost them nothing to have a punt and they could use images rejected by clients - ie ones they had actually already been paid to create.

It'll be interesting to see what unfolds with the new regime. I suspect pros will still blitz the comp, as it is a relatively small outlay and tax deductible; the amateurs, who never really had a prayer, will largely stay away compared to previous years.