Originally posted by Sandy Hancock The query was borderline insulting, as the quality of your photos were no doubt more a testament to your skills than your gear.
I usually just take that kind of a compliment as an indication of a person's lack of knowledge of photography. But there is at least
some truth to the comment. Nicer cameras and lenses do let you get a better result (as long as you know how to use them).
For example, I can always shoot a portrait with my K-30 and Sigma 85mm 1.4 that gets compliments. But if I try to use my cell phone or an average P&S camera in the same exact circumstances, the picture will usually not be anything special. Same thing with using a DSLR with clean high-ISO and an advanced AF system with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens at a sporting event compared to using a regular consumer superzoom camera.
Of course, the average person wouldn't know how to use the DSLR, but still...