Originally posted by Netsoft I'm here to clarify that photography is all about art and not about gears.
At the point and shoot price point, I would agree (though watch for incredible technical advances in the next few years).
For a regular DSLR user, they are expecting an improvement. The bigger improvement the better. The K-x was a huge leap, well done Pentax. It is a camera that brings down the cost of entry to amateurs wishing to be better photographers (like me).
For professionals, yes, the art is a factor, but the gear helps them get there. Shooting wildlife with a telephoto at F2.8 on FF is going to give markedly different results to APS-C at F5.6.
So yep, for the majority it's about making the best out of what they have, but imho, REAL photographic ART comes from professionals with the best equipment they can lug to the job. Often it involves the foresight, planning, patience and time that only a professional (or retiree!) can afford. Non-professionals, due to our sheer numbers and improving equipment will always produce a huge number of great shots too. Through this sheer volume, the amateur shots could often be better framed and more artistic, but in many situations, the pros with pro gear will demonstrate a very clear superiority.
But, as I alluded to earlier, playing fields will continue to become more even.
Processor advances will overcome CA, distortion, vignetting, DR, even DOF, in point and shoot cameras (sharpness and contrast may prove to be a bigger problem). I expect D700 with F4.0 lenses performance in a high-end zoom PnS within 5-7 years.
As I have said before, it won't come from great advances in lenses, it'll come from in-camera electronics. It's an interesting and very valuable battlefield, not least because of the camera makers' need to keep ahead of the phone makers (or in the case of Sony or Samsung, choosing to either avoid cannibalising sister products, or choosing to swamp everyone including themselves).
Cellphones will have Canon S90 ability within a shorter 3-5 years...