Equipment D800.. getting bored of waiting.

You miss the point though. It's not about whether the sensor resolution exceeds lens resolution. Even if what you say is correct (which I doubt, as I know for a fact that many, many lenses can resolve enough to warrant more than a single digit megapixel cam), enlarging such an image will just be printing the aliasing. Even if large prints from a D800 will show lens limitations, so what? At least the prints will be aliasing free . I'd rather shoot on a sensor that outperforms the lens, than do it the other way around. The print may show the softness, but the softness will still smooth. Get what I mean? It's still better than having to interpolate post shoot. I hate seeing pixels on a print.

Another reason I think it's a great idea, is it will truly be future proof. There's really no point trying to up the pixel count any further, and as I use the camera fully manually 90% of the time I'll probably not be tempted by features of newer models. Until SLRs start to include 4K video, I'll not need to buy another SLR.

If I need uber sharpness... I break out the 'blad and the big sensor

 

Speaking of "features of newer models," I think the D800 might have a Ken Rockwell mode.

 

^ Well in that case....SIGN ME UP

 

I think you're taking my statement more generally than I intended. It's all about aperture. For those of us who shoot at small apertures on 35mm, we have already passed that point of diminishing returns.

 

I know what you meant. But enlarging a 35mm negative, you are enlarging grain, which is regarded as natural, or even aesthetically pleasing, but aliasing is just evidence of it's digital origins and regarded as something to be avoided. My point was that although the sensor may exceed lens resolution, so in effect have no more detail than a 16MP image (maybe less), it can still stand more enlargement without aliasing, and without having to interpolate in software post shoot.

 

"Real photographers don't need Ken Rockwell mode. In fact, real photographers don't need this camera at all. Get yourself an old shoebox and poke a hole in one end with a ballpoint pen. Congratulations, you now have the most powerful photographic device on the planet and it didn't cost you a thing. Yeah, some of you might say it will disintegrate if it gets wet. So what? With global warming these days, the weather is nearly always nice. And who takes pictures in the rain anyway? I don't, and look how many photo contests I've won."

 

Brilliant