I would have to disagree, I think there is less of a difference on paper then there is in reality. For example the 400D and 40D have the same sensor on paper, and the 450D soon to be released has even better. But the 40D outperforms both on noise performance at high ISO. It does actually have the same sensor as the 400D but has a better quality micro lens and photosensitivity due to a change in CMOS manufacturing itself.
As you rightfully say the CMOS sensors are so good now, that you get very little noise. And at low ISO there would be no difference, simply because there is basically no noise. However when you look at 40D vs 400D samples at high ISO (in the thousands) the 40D gets much better results. And this is so important in RC photography.
And of course with an old camera you can match new and better ones. I have taken photos with a compact at races that are better then what some people have taken with dSLRs. I am sure therefore people can get good results from low end SLRs, but it's just about value for money. Saying there is little difference between xxD and xxxD I think is unfair, as for most people the differences of the xxD are very big, therefore add value to the camera making it worth the money. Of course peoples needs are different, so to some the extra features might add little value, so would not be worth the extra money. Even then I think it's hard to say the changes are small though....
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Jason Moller
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