[5-26] “Megapixels No More”

Cameras are now good.

The Nikon D750 (2014) will not be easily replaced.

There will be newer models, improvements (e.g. mirrorless), but frankly it’s hard to see what will be substantial (“game changing”).

Photography is about taking what can be seen and preserving it.

Enough can be enough:

• D750’s low-light sensitivity (good, could be improved)

• Resolution (good, could be improved)

• Buffer (same)

• Focal range (same)

Improvement will resolve problems in the edge case; though, most cases do not require improvement.

In painting, technology reduced costs; a once rare pigment (ultramarine) can be cheaply synthesized. I doubt painters say painting itself can (or should) be improved.

Painting has "technologically matured": substantial alterations would change the medium itself.

We also cannot improve the piano: its hammers and strings are enough; pianists do not rely on extra keys sold in a Bösendorfer 290. Steinways made in 1935 or 1970 should be good enough for concerts; old instruments work for new and old music.

There is modesty to say enough technology can be enough. The businessperson will struggle if novelty or its benefits cannot be proven.

Technological maturity requires human maturity: a willingness to concede that we can reach a limit dictated by laws of visual or auditory perception. Technology creates new potential for experience (i.e. art); a serious artist doesn’t care if methods today have not been fully explored.

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First published draft on May 25, 2021.