Hi Marc
I understand exactly what you mean - but until we get a major jump in MP count which doesn't produce better files - I'm hanging in there! If a 36mp 35mp sensor doesn't come up with the goods, that's the time I'll be seriously considering the S2 again - until then I'm living in hope. Certainly the jump to 24mp with the A900 was worth the candle.
I quite agree that it needs improving, but even now there are circumstances where it's worthwhile (e.g. the concert situation). The focusing on the A55 wasn't too bad either.
Yes indeed - Sony still has a way to go in terms of system - flash doesn't impact me so much as I try not to use it! I do agree about the low light AF speed. It just feels to me right now that they're trying to get there. We shall see!
Jono, I'm sure that a more megs will produce better files. How much better, and at what price is the question? The D3X was a leap for Nikon, but in the end it just wasn't worth the post work needed to realize the benefit. The fact that the A900 is/was 24 meg was far less important to me compared to the color quality out of the camera. IMO, 24 meg is pushing the envelope for 35mm and what 35mm tends to be used for.
The penalty for hand-holding a 35 meg DSLR will be interesting to experience. The only reason for bigger files is bigger prints or more cropping severity ... in both cases, any flaw in technique will be magnified. Users of MFD know this concept well, and a smaller 35mm camera with less mass will be a true test of this phenomena.
And yes, it remains to be seen since there are no 35 meg DSLRs yet. Thus, I am in the "wait and see" camp.
My concern for Sony remains that it is not a full system that caters to both the professional and advanced enthusiast ... the very people who would have use of a 35 meg FF camera. I suppose if the faithful clamor for more megs, that is where the focus will be ... instead of smaller things that will actually make a big difference in day-to-day shooting.
While you may try to not use flash (as do I), a vast majority of portrait and wedding photographers do need it (as do I). The Nikon system is testimony of its importance as a system component. Not to mention that when the meg count goes up, the tendency has been to need more light to realize the benefit.
Just my opinion, but it wouldn't matter if the DSLRs go to 50 meg ... they will never equal the IQ of a MFD camera properly used ... real estate just can't be overcome. So, I do wish the DSLR companies would get off the meg band-wagon, and get on with making the cameras more useful for everyday shooting ... much better AF, much easier processing, more versatility in practical accessories, and so on. There are no T/S optics from Sony ... especially useful would be a T/S macro. No true flash system for the "strobists" enthusiasts. The A900 takes two cards, but can't shoot to both of them (how hard would that be to accomplish?) ... I could laundry list a host of other things. Instead we get even more meg, and in-camera pano jpegs, and other novelties which get used a few times and forgotten.
Frankly, I do not need another camera. I need to make more use of the ones I have already paid for. I bought into the A900 because it held promise as a serious system going forward ... it appeared to be a great start ... I am now worried that it was the end.
-Marc