High pixel counts allow heavy cropping and enough REMAINING pixels to produce a final sharp image. Perhaps more importantly, the emphasis on high pixel counts may often be the result of marketing hype; however, questions regarding sharpness should include a discussion of dynamic range and the quality of the glass, which are integral to sharpness and detail. I think these are the main technology considerations, but no discussion of sharpness would be complete without mentioning the importance of potential human error, including focus, exposure and processing. Hope this helps...

I have a very similar background with darkroom experience going back to the mid-60s, and could not agree more. I would also add the following... Shooting snapshots is not an art, but "photography" IS an art. Just as darkrooms were an art, so are digital darkrooms. Like any art, mastering digital darkrooms takes training, experience, judgment, skill...and a whole lot of time. Also, when you shoot in JPEG, what comes out of the camera is "processed" by the camera software, albeit, not well, and certainly the processed image is not some form of "purity." If you shoot with different cameras made by different manufacturers, you'll get different results, because different cameras use different software. If you want "pure," shoot in RAW and then print what's produced by the camera in it's "purest" digital form; you almost certainly NOT be very happy with the result. Hope this (rant?) helps!

I am using LR6 because I don't like subscription software. More importantly, my understanding is that CC is not as feature rich as LR6. Is that correct? Also, I am not using PS because I can't find any place to purchase it. Does anyone know where I can buy it? If not, is the subscription version ("CC") compatible with LR6? Thanks to all...

I think simple, versatile solutions work best. It's hard to beat wide camera straps that are easily adjustable, so you can alternative between throwing the camera over your neck or across your shoulders. When I want to carry an extra lens or two, I use a messenger bag across by shoulders with a wide strap; it's a comfortable and versatile solution, because you can also through your camera in it when you want to get it out of the way. Hope this helps...

If you use a web-based photo site such as Nikon Image Space, you can send links to your catalogs and opt to let your family and friends download the pictures. That way you can share your pictures at no cost to you and avoid any inconvenience or delays getting CDs and thumb drives to them.