Why are we all complaining???

I partially agree with some elements and at the same time disagree with the general intent of the OP.

With due respect. there are some inaccuracies. The LX was not the top professional camera from Pentax then and it was not the best or most advance professional SLR back there. Nikon was also the leading brand with the F2. And the professional SLR sector was covered also by Canon. At the more advanced level, there were Hasselblads (just coming back from the moon), Leicas, Rolleis and Mamiyas among so many other top level brands. Also large format film cameras were "popular" among serious artist, landscapers and professionals.

The technology keeps changing and improving and is human nature that we always want more and better. It is the essence of the human and technological evolution, change and innovation.

Some times we are limited by our talent, but also I believe some times we are limited by the resources (equipment, technique, materials) available to us. Some people believe that we can create amazing images with a simple P&S. (Read some discussions about it in Ken Rockwell's website). A top of the line photographer can produce probably very good images using a P&S but at the end, that same professional will be limited by the capacities of the P&S. For example, try to create a long exposure image with a camera that has only 1/30 maximum (longest) shutter speed and not "bulb" mode. It is impossible right?

Then, technology evolves, new things get developed, new techniques are advancing. I love these modern times as it allows us better things than in the past. But if things keep evolving I want the new things. At least i will know the technology and resource available are not holding me back but only my talent and dedication.

Of the things I am glad we have from the recent developments:

a) FF. Yes, I know, good images can be created with APS-C, 4/3 and pinhead sensors, even the Pentax Q. But full frame is on at league of its own. And medium format digital is even better. It is a pity the 645d cost more than 30,000 with all the lenses and accessories I want. But I keep telling myself that when I win the lottery, the next day I will have a Leica, a 645D and probably the best FF from Canon or Nikon with all the expensive glass.

b) HDR. It is a blessing of our times.

c) High dynamic range in low light thanks to better sensors. It is more evident in the recent full frames from Canon and NIkon.

d) Computer power and digital post-processing.

e) New monitors and digital printing.

All this things cost money and as money is of the essence and it is a scarce resource most of us are limited to have access to our own printing facilities (estate of the art) or we are unable to buy an Eizo or NEC MultiSync monitor or a medium format DSLR or the best L glass from Canon... even a lot of people can't afford to buy the latest light-room software or upgrade to a better computer to process the images.

And I firmly believe that more expensive cameras and equipment give us better possibilities, sometimes even compensating for our lack of training, technique and even commitment.

But I agree on the other side that we have to go out and shoot and try the best with whatever we have, until we can get access to the next generation of tools or until they become more affordable or hit the used market at more affordable prices. But I repeat it, I believe that always the best technology and resources offer better possibilities. With the pace of computer technology and digital imaging processing, only better things are in our way. Then, there will be only more room to keep complaining. I complained during the last two years about Pentax not providing a FF camera.... or the prices of the * Limited Pentax lenses....