My take on this is that it is the photographers skill in composing, shooting with the correct settings, and these days post work that really gets the nice image. I started of with a Nikon coolpix 2.3 or something, then got my first ever DSLR (the D40) then the Nikon D300. Although my skills grew through experience I found I am just as good at creating the images i liked with either the D40 or the D300. When I got the 300 though it seemed to make my post work alot easier to manipulate and create. In other words I believe working with the larger image cut down on time to get the image where I wanted if that makes any sense. As far as software like PS or Aperture, I have both CS4 in PS and Aperture2 which are unbelievable tools to have. But do you know what I use to process 99% of my images, the picnik program in flickr for $25 a year the premium edition! It gives me all I need at this time believe it or not. My good freind and fellow photographer gave me the PS and the Aperture programs and he is dumfounded that I still use picnik. I will say I get alot of work and I dont think its because of my $1800 camera or my $25 editting software.
