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Have digital cameras really changed that much in the last two years?

I bought a new digital camera about two years ago. Has the technology put into digital cameras changed a lot since then? Enough that I should look into investing in a new one? It works well but the picture quality isn't excellent- especially if I don't use flash and I like not using flash. Also, is it possible to upgrade the camera I already have- like you could a computer by having a new processor and software installed?

Public Comments

1. In the P&S arena, the image quality has not changed much, but the number of "features" has. If you are happy with the image quality you have been getting with your current camera, don't spend your money on a new camera. The usual cycle is buying a new P&S camera every three to four years. Some people like have the latest toys, so they usually buy a new cell phone and camera every two years. My neighbor still uses an over six year old Kodak P&S camera and it produces excellent images, good enough for posting on the internet and printing 4x6 inch photos. She also uses that camera to produce shots of products she makes an sells on craigslist and other e-Commerce sites.
2. Not much. Picture quality still depends on the photographer rather than the camera. Try to shoot with more light. If you can't change location, increase EV to overexpose a bit and get more light in. No, you don't upgrade cameras. You simply buy new ones.
3. The only real change has been the introduction of the EVIL cameras. What makes them different is that they use a electronic viewfinder instead of an optical one. The Panasonic G1 is probably the best known one. What makes them interesting is that it is possible to make a DSLR like camera 1/3 to 1/2 the size of your normal DSLR. The soon to be introduced Sony Nex 3 and Nex5 are probably the most extreme examples. They basically look like a point and shoot but with a huge interchangeable lens attached. Sensors are also becoming better. The Nikon D3s now has a ridiculous ISO of over 120000. I can't imagine how that looks. Eventually, that technology will be seen in the lower level models. Unfortunately, you are not able to upgrade the camera you have current . Everything is custom built for that particular camera configuration. If it is a DSLR, of course you can put a better lens on it. That alone should give you better results. Yeah the technology has changed a lot, the technique and skills to use it though are basically the same.