Luminous Landscape have posted a comparison of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II, and the new 8 megapixel prosumer digicam, the Powershot Pro. Is there really a $3,500+ difference in image quality?

“Here’s where things get interesting. On 10 X 15” prints on A3 paper the difference (meaning the Mark II’s resolution advantage) is still visible, but it is small. Experienced eyes can see it, but the lay person can’t. Show the prints together to a non-photographer and the question asked will be - “What differences am I looking for? The prints look very much the same.” Show them to a knowledgeable and fussy photographer and after a few moments of looking back and forth you hear - “Sure, this one (the Mark II) shows a bit better resolution, but wow, I’m surprised at how little the difference is.” And as for the slight shadow noise on the Pro1 image, it simply can’t be seen in a print, even at A3 size.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon’s Two 8 Megapixel Alternatives