To take the perfect photograph you need the perfect camera.
The perfect camera is the one that gets the result.
Its not about the number of pixels. It is about the effect of the camera on the image creation.
Sometimes the pixels matters but for me 'more emotion' beats 'more pixels' every time.
The more fearsome your camera, the more intrusive it becomes.
Don't misunderstand me ... we do love pixels.
For me the best camera is almost invisible.
This is really all about being photogenic. Actually what makes people photogenic is their feeling about being photographed
Many people declare that they hate having their photograph taken and that they are not photogenic. They continue to qualify this with something about their favorite photograph being the one that was taken when they didn't know they were being photographed. I have to admit, then, that it is their awareness of being photographed that makes them unphotogenic. So in this instance the best camera is the one they are least aware of.
For me the perfect camera would then be a Leica M ... its on my wish list. I have one from my film days and one day it will be updated.
Funny you should bring this up as it has been on my mind recently. I think it's less about pixels and more about ego, feeling inadequate next to the guest with a more expensive camera. Compare it to painting with the lowly brush, simple tool and everyone uses that same simple tool. Yet some create works of art valued at fifty million dollars, while others create something that looks like paint by numbers and still others can't even paint the trim in their bedroom. I've even contemplated selling my D3 and getting a couple D300's - less obtrusive and easier on the back after a long event. Having owned a Leica M5 a long time ago I know how you feel - especially about the wish list. Good luck with your baby and the wish list!
ahhh the Leica days!!!