Digital cameras and model railroading

[2-8-2]

The digital photograph is a good critic. Do you think that the advancement of digital cameras, and the nearly ubiquitous ownership of them has pushed our hobby to a higher detail threshold?

I think it's a combination of two things...

I, too, have several of my late grandfather's old MRR magazines from years gone by. First and foremost, there is a marked improvement in the quality of the models and scenery components themselves. Companies like Woodland Scenics have really raised the bar of realism, and I also believe that the modelers themselves are being more creative with their usage of scenic elements.

And yes, I also believe the advancements in digital photography have MADE both the producer and the end user of modeling products want to create a higher level of realism. So much detail can be lost in a grainy photograph, and those days are practically gone. Most cell phones these days are equipped with a better camera than people were used to 20 years ago. Heck, even 10 years ago. Technology is almost obsolete by the time it hits the shelves.