For anyone that's ever said to someone, “Your camera takes really nice pictures”, this is a MUST read this article by Erin Farrell. I'll quote the first few paragraphs and then you can read the rest of it on her website (along with a fantastic case study). Great job, Erin!

“Imagine that you’re baking dessert for a party. It’s your special recipe: the one everyone asks for. You make it from scratch, of course, never looking at the recipe that you committed to memory so long ago. Sugar, beaten eggs, sift in the flour… you’re crafting something delicious from basic elements. Now you’re at the party and everyone is gushing about your dessert. The flavor! The texture! But most of all you’re being asked, 'What kind of oven do you have? It makes great cakes!'

That’s pretty much how a photographer feels when people look at their photos and say, 'Your camera takes great pictures.'

Of course it’s not the camera that takes great photos, any more than it’s the oven that makes a great dessert. Ovens and cameras are just tools that make our jobs easier. Yes, better equipment does make a difference. I wouldn’t spend thousands of dollars on cameras and lenses if it didn’t. However, you must understand the camera to take advantage of all it can offer. Just because you’re using a professional camera does not mean you are producing professional images.”

Read the rest of the article and case study on Erin's website >>
(Be sure to scroll down the page on Erin's site)