In the ever-evolving world of photography, where advancements in technology seem to occur at lightning speed, it's easy to forget the humble beginnings of our craft. As we marvel at the latest mirrorless wonders and debate the merits of cutting-edge features like eye autofocus, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on how far we've come since the days of the Canon 5D and Nikon D700.

Back in 2004, when the Olympics rolled around, professional photographers had a limited arsenal compared to what we have at our disposal today. With the Canon 5D hitting the market in 2005 and the Nikon D700 following in 2008, these cameras marked significant milestones in the industry. Yet, even before their arrival, photographers were capturing breathtaking images using equipment that, by today's standards, might seem rudimentary.

It's hard to imagine the challenges they faced, navigating the intricacies of manual focus and exposure settings without the assistance of sophisticated autofocus systems or the instant feedback of digital previews. Were they skilled beyond measure, or did they simply adapt to the tools they had at hand? Perhaps it was a bit of both.

Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves in a photography landscape vastly different from the one that existed just a decade or so ago. Mirrorless cameras reign supreme, boasting an array of features that were once the stuff of science fiction. From lightning-fast autofocus to revolutionary image stabilization, these cameras have revolutionized the way we approach photography.

Yet, amidst all the excitement surrounding the latest and greatest tech, it's important to remember that great photography is not solely reliant on the gear we use. While innovations like eye autofocus certainly make our lives easier, they're no substitute for skill, creativity, and vision.

It's easy for YouTubers and tech enthusiasts to critique cameras like the Nikon D700 for its lack of modern features, but let's not forget the incredible work that was produced with those cameras. Similarly, while the Sony A9III may be the darling of the photography world today, it won't be long before it's overshadowed by the next big thing.

In the end, it's not the camera that makes the photographer, but rather the photographer's ability to see and capture the world in a unique way. Whether you're shooting with the latest mirrorless marvel or a decades-old DSLR, the fundamentals of photography remain the same.

So, as we marvel at the wonders of modern technology, let's also take a moment to appreciate the rich history of our craft and the countless photographers who paved the way for us. After all, it's not about the gear we use but the stories we tell and the moments we capture that truly define us as photographers.