During my many years of scientific research in analytical chemistry, I was made aware of P. A. R.

P stands for panacea. At the panacea stage, we were absolutely convinced that this new gadget (or technique) would solve ALL of our previous problems.

A stands for awareness. At the awareness stage, we were starting to suspect (or become aware) that this new gadget (or technique) might have SOME limitations in solving ALL of our previous problems.

R stands for realization. At the realization stage, we were sure that while this new gadget (or technique) had succeeded in solving SOME of our previous problems, it had also introduced a whole series of NEW problems that none of us had anticipated.

We would then say, "Well, that's P. A. R. for the course." Rarely were we in a good mood when we said that.

In this case, the D800/D800E is the new gadget.

P occured on February 7, 2012. OH HAPPY DAY!!! Remember all the EXCITEMENT?

A is any time from the time the "Technical Guide" came out until now. Even landscape photographers with their stationary subjects and wide-angle lenses will have issues with DOF vs. diffraction, and possibly moire. Heaven help the birders and aerial photographers with their moving subjects and telephoto lenses! And what about those simply trying to take available light pictures of small children who are too young to pose?

R is anytime after we have received shipment of the D800/D800E.
Only then will we begin to see all its benefits and limitations.

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This will be followed by post-purchase rationalization; a cognitive bias whereby someone who purchases an expensive product or service overlooks any faults or defects in order to justify their purchase.
Dave Jolley

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Sooner or later the undeniable limitations will surface. If the limitations are severe, it is very difficult for the buyer to admit that the purchase was a mistake, because it reflects back on the buyer as well as the seller. Anger may be directed toward the seller. The more expensive the purchase, the harder it is to admit that it was a mistake. Sometimes denial will cause the buyer to keep trying to make the purchase work, when in fact it never will. The reason the product will never work may be due to misrepresentation of the product by the seller, lack of understanding of the product's capabilities by the buyer, or the incompetence of the buyer. May the buyer beware, so that the phrase "But it seemed like such a good idea at the time." will not need to be said.

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And to think I always assumed "par for the course" was a golf metaphor...

D700 l N90s l AF-S 16-35 f4 l AF-S 24-85 f3.5-f4.5G VR l AF-S 70-200 f2.8G VRII l AF-S 50 f1.8G l AF-S 300 f4 l TC-14EII l 2x SB600 l Autometer IIIF.
https://www.facebook.com/tony.johnson.photography
http://www.eyesonboulder.com
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WOW you guys are so smart!!!!!

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WOW! You are such a wise guy!!!

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I am going to stay with the golf metaphor.

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Joseph K
Seattle, WA, USA

D700, D200, D70S, 24-70mm f/2.8, VR 70-200mm f/2.8 II, 50mm f/1.4 D,
17-55mm f/2.8 DX, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 DX