Most definitely exciting times. It should be extremely interesting when the D800E is put through its paces and accurate and real world assesments can be made with regards to various lens performance and requirements in order to extract maximum potential from it's sensor. When this is done, especially with the raw files, we'll all have a better handle on the capability and strengths and possible weaknesses of this camera.
It will be interesting to see how the resulting D800e images will compare "head on" to medium format, especially to the current crop of 40MP models. No doubt the medium format manufacturers are well aware of the situation regarding competition and although it might take quite some time, I'm sure will respond by upping the ante, in making their entry level 40 MP backs (or cameras in the case of the 645D) competitive in both pricing structures, technology, and/or raising the MP level for these backs/cameras...all to increase the level of image quality output. Of course there are obvious differences between a 40MP MF backs & cameras vs. a 36MP 35mm DSLR, but those real and perceived differences are not always recognized by those who initially contemplate making a move from 35mm to MF and often only go simply by "the MP numbers".
I'm personally waiting to see and eventually try out optics on a D800E body when lenses are shot at the more open apertures. Something tells me that even the best lenses currently out there, are going to be "stressed" when performance across the entire frame is considered, when shot at wider apertures....although of course for landscape shooters, their target f-stop will be close to the diffraction limit.
This is where cameras like the S2 may have a distinct advanatge, in the ability of the lenses for that system, to be shot close to wide open and still take advantage of resolving power of the entire system. It remains to be seen how the D800E compares, in general.
Dave (D&A)