I think others have already answered this, but it remains a very valid question and something I myself have struggled with in my constant lust for new gearYou're right, I forgot to include Photoshop!
I'm curious what features cameras could possibly add that would make any difference to anyone who's serious about the fundamentals of photography?
Seriously, I'm not trying to provoke, but where is the threshold to digital camera technology for the average user? What more could you possibly need?
The only thing this new Sony does is perhaps require a newer computer. I guess it's really in the editing these days. Bad technique is easily fixed in Photoshop, LR, etc. Perhaps it's the gorgeous Dorothea Lange hardcover photo book I recently saw at a local bookstore. It impressed upon me that today's digital photography seems to have lost its way with the instant gratification and expectation of simplicity. Hard work is intrinsic to the perceived value...at least to me it is.
I think one does develop an 'eye' gradually, with time and repeated efforts, looking at and understanding the work of others. However, I can also say that improvements in technology has made a great difference in some ways.
For example, I love birds but have always struggled with BIF shots until the a9 came along with its 'wide zone' and extensive AF coverage with excellent tracking. Lenses too have made my work so much easier, with stabilization, lighter weight, better AF. Action photos of large mammals too are better with larger sensor resolution (can crop without losing too much data), faster frame rate, better high ISO performance and so on.
Yes, Photoshop also helps, continued improvement in algorithms, computing power and faster hard drives with larger storage mean you can afford to take more pictures and not worry about space/processing time.
The world has moved on, way beyond the film and Kodachrome days. What sells today is a product that is completely different from what used to be. 500px and Instagram provide enough evidence of what people want.
I honestly believe it is going to continue this way, cameras becoming more and more complex and offering more in terms of features and sensor capacity too is going to keep increasing. Moore's Law has been fairly consistent despite being in existence for over 50 yrs. Yes, it is more difficult and yet it continues to hold true generally.
I personally think it should be celebrated although it is up to each of us to decide whether we want to continue buying the latest and greatest.
Me, I suspect will continue to be afflicted with GAS.