>>4062397>gear was a cheat code that doesn't work anymore, and your work actually needs to be of a competitive, merchantable standard that they're barely capable of today, and that with an internet and a secondhand camera and a 3 digit iq literally any person can learn the fundamentals of photography.gear is still a cheat code. Fast shutter speeds, fast readout speeds, fast GOOD glass is more expensive than ever, as is fast autofocus, extra buttons and better control layouts normally which mean higher price, as does higher res sensors, monitors, and EVFs, battery life, battery compatibility, reliability, weather sealing, quality file formats, and good video hybridization, connectability, etc, etc...all drive the price of the equipment up, but also cut the time of delivery of the final product.
The guy with T7 Rebel CAN get the job done, but the guy with the R5, Z9, A1 is going to get it done faster and with less work.
The only barrier to entry that has REALLY been removed is needing to actually know how to expose properly and having a full on darkroom for processing and editing, and even then the cost of that equipment has really just shifted to the cost of computer equipment, and the CONTINUING cost of software services