At this point all the new cameras are so good that the results depend more on the operators than anything else.
Exactly. It's fun to discuss the technical end, and technical advances can open up more creative
possibilities. However, the challenge of making interesting photographs will always trump gear.
And DXO has only done sensor testing. Once glass goes on and real-world stuff begins, unless Nikon
has found a way to get around the laws of physics, a high-end MF image should still win the day.
Not that I want to dis a camera I will be shooting. I'm sure the D800 will produce a great image, but
thus far, I've never cared for debating the often-debated issue of full frame dslr vs MF quality,
because to my eyes it has never been questionable: I can tell a MF print at 100 yards, compared
to the same image printed from a dslr file. Of course, the dslr print will look !@#$% fantastic by itself,
when such comparisons are not available, and in doing personal work, they never are.
Obviously, if your also putting food on your table with your gear, your needs will be different, due to
the competitive aspects.
Aside from commerce, we all know photographers are a lot like audiophiles and wine lovers (ok, "oenophiles"!),
they are hyper-tuned aficionados and connoisseurs who love to pour over and enjoy the subtle yet complex
differences in the gear they use to enjoy their passions.