Warren Ellis' webpage/blog Diepunyhumans has a lovely example of the two ends of camera technology. In one posting you have the Mars Express pictures with a camera that cost millions, and a picture from a millions of miles away; in another posting you have phonecam pictures that cost a tiny amount of money; and come in from all over the globe.
It puts me in mind of something, but I can't think what...I'm reading some Alvin Toffler right now, so that might explain it; thinking about technology and its impact on culture.