
Mike Johnston has written an essay on the topic and argues that it is one component of artistic expression.
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.co ... ality.html
I particularly liked the comment about those who argue in favour of cameras with large sensors to create limited depth of field. "Apparently they like their pictures extremely sharp and extremely soft." I have been wondering about whether once a lens is stopped down, just how much affect sensor size really has on the final image. Yes, certain looks can be achieved more readily shooting fast lenses at or near maximum aperture with full frame or medium format cameras, yet that is not something which every situation requires. Neither is the capability beyond smaller sensors with the appropriate lenses. Those lenses need not cost a fortune, either. There are a lot of very capable older manual focus lenses which can be readily adapted to digital cameras on sale at reasonable prices.