http://gigapan.org/viewGigapanFullscreen.php?auth=033ef14483ee899496648c2b4b06233cThe amazing thing is that the camera that captured this image is probably a 3 on the scale of 1 to 10 of the imaging technology that the U.S. possesses. (being it is available in public/commercial sales you can't expect the really good stuff.) At close range - less than 20 yards, the camera is actually strong enough to take an Xray of something. At less that 10 yards, it is strong enough to burst a helium balloon with the flash.
Ok, this above statement was a lie. However, if you click on the link and view the Inaugration photo, you can zoom in so close and clearly see the pout on Bush's face and the "fuck the GOP" face of Cheney as the resolution is that damn good. Now consider that the image and resolution you are viewing is possible with nothing more than a standard point and shoot camera and a small machine that costs under $400. (that part is no lie)
On a side note, I have a feeling this photo will go down in history as the most complete view of any Inaugration event.
Hope you enjoyed a non political party thread for once. : )