Imager sensors employed in DSLR's are similar in technology to sensors used in CCTV cameras. The Early 90's saw the CCD in mainstream use in the CCTV industry and over the years light sensitivity was improved and improved and improved again (get the picture). For instance 4-5 Lux was a quoted performance figure for low light 15 years ago and today a colour camera camera should be around 0.8 to 1 Lux.
Applied to DSLR imager technology light sensitivity should increase allowing ISO 50 or lower to be common place with lower noise as a result in he next few years.
Another CCTV innovation is SIMDY technology created when Sony deliberately squeezed supply of their 1/3" CCD imagers to the market. A number of camera manufacturers formed a consortium and developed SIMDY. SIMDY imagers are CMOS and allow greater flexibility and programming from the internal DSP (Digital Signal Processor), essentially a SIMDY camera will have greater dynamic range because each photosite can have its own electronic iris (aperture) so shadows become more detailed and highlights can never be blown.
Add better focussing systems and greater processing speeds from general electronic circuitry, I am sure the next five to ten years will be an exciting time for our DSLR friend.
If DSLR imagers used CMOS SIMDY technology you have perfect exposed images with no risk of blown highlights!
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