On the other hand, you can find some very nice consumer cameras at under $300 -- I tend to be partial to the Canon and Casio cameras.

So, really the question is just what you mean by professional photographer, what you're ready for now, and just how much money you can throw at this?

If you're just starting to take pictures, get a much more inexpensive non-SLR digital camera. Here's a good article that will help you choose: http://www.connectedphotographer.com/issues/issue200410/00001417001.html.

Use that inexpensive camera to develop your skill with color, composition, light, and subject. Then, when you've got a really good portfolio (and, possibly, a few customers for simple shoots), you might want to try your hand at a more expensive camera.

One last idea that's very old-school: there are a lot of great, used film SLRs to be had for bargain-basement prices, along with lens collections. You might want to dig around your area or on eBay for those and learn to shoot like the old-timers. The only downside: film developing can cost serious bank.

Good luck!

What's the lifespan for digital batteries?
Reader Bonnie B's husband wants to know some battery basics as well:

Can you give me an idea on how long proprietary batteries for digital lasts? I mean what's their lifespan?

I'm using a Sony DSC-P3 for more than 3 years now that uses AA-size metal-hydride rechargeable batteries, but my wife thinks it is about time that we upgrade to one of those ultra compact digital cameras by Casio (Exilim series), Panasonic (Lumix) or Sony (T-series). However most of them use proprietary batteries and if the new unit lasts as long as my old Sony, will the battery last as long?

With rechargeable rechargeable AAs, I just buy new ones when needed.

That's not a simple question to answer. Each battery technology is different. NiCads, for example, lose time as they age. Lithium Ion batteries are somewhat better. A good rule of thumb, though, is that the newer the battery and the product it works with, the longer they'll last since battery technology has gotten much better over the last few years.

Another good approach is to read reviews of the camera you're thinking of buying. Even if two cameras use exactly the same battery, the circuitry inside one camera might use more juice than the other, so the reviews will be the best way for you to learn about which cameras are best.

Just speaking personally, the two digital cameras my wife and I use most often are quite good when it comes to holding a charge. She's got a Casio and I've got a Canon Digital Rebel.

For more than 20 years, David Gewirtz, the author of Where Have All The Emails Gone? and The Flexible Enterprise, has analyzed current, historical, and emerging issues relating to technology, competitiveness, and policy. David is the Editor-in-Chief of the ZATZ magazines, is the Cyberterrorism Advisor for the International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals, and is a member of the instructional faculty at the University of California, Berkeley extension. He can be reached at david@zatz.com.