(MONEY Magazine) – Around 40 years ago, the cameras that pros used--single-lens reflex numbers with interchangeable lenses--finally fell within a hobbyist's budget. Suddenly, the streets of Rome were overrun by folks who looked like Magnum photographers but were really tourists with great rigs. Then the digital revolution, led by affordable point-and-shoot cameras, made spotting tourists easy again. No more.

Canon's EOS Digital Rebel--$999 for the kit--is a pro camera for the masses that cuts the price of digital SLRs by 50%. If you already own a Canon film SLR, you can use all your lenses on this camera. If not, the Digital Rebel can operate as a point-and-shoot or be fine-tuned to your eye's delight. And the pictures are stunning.

For insurance, buy a padded bag like Lowepro's DryZone 100 ($140). And reclaim the darkroom. Adobe's new Creative Suite (around $1,000) is the best software for serious digital photographers. --TED FISHMAN