They're expensive up-front, but running costs are low. The technology does, indeed, change fast but (assuming it doesn't break) a camera works as well as the day it's new -- in other words, if it does the job, it will continue to do the job. For me, the "worthwhile" point was the Canon G1 (3.3Mpx), and I'm still very pleased with it. I used Olympus OM 35mm stuff for a long time, and the results from the Canon are good enough (better in some ways, not quite as good in others) that I sold all my darkroom equipment. Remember that you'll need a computer (preferably a notebook that can go along on extended trips) and to learn the software. Prints from my Canon are astonishingly good -- don't miss the silver prints at all. I suspect (but may be wrong here) that use of 35mm will plunge when somebody comes up with an easy/cheap printer to stick your memory card into and churn out drugstore-style prints at home, and that this will happen sooner and with a steeper curve than "the experts" believe. These digital camera's really don't like getting wet, although there are now a couple of weatherproof models. (BTW: I still have one 35mm camera, a Pentax weatherproof/submersible).