[dirtyroboto]

If you are studying then it is a different matter. I would suggest for a person looking at studying this area to start with film and get a good understanding of the whole process of choosing films/cameras/lenses ect and then the processing and developing of the film. Once you understand all of this you will enjoy and benefit greatly from moving into studying the digital side.

The high end, and now even the budget end of digital cameras require a good knowledge of traditional photography to really get a good product image from the device. Most people will use a budget digital camera and get 1 shot out of 40 that is product quality. A person who has studied or knows the traditional methods will achieve at least 10-20 product shots out of 40 and then reject the worst 80% to leave some excellent shots.