The Way We WereMost of us believe that our societies are essentially classless. While true, to some extent money does create an unavoidable class structure. As but one example, there are those that drive BMWs and Mercedes, and those that drive Fords and Volkswagens.

Most of us don't fret over this all that much. We drive what we can afford and we don't lose a lot of sleep over the fact that aPorsche 911that we admire or even covet is beyond our reach. If we see one drive by we smile, momentarily fantasize what it would be like to have one, and then move on.

Until recently the photographic world has been mostly similar. But things are rapidly changing. Let's see how and why.

Steamed Moose‚ Algonquin, 2002

Digital EnvyIn theBDepoch, (Before Digital), the cost equation for cameras was fairly straightforward. A decent 35mm SLR cost somewhere between $500 and $1,000. You could pay less and get a plastic wonder, or somewhat more and get aCanon 1VorNikon F5. But lenses aside, a...