They've also learned that it's a bad idea to seek advice at stores that only carry one or two brand names. Whatever brand the store happens to carry will coincidentally turn out to be the best, while all others are crap. Find a store that carries a wide range of models from several manufacturers. Of course, for Web developers, digital cameras are just the thing. Again, these authors are pros who know their stuff, not blissfully ignorant computer-worshippers like the authors of so many other books.
Digital photography differs from the traditional kind in several ways.
Most obvious, you don't have to worry about wasting film. Also, since the photos can easily be manipulated in software, a lot of things that can ruin a traditional photo are not that big a deal with a digital cam. For example, if a photo is too dark, it may not be a problem, as this can often be fixed in software. Of course, digital photography has its own disadvantages too. Digital cameras don't do well in very bright light, for one thing.