Right cam for Product/Interior Designer

I'm trying to get into product and interior design and need a good camera for professional shots. My needs center on taking semi-close up shots of prototypes as well as wider angle* shots of interior spaces that I've designed. I work a lot with light(ing) and definitely want to be able to take some HDR shots.

My budget is 500-ish, but if that's overkill I don't want to throw money away. I am unfamiliar with the advantages of an SLR, but I'm trying to capture art as opposed to creating it, so I don't know If going SLR is right for me. If anyone has dealt with similar needs, I would greatly appreciate your input.

*I have used stitching programs, so a lens attachment for wide-angle shots is not demanded

i am not pros, definitely Digital slr you should go. and with high ISO to capture good image indoor.
i am also interesting in that,

I cannot recommend a certain camera but unlike anyer, I don't think you need an dslr.
There are many good non-dslr digtital cameras that will probably fill your needs without having to pack lenses and tripods and flash units, etc.
Are these for printing or web display?