I just discovered the same problem this morning on sarge. But the solution is easy.
libgphoto2-2 2.1.5-4 has a hotplug script /etc/hotplug/usb/libgphoto2 which gives members of the 'camera' group access to plugged-in cameras. So, add yourself to 'camera', and it will work. I tested this with my DX3500. I think this bug can be closed.
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