Camera Accessories

[akugami]

Having taken the bold step of moving from a point & shoot camera to a DSLR I find that there is a decided lack of information on accessories for the DSLR on these forums. I've done some googling and have found the items listed below as something that might be needed for a good kit.

Tripods - A good tripod to stabilize your camera when taking photos. Especially with slow shutter speeds.

Remote - Coupled with a tripod you can reduce vibrations coming from you holding the camera or you can use it with a tripod when you want to take photos of yourself in a group shot.

Camera Bag - Some subscribe to the plastic shopping bag way of carrying multiple lenses (that might cost them thousands) but I figure if you're going to buy thousands in equipment, what's another $50-200 for a decent camera bag.

Cleaning Kits - I don't think you need anything expensive but a microfiber cloth, a brush for stubborn dust, and some cleaning fluid in case your lens gets dirty seems like a must.

Flash - Flash for when you need it. Probably need a lot of learning to properly use it but seems like something every photographer needs in their kit.

Lens Filters - Protects the lens from the elements. Also can provide different effects.

Lens Hood - Protects the lens. Reduces light from hitting the front lens which can cause flares as well as reduce contrast.

Battery Grip - Allows for better positioning of the camera for portrait shots as well as adding an extra battery for added battery life.

Memory Cards - Extra memory cards for in case one gets filled up or one dies (bad but anything can happen).

Extra Batteries - In case you forgot to charge your batteries and need to take some photos or for those extra long sessions when you've worn out your batteries.

LCD Screen Protector - LCD screen protectors for your DSLR. While the body can get dinged up and still work good a scratched glass can be a serious usability issue when you need to read the menus or are reviewing a shot.

Travel Chargers - Make sure you can charge your batteries when travelling.


I'm sure there are things that I haven't thought of. I'd like to hear about what people consider essential in their camera kits. Not including the actual camera and lenses of course.

 

[IronWing]

Off camera flash (wireless, infrared, long cord, whatever). OMG, it's so much better! It has completely changed the way I think about flash photography.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: akugami
Camera Bag - Some subscribe to the plastic shopping bag way of carrying multiple lenses (that might cost them thousands) but I figure if you're going to buy thousands in equipment, what's another $50-200 for a decent camera bag.

Who is this you're referring to?

You've pretty much covered a lot of it, but here's more:

1. Some kind of bounce card or diffuser for your flash. Direct flash is always a last resort, and sometimes bouncing off of ceilings and walls is not possible/not optimal.

2. Off camera flash, as mentioned. Wireless is the most flexible.

3. Monitor with good color accuracy and a color calibrator.

4. Good photo editing software like Lightroom.

5. Good online photo gallery to share photos.

6. Good camera strap with quick disconnect buckles. I have a Lowepro strap with an integrated memory card holder. The quick disconnect buckles are great because in windy conditions on a tripod you want to easily have the strap OFF of the camera to prevent the wind from whipping the strap around, vibrating the setup.

7. Good tripod strap.

8. Good ballhead that can easily take the weight of your setup.

9. A rifle with scope properly dialed in for windage and elevation for shooting people on roofs at night.

10. Jars to collect your piss while you wait.

 

[Deadtrees]

The best Accessory is a human being who can point an reflector while you're shooting. That human being should also carry all your junks.

 

[idiotekniQues]

Originally posted by: Deadtrees
The best Accessory is a human being who can point an reflector while you're shooting. That human being should also carry all your junks.

all your junks are belong to us

 

[akugami]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
...
9. A rifle with scope properly dialed in for windage and elevation for shooting people on roofs at night.

10. Jars to collect your piss while you wait.

I'd think leaving a jar of urine at the scene would allow CSI to link you by DNA evidence.

 

[twistedlogic]

A few off the top of my head..................

-Memory Card Reader - so you don't suck the juice out of your DSLR just uploading (or forget to unplug the USB and come back to a dead battery)
-Giottos rocket blaster - for removing dust without touching it
-A faster PC - editing on a slower PC can be daunting
-A good workflow (I need help on this one too, lol)
-An understanding of Digital Images (for example Color space, Noise, contrast, Tone curve, Saturation)

For Strobing
-Umbrellas
-Light stands
-Reflectors
-Backdrops
-White Foam Boards - many uses
-Strobe clamp

On my want list:
-Pen tablet (looks fun, anyone own one?)

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: twistedlogic
A few off the top of my head..................

-Memory Card Reader - so you don't suck the juice out of your DSLR just uploading (or forget to unplug the USB and come back to a dead battery)
-Giottos rocket blaster - for removing dust without touching it

I don't care about the battery, but I've found it usually faster through a good quality card reader. I've had 2 no name ones break on me, and 1 just painfully slow. The sandisk one's were fast, and my dell monitor is so-so in speed, but at least reliable so far.

giotto x 2... large one for home, small one for travel. love these things

 

[twistedlogic]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
I don't care about the battery, but I've found it usually faster through a good quality card reader.

Any suggestions for a nice CF card reader. I have plenty of fast SD card readers, but I can't find any CF card readers locally. The two I have now are so old and slow.