Camera Accessories
Memory Cards The first accessory you will need after buying a camera is a memory card. As cameras have extra memory built into them it's possible to take a few photos without a card but this is of limited use. To have the scope of shooting numerous pictures a memory card is required. There are four memory card formats: compactflash, SD, XD and memory stick. Compactflash is used by DSLRs, SD cards are a popular format found in lower end DSLRs and compact cameras. Memory stick is solely used by Sony and XD cards fit Olympus and Fujifilm cameras only, so neither of these formats have widespread use. If you have a DSLR the speed of the memory card maybe important when you are photographing fast action or sports photography, a few seconds delay caused by a slow card could mean a lost shot. For ordinary photography a fast card, which can cost over twice as much for the same capacity as a slower one, is probably not worth the extra outlay. For compact camera a 1gb is an excellent capacity allowing a large quantity of photos. Some cameras are limited to a maximum size of 2gb, check in the instruction book. DSLR users will want to use a larger capacity card as the higher resolution files take up extra space especially if you are saving in RAW. We recommend that you get your memory cards on the internet (Amazon is an excellent site, use the search box below). Shops are often not competitive on price. |
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| Camera Cases and Bags
All cameras require a case, it could be just a simple pouch for a compact or a multi-compartment bag holding a whole DSLR system. Compact cameras are similar sizes so any case will be fine, just check the dimensions to confirm suitability. Hard or padded cases will protect the camera against knocks. A shoulder strap will usually be included giving the choice of holding the camera with the wrist strap or having it hung round your neck. Standard DSLR cases hold the camera with a single lens, they have the benefit of being small, light and inexpensive. Usually a small pocket is provided which is handy for such items as memory cards, filters, spare battery. This is fine if you have a DSLR with only a kit lens or moderate telephoto, but if you have more than one lens a larger bag which holds the camera, lenses and accessories all together is essential. Camera cases come in all shapes and sizes some designed to be carried over-the-shoulder others are rucksack types which go on your back. Make a list of all the equipment you are likely to want to carry and verify that there is enough room for it all. If you have a considerable quantity of accessories it maybe advantageous to have two bags, one for when you want to travel light and another to hold all your gear. The bag must feel comfortable, if you're going to carry heavy equipment for extended periods padded shoulder straps are a necessity. There should be easy access to compartments when it's hanging round your neck. |
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Batteries
If you have only one set of batteries there's inevitably going to be a time when they run out of power when you are just going to take a fantastic shot. So if you're serious about your photography you really do need a spare set of batteries. Manufacturers batteries are expensive so it's worth considering third party products as considerable savings can be made. Lens Hoods The majority of cameras and lenses are supplied with a lens hood which should be fitted when photographing a subject with a bright light source just outside the frame, in fact if it's a sunny day it may as well be left on the lens. If a lens hood wasn't included it's a worth while accessory as it'll reduce flare. Filters A filter is the ideal way to protect the front element of your lens. Skylight or UV are suitable as they don't have any effect on exposure. Polarising filters are useful see our Polarising Filters page, other filters include neutral density (ND) and ND graduated, these are for advanced users so are best brought when you find you have a requirement for them. Flashguns Flashguns are available for DSLRs and some advanced compacts, they use a dedicated hot shoe found on the camera. These accessory flashguns have numerous benefits. A major advantage external flash has is they're three to four times more powerful than built in units, giving them a greater coverage. DSLRs have an average guide number for their flash of 12, external units often have a GN of 32 or higher, 40+ is preferable. Note this is the figure for metres the GN for feet will be far higher. The extra power enables the flash to be bounced from a ceiling or wall. To achieve this the flash head swivels vertically as well as sideways. When using a zoom lens they can concentrate the light just on the area required, typically a range from 20mm - 100mm is covered. The power can be altered to match the subject, close-ups will require reduced illumination whereas large group shots will call for maximum output. Each manufacturer has it's own unique hot shoe fitting so you will have to get a model that suits your camera. There are compatible units available from Metz, Sigma, Sunpak. Lower price flashguns will probably have a modest guide number and may not include all the features listed above. |
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