You don’t necessarily have to purchase accessories for your digital camera, but there are a few that will probably make your photography experience more enjoyable. For example, tripod can help you take better shots by avoiding camera shake, a spare memory card or two can come handy when you have to end the shoot abruptly due to lack of storage space in the camera, and so on. Then there are also some accessories like camera bag, cleaning kit, etc. that will help keep your camera in good working order.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most important accessories you should have for your digital camera.
1. Extra Memory Cards
A digital camera isn’t really much good to you if there isn’t anywhere to store your photos. Make sure that you have enough storage memory, especially if you’re going to be taking photos at a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event, which could be quite often. You don’t want to run out of space at your sister’s wedding just as she’s about to kiss her new husband. Taking along an extra memory card or two can be a lifesaver.
2. Extra Batteries
Let’s face it, without power the camera’s not going to work, so make sure you have some spares with you at all times.
3. Camera Bag
You’ll need something to carry your camera, filters, lenses, batteries, and memory cards around in. The best way to transport your camera is in a good camera bag. Not only will it provide you storage room for other camera accessories, it will also protect your camera. A camera bag is basically a must if you have an SLR (single lens reflex) camera.
4. Tripod
If you’d like to take some action and night shots you usually have to use a fast shutter speed and open up the aperture setting to capture action while you need to use a slower shutter speed at night. If there’s any camera shake at all when taking the shots, especially with a slow shutter speed, they’ll usually turn out blurry.
A tripod is basically a three-legged stand that you attach the camera to. This will keep it as steady as possible when taking your photos. Of course, you won’t always be able to carry a tripod around with you, but if you have the room and time to set it up, it’s an ideal accessory.
5. Lens Filters
Most casual photographers don’t bother using lens filters. However, if you consider yourself to be a little more serious about photography you may want to try a few out. The most common filters are the UV, polarizing, and neutral density models. A UV filter is basically used to protect the camera lens from being scratched. It’s colorless and won’t affect the photo in any way.
A polarizing filter is ideal for eliminating reflections from windows and water surface. The filter will also give you a richer and darker blue sky when shooting outdoors. A Neutral Density filter is popular with landscape photographers because it’s a neutral grey filter that can cut down on the amount of light which reaches your camera lens. With less light hitting the lens you can use slower shutter speeds and wider aperture settings.
6. Lens and Camera-Cleaning Kit
It’s important that you keep your camera lenses clean and scratch free. You need to keep the dust out of it and make sure it’s not covered in fingerprints. It’s a good idea to clean the lenses and camera on a regular basis, especially after using them outside in dust areas. Your photos will be a lot better if your lens is clean. Most camera-cleaning kits will come with a soft cloth, lens cleaner solution, lens tissue, and a small blower brush.
7. External Flash Unit
The built-in flash on a camera isn’t very powerful. It can only light up an area within about 15 to 20 feet. It’s not strong enough to provide adequate light at distances further than that. The answer to this predicament is to use an external flash as it’s more powerful and has a better range. The flash unit mounts on an SLR camera. However, most point and shoot models aren’t compatible with the units because they need to be attached with a hot-shoe, which many small models don’t have.
8. Photo Printer
Printer extends the functionality of your camera, allowing you to edit and print your photos. A good printer with high dpi is essential to print high resolution photos; low quality printer may not do justice with your efforts.
9. WiFi SD Card
If your camera is SD supported, then WiFI SD card can help you go wireless. You don’t have to use memory card reader or USB cables. You can directly connect your camera to your smartphone, laptop, etc. and share your photos online.
10. LCD Screen Protector
LCD screen is an important part of your camera and the need to prevent it from scratches cannot be overemphasized. And thus comes into picture LCD screen protector. This is one accessory you should have no matter however careful you are in handling your camera.
