How To Wednesday: Getting Started Part III

In part I of the Getting Started series, I discussed point and shoot cameras — then in part II, I covered DSLRs and a couple of basic lenses to start out with. Part III will nearly wrap up the Getting Started series with all those items you don’t think about when you buy the camera …

(This was my second DSLR — the one that replaced my Rebel XT — and all the accessories I bought along with it!)

Because most of us own digital, and not film, cameras nowdays, there’s two items that are absolutely critical: Batteries and Flash Memory Cards. Without them, forget capturing anything !

Most digital cameras come with a battery, usually a rechargeable one that comes with the coordinating charger, but a few cameras still require AA batteries. That’s where I recommend either the Energizer or Duracell lines of rechargeable batteries specially designed for electronics. I personally have used the Energizer line for my old trusty Sony Cybershot purchased wayyy back in 2003. In fact, I still alternate between the original set of Sony batteries (yes, they still hold a charge as well as they did brand new!) and the Energizer set I’ve had for at least three years. Yes, these batteries are a bit pricey, but worth every dime. I made the mistake of not buying a backup set before my first trip with that camera and was stopping off at a Wal Mart to buy some that first evening — a cheap no-name brand that didn’t hold a charge for half the time of either the Sony or the Energizer brands. While you’re at it, buy a backup set that comes with a power charger — these will charge them in half the time of the one that comes with the camera. 

For those of you whose cameras use a specific rechargeable battery, buy a second one for a backup. All of my DSLRs have two batteries apiece — the ones that came with the camera plus a backup I purchased. While I rarely have a need to swap out batteries during sessions, you never know when one can go bad. All but two of my six DSLR batteries are Canon brand, the other two were off brands I purchased at either B&H Photo Video or Adorama Camera. Both of the off brands hold a charge and last just as long as the name brand version. Just be sure you order the correct battery for your camera — while my three DSLRs use the same exact battery, the Rebel XT I used to own uses a different one, as well as many other lines within the same brand family.

Next up, Flash memory cards — depending on your camera type will determine which one you’ll need. Most DSLRs use the Compact Flash (CF) cards, although a few use the Secure Digital (SD) — and then some of the really high-end cameras have slots for both. Sony’s line of cameras tend to use their own memory ‘sticks’, although you can on some models get an adapter that will allow you to use an SD card.

When buying memory cards, I always stick with 4GB cards for my DSLRs. Why? Two reasons: (a) if one becomes corrupted or I lose it, I don’t lose even more images than I could otherwise and (b) one 4 GB card can be backed up to a single DVD, which usually holds about 4.7 GBs. For my point and shoot, I only have a 1 GB card, which is usually sufficient for what I use it for. I always recommend stocking up on a few cards. Yes, they’re expensive, but its better to have an extra one laying around in case one becomes corrupted, accidently gets left in your pockets and is washed (hasn’t happened to me yet, but has happened to some other photographers I know!), or if you lose one. I have stuck to the Sandisc line of CF — Extreme III and Extreme IV versions — and SD cards. I’ve never had one go bad to date *knock on wood* and can’t see changing brands when they’re compatible with my camera. Plus, once or twice a year, Sandisc puts out a rebate offer — I’ve gotten back $60-$80 each time (buying 3 at a time), which usually covers what I paid for 1-2 cards. Other brands I’ve heard fellow photographers rave about include Lexar, Delkin, and Hoodman.

The other item most don’t think about is a cleaning kit. While this might not be considered essential for point and shoot cameras, it is for a DSLR. These three kits– yes, I know I’m recommending Nikon — are good starter kits for keeping lenses and the camera sensors cleaned. I personally use a glasses cleaning kit I purchased at Wal Mart + one of their microfiber lens cloths; but you’d still need the first or third item linked for cleaning the sensor!

There are variety of other accessories, more specifically for DSLRs, that fall in the necessary and optional categories, and I’ll wrap up the Getting Started series on September 9th with them. Then I’ll start covering some basic photography info for those wanting to step outside the full auto mode.