Basic DSLR Camera Accessories: Guide For a Beginner
When you've just bought your first DSLR with a camera trap, the wealth of accessories can be downright confusing. A rule of thumb is to invest only in those that serve your purpose and desired photography style. To make this selection easier for you, here is a basic guide to the main components you should consider:
An off-camera flash
The built-in flash does more harm than good to your photos. Better picture quality is achieved through an external, better-performing flash. Note that this will require even more battery power, so be prepared.
Backup batteries
You may not have expected it, but backup batteries are a must-have; here is why: you'll be surprised how quickly you can go through one charge when you're grasping the basics of photographing with your new camera. You'll take a long to learn how it works and calibrate it for each photo, with the battery on for all this time. If you're out and about, you will be reaching for that spare set of batteries.
Neck strap
Photography doesn't have to be an ordeal. Avoid neck pain from carrying your camera or other troubles by purchasing a suitable, protective neck strap that you can adjust.
Lens pen
It's hard to avoid getting dust, water, etc. on the lens, which is why you need something reliable to clean it. A blower is a good specialty tool but maybe a strange thing for a novice user. A lens pen is a much more intuitive tool, with two handy ends - one for brushing and the other for effective cleaning.
Shutter release
Be it wired or wireless, a shutter release is what helps you take a photo when you can't actually touch the camera - e.g. when you are in the picture too, but also when you're shooting macros (close-ups) or long exposure scenes. By releasing the shutter remotely you avoid vibrations or moves that would ruin the result.
Polarizer filter
The name may be confusing, but its job is very simple. This lens among the camera accessories help decrease reflections (such as from glass or various shiny surfaces), at the same time making colors look brighter through saturation increase.