If I buy a dSLR what else do I need?
Discussion
Right then, after using a dSLR for an afternoon and seeing the results you can get I may be after one in the near future, so...
I've already got a Canon film SLR with a few lenses and filters so I'd only be getting the body, but what else would I need in terms of accessories?
Would I need to buy an extra battery? What size memory cards are needed? Is there anything else I've missed?
I've already got a Canon film SLR with a few lenses and filters so I'd only be getting the body, but what else would I need in terms of accessories?
Would I need to buy an extra battery? What size memory cards are needed? Is there anything else I've missed?
Budgeting for a second battery would definitely be a good plan as without power you are screwed. Don't get one from Jessops or anywhere though, try the online places as they are always cheaper and just as good (if not sometimes better) quality.
As for memory. A couple of 2 gig cards would be plenty. You could probably get away with a couple of 1 gigs if you're not too inclined to carpet bomb. I would suggest getting Sandisk cards as they have never let me down. Look at their Ultra 2 as a minimum or Extreme 3 better still. Also, get a decent card reader to download your shots as this is more reliable than downloading directly from the camera.
Other than that, getting a rocket blower for keeping things clean is a good plan.
There are other things that will make life easier but are absolutely essential straight away.
As for memory. A couple of 2 gig cards would be plenty. You could probably get away with a couple of 1 gigs if you're not too inclined to carpet bomb. I would suggest getting Sandisk cards as they have never let me down. Look at their Ultra 2 as a minimum or Extreme 3 better still. Also, get a decent card reader to download your shots as this is more reliable than downloading directly from the camera.
Other than that, getting a rocket blower for keeping things clean is a good plan.
There are other things that will make life easier but are absolutely essential straight away.
A new canon dSLR & battery will give you ~ 600 shots, a second is always handy tho.
As for memory cards, 2 gig or so will give you 250 or so raws, many jpgs, worry about the card speed if you intend to rapid shoot a lot.
Remember your lenses will have a 1.6 crop factor ontop , so 100mm effectivly becomes 160mm, Ok for length, not so good at the wide end.
Probably ned something to clean the sensor (rocket blower )
Rest is normal camera gear you may already have.
As for memory cards, 2 gig or so will give you 250 or so raws, many jpgs, worry about the card speed if you intend to rapid shoot a lot.
Remember your lenses will have a 1.6 crop factor ontop , so 100mm effectivly becomes 160mm, Ok for length, not so good at the wide end.
Probably ned something to clean the sensor (rocket blower )
Rest is normal camera gear you may already have.
Nige,
Just be careful that some of your lenses, depending on there age, may not be compatible with newer DSLR's. Try before you buy. Also will give the same advice I always do have a look at a Canon 10D or 20D, great value for money and fairly rugged. Can pick up a 10D with battery grip and spare battery for less than £400.
Carl
Just be careful that some of your lenses, depending on there age, may not be compatible with newer DSLR's. Try before you buy. Also will give the same advice I always do have a look at a Canon 10D or 20D, great value for money and fairly rugged. Can pick up a 10D with battery grip and spare battery for less than £400.
Carl
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