Camera essentials

ONESHOTKILL

ONESHOTKILL

ONESHOTKILL

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I got a nikon d3100 last week and i went out playing with the camera taking pics,i am a total novice but i was wondering what other people carry with them when they go out taking pics,just looking for some advice and tips of what people might have bought when they started getting into photography.All i own is the camera ,lens that came with it and a 4gb memory card.I enjoy taking wildlife pics so that's probably what i will spend most my time doing.
 
The accessories I use the most are:

1. A decent bag
2. A spare battery
3. A tripod

I use a black rapid strap whenever I shoot too but I wouldn't call that an essential as the stock strap can do the same job.

I also use my cheapo remote shutter release quite a lot but I wouldn't call it an essential as you can use the build in timer to do the same job :).

Enjoy the camera :)
 
I would suggest picking up a lens cleaning kit, I picked up the Jessops solution and cloth combo and then a rocket blaster to accompany it.

4GB is quite small you're shooting RAW (which hopefully you are), perhaps pick up a larger capacity card too. Just make sure it is a high speed one.
 
yea i am shooting raw,don't fully understand the difference tbh.I am still just trying to understand all the jargon.I am planning on going out tomorrow and try taking some more pics.I took a few landscapes photo's the other day but they seemed to be really dark and colourless,I was only using the landscape setting on the guide button,i am going to try to learn how to setup the camera myself.
 
ok i will try to pick up a copy,i am struggling to understand exposure so if this will help me then i will give it a go.I am going to get a case as well for my camera,i was just going to get a case like this one item41666d1588 on ebay just to use for now because at the minute i just put it in a rucksack
 
Understanding Exposure is an excellent book and you will read it a number of times, using it as a reference guide to start.

I only have a small bag for my 5D3 (Muffin Top 5500), It's stops you filling it with loads of rubbish.
 
You want to avoid the 'scene' modes from the start really. Or if you must, take a shot, review the settings and the histogram and change into the relevant PASM mode and recreate and then improve it.

Understanding Exposure is a great book, it got me into full Manual really quickly once I started reading it.

Jared Polin over at FroKnowsPhoto.com is also really good. A working professional with over 1000 videos on his YouTube channel, and recently launched a downloadable video guide aimed at beginners - intermediate.

I've purchased this myself, and strongly reccommend it.
http://froknowsphoto.com/fro-video-guide/
 
ONESHOTKILL said:
ok i will try to pick up a copy,i am struggling to understand exposure so if this will help me then i will give it a go.
Click to expand...

The book explains about Shutter Speed, Aperture & ISO and how they relate to each other. It also explains about correct creative exposures - there can be a number of different settings to get a correct exposure but you need to chose the correct creative exposure for what you are trying to achieve.

Once you get your head around these 2 things stuff just starts falling into place.
 
I usually have these at this moment in time:

Bag - lowepro 50aw
Camera + Lens - d5100+18-105
Lens Pen
UV Lens protector
4-5 sd cards - samsung class 10 8gb +16gb
 
Separate bags are way over rated IMO, get one if you need it but otherwise your normal daysack is just as good if not better if you only have a camera and couple of lenses.

A spare battery is a must though IMO, alongside a Circular Polariser. Ignore any other circular filters at the moment (especially skylight or UV filters) until you start thinking about ND filters and even then ND grad filters can be done better in many situations in post processing.
 
I would get a spare battery and memory card, rocket blower and a micro-fibre cloth to keep the camera/lens clean.

Other than that just practice, get used to the camera. Don't go buying a whole host of lenses off the bat. First of all build up your knowledge of the basics & technique. Money spent on a course, books ...online training etc are all FAR more valuable than splooging out on gear at your stage.

Above all, have fun :)
 
Going to get a carry bag next then just get some practice taking pics , I enjoyed taking pics of wildlife when I was last out but most of the things I was trying to take pics of we're abit too far away so I can see me in the future wanting a lens with a good zoom but obviously I won't get one until I understand how to use the camera properly
 
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Id say it depends on what you plan to shoot & weather on the day

But what 'Guitarman0' stated in the 2nd post is very essential!
 
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