When it comes to camera accessories, owners of point-and-shoot cameras often feel left out. While it’s true that most of the latest and greatest camera add-ons are designed for expensive SLR cameras, there are still a number of cool accessories that will enhance the picture taking experience for point-and-shoot camera owners, such as camera bags, tripods, and media cards.
Unless you are like my mother, who simply wants to press a single button and score frame worthy shots of her grandkids, then you probably enjoy experimenting with camera accessories that will enhance your digital photography. Camera accessories are not cheap, but once you incorporate them into your everyday shooting, you’ll see that they are a worthy investment. If you are new to SLR camera ownership and you are looking to invest in some hardware, then consider the following basic buys:
LENSES
If you have a passion for photography and want to shoot like the pros, then at some point you will want to invest in different lenses. Most SLR packages come with a zoom lens you can attach and remove, plus a wide-angle lens (18mm, 24mm, 28mm, or 35mm), which shoots pictures similar to how our eyes see things.
Wide-angle lenses are ideal for people who enjoy shooting nature or expansive landscapes. Meanwhile, a zoom lens comes in handy if you are shooting sporting events, children or special events, such as weddings. A zoom lens is able to bring the action into focus by isolating the subject and blurring the background, so all eyes are on your main subject.
Another good lens investment is a portrait lens (105mm or 135mm), which shortens the background and captures your subjects’ faces in flattering proportions. Taking a portrait shot without the proper lens can make a person’s face appear slightly distorted. Portrait lenses are also good if you tend to shoot a lot of close-up shots of people’s faces, especially children.
TRIPODS
A tripod is a vital accessory for any photographer, regardless of whether or not you have a SLR camera. A person’s hands are apt to shake and cause camera blur. However, a tripod ensures you have a steady surface to shoot from.
Tripods come in a variety of sizes, styles, and price points. The best way to make sure your getting your money’s worth is to bring your camera with you to the store and experiment with tripods, so you know that it fits your equipment.
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