Have new DSLR; what kit do I need?

[scriptkat]

I am beyond excited that I am now the proud owner of my first DSLR, a Nikon D3100. I am just wondering what people reckon are the indispensable and basic things to have on hand in my camera bag (the one that I still need to buy to protect my new baby); cleaning materials? Filter(s)? Etc? Any and all recommendations are welcomed! I can't wait to get shooting. Thanks ahead

 

[fokker]

Kinda depends what you want to shoot, but things people will say are:
-tripod
-spare batteries
-spare memory cards
-good bag
-Filters - CPL, ND
-Cleaning stuff - blower/brush, lens tissues, cleaning fluid
-remote shutter release
-speedlight/flash
-wireless trigger and receiver(s) for your speedlight(s)
-a better paying job
-more lenses (50mm 1.8 or 35mm 1.8 usually to start with)
-insurance

 

[fokker]

Oh, and don't forget your computer. You're going to want to upgrade that to at least a quad core processor and 26" monitor to run photoshop and lightroom on....

 

[Judobreaker]

-a better paying job

I usually don't take my job with me in my camera bag...
A better paying job does help you a lot when filling that bag though. ^^

 

[Netskimmer]

Kinda depends what you want to shoot, but things people will say are:
-tripod
-spare batteries
-spare memory cards
-good bag
-Filters - CPL, ND
-Cleaning stuff - blower/brush, lens tissues, cleaning fluid
-remote shutter release
-speedlight/flash
-wireless trigger and receiver(s) for your speedlight(s)
-a better paying job
-more lenses (50mm 1.8 or 35mm 1.8 usually to start with)
-insurance

I've been wondering about this myself. I have about $2,000 invested in my body and lenses alone and that number will likely continue to rise over time. Since I have no experience with camera insurance I would love to hear some thoughts from the insured among us. What to watch out for, your personal experiences with your insurer ect...

 

[fokker]

Personally, I don't have insurance but I guess I'm a bit of a risk taker (I don't have car insurance or any other kind for that matter either). I have about $10k worth of gear which I'd hate to get stolen, but I'll take my chances.

 

[Judobreaker]

My body and kit lens were insured when I purchased them, the store offered me a 3 year insurance for a not too large price.
The rest of my stuff is not insured although I too have some things I would not like to be stolen.

 

[Dao]

If you are also new to photography, maybe some good books.

 

[o hey tyler]

Personally, I don't have insurance but I guess I'm a bit of a risk taker (I don't have car insurance or any other kind for that matter either). I have about $10k worth of gear which I'd hate to get stolen, but I'll take my chances.

You have a car, but no insurance?

In America, you'd be ****ed if you got pulled over.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

congrats on that sweet cam. slap that NIKON CD Rom in your puter then ONLY shoot RAW. maybe youtube some tips on speed, aperture, ISO and have fun.

be careful tho, I found this stuff to be quite addicting

 

[ulrichsd]

You have a car, but no insurance?

In America, you'd be ****ed if you got pulled over.

I wouldn't go that far. I went to traffic court not to long ago (contest expired tags) and I'd say half of the other cases were driving without insurance. They just make you get insurance and pay a fine, then you get your license back. If you're a multiple offender you might get a suspension.

 

[fokker]

Personally, I don't have insurance but I guess I'm a bit of a risk taker (I don't have car insurance or any other kind for that matter either). I have about $10k worth of gear which I'd hate to get stolen, but I'll take my chances.

You have a car, but no insurance?

In America, you'd be ****ed if you got pulled over.

Yeah I know America does it like that, not so down in this corner of the world though. It's great, until I crash my $900 ****box into a new Audi or something. Kinda promotes careful driving really, and also perhaps a hasty exit from the country if necessary

 

[o hey tyler]

You have a car, but no insurance?

In America, you'd be ****ed if you got pulled over.

They just make you get insurance and pay a fine, then you get your license back.

Yeah, I am aware. We're talking about if you DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE. You would LOSE your license. It's one thing if you actually have insurance, but no proof of it. That's easy to take care of.

 

[Dao]

What about the liability or 3rd person type insurance?

If you stop at the traffic light, a car behind did not stop and rear end you. And the impact is strong enough for your car to bump the car in front of you. I am sure the driver in front of you will go after you, not the person who hit you, right?

 

[Judobreaker]

Umm... Weren't we talking about photo gear insurance?