Add
ons for your camera
Here
are some accessories for your camera, be it a point & shoot device or a
DSLR. These can not only enhance performance but also offer convenience while
shooting or travelling
Memory cards
Memory cards are the primary means of storage for pictures and videos shot with a camera. Most cameras now use SD (secure digital) cards, but some DSLRs still opt for CF (compact flash) cards, while others use memory sticks or xD cards.
Unless you have the most basic camera, go for a memory card that has the fastest write speed. The faster an image/video is saved on the card, the quicker the camera can get ready for the next shot. The speed of the card is usually denoted as Class 2/4/10; the higher the class, the faster the card. Sandisk offers a dedicated ‘Extreme’ series of memory cards that have high write speeds and are recommended for all users. You can also get high-speed cards across various brands, such as Kingston, Verbatim, Sandisk, and Transcend.
PRICE
250-8,000, depending on the type, speed of card and storage capacity.
Memory cards are the primary means of storage for pictures and videos shot with a camera. Most cameras now use SD (secure digital) cards, but some DSLRs still opt for CF (compact flash) cards, while others use memory sticks or xD cards.
Unless you have the most basic camera, go for a memory card that has the fastest write speed. The faster an image/video is saved on the card, the quicker the camera can get ready for the next shot. The speed of the card is usually denoted as Class 2/4/10; the higher the class, the faster the card. Sandisk offers a dedicated ‘Extreme’ series of memory cards that have high write speeds and are recommended for all users. You can also get high-speed cards across various brands, such as Kingston, Verbatim, Sandisk, and Transcend.
PRICE
250-8,000, depending on the type, speed of card and storage capacity.
Camera bags
Choose a bag depending on the type of camera (point & shoot, prosumer or DSLR) you have. You can pick from a sling bag, backpack or a shoulder bag, but make sure that it has enough protective padding on all sides to safeguard against accidental bumps. Wear the bag to ensure that the strap is comfortable for long hours. If you want to fit in accessories, pick a bigger size. DSLR owners should keep in mind that there are enough number of lens pockets. Other than the camera manufacturers’ own offerings, brands such as Case Logic, Lowepro, Kata and Tamrac also offer camera bags.
PRICE
Ranges from 500 for basic point & shoot cameras, to 20,000 for high-end DSLR backpacks.
Choose a bag depending on the type of camera (point & shoot, prosumer or DSLR) you have. You can pick from a sling bag, backpack or a shoulder bag, but make sure that it has enough protective padding on all sides to safeguard against accidental bumps. Wear the bag to ensure that the strap is comfortable for long hours. If you want to fit in accessories, pick a bigger size. DSLR owners should keep in mind that there are enough number of lens pockets. Other than the camera manufacturers’ own offerings, brands such as Case Logic, Lowepro, Kata and Tamrac also offer camera bags.
PRICE
Ranges from 500 for basic point & shoot cameras, to 20,000 for high-end DSLR backpacks.
Tripod
Almost every camera comes with a tripod screw mount to attach to a tripod, which is used to avoid blurring due to movement. A tripod has three adjustable legs for stability and an adjustable mounting head to pan/tilt the mounted camera. It helps while shooting pictures with a high zoom or long exposure. As a one-time investment, we recommend getting a full-sized tripod from a good brand (Sony, Manfrotto, Velbon) with a bubble level indicator that shows if the camera is level. You can also go for Joby Gorillapod ( 1,200 onwards), which comes with flexible legs useful for small places where a regular tripod cannot be used.
PRICE
500-30,000 depending on the material used, extended height and additional features.
Almost every camera comes with a tripod screw mount to attach to a tripod, which is used to avoid blurring due to movement. A tripod has three adjustable legs for stability and an adjustable mounting head to pan/tilt the mounted camera. It helps while shooting pictures with a high zoom or long exposure. As a one-time investment, we recommend getting a full-sized tripod from a good brand (Sony, Manfrotto, Velbon) with a bubble level indicator that shows if the camera is level. You can also go for Joby Gorillapod ( 1,200 onwards), which comes with flexible legs useful for small places where a regular tripod cannot be used.
PRICE
500-30,000 depending on the material used, extended height and additional features.
OPTIMISE DSLR PERFORMANCE WITH
THESE...
Lenses
There are various grades of lenses. Besides the standard 18-55 mm lens that is bundled with a DSLR, the needs of most users can be met with two additional lenses. A prime 50 mm lens with an f/1.8 aperture can be used for portraits and images. The second can be a zoom/telephoto lens—50-250 mm or 70-300 mm. If you are looking for a combo do-it-all lens, check out the Sigma or Tamron 18-200 mm one.
PRICE
50 mm lens: 6,700 (Canon); 6,200 (Nikon) 50-250 mm or 70-300mm: Less than 15,000 18-200 mm: 16,000 (Sigma, Tamron) for Nikon, Canon
There are various grades of lenses. Besides the standard 18-55 mm lens that is bundled with a DSLR, the needs of most users can be met with two additional lenses. A prime 50 mm lens with an f/1.8 aperture can be used for portraits and images. The second can be a zoom/telephoto lens—50-250 mm or 70-300 mm. If you are looking for a combo do-it-all lens, check out the Sigma or Tamron 18-200 mm one.
PRICE
50 mm lens: 6,700 (Canon); 6,200 (Nikon) 50-250 mm or 70-300mm: Less than 15,000 18-200 mm: 16,000 (Sigma, Tamron) for Nikon, Canon
External flash
Although most DSLRs have a built-in flash, an external flash is useful if you require more control over exposure and a wider range of illumination. An external flash is 10 times stronger and can cover over four times the distance compared with a built-in flash. It can also generate a more natural picture with softer shadows and brighter backgrounds. The external flash is usually attached to the hot shoe mount of a DSLR, while a wireless flash can be placed within a certain range.
PRICE
9,500 onwards (Canon) 7,550 onwards (Nikon)
Although most DSLRs have a built-in flash, an external flash is useful if you require more control over exposure and a wider range of illumination. An external flash is 10 times stronger and can cover over four times the distance compared with a built-in flash. It can also generate a more natural picture with softer shadows and brighter backgrounds. The external flash is usually attached to the hot shoe mount of a DSLR, while a wireless flash can be placed within a certain range.
PRICE
9,500 onwards (Canon) 7,550 onwards (Nikon)
Filters
Filters are attached at the front of a lens, typically using a screw mount. The different types of filters include polariser, ND (neutral density), ultra-violet or graded. Though UV filters reduce the effect of haze, they are usually used to protect the lens from dust, fingerprints and damage. The remaining filters can be used to avoid over-exposure, improve colours or add a colour tone to your picture. Various other filters, which add basic effects like sepia, can be used as diffusers, or for closeup images, can also be bought.
PRICE
Start from 500 for brands like Hoya or Marumi.
Filters are attached at the front of a lens, typically using a screw mount. The different types of filters include polariser, ND (neutral density), ultra-violet or graded. Though UV filters reduce the effect of haze, they are usually used to protect the lens from dust, fingerprints and damage. The remaining filters can be used to avoid over-exposure, improve colours or add a colour tone to your picture. Various other filters, which add basic effects like sepia, can be used as diffusers, or for closeup images, can also be bought.
PRICE
Start from 500 for brands like Hoya or Marumi.
Cleaning kits
DSLRs and cameras with interchangeable lenses need regular maintenance. Though a large variety of accessories is available, we recommend an air blower, which can softly blow away bigger dust particles; a soft brush to clean lens glass (Lenspen); and a microfibre cloth to wipe off fine dust or liquid deposits.
PRICE
The price of all these components ranges from 500–1,000.
DSLRs and cameras with interchangeable lenses need regular maintenance. Though a large variety of accessories is available, we recommend an air blower, which can softly blow away bigger dust particles; a soft brush to clean lens glass (Lenspen); and a microfibre cloth to wipe off fine dust or liquid deposits.
PRICE
The price of all these components ranges from 500–1,000.
Remote shutter release
While the main purpose is to allow one to take a photograph from a distance, it can also help eliminate any vibration resulting from touching the shutter button. A remote shutter release can be wired or wireless, though the latter works with select cameras.
PRICE
You can get a third-party shutter release online for as low as 600, but we recommend a branded one, which can be had for 1,000 onwards.
While the main purpose is to allow one to take a photograph from a distance, it can also help eliminate any vibration resulting from touching the shutter button. A remote shutter release can be wired or wireless, though the latter works with select cameras.
PRICE
You can get a third-party shutter release online for as low as 600, but we recommend a branded one, which can be had for 1,000 onwards.
Karan
Bajaj. ET120903
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