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Top Ten DSLR accessories (cont)
Continued from page one6) 2500 mah nmhi rechargeable batteries and 15-minute charger
NMHI rechargeable batteries are better for the environment than throwing away alkaline batteries. Today’s nmhi batteries have a lot going for them.
Get the ones that are rated at least 2500 or 2800 mah. They have more current than normal alkaline batteries, which allows a flash to recycle faster and last longer.
Get the package with a 15-minute charger. It works both at home and in the car. For me this means that if I am doing a wedding and one set of batteries goes dead, I can drop them in the charger and have that flash back in 15 minutes. Carry an extra set and you can shoot forever and never run out of power.
7) Bounce card
If you have a flash that can tilt the head upward, you can bounce light off of the ceiling (or walls or some guy's white shirt). Bouncing light off of the ceiling provides soft directional lighting but most can cause deep shadows in the subject’s eyes. A bounce card is a piece of white material attached to the flash to redirect some of the light forward to fill the shadows. You can purchase a bounce card or create your own by using paper, a napkin, craft foam or similar material.
8) Camera bag
No one camera bag suits all needs. My best advice is to go to a good-sized camera store with the gear you want to carry and try some bags. I have a very large backpack, which carries every thing I want. But I rarely carry it because of its weight. I often use it as storage and leave it in my truck while carrying a small bag with just the equipment I need for the moment.
9) Tripod
Tripods are like camera bags. You will probably go through many before you find one you like. I have one with a full-sized aluminum tripod with a pistol grip head. Too heavy, it stays in the truck but sometimes it is exactly the right tool for the job. I also have a small, inexpensive aluminum tripod, which fits into a cargo pocket and extends to about 40 inches. It’s good for days when I have to walk all day and can’t get back to the truck.
10) Insurance
This should be at the top of your list. Many people spend thousands of dollars on a camera and then leave it lying around. A homeowner’s policy may cover the camera but typically only if it is stolen from your house. If you make money using your camera, it will not be covered. Talk to your carrier and get specific coverage that works for you.
