On the verge of a new camera purchase but...

**HayTay** · 09 July 2010, 12:48 AM

Alright, I've pretty much decided that I'm going to splurge and purchase a Pentax K-x DSLR camera bundle that includes both the DA L 18-55mm and DA L 55-300mm lenses. From what I've read the camera has received great reviews with regard to value, quality, features and ease of use. I've actually downloaded, printed, and read the entire users manual in preparation for my impending purchase. It seems that the camera has more features and functions than I'll be able figure out, and use, in my lifetime. It'll definitely be a step up from borrowing and using my daughter's point-and-shoot digital camera.

So, my question is, beyond memory cards and batteries, are there any other accessories (without going overboard) that I should consider purchasing along with the camera? Books, carrying cases, filters, cleaning kits, tripods, remote controls, flashes, the list and the drain on my wallet seems to go on, and on. I've never owned a 'semi-professional' SLR camera and am looking to maximize my enjoyment and minimize my learning curve with my new 'toy/tool'. I'd appreciate any advice from all of the camera bugs here on TalkGraphics, so please tell me what you would recommend, and why.

Thanks for helping me out,
Harry

**steve.ledger** · 09 July 2010, 01:03 AM

Great choice Harry. As you probably recall, I have the PENTAX *istDS since 2004 and the PENTAX K-7 since last December.

My advice is to buy nothing else yet, take it with you whenever you go out - and use it often.
I made what turned out to be a mistake in buying a LowePro carry case for the *istDS to serve and protect my purchase. I had space for the camera body with lens fitted, another lens, cards, batteries and so on. And guess what? I rarely took it out of the bag. (You'll likely hear the same thing from lot's of others too at www.talkphotography.co.uk and http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums).

I did buy a Velbon Sherpa tripod as initially my photos were all blurry, however though a tripod is great and necessary in some conditions, I just got better at keeping steady and setting the camera correctly

Filters? Well, I have a skylight and polarizing filter, but they only fit one lens which now is no longer the lens I use most (a prime)

You can't know what you'll want/need in 3/6/12 months time - so buy accessories as and when you need them.

Look forward to seeing some K-x shots (and video clips)

**Soquili** · 09 July 2010, 11:43 AM

Harry a skylight and/or polarizing filter is good to protect the lens from dust and scratches. Much cheaper to replace a filter than a lens.

When I was very much into photography and carrying around 3 to 4 cameras it was not unusual to find a scratch on a filter occasionally.

**HayTay** · 09 July 2010, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the tips, so far, guys. That's the type of info I'm looking for. Filters sound like a good idea, Bill. A $40 US filter is a lot easier to replace than a $400 US lens. I'll have to do a little research on filters to see what the difference is between the different types. I may purchase one of each if they'll fit both lenses, then once I figure out how they affect the shot I can swap them between the two lenses if necessary.

Great links Steve, although I think the TalkPhotography link should be www.talkphotography.co.uk. I spent a lot of time last night lurking and reading on both of the sites. Good stuff! To quote Johnny 5, "More input!"

Lots to read up on and research this weekend,
Harry

**masque** · 09 July 2010, 12:43 PM

I agree with steve. Keep the kit down to the minimum to start with. Taking photographs is how you end up with photographs you are proud of, not the amount of equipment you're lugging around.
I've not used one, but from what I've read its a good choice of camera though.
Derek

**GroWeb** · 09 July 2010, 04:41 PM

It has been a long time since I have posted here on TG, partly because I have been spending a lot of time on photography. However, my recent purchase of XDP6 has re-awakened my interest in this great forum.

I would very much agree with Steve's recommendations above. With regard to Bill's point about using UV or other clear filters to protect your lenses' front elements, this is a hotly disputed topic in DSLR land. The problem some photographers identify is that a clear filter can, under certain conditions, cause veiling glare that will affect the quality of your photos. However, lots of people say this has not been a problem for them. The best recommendation I could make would be to remain aware of the possibility of glare, and see for yourself if it is a problem. In conditions where the lens' front element has a high probability of getting scratched, such as a windy beach, a filter is definitely a valuable commodity. For general lens protection, it is also a good idea to keep the hood on your lens when in use (this will protect the front element from colliding with things, and will also reduce glare and flare in your photos), and put on the lens cap when not using the lens.

There is a book that is universallly recommended reading for beginning photographers, called Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. In addition, it can be very helpful to spend time on internet photography forums, such as the ones Steve pointed out, where more experienced photographers can provide insight and guidance. And most of all, have fun! DSLR photography is a whole new world compared to using a point-and-shoot.

Glen

**sylvan** · 21 July 2010, 02:40 AM

Hi HayTay
Have you checked out the samsung nx10? A more compact. Not a dslr, but it does have an electronic viewfinder and manual focusing, etc. It also has interchangeable lenses. Just an idea.

**HayTay** · 21 July 2010, 05:05 AM

Thanks for the tip Sylvan, but it's too late. I just received my new Pentax K-x camera outfit two days ago. Now all I have to do is figure out how to use it effectively and to my advantage. So far I've taken a few dozen photos and they all could benefit by a vast improvement in the skills of the guy controlling the shutter release!

I must work on getting better at focusing manually and setting the exposure correctly (or at least better). Once I manage to get a picture that doesn't have to be heavily post-processed I'll post it.

I can't get much worse,
Harry

**steve.ledger** · 21 July 2010, 05:12 AM

Good to hear Harry,

Yes no point in setting the camera to Auto everything - a P'n'S can do that.
Make LOT'S of mistakes and study the EXIF.
If the K-x is anything like the PENTAX dslr's I own, you can use the on/of switch pushed 'one step clockwise' to see a TTL view of the closed aperture. That way you will get a bit of an idea if it's going to be under or over exposed (not entirely, but it's a small measure of help at first)