ABSTRACT
In addition to better image quality and interchangeable lenses, the SLR has a further benefit over the point-and-shoot camera: accessories that extend its capabilities to better meet your specific needs. You can add flashes, a vertical grip, remote control units, adapter cables, and even dioptric lenses to make the Sony A300 or A350 work just right for you. Naturally, you don’t have to add any of these items to get good pictures, but quite a few enhancements do make getting great shots much easier. Don’t make the mistake of buying a lot of stuff that you don’t need. Build slowly and make sure to purchase items that you’ll actually bring with you and use often. If your camera kit is too big, it might not go as many places as you envision. An overstuffed camera bag looks cool, but it’s heavy, vulnerable, and raises the price of each picture significantly. The type of photography that you intend to explore helps determine what you put on your short list of desired accessories. Some photographers couldn’t do without a tripod; others start to cramp up at the very thought of a tripod. For landscape and long-exposure work, a tripod is essential, but not for portrait work. I’ll go over a few essential items first, then the optional ones.
