Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find camera cases with ease

Camera cases should be a priority purchase for any photographer. Camera cases can be hard or soft, but both styles offer needed protection and added ancillary item storage space to your equipment.

I recommend: Check out the large variety of hard camera cases from Pelican. Purchase a bag from Bogen Imaging, Inc. Buy waterproof camera cases for camcorders, digital cameras, slr and compact cameras from KeepItDryCase.com. Use the Dry Pak Camera Case to keep your camera dry and clean in inhospitable conditions. The pack is a waterproof, floating case that you can shoot pictures right through it.

Add a tripod to your list of owned camera equipment

Be sure and add a tripod to your camera equipment purchase. Tripods are great to include yourself in a photo, to reduce blur in action shots and are a necessity in low light settings.

I recommend: Look at the large variety of tripods from OpticsPlanet, Inc. They carry over 25 different brands of products. Take a peak at the lightweight, professional tripod from Kodak. Check out tripods from the highly recommended B & H Foto & Electronics Corp. Try the pocket sized ClamperPod Mini Camera Tripod.

Purchase used camera accessories for greater savings

Consider the purchase of used camera equipment as a cost effective means to upping your accessory inventory. Most used equipment is like new anyway, and the cost is often around half of what you would pay for new.

I recommend: Purchase used camera filters from KEH Camera Brokers. Scope out used flashes from Adorama Camera, Inc., a large supplier of photographic equipment both new and used. Midwest photo exchange also sells a variety of used camera gear and accessories for cameras.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep your camera parts clean with camera cleaners and wipes. Two styles of wipes are available, both a tissue consistency and cloth ones. Cloth wipes are preferred.
• •  Digital camera accessories are just as easy to find as manual cameras. Extra flashes, lens caps, tripods, cases and cleaners all also apply to your digital equipment.