As is the case with most new purchases, your new camera will benefit from key accessories that maximize its full potential. Your new iPhone didn’t come with a case, but you’d feel naked without one! Cameras are very much the same– so without further ado, let’s jump in with a list of accessories that are guaranteed to keep your gear properly supplemented and performing at its best!
Filters:
There are many types of lens filters; everything from completely clear protective pieces of glass to bad-trip-inducing kaleidoscope filters. The main ones to focus on at the start of your photographic journey, however, are Circular Polarizers (CPL), Neutral Density (ND), and Protective/UV Filters (UV). At the very least, we would recommend a UV filter to all photographers- they offer a protective layer over the front of your lens to prevent scratches and impact damage while maintaining perfect picture quality. It’s much cheaper to replace a busted filter after an accident than it is to repair a whole lens! CPL filters are great for landscape, vehicle and architecture shooters as they improve colour tonality in skies and help cut down on reflections off of glass and water. Finally, ND filters work much like sunglasses for your camera by reducing the amount of light entering the lens- ideal for filmmakers wanting to shoot with a wide-open aperture or landscapists doing long-exposures. It's important to note that every lens will require a different sized filter- find your exact lens' filter thread size on the front element (usually looking something like this: Ø67mm)
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Memory Cards:
Cameras, for whatever reason, still do not come with built-in storage. That being the case, it is essential that you kit yourself out with a memory card that is large and fast enough to keep up with your camera, even in its highest-performance modes. Currently, the most common memory card types are Secure Digital (SD), CF-Express Types A&B (CFE-A/CFE-B) and Micro-SD (mSD). CF-Express cards are much newer and faster versus their SD counterparts- if your camera has a CF-Express slot we would recommend populating that slot first as they are fast enough to handle any camera’s highest-intensity settings. For those limited to just SD cards, we would recommend a minimum of 64GB (roughly ~2,000 Raw photos, 4,500 JPGs), as well as a minimum of a UHS Speed Class 3 certification (Write speed of 30MB/sec or faster). For filmmakers, we would recommend a minimum of 128GB, especially for 4K video, and a card with a V60 speed classification (Write speed of 60MB/sec or faster). While you’re at it, snag a spare or two! You can never have enough camera memory!
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Spare Batteries:
Most modern cameras will average about 500 shots or about an hour and a half of video per battery. So, if you’re planning on having shoots any longer than that, or you’re just looking for some peace-of-mind at your next gig, a spare battery or two are an absolute must-have. It’s extremely important to note that we only recommend using a reputable brand’s battery in your camera. Different cameras require different, yet extremely precise voltages and power delivery and can present a huge fire-hazard when equipped with knock-off batteries that aren’t up to spec. We carry OEM versions of pretty much every modern battery, as well as our house-brand of power accessories from Promaster, that are fully tested and rated for their respective devices, and can also be bundled with a spare charger. Most flagship cameras also offer some form of optional vertical battery grip that will allow you to load two batteries (sometimes three!) at once, as well as provide a more comfortable grip for portrait shooting. Refer to your camera's manual to determine the exact model number of your battery.
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Backup Power & Chargers:
Professional photography often involves long hours of shooting, whether at events, on location, or in the studio. A single battery may not last through an entire session, so having a spare charger will ensure that you can keep shooting without interruptions. An even better option would be a portable backup battery bank to keep all of your devices topped up while in your bag.
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Straps:
A wrist or neck strap is essential to prevent accidental drops and misplacements of your camera. While they’re great for offering peace-of-mind, a good strap can also speed up your workflow immeasurably. Instead of needing to take off and rummage through your bag, your camera will be readily available and can be quickly brought up to your eye for a quick shot. The practical benefits of a strap are safety, accessibility and comfort, and they also make for a great way to personalize your setup!
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Camera Bags:
A well-padded camera bag, whether it be a backpack, sling, shoulder-bag or otherwise, is an absolute must-have for any photographer from hobbyist to professional. Not only are camera bags specifically designed to house delicate, expensive equipment and are much better padded to prevent accidental bumps and knocks, but they are also nearly infinitely customizable with removable dividers to arrange your bag just the way you like it. Many camera bags come with features such as lockable zippers, reinforced straps, and even anti-theft mechanisms to safeguard expensive equipment from theft or unauthorized access. Camera bags come in various styles and sizes to accommodate different types of gear and shooting preferences. Whether you're a hobbyist with a single camera and a couple of lenses or a professional photographer with an extensive kit, there's a camera bag designed to suit your needs.
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Rain Covers:
A lot of contemporary cameras are weather-sealed, but none are necessarily recommended to be used during a torrential downpour. That said, a rain cover can keep your equipment bone-dry and greatly improve your shooting experience in a storm. Water droplets on the lens or camera sensor can distort or degrade image quality, resulting in blurry or hazy photos. A rain cover helps maintain clear optics by keeping water away from the lens and sensor, ensuring that images remain sharp and free from unwanted artifacts caused by moisture. Compared to repairing or replacing water-damaged camera equipment, a rain cover is a relatively inexpensive accessory that can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair or replacement costs.
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Cages, Grips & Mounting Hardware:
Cages are equipped with numerous threaded mounting points, cold shoes, and accessory mounting options. These will allow you to attach various accessories such as external monitors, microphones, lights, follow focus systems, matte boxes, and even additional cameras or rigs. The versatility of mounting options will allow you to fully customize your setup according to your specific shooting requirements. A camera cage provides an additional layer of protection for your camera body. It encloses the camera securely within a metal or aluminum frame, shielding it from accidental bumps, knocks, and drops during filming or photography in rugged environments.
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Tripods, Monopods & Camera Mounts:
One of the primary functions of a tripod, monopod or camera mount is to provide stability to your camera. By reducing camera shake, you’ll produce sharper images and smoother video footage, especially in low light conditions or when using slow shutter speeds. Using a tripod, monopod or mount will give you greater control over your composition, allowing you to carefully frame the shot and make precise adjustments to your camera’s position and angle without having to worry about holding the camera steady manually. This is particularly beneficial for landscape, architectural, and studio photography where precise composition is critical. Tripods and other camera mounts come in various designs and configurations to suit different shooting scenarios and equipment setups. Most tripods feature adjustable legs, allowing you to shoot at different heights or angles. Others offer additional features such as ball heads, pan-tilt heads, or gimbal heads for smooth and precise camera movement.
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Lighting, Reflectors & Flashes:
Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of photography, affecting mood, atmosphere, and overall image quality. Flashes, reflectors, and lighting equipment provide you with control over the intensity, direction, and quality of light, allowing you to shape and enhance the lighting conditions according to your creative vision. We could talk at length about all of the different types of flashes, gels, diffusers, mounts and so on, but rather than overwhelm you with options, we would recommend simply starting out with an on-camera flash and a reflector. The creative possibilities enabled by combining those two pieces of gear are near infinite, and they’ll provide a great starting point for you to get comfortable with shaping light!
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Conclusion
In conclusion, just like any new gadget, your new camera will need a few essential accessories to get the most our of it. These accessories are designed to enhance your photography experience, protect your investment, and ensure you are always ready to capture the perfect shot. From filters and memory cards to spare batteries and straps, each accessory plays a crucial role in keeping your gear safe, functional, and performing at its best. A well-equipped camera bag, rain covers, mounting hardware, and lighting solutions round out the list, providing you with everything you need to tackle any photographic challenge. Equip yourself with these must-have accessories and elevate your photography to the next level, ensuring that you're always prepared, no matter the situation or environment. Find everything we talked about here plus so much more by visiting us in-store or online at mcbaincamera.com
Happy shooting!