Modern cameras can shoot both photos and videos, and its also easy to showcase your skills to the world nowadays, by sharing pictures and videos that display your skills. But its important for those images and videos to look good. There are several accessories out there that help you take great pictures/videos.
Tripods, external flashes, memory cards, filters, and even some lenses are useful accessories for both photo and video. Some accessories (such as lenses, lights, and filters) may be required depending on the needs of the shoot whereas some accessories offer adequate protection to the camera equipment.
Common Accessories for Photo/Video
DSLR camera bag
The free DSLR camera bag that usually comes along with the DSLR camera may not be of the best quality, or may not offer adequate protection and storage. It does make sense to get a good quality DSLR camera bag with nice padded interiors and enough storage pockets that will safely keep your camera and accessories – USB drives, storage cards, and charger, etc. There’s also extra space to store lenses.
DSLR cleaning kit
DSLR cameras are expensive gadgets, so you should take care of it well, especially from dust. That is why you need a cleaning kit. A Professional Cleaning Kit comes with cleaning swabs, natural cleaning agent, special lens cleaning pen, brushes, micro fiber clothes, tissue papers.
- Camera strap
- Extra DSLR battery
- SD card
- DSLR Tripod Stands
Underwater Camera Cases & Housings
Water sports such as scuba diving and splashy activities are popular, which requires accessories such as waterproof camera bags and cases.
An underwater (uw) housing is a waterproof and pressure proof camera case for your camera that allows full control of the camera when diving. .
These cases protect the electronic circuits inside the camera, and are buoyant so that they float and can be easily retrieved. The bags are usually made of transparent plastic, and do not interfere with taking good videos and pictures, and will usually fit most models of cameras.
If you are a technical / deep diver (past 40 meters), you’ll want to check the depth rating on your housing (the deeper you go, more is the water pressure on the camera).
Tripods & Monopods
Camera accessories such as tripods are useful accessories for shooting photo/video, for the passionate traveler and storytellers.
There are occasions when you need the absolute steadiest hands for your camera and the lack of a sturdy camera mount (shaky hands) renders a shot or sequence unwatchable.
Any avid photographer will suggest you to invest in a sturdy tripod that can provide all the support you need when working with slow shutter speeds, long exposures, and close-up shots that would otherwise prove difficult to capture on your own.
Optical stabilization and shake reduction only gets you so far in this day and age.
A tripod is important when shooting in low light conditions, when taking self-portrait photos, when focused on a distant object, or for engaging in a steady FaceTime conversation.
Tripods essentially help steady your camera, affording you the time to make minute changes that could ultimately make or break your final image or video project.
The only time when you would probably not need a tripod is when you need to remain inconspicuous, such as Photojournalists or underwater photographers (over the years, they develop the skills of keeping steady and shooting quickly).
However, for others, the tripod is a must!
Tripods: Key to Low-Light Photography
- A Tripod increases the camera’s stability. Ensures sharper images
- Gives better low light images. Shooting a sunset, full moon, or cityscapes are three of the most popular low light shots. Any photographic shot that involves slowing down the camera’s shutter speed, requires a tripod.
- Without a tripod, nighttime images turn into a blurred mess.
A tripod is designed to support any camera – DSLR, smartphone, GoPro, perfect for travel and daily usage, for taking perfect photos, anytime and anywhere. It offers better stability for landscape, portrait and other styles of photography.
Tripods nowadays have flexible designs, are portable, have extendable legs, are lightweight and easy-to-store. Some have foldable designs and can conveniently fit inside a camera bag.
If you do not want to spend more, have a look at monopod. It is still a better option compared to hand-holding your video camera.
Manfrotto, Sachtler, Gitzo (from the same master brand, Vitec), Vinten are all popular brands that make a range of tripods & monopods.
Choose a tripod with a good ball-head mounting so that you can lock your camera and shoot from odd angles, yet maintain camera stability.
Vixari Tripod
Vixari Tripod is a flexible, portable tripod with compact design, extendable legs, remote shutter. Its lightweight, easy-to-store and can conveniently fit inside your bag. Its so small, it will easily fit into any backpack, purse, bag, or even a large pocket.The tripod includes a tilt head for your DSLR camera, both landscape and portrait modes, a Bluetooth remote shutter, a GoPro tripod mount adapter, and more. The legs extend up to 41 inches in height, but since their telescopic, you can also set them as short as you need.
Its also very versatile/flexible; you will never need a selfie stick again, or need to ask a stranger to take your picture.
Joby GorillaPod Camera Tripods
Take your mobile photography to the next level with the flexible Joby GorillaPod stand/tripod (features rubberized foot grips and wrap-able legs) for smartphones, action cameras, small tablets, compact cameras and more. This versatile tripod allows you to take better photos and smoother videos.
Place your iPhone easily and securely anywhere to awesome pictures and videos. This stand includes a GorillaPod and the GripTight mount for your phone. This grip fits all smartphones (iPhone, Android or Windows phone), with or without a case. The grip secures the device in places, even when it is turned sideways. It is easy to maneuver, tilt and rotate. Rubberized foot grips onto almost surface, easily wraps around trees and poles, or just get the balance you need on uneven surfaces.
ButterflyPhoto professional 72-inch Tripod
The ButterflyPhoto 72-inch Tripod works with almost all brands of Cameras & Camcorders. Kit Includes:
1) 72-Inch Full Size Tripod w/ Deluxe Tripod Carrying Case
2) ButterflyPhoto – ButterflyPhoto Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth
Features of the ButterflyPhoto Professional 72-inch Tripod: Extends to 72 Inches, Tripod Has Special Carrying Handle, Professional Foam Grip, Self Leveling, Rubber Legtip, Built In Bubble Leveling, 3-Way Pan Head, 3-Section Leg, Quick leverlock, Rubber Legtip, Deluxe Soft Case.
Includes ButterflyPhoto Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth – Safely Removes Fingerprints and Dust, Cleans Without Chemicals.
Manfrotto MKCOMPACTADV-BK Compact Advanced Tripod with 3-Way Head
The Manfrotto MKCOMPACTADV is a quality tripod that provides excellecent camera stabilization, Quick release, 3 Way Head for precised setup, Supports up to 6.6lbs.
Three-in-one Iphone Case
A unique three-in-one iPhone case that can be used as a bottle opener, lighter, and as a camera tripod. This hard case bottle opener is perfect for those who love Apple products (and alcohol).
It is made of high quality silicone. Being a case, it also protects your phone from scratches, shocks, accidental drops and collision.
Movable Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod
This dolly comes with a set of three wheels that quickly attach to the GorillaPod Focus Tripod; its modular design allows you to mount the camera on to a stable yet flexible medium to achieve the perfect shot. With this, filmmakers can capture fluid, moving video footage without lugging heavy gear.
Photographers have access to high quality cameras nowadays, but in order to get high quality images (footage) it is important to have proper camera movement; it can mean the difference between your dad’s home movies and a smooth-panning cinematic film.
This dolly by CineSkates allows anyone to achieve fluid camera movement in environments with constraints of space, where traditional camera sliders, dollies and cranes are too cumbersome and not practical to use.
Selfie Sticks for Smartphone Photography
The Selfie Stick has become the latest must-have accessory for all those who’re quite active on the social media. These simple extendable poles allow you to shoot from more than arm distance and lets you take picture perfect portraits. The end results are far better than what you get by holding your camera/smartphone in your own hands and taking selfies.
Using a selfie stick (or selfie pole) you can take great shots of you and your friends from varied angles and in any situation.
Here are some useful selfie stick accessories available to take better pictures and videos.
Adapters
If your smartphone is oversized and heavy, an additional tripod mount that can be used with very large phones and even tablets might be useful. Using an additional mount, you can be sure that your gadget is not squeezed too tightly and therefore damaged, while photographing. Purchasing an extra adapter might be quite expensive, but for sure is an useful investment, due to its high quality.
Remotes
Your selfie stick didn’t come with an external remote? Or the remote is not compatible with your photo device? Don’t worry, you can buy a new one. Trust me, it makes life easier! Decent remotes can be bought for less than 10 bucks.
Camera Lenses
Want better images? Do as the pros do! Using various camera lenses will increase the diversity of your selfies tremendously. You can choose between fish-eyes, wide-angle and micro lenses.
Camera Straps
Guide to the best camera straps for every kind of camera, and straps for other photo related devices such as Camcorders & Binoculars.
These are useful accessories that let you conveniently rest your camera, when not in use.
Though most serve this purpose, there are some such as the wrist strap which is used to conveniently hold your camera so that you can take pictures with one hand.
Here are more variants of these camera accessories:
- Camera Straps: Most common ones are the ones that lets you hold the camera with one hand, mostly for compact cameras
- Head strap Mounts: For the head mount cameras (HERO brand) suitable for capturing fast paced action
- Wrist Straps: Useful for taking pictures with one hand, especially when shooting from certain angles. These prevent accidental dropping of the camera when they’re shooting or simply walking around.
- Float Straps: To make sure your camera stays afloat, when shooting in water.
- Shoulder/Neck Strap: Perfect for resting the heavier SLR cameras
- Waist Straps: Suitable for the more compact cameras
Camera hand grip wrist straps
Many photographers now use wrist straps to secure a camera. They’re perfect for adventure and sport photographers who are always on the go. These quick-connecting, quick-adjusting camera hand strap allows instant access to your camera’s controls.
The best hand/wrist straps provide real weight support in the correct place on your hand: over and above your knuckles, and close to your wrist.
The curved shape also positions your hand in a perfect shooting position (45 degrees to the camera body) allowing you to comfortably reach the trigger and all other controls. These hand straps are designed for professional camera bodies and shooting environments, and offer great ergonomics.
These hand/wrist straps are best for amateur sports and outdoors.
The Kodak Essential Floating Camera Wrist Strap keeps your waterproof camera afloat (when doing activities such as kayaking, swimming). It’s easy to locate because of the bright orange color.
Folding Portable Lightbox Studio
A portable studio allows you to take great photographs, as it provides a well-lit mini-environment, necessary to take great pictures. These come with built-in LEDs that help create a perfectly lit “micro-studio” environment to get great images.
These are foldable and you can take excellent pictures of products right at home, without having to invest in expensive white backgrounds, soft-boxes and camera lights. These let you shoot quality pics anytime, anywhere as it includes all the necessary equipment (light, backdrops and power).
These are perfect for Bloggers, DIY & Hobbyiest, Online Store Owners. In fact, anyone could benefit from these if you want to take good pictures at home.
Some mini studios come with black, white and gray backdrops to take great pics of food, craft projects, or your pet. You can also make your own backdrops (using paper or fabric)
On some mini studios, you can even control the brightness of the light as per your needs.
These act as a DIFFUSER as they help decrease the object’s shadow, and decrease the reflection of the studio light.
Camera Remote Control
A camera remote control lets you take pictures without having to be behind the camera.
Most cameras come with a built-in timer, which is very useful if you want to take your own pictures, and when there is no one around to click your photo.
This works perfectly for your own self or may be for a couple, as you can quick get into a position, and the camera does the rest.
However, with a bigger group, this is a problem.
Besides, if you have ever clicked pictures, you would definitely have experienced the fact that shaky hands can spoil pictures.
Most photos come out bad because you could not keep your hands steady. A slight jolt means you have to retake the shot.
A better alternative is to use a Tripod, but then it is still not useful in certain situations as you still have to press and release the shutter button.
That is where a Camera Remote Control comes in handy.
Though these are good for group photos, you can still use it to get a different perspective on your images, as it gives you the ability to remotely trigger your camera’s shutter.
Camera Flash Types and Flash Attachments
Most cameras may already come with one, but then some of these attachments are really helpful to give you more control over the light.
Built-in Camera Flash
Your digital camera might already be having a built-in flash. Actually, it is the most convenient and easy to use. In fact, if you set your camera in the auto mode, you won’t even realize that it fired when you click a picture.
External Flash Units
This is for the more serious photographers and is a common sight in most indoor shoots.
An external camera flash unit lets you illuminate subjects that are further away, and also provides a greater control over the quality and direction of the light.
Most External Flash units (often referred to as flashguns) have their own power source and therefore are not a drain on your camera’s batteries.
Slave Flash Units
If your camera does not have a hot shoe or other flash connector (which actually most pocket cameras don’t) you can use a slave flash unit.
But what exactly is hot shoe?
It is basically a bracket on top of the camera which provides an electrical connection between the flash and camera. Using a hot shoe enables your camera to control several aspects of the flash using your camera’s flash options, such as flash exposure compensation.
Studio Strobes
Ever wonder why some pictures look so good, and what accessories are probably those photographers using?
Welcome to Studio Strobe (flash)!
If you need more light and control than you are getting from flash units mounted on a camera’s hot shoe, use Studio strobes!
Hot lights
There are still more specialized light sources available at your disposal.
Hot lights are unlike strobes in that they are ‘hot’ to work under because they do not flash; rather, they are continuous tungsten or Halide Metal Iodide (HMI) lights that remain on until you turn them off.
Ring Flashes
What about the photographers who shoot close-ups of insects, flowers or close-ups in general? What’s available for them?
A ring flash is a special kind of flash, ideal for use in macro or close-up photography. It allows you to shoot at smaller apertures for a greater depth of field, and also prevents the camera or subject movement from causing any sort of blur.
What is Off Camera Flash?
In simple words, a flash can be synched to your camera so that you can take off the flash and place it some angle where you need more light for the subject, however, you will need a separate off camera flash for this purpose. By separating the flash from the camera, you throw up different options in terms of softboxes, diffusing the light using various umbrellas and beauty dishes etc.
What is important is where you place the flash rather than what type of flash you may have. By placing the flash at the right angle, you can create a much more natural look to the picture rather than a harsh flat light which is very obvious. When you have the flash and your lens in the same angle, you flatten all the natural shadows and it makes a huge difference to the appearance of depth. By placing the flash where it is required, you only lighten the areas than need light, hence giving a very natural look to the pictures.
You will need a external flash unit that preferably goes with your camera to give you more control over the flash when its off camera.
With the right off camera flash and the right technique, a photographer can achieve the desired effect for any picture. An off camera flash helps you become more versatile with lighting and its different effects. With a little bit of trial and error, you can play around with the off camera flash positioning and angles and get the light to fall on the subject just like you wanted. An off camera flash gives you control over your lighting and helps you get the desired effect.
Memory Cards
SD card
When taking pictures and shooting videos, you will often run out of storage space (memory) that is why you will need SD card. SD cards are available in various capacities (storage space) and the prices of the SD card would depend on the capacity that you choose for your DSLR camera.
SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB SD card: Supports transfers speeds of up to 95MBps. Great for 4k video recordings as well. It is water proof and shock proof.
Wifi Upload Memory Card
Most modern DSLR cameras come with in-built Wi-Fi. In case your camera doesn’t, you can buy a separate Wifi enabled SD card that will provide you the benefit of built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to directly share media with smart phone or other gadgets.
These make your camera smarter and are a reasonably cheap upgrade; these let you do Wi-Fi Uploads from your Digital Camera.
Digital Backdrops
Backdrop paper, muslin backdrops, painted backdrops and other materials that can be rolled up or rolled out as needed, have long been a staple of studio photography. But they also take up room, and can get old and boring rather quickly, and will need to be ultimately replaced.
You could explore using Digital Backgrounds that show oceans, lakes, swimming pool, sunrise, sunset, jungles, and more. You can order these online, from your local store, photo supply stores, or commercial art supplies stores.
You can create your own digital photography backdrop using a computer, or you may nuy ready made backdrops; whether computer generated or muslin
Battery Life: Conservation Tips
The following are the more commonly used batteries in cameras:
- Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
- Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
- Lithium Ion
Some Batteries require conditioning, which means fully discharging and then fully charging a battery pack, especially when it is new.
It helps maintain the optimum performance of a battery pack, particularly for Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries.
In fact, most manufacturers and experts recommended doing it at least once a month for optimum performance and increased charge capacity.
Lithium Ion batteries do not require conditioning.
Most battery packs need to be fully charged and fully discharged up to five times to really bring them up to full capacity. Most experienced photographers are aware of this “cycling” process.
When you try charging for the first time, most cameras would say that the battery has been charged completely, if you keep it charging for ten to fifteen minutes. Most Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) display this characteristic, whereas the fact is that these batteries never get charged completely the first time.
So you need to make it go through the conditioning process.
Just, remove the battery pack, let it cool down for about fifteen minutes or so and then repeat the charging procedure.
Most rechargeable batteries undergo self-discharging, when they are left unused for long periods of time. This is especially true of Ni-MH and Li-ion batteries.
It is best to remove the batteries when not in use. This is a good practice to follow, as it keeps your camera safe as well.
Battery Packs, Chargers, Belts, Power Stations
AC adapters are designed to supply your camcorder with continuous power but its a good practice to carry spare chargers and batteries so that you don’t miss out on capturing good footage and pictures.
You can either use rechargeable batteries or disposable batteries for your camera.
You will need an external charger to charge the batteries. These feature LED Light to indicate that charging is complete.
Battery Power Kits
Power Kits: Battery and Charger Kit for Cameras & Camcorders; includes batteries, charger/power supply, power cables.
Power Extension Cables: Checkout some heavy duty power cables and extenders for your video gear.
Battery Mounting Plates are useful for powering on-camera lights. Use these accessories to convert your professional camera to a V-Mount. A two-Pin DC-out connector allows an on-camera light to receive power from the on camera battery.
Power Strips Surge Protectors (Multiple outlets)
To connect the various equipment and to reduce clutter (and for surge protection), you can use multiple-outlet Power Strips.
You can also consider UPS Battery Backup, if you work with computers, digital equipment, lots of data and media files.
Multi-Port USB Charging Station Docks
Multi-Port USB charging station dock allows you to charge all your mobile gadgets (Smartphones and tablets) in one go.
The design is cleaner as all the USB slots are hidden under the lid, along with an integrated cord management system (leave your cables inside to keep things better organized).
Camera Cables Cords
Cables are of various types, and serve different purposes. Usually, you need a camera cable for these situations:
- A USB cable to download picture
- A/V cable to connect to a Television
- FireWire cable to download movies
Depending on the model you buy, the camera may come bundled with one or all of these, but even otherwise it is easy to find digital camera cables and camera cords for almost every major digital camera brand.
Digital Photo Frames
Digital photo frames are increasingly becoming a permanent fixture in many households, as more and more people proudly display a digital photo frame for others to see their picture perfect & happy family.
The digital photo frame is a great way to bring your photos and videos to life without requiring a computer, and you can set it up in seconds. Just load the pictures in the memory card and your pictures will be brilliantly displayed with print like quality on best resolution.
Though you can select one photo at a time, you may put the frames on slideshow mode where you can view one picture after another (you can specify the delay).
Photo frames also act as wonderful gifts to your loved one as it preserves the special memories of their past.
Video-Specific Accessories
External Microphones / Headphones
Mics built in cameras have short-comings: they are designed for basic audio recording and will invariably capture more sounds than you really desire (noise and clicks as you press the various buttons).
Tie-clips and shotguns are external mics that help boost the sound quality of captured video.
- A personal microphone attaches to the speaker’s clothing
- A directional microphone sits on the top of the camcorder
When you are recording with an external microphone, you should always monitor what you are recording with the help of the headphones (once the external microphone is connected, the built-in microphone of the camcorder will not work).
Cables
Coming to cables, you will need them for a couple of purposes, and almost all the camcorders will be initially supplied with these cables.
AV cable – For viewing your video on a TV screen! Depending on the camcorder, you may also be able to record from a TV/VCR to a tape/disk within the camcorder.
USB Cable – For transferring still pictures and compressed email-type video clips to and from a computer.
More Accessories
- Remote shutter release: Even when your camera is mounted on the tripod, the simplest action like pushing the shutter button can still cause camera shake and prevent you from taking the sharpest images. This camera accessory works in a couple of ways – connected by a cable to the camera or using an infrared connection to activate the shutter.
- A good circular polarising filter: Important to cut down glare and reflections off shiny surfaces. If you are landscape photographer you will really benefit from a polariser (sky looks bluer, vegetation looks greener). Always remember to use a polarising filter that is equivalent or of higher quality to your lens. There is no point in putting bad glass in front of good glass.
These are some important digital camera accessories that you need to have in your camera bag. You need to choose which ones will serve your particular needs the best.
Cables & Cords . Batteries & Chargers . Blank Media . Films
Filters related Accessories . Flash Accessories . Lens & related Accessories
Light Boxes & Loupes . Light Meters & Accessories . Lighting
Cases & Bags, Straps & related Accessories . Rain Covers . Tripod & Monopod Accessories . Sandbags
Cleaners . Digital Picture Frame Screen Protector Foils . Viewfinders . Remote Controls . Digital Photo Viewers
iPhone Accessories / Kits
There are many filmmakers who have used the iPhone to shoot great movies. However, they didn’t just pick up (unbox) the iPhone and start filming with it. Here’s what you need to know about using your iPhone for filmmaking and tips to maximize your iPhone’s filmmaking capabilities.
Why iPhone for Filmmaking
- Stabilize your iPhone camera with Tripods and Gimbals
- Use industry-standard lights (regular lighting solutions) that you would use for your regular project.
- iPhone’s native camera apps are designed for consumer use. Filmmakers use special camera apps, such as FiLMiC pro, to get more manual control over the camer in order to produce high quality video.
Drones for Aerial Videos and Photos
Camera on a Drone
What started out as a hobby gadget is today an essential tool for any serious photographer/videographer, thanks to the advent of light action cams like Go Pro.
Drone manufacturers started to sell drones with Go Pro, which revolutionized action filming, as one could now produce high-quality cinematic aerial footages, without having to hire a helicopter.
These days, you find many photographers or videographers using drones to capture beautiful aerial views. You can either buy drones with the camera or add it separately. The budget drones usually use cameras that are a cheaper equivalent of a low resolution webcam.
The high end drones offer HD video options or HD action camera such as a GoPro. You have many additional add on features that the drone offers such as a first-person view (FPV), sending a pilot’s-eye view from the drone itself to a phone or tablet or even video goggles for the ultimate pilot-seat flying experience.
Legal Requirements for flying a drone
Drones could be used for destructive activities as well – dropping bombs, spying, etc.). So several countries (zones or local area) have laws concerning flying of drones.
In fact, in most countries its banned unless you’re covering some event indoors. In other countries, flying near any type of airfield, large or small is prohibited.
If you’re part of a crew going abroad to cover some event, make sure you read the local rules in case you’re planning to fly a drone outdoors, or get the requisite permission before-hand. It could land you in trouble and your gear could be confiscated.
The civil aviation authorities in several countries have listed down the rules for the casual, recreational flyer (with or without camera on board). So make sure you read those rules and adhere to them if you want to stay safe and out of trouble.