The list author says: "In the last year or so the price of Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras has come down dramatically. Many people who never before shot with such a camera are starting to get into the Hobby. I have been snapping photos for over a decade using point & shoot (compact) cameras as well as 35mm SLR. About one year ago I took the plunge and purchased my first Digital SLR - and I could not be more pleased! This is more or less a list of the equipment I have purchased, but a very helpful one for someone looking to take the step to more advanced photography. I designed the list with the highest priority at the top. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, you can find my photos/contact info work at www.flickr.com/louisabate Hope this helps!"
"A great entry level DSLR. It features a healthy 12.2MP sized image sensor (how many pixels make up your image), a large LCD screen, comes with a half way decent lens, and many advanced features that the beginner photographer can grow into."
"Memory! I've always had good luck with Sandisk Ultra cards, but I have Kingston and no-name cards that work just as well. One 4GB card can hold over 150 photos shooting full quality JPG+RAW. *Highly recommend using those settings when setting up your camera. At $12.00 a piece, why not pick up a few."
"A great first prime lens (prime means fixed focal length, doesn't "zoom" For around $100.00 this lens cannot be beat. It is made of plastic, so it's not the most durable of lens's, but the optics are excellent. For some examples of what you can do with this lens see the following photos posted to flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/louisabate/sets/72157617909866162/"
"A lens hood offers an additional level of protection for your lens - it also keeps flare down to a minimum. Experts recommend getting a hood for every lens!"
"A UV filter is another must for any SLR photographer. This protects your lens more than anything else (UV filter will filter UV light). From what I have read/been told, the Hoya Multicoat filters work great. They do appear to be of higher quality than the standard issue Tiffen. Look for filters with Multicoat finish. This 58mm filter is for the 18-55mm lens that comes with the Camera."
"Inexpensive Tripod. For around $30.00 this tripod will work well for any beginner photographer. I purchased it with the intention of upgrading, and I have been satisfied enough to spend my money on other things (namely lenses!)"
"For less than $10.00 you can pick up a wireless shutter release for your camera. Just put the camera into "remote" mode and you can take photos from afar. Well, not too far - this thing will go about 10-12 feet. Keep in mind, this is not a cable release so you must point it directly at the front of the camera for it to work. Bottom line - it's 10 bucks and it works right out of the box."
"A bag. This is entirely up to your personal preference. I purchased this bag by Kata and it has worked well for me. I can fit my camera and three lenses (all with hoods) as well as a laptop and other goodies. It is also fairly nondescript (doesn't look like a camera bag)"
"I put this at the bottom of the list because it isn't really for the beginner. However, after a few months of shooting with the two aforementioned lenses, you may start lusting for something more. This is a macro lens (close up), and it is rated very highly across the Canon community. I recently purchased this lens, and I can attest to its quality."
