10 Must-Have Camera Accessories

• A camera bag or backpack
• A fast memory card and external storage
• Spare batteries
• A tripod and tripod head
• Additional lenses
• Lens and sensor cleaner
• Remote shutter release
• Lens filters
• An external flash or flashgun
• Reflectors

You can get the most out of your camera with the right accessories. Taking great shots often requires more than just the camera body and lens. There’s a diverse range of useful accessories designed to suit your photography genre and unique requirements. Whether you're a pro or beginner, the right kit is just as important to you as having the right camera. This handy guide provides information on the top 10 must-have camera accessories.

A camera bag is an important addition to your photography arsenal. Since camera bags protect your equipment from mechanical damage and debris, look out for sturdy models that can handle everyday use. These travel camera accessories have padded sections and can resist weather elements to allow outdoor use.

Camera bags come in various styles and sizes for increased versatility. Deciding on a specific type largely depends on your preference and the gear you need to carry. Carry your cameras, camcorders and photography drones using a camera backpack for easy portability.

Though new cameras usually come with an installed memory card, it may have a very limited capacity. This means that you'll probably need an additional memory card to store large volumes of files. When choosing memory cards, consider the following factors.

• Card format: The most common memory card format is Secure Digital (SD). Others include CompactFlash (CF), CFast and XQD cards. Check out your camera's manual to select a compatible format.
• Card speed: Cameras with high frame rates, large pixel counts or video capture require cards that can handle large data volumes at high speeds.
• Card capacity: Most cameras need high-capacity memory cards, especially if you plan on taking a lot of pictures. However, you may prefer multiple cards with average capacities, so you can spread risk in case of card damage or loss.

An external storage drive, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid disk drive (SDD), will help back up your photo and video files. Do you frequently carry your equipment to sports or outdoor activities? Then opt for hardy portable drives with protective casings to prevent data loss.

Based on your photography needs, it may be hours before you can power your primary camera battery. Having a spare battery allows you to keep shooting as you charge the other battery and save time. When buying extra camera batteries and power accessories, original equipment (OE) offers enhanced durability. If you opt for third-party models, this may affect your camera's warranty in case of equipment damage.

Do your photo shoots take place away from electrical outlets? Battery grips attach extra batteries to your camera and add extra surface area to your camera for increased hand comfort. Some grips also have a continuous mode feature that boosts burst rate and an additional shutter release to use for portrait orientation.

Tripods are essential for any type of photography. They ensure your camera stays totally still as you capture photos and video. When taking photos in low-light conditions, tripods also allow you to use a slower shutter speed to capture a longer exposure. Tripods and tripod heads are also useful when taking a sequence of composite shots.

Tripods come in varying sizes to meet your unique needs. Small and medium-sized ones easily support smaller and lightweight digital single-lens reflex, or DSLR cameras with kit lenses, while larger tripods can hold larger DSLR cameras and longer lenses.

Chances are your new camera will come with a standard zoom lens. Although this is a good starting point, you may require more lenses to increase your range of creative photography. There is an array of lenses available, which may make it confusing to decide which ones to buy. Below is a list of the most popular types of camera lenses and their primary uses:

Other lens considerations include prime or zoom and lens speed. A prime lens has a fixed focal length while a zoom lens has a range of focal lengths. Prime lenses usually cost less than zoom lenses and often have better optical quality. Zoom lenses have more flexibility, allowing you to move the camera image closer to, or further away from your subject without physically having to move. However, zoom lenses are often slower than prime lenses and may produce lower-quality images.

Lens speed is determined by its aperture - the opening in a lens that light passes through to enter the camera. Aperture is shown in f/number, like f/1.4, f2 etc., and the lower the number, the wider the aperture. Slow lenses have a relatively narrow aperture, while fast lenses come with a wider aperture. The wider the aperture, the better the lens will perform in low light conditions, and you’ll be able to achieve a narrower depth of field.

Are you planning to shoot long exposures? Then a camera remote with a release feature goes a long way in improving your photography experience. A remote shutter release allows you to trip the shutter without touching the camera. This reduces the risk of camera shakes and blurry shots. Remote releases also allow you to include yourself in group photos without using the camera timer.

There are two types of remote camera release devices, wireless and cabled. The latter type requires a physical cable connection through a dedicated socket on the camera or the flash hot-shoe. Wireless models offer added range and allow close-up photos without scaring animal subjects. Some support downloadable applications you can use to trigger the shutter from your smart mobile device.

If you already have a flash and are looking for ways to manipulate the light further, consider buying reflectors. These tools redirect light and come in varying forms. The most common reflectors comprise a ring-shaped frame and sheet of flexible material. These accessories are easy to pack, effective and inexpensive. Reflectors come in varying colors to affect the nature of reflected light.

Be smart and start with essential digital camera accessories to help you out in most photography scenarios. Once you narrow down on which photography genre to specialize in, research and buy additional equipment.