Hellobee Boards Topic: Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?

Hellobee Boards Topic: Buying a new camera -- what else do you need? https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:43:28 +0000 yin on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-350426 Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:32:26 +0000 yin 350426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I would recommend an extra battery and the 50mm lens. While most batteries do hold a decent charge, you don't want to be left in a situation where you are waiting for your battery to charge. It is always nice to have a spare. The 50mm lens is a favorite of mine and pretty much stays on the camera at all time. I can notice a big difference in photo quality with other lenses and always go back to using the 50mm. One more thing -- make sure to get a high capacity and high speed SD card. Since you will be able to shoot video, it will take up a lot of memory space. The higher speed ensures the ability for the camera to write the data to the memory card quickly and also for you to access the photos and review faster. I also highly recommend using Lightroom. I started editing photos out of necessity because DH is the one who uses the camera but would never edit them even though he shoots in RAW format. It is super easy to edit and user friendly. I love it! ladyfingers on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-350411 Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:24:39 +0000 ladyfingers 350411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @PurplePumps: Thanks -- I just ordered the refurbished T2i from Canon today though! :) PurplePumps on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-350163 Fri, 19 Oct 2012 10:59:50 +0000 PurplePumps 350163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @ladyfingers: Hey, I just saw this on B&H and thought you may be interested, looks like a good price for this bundle - $599 after rebate Includes Rebel T3i Digital Camera with 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit 55-250mm Lens Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II Inkjet Printer Canon Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss 13 x 19" (50 Sheets) 16GB SanDisk Extreme Class 10 SDHC Memory Card (UHS-I) Lowepro Rezo 170 AW Digital Camera Bag (Black) <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896664-REG/Canon__REBEL_T3I_w_EF_S_18_55_55_250_PRO_9000.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896664-REG/Canon__REBEL_T3I_w_EF_S_18_55_55_250_PRO_9000.html</a> MamaBehr on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-349634 Fri, 19 Oct 2012 06:59:42 +0000 MamaBehr 349634@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @ladyfingers and @foodnerd81 Here is the website for the refurbished Cannons: <a href="http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252" rel="nofollow">http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252</a> My friend who works for Cannon said that these cameras have nothing wrong with them except that they had a "blemish" on them during production that has been fixed. I actually totally forgot mine was refurbished until now! He also recommended the 18-55 lens. wahine08 on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346383 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:48:06 +0000 wahine08 346383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I also second (or third) the UV Filter lens (I also have the Tiffen 52mm but with nikon, I can use 52mm for both my kit 18-55mm and my 35mm) and a comfy strap! I still have my stock nikon strap and I've actually gotten little rashes around my neck! I need to invest in one pronto. I also made a padded insert (found on Pinterest) for my handbag so I don't have to carry around my big camera bag. I have the Nikon D5100, so I'm not familiar with the Canon you're looking at.. but I did get a 35mm 1.2 lens and I love it for portraits and food pics :) ladyfingers on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346373 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:44:14 +0000 ladyfingers 346373@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Adira: Makes sense! It's cheap enough :) Adira on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346370 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:43:31 +0000 Adira 346370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @ladyfingers: I haven't had an issues with it, but I'm just a beginner photographer. I'm sure there are better out there, but this was a good start for me so that I didn't have to worry about my lens. ladyfingers on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346365 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:40:50 +0000 ladyfingers 346365@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Adira: Thanks! I was looking at that one, but the reviews didn't sound great... Adira on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346360 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:39:26 +0000 Adira 346360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @ladyfingers: I have this one: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-58mm-UV-Protection-Filter/dp/B00004ZCJI/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_y" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-58mm-UV-Protection-Filter/dp/B00004ZCJI/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_y</a> And yes - you do need a different one for your 18-55mm lens vs your 50mm lens because they are different sizes. Amazon.com's Product Description of each lens will tell you the filter size. The 18-55mm needs a 58mm filter, while the 50mm needs a 52mm filter. That's for Canon - Nikon is probably different. Amazon.com also usually suggests a filter when you're looking at the lens, so I just get whatever they suggest. oahujeni on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346356 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:35:42 +0000 oahujeni 346356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Because of this thread I'm buying a new lens and a filter right now. My t3i kit lens has two giant scratches in it. I didn't know what a filter was for when I bought the camera, but now I'm buying one for $5 on amazon. Wish I had bought one in the beginning! ladyfingers on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346351 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:34:30 +0000 ladyfingers 346351@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Adira: @Thehistoryofus: Which UV filter do you have, and how do you know which size to get for your lens? Do I need a separate one for the 18-55mm kit lens and the 50mm lens? Shutterbug on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346335 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:28:41 +0000 Shutterbug 346335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Thehistoryofus: @Adira: YES! I was going to recommend this - it's way cheaper to replace the UV filter than to replace the lens if you scratch it. You also might want to get a wireless remote and a tripod so you can take family pictures or pics of you and baby, but that's not essential, and not right away photojane on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346328 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:25:59 +0000 photojane 346328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ just wanted to add that the filter is helpful for protection, and a lot of places will offer you a lens package that includes the filter for cheaper than buying them separately. ladyfingers on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346310 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:19:40 +0000 ladyfingers 346310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @sunny: @oahujeni: Thanks for the info on the memory cards! And will hold off on the tripod ;) Thanks guys, these recommendations are awesome! @photojane: I can definitely get the 50mm with the refurb price on the camera. Adira on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346309 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:19:27 +0000 Adira 346309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ The only other thing I'd suggest that I didn't see here (and I may have just missed it) is a UV Filter for your lens, solely for the purpose of protecting it from cracking or getting scratched. UV Filters are cheap to replace, but replacing your lens would be expensive. ETA: Looks like @Thehistoryofus beat me to this suggestion! T.H.O.U. on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346307 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:18:29 +0000 T.H.O.U. 346307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Another thing that I keep on my lens is a UV filter. It helps protect the lens. photojane on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346303 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:16:30 +0000 photojane 346303@https://boards.hellobee.com/ i just wanted to add that buying refurbished is a great way to go! much cheaper with the same quality and an awesome warranty. i've bought several camera's refurbished, and never regretted it once. then as far as other things you'll need -- you'll definitely need a memory card, and i think a cheapy 8gb would be just find for what you need, and you can actually just get a small bag insert for your camera and lens that fits right into your purse or diaper bag (something like this: <a href="http://www.focalprice.com/DS212O/2001_Padded_Partition_Bag_Case_for_Canon_Nikon_DSLR_Orange.html?utm_source=CS&utm_medium=PA_US&utm_campaign=CS_PA_US_DS212O&gclid=COqSteLfirMCFWThQgodm08AWw#.UIAOgHGIZaU)" rel="nofollow">http://www.focalprice.com/DS212O/2001_Padded_Partition_Bag_Case_for_Canon_Nikon_DSLR_Orange.html?utm_source=CS&utm_medium=PA_US&utm_campaign=CS_PA_US_DS212O&gclid=COqSteLfirMCFWThQgodm08AWw#.UIAOgHGIZaU)</a>. i think the absolute most important part of getting good images with your dslr is a quality lens. you might get pictures you're pretty happy with with the kit lens, but until you invest in quality glass, you won't get the most from your camera. the 50mm is so cheap, and so versatile... i really recommend it. it will allow you to take indoor pictures of lo without flash, which will make a huge difference in your pictures. ShootingStar on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346301 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:15:50 +0000 ShootingStar 346301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ You'll probably want a lens cleaning kit, and I 2nd the recommendation for a wireless memory card. I have the Eye-fi card and love it. IDK if you have an iphone or will be wanting to upload to facebook (or anywhere else) but it's so cool to be able to take a pic with the good camera and then connect wirelessly to my phone and post it online. It's also great to not have to worry about the connection cord or forgetting the card in your computer. oahujeni on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346293 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:13:25 +0000 oahujeni 346293@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I have a t3i and love it! Definitely get a high write-speed memory card, but I recommend that you do not get one that is high in mb. I have about 4 6-8mb memory cards. I started with a 32mb one to take on our vacation but ended up bringing the smaller ones instead after talking with friends that have dslrs. Although the technology has gotten better, even the best memory cards can fail so if you rely on just the one big card then you could potentially lose everything. Oh, and don't spend money on a tripod yet. I might have a hookup on a good one for you... for free :) sunny on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346282 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:08:43 +0000 sunny 346282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Btw, for memory cards, Sandisk commands a bit of a premium over other brands but be aware there are tons of fakes out there. I chose Sandisk for myself and purchased from BHphotovideo which is a reputable store. My friend was sent fakes when he purchased on eBay. ladyfingers on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346264 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:04:32 +0000 ladyfingers 346264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @PurplePumps: Yep, that's what I read, as well. On Amazon, though, the T3i is cheaper than the T2i, which is sort of insane. But if I can snag the refurbished T2i, that would be perfect. @Thehistoryofus: Good to know on the nifty fifty, thanks! PurplePumps on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346235 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:56:43 +0000 PurplePumps 346235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Looks like you've already touched on the subject, but I've also read that T2i and T3i is exactly the same functionally in terms of the optics and that the only difference is the flip out screen, and the fact that the screen then also makes it bigger and heavier. So unless the flip out screen is important, I'd save the money, weight and size, and go for the T2i. I've seen 32 gig class 10 SD cards for $20, so memory is pretty negligible in the cost. I don't think an extra battery is necessary, I go weeks at home without charging my T3. But if you do need one, they have non-OEM ones on Amazon for <$20, and they actually have a larger capacity than the OEMs. T.H.O.U. on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346233 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:56:36 +0000 T.H.O.U. 346233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I have a t2i and I love it. My dad got a new camera when the T3i came out and he went with the T2i because it was cheaper and he didn't need any of the new features. A GOOD memory card is important especially if you are capturing movie. Since its HD movie, you need a card with a high write speed otherwise the video will stop recording until the memory card can catch up. I find the battery to be fine. It lasts me a few days if I were shooting all the time. I have the 50mm f/1.8 lens and I dont love it as much as I thought I would. <a href="http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nifty-fifty-50mm-prime-lens" rel="nofollow">http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nifty-fifty-50mm-prime-lens</a> I have a tripod and rarely use it. I would recommend a good case/bag for storing things and also something small and easy to carry around. I actually just got a neoprene cover for $15 which is great because I can then throw the camera in the diaper bag without worrying about scratches or leaking sippy cups. sunny on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346225 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:54:06 +0000 sunny 346225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ My battery pack lasts forever! I would not buy an extra unless you are finding that you need it. I would recommend a lens filter. Not everyone will agree with me, but I feel "safer" using one. It is a thin disc that sits in front of your lens. Depending on who you ask, it protects or detracts from the lens. I find a tripod useful for when I want to be in the picture too. stiffaknee on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346223 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:52:58 +0000 stiffaknee 346223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @ladyfingers: I have a Canon 60d and I have NEVER had an issue with the battery life...The fun thing is, if you forget to turn it off, it turns off on its own. So I dont think the extra battery is necessary. I also have a tripod but I've never used it... ladyfingers on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346217 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:50:11 +0000 ladyfingers 346217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Smurfette: Good idea! @mamabolt: Wow, that's neat -- thanks! ladyfingers on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346215 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:49:30 +0000 ladyfingers 346215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @sunny: Yep, I'm going to look into a class. We already have Photoshop and Lightroom at home, we do the $50/month Adobe Suite subscription plan because I'm trying to learn the software. mamabolt on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346213 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:49:19 +0000 mamabolt 346213@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Look into wireless memory cards! We got one and it's my favorite thing about out DSLR - all the pics are instantly on our computers instead of having to remember to download them. ladyfingers on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346212 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:48:51 +0000 ladyfingers 346212@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Is it totally essential to get a tripod if I'm going to be shooting around my house for the blog? Or does the camera do well with image stabilizing? And what about an extra battery pack? Not essential for my purposes? @stiffaknee: Thanks for the Woot tip! It looks like I can get a T2i (which is essentially the same from what I understand) for $449 refurbished so unless I find a better deal on the T3i or T2i, I might go with that since it's a full $200 cheaper than the new T3i on Amazon. sunny on "Buying a new camera -- what else do you need?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/buying-a-new-camera-what-else-do-you-need#post-346207 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:47:02 +0000 sunny 346207@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Maybe lessons/classes and some editing software? I also find a tripod useful but not essential.