Camera Essentials

No matter where you are on your photography or videography journey, there are some camera essentials that you need to make your shots look smooth, crisp and professional, whether you are an amateur photographer, aspiring videographer, seasoned camera user, or even a pro. 

There are as many camera accessories as there are cameras these days, as well as different equipment for cameras and video cameras, so figuring out what you actually need can be overwhelming. We have created this guide to camera essentials to help with this.

As well as the standard camera, memory cards and batteries, there are some essentials to have to take your photography or videography to the next level. From tripods to shoulder rigs, this guide will help you decide what you need for your camera or camcorder to succeed in your photography or videography goals.

Essential Camera Accessories

Camera accessories are designed to make a photographer’s or videographer’s life easier, and they enable you to get the best out of the pictures and videos you take, and the equipment you use (your camera), so the essential camera accessories you need do exactly that; make your photos or videos better.

There are some accessories that should be on every photographer’s list, some that should be on every videographer’s list, and some that are designed for both. These accessories will enable you to take your photos and videos to a professional standard.

Camera Bags

Anyone who has a camera, whether that’s a digital camera or camcorder, should have a camera bag. They are crucial to have to keep your camera safe, protect it from damage, and store it whilst on the go. 

There are a variety of different styles of camera bags available and one of the top camera accessory brands on the market, Manfrotto, stocks a wide range of stylish and versatile camera cases, shoulder bags and backpacks to keep your camera safe and stored well.

Tripods 

Tripods are one of the most important tools in a photographer’s or videographer’s arsenal. They are used to support and stabilize cameras and camcorders, allowing for the perfect shot. Tripods come in a variety of sizes, from mini tripods to full-size tripod systems, and they are all used to support various camera styles.

Tripod systems from Sachtler and speciality video tripods from SmallRig are both used to capture the perfect footage, and you can’t discuss tripods without mentioning Manfrotto, who makes some of the most popular tripods in the market. 

As well as tripod stands, tripod heads are also important. Fluid tripod heads provide a smooth and controlled camera movement, and they are perfect for making smooth and slick videos. Sachtler fluid head tripods are great for giving you the smoothness you need in your videography.

Photography Essentials

There are certain camera essentials that are more applicable to photography and are more well-suited to that medium than videos. Lens filters and accessories are amongst these, as well as external lights, which are essential to make photos look professional and perfectly lit.

Lights 

Lighting is key for any photographer; it can change the look and focus of your photos completely. That’s why many photographers use external lights and softboxes to ensure their photos look professionally shot. 

As well as external lighting, light accessories such as stands are also important to get your subject lit from the best angles.

Lens Filters, Hoods and Accessories

Whilst most photographers are aware that lenses are an essential addition to a camera, there are also lens accessories that can be just as important. Lens accessories can change how your pictures are set up and can add to the lighting or ambience of a picture.

Videography Essentials

As we advance in technology, the lines between photographers and videographers are becoming increasingly blurred. This is reflected in many DSLRs and digital cameras, with many containing the ability to produce video as well as capture images. However, videography often requires some more specific accessories to be successful.

Microphones and Boompoles

In the same way that lights and lenses are integral to a photographer, microphones are vital for a videographer. External microphones provide a clearer sound and ensure that the exact sound that the videographer wants to use is captured. Smallrig stock a wide range of microphones suitable for any camera or camcorder. 

Mounts, Dollies, Jibs and Cranes

The most important aspect of videography is capturing smooth videos, and this is achieved by manoeuvrability. The essentials that allow for this are dollies, mounts, jibs and cranes. These camcorder additions enable videographers to shoot smooth, cinematic-quality videos from any angle.

SmallRig is a specialist provider of manoeuvrability equipment, and they stock a range of cranes, jibs, mounts and more.

Shoulder Rigs and Dynamic Stabilizers

Stability is also important in videography, which is where shoulder rigs and dynamic stabilizers are essential accessories. Shoulder rigs and stabilizers enable camcorder operators to record without any jumping or moving camera equipment hindering them. 

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Best Camera Accessories for Beginners

If you’re starting fresh in the photography or videography world, it can be difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t buy. Yes, you’ve got this fancy new camera or camcorder, but if you don’t know which accessories and add-ons you need, you’ll never be able to master your skills. That is why camera essentials for a complete novice are different than that of a professional, or experienced photographer or videographer.

There are also some camera essentials that are universal to everyone, however, we think the 5 best camera accessories for beginners are:

• Camera bag
• Tripod and tripod head
• Additional lenses and lens cleaners
• Memory cards and memory card readers
• External flashes

A Complete Range of Camera Essentials from Digitech

Digitech stocks an entire range of essential camera accessories to suit every budget. From camera bags to the best on-the-market tripods, you will be able to get your gear up to the top level in no time, and, with free shipping in Dubai, the UAE and Abu Dhabi, you can get the camera essentials you need without having to pay huge shipping fees. 

Browse our ranges of photography, videography and audio equipment today and find your ideal setup.