Once you’ve bought your digital SLR, there are still some items that you need to think about getting your hands on. Check our list of essential extras to see if there’s anything else you need.

Printer

Once you start taking a lot of pictures it’s well worth investing in a decent photo printer. Print sizes range from 6×4 right up to A3 size. An A4 inkjet often provides the most suitable solution.

Memory cards and wallet

Called ‘digital film’ by some people, memory cards are integral to digital photography. The more expensive cards usually offer faster and more reliable performance. Keep your memory cards safe in a memory card wallet. These range from small canvas wallets right up to hardwearing waterproof plastic models. Failing that, keep the cards in the little plastic boxes they come in.

Sensor Cleaning

If you feel up to the challenge of cleaning your own sensor, save yourself some time and money by buying a sensor cleaning kit. Remember to follow the instructions as closely as you can or you’ll risk ruining your whole camera.

Reflector

Keeping a reflector in your bag will prove invaluable on many occasions. Use it to bounce light into a dark subject, lift shadows and a whole host of other applications.

Cleaning Kit

You can’t avoid having to keep your gear clean, so get your hands on a quality lens cloth and special cleaning spray. Make sure that you keep your cloth clean or you’ll just be spreading muck around your lenses.

Spare Battery and Rechargeable Batteries

If your camera takes a dedicated battery, make sure you have at least one spare. Rather than buying lots of single use AA batteries, save yourself some money and get yourself some decent rechargeable batteries and a charger.

Blower Brush

The first stage of any cleaning operation should entail blowing the dust and muck off before you wipe it around. A blower can also be used to get dust off close-up subjects.

Portable Storage

Rather than shelling out lots of money on memory cards, you could invest in a portable storage device. You can save images from your memory card onto it, then wipe the card and carry on shooting. They are indispensable to those who take lots of pictures.