Just bought my first DSLR, now what

[reddeviluk]

Hi Guys, I have literally just ripped open the packaging on my first ever DSLR (Canon 1000d), I've had a play and now common sense (and my wife) have made me think how expensive it is and how I need to protect it. I have nothing at all, so need suggestions on a bag (was thinking about THIS that I've seen suggested on the forums), but also reading up on UV filters to protect the lens and also an LCD protector......and it's all getting too much for me and my wallet once again..

Any suggestions before I head out over the nearest hill or lowest dale to get my first snap shots??????

Cheers,

Rich

[Yandros]

Bags are a VERY personal thing, and you'll probably end up with several if you accumulate lenses. At the very least, you'll have a 'travel light' and 'everything but the kitchen sink' bag option. If you've only got the camera and kit lens for now, you might want to get something that takes the camera+1 extra lens and bits and bobs (shoulder bag, or a 1/2 and 1/2 camera backpack/daypack). A 1000D+kit lens is going to look a bit lonely in a microtrekker for now.

Yes to a screen protector. My D200 comes with a plastic one, and my belt buckles would've scratched the screen to hell by now without one.

UV filters are controversial. A cheaper (and probably better option) is a good sized lens hood. That'll actually offer more protection than a UV filter, as well as reducing flare. I push my lens up to glass,cages etc with a lens hood on with no worries, and stories of dropped cameras suggest that the lens hoods tend to break the fall pretty well quite often.

[RobDickinson]

Bags are worthwhile , I wouldnt bother with an LCD protector or a UV filter (especialy on a 'cheap' kit lens).

dSLR's are hardy pieces of kit, dont drop them from a height onto concrete but dont baby them either.

[SprocketRocket]

Do however get yourself a lenspen for cleaning your lens they are less than a tenner and it will remove marks you didn't know were there.

[paulyoung666]

i have just bought a 1000d with the 18-55 is lens , i have bought a uv filter for the lens , my logic is , it is cheaper to replace the filter than the lens , right or wrong i dont care , as for a bag i have bought a lowepro 160 aw , suits me fine as i wanted it for keeping all the kit i have in , not too carry around with me as i reckon i can make a choice of lens that i want to carry and not have to worry about swapping lenses left right and centre like i used to 20 years ago when i used to have one of them aluminium briefcase things with allsorts in it that mostly never got used

[reddeviluk]

Thanks for the tips Guys, I have ordered myself a set of LCD covers and have also started to look for a bag, looks like lowepro is the brand so I'll stick to that and find something in my price range.

Cheers,

Rich

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by reddeviluk

Thanks for the tips Guys, I have ordered myself a set of LCD covers and have also started to look for a bag, looks like lowepro is the brand so I'll stick to that and find something in my price range.

Cheers,

Rich

i have bought the aw160 and find it spot on

[reddeviluk]

Originally Posted by paulyoung666

i have bought the aw160 and find it spot on

I must admit Paul, since you've got years experience on me and since we share the same model camera I have narrowed my search to the aw 160 model you're using....lol

I have even put a post in the classifieds section and have one chap offering me one for £30, just waiting on some pictures and further details, failing that I guess it'll have to be brand new.

How are you finding the 1000d?, did I make a good choice?, I based my buying choice on these forums since I have 0% experience when it comes to anything other than a basic point/shoot camera. Have only played about with it in the house since I only collected it yesterday and I am already impressed.

Thanks again,

Rich

[raptor]

Hi reddeviluk i have orderd a Lowepro micro trekker from Amazon (£19.99 + free p&p)
as ran out of space in my Lowepro 160,you will find space soon gos and at this price i think its a winer hop that some help.

[tunnacliffe]

Originally Posted by reddeviluk

Thanks for the tips Guys, I have ordered myself a set of LCD covers and have also started to look for a bag, looks like lowepro is the brand so I'll stick to that and find something in my price range.

Cheers,

Rich

Where did you get the LCD covers from?

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by reddeviluk

I must admit Paul, since you've got years experience on me and since we share the same model camera I have narrowed my search to the aw 160 model you're using....lol

I have even put a post in the classifieds section and have one chap offering me one for £30, just waiting on some pictures and further details, failing that I guess it'll have to be brand new.

How are you finding the 1000d?, did I make a good choice?, I based my buying choice on these forums since I have 0% experience when it comes to anything other than a basic point/shoot camera. Have only played about with it in the house since I only collected it yesterday and I am already impressed.

Thanks again,

Rich

i bought one brand new for £30 , anyway , i wish i had recent experience , all mine is 20 years old , so far i am finding the 1000d nice , hopefully i will have my 55-250 is delivered tomorrow and this weekend i will get my first chance to get out and play with it , if the weather is good i reckon maybe whitby and then back over to the danby moors centre

[reddeviluk]

Whitby? I am from Stockton, but originally from Guisborough so pretty local. Nice part of the world. Thanks for the help and advice Paul, I appreciate your time.

Would love too see some of your weekend pictures so I can see what the 1000d can do.

Cheers,

Rich

[reddeviluk]

Originally Posted by tunnacliffe

Where did you get the LCD covers from?

Hi Tunna, I bought a set from eBay, sometimes pays off, if not it will be Jessops cut to fit type. Will happily let you know when it arrives.

Cheers,
Rich.

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by reddeviluk

Whitby? I am from Stockton, but originally from Guisborough so pretty local. Nice part of the world. Thanks for the help and advice Paul, I appreciate your time.

Would love too see some of your weekend pictures so I can see what the 1000d can do.

Cheers,

Rich

your kidding , i am only round the corner in norton !!!!!

[InsertCoin]

a lot of the lowepro bags get good reviews but I havent had one so cant say.

I am currently using one of these: Crumpler Pretty Boy

Its a very nice tough bag and pretty stylish, but is lacking on space. My 350D with battery grip, 580EX11 in Pouch and Nifty Fifty are all that fit in the bottom part, oh and my letter from the home office saying there is no law to taking photos in public... just incase any police give me grief. The top part does hold all my accessories, but its just an open space so everything is left to flop around.

Still I like it.