Camera geekery
So, I have entered in to the ever expensive hobby of cameras. I've picked up a Nikon D40 starter kit that includes the 18-55mm lens, a camera bag and some memory cards (SD). The expensive part is beyond the camera and lens, because of all the different and fun looking toys you can get for such equipment. At a surface glance, I could get:
Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight (This would be a spiffy toy)
Nikon EN-EL9 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (this would be a spare)
Tamrac 5549 Adventure 9 Photo & Computer Backpack + Accessory Kit (This is a must, because I'd like a carrying case that holds a lappy too)
Tiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter (This is a must, as it's cheap glass to protect the expensive glass)
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens (If I get more glass, this would likely be the next piece.)
Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (From reviews, a good book on some basics)
Now this is just a starter list... And I know there's some shutterbugs out there, but what are some good ways to start out? Most of this isn't even needed, and would just be ways to spend more and more money. But the way I prefer to learn is to start out with a minimum and build up my technique from there before I get additional tools that will help me get better. Expensive toys does not make a good photographer. They are only an expanded tool set that you can use after you've got the basics down pat.
Are there any other books or tools that are reccomended? I think before I get more glass and after I get a better carrying case, I plan on getting a good tripod. One where the mount for the camera is detachable from the tripod, as that is less restrictive for how I utilize the camera.
Anyways, what are your opinions?
Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight (This would be a spiffy toy)
Nikon EN-EL9 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (this would be a spare)
Tamrac 5549 Adventure 9 Photo & Computer Backpack + Accessory Kit (This is a must, because I'd like a carrying case that holds a lappy too)
Tiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter (This is a must, as it's cheap glass to protect the expensive glass)
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens (If I get more glass, this would likely be the next piece.)
Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (From reviews, a good book on some basics)
Now this is just a starter list... And I know there's some shutterbugs out there, but what are some good ways to start out? Most of this isn't even needed, and would just be ways to spend more and more money. But the way I prefer to learn is to start out with a minimum and build up my technique from there before I get additional tools that will help me get better. Expensive toys does not make a good photographer. They are only an expanded tool set that you can use after you've got the basics down pat.
Are there any other books or tools that are reccomended? I think before I get more glass and after I get a better carrying case, I plan on getting a good tripod. One where the mount for the camera is detachable from the tripod, as that is less restrictive for how I utilize the camera.
Anyways, what are your opinions?