Quote Originally Posted by red05usa
i just purchased an olympus e620 with two lenses, and now im already being told theres tons of things i need to get with it (tripod, filters, extra battery, etc), and im wondering if i could get some personal opinions as to what is worth getting up front, and what i should play wait-and-see with what i need, and get later.

Things i already have

Portable laptop for transferring pictures on trips etc (i travel a lot)
Tons of photography software

On the 'already ordered' list:

Camera Body (of course)
Two Lenses (14-42 + 40-150)
2gb xD card (for rare use)
8gb compact flash card (for main use)

things i was told are "MUST GET" and`i am close to order (if i get confirmation they are worth while)

2 UV filters (1 per lens)
Extra camera battery for the long trips + emergencies

things i was told i must have (but i figure wont work for my picture taking lifestyle)


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I figured for a camera bag, to makeshift something out of a high quality backpack i already have, and add dividers + soft cloth areas in it for my pieces. Basically, i am unsure to the practical use of any of the above items (my first dslr, ive never photoshopped personal taken pictures, and have basically not taken a DSLR picture as of yet).

Thanks in advance.
Congratulations on your new equipment. I also just purchased the E-620 - I've only had it out once for a short time, and so far I love it.

Here is my personal opinion - I think you're right on with your initial thoughts.

Extra battery - yes. IMO this is important. You can get a 3rd party battery for a lot less money that will work fine. Amazon has lots of 3rd party batteries - free shipping when your total order is $25 or more.

UV filters: Personally I don't think they are a necessity. If they are less expensive the can degrade the image. I've been using a dslr for about 12 years and have never used one. I take care of my equipment - leave the cap on when not in use, and just being careful - common sense stuff. Lenses aren't all that easily damaged (I said "easily")!

Tripod
Flash Attachments
Remote (for taking pictures)
Wide Angle Lens
Camera Bag
Camera bag - sounds like you have it figured out - whatever works!
The rest can wait. See what you use your camera for mostly - then decide what focal length you are missing before you buy another lens. Wide angles are great - but if you're not going to use them, it's not a necessity. The remote - again it depends on whether or not you will use it.

Flash attachments - same as above. You may want to get one if you're into low light/indoor/studio kind of photography. If not now, see what develops with your photography.

And so on.

In the meantime, enjoy your camera! And post some photos!

Liz