Hey guys

A couple of weeks ago a bought a Nikon D60 SLR with the 18-55 VR optics package, recently i have been reading tips about the camera and most people say to buy a "hood" for your camera to prevent lens flair.

my question to all of you photographers is it necessary to have a "hood" for your camera?
if so would a regular plastic one be good or would you recommend buying the rubber collapsible one (i believe its called that).

thanks for any info you can give me

- CanadianFuror (you can me Hype for short tho)