Beginner photography kit

[senorpyz]

What are some things that I should definitely have in a camera kit?

So far I have:

Camera (obviously)

Im not planning on buying any more lenses than the set lens right now

16gb class 6 sdhc card

camera bag

card reader

tripod
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What else do i need?

Should i get a second battery?

[RichardTaylor]

Lens hood for your lens.

Spare battery

Remote release for when you are using your camera on a tripod.

Possibly a Polarising filter if shooting landscapes.

Lens cleaning cloth.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by senorpyz

16gb class 6 sdhc card

4x 4GB memory cards instead. Personal preference.

[senorpyz]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

4x 4GB memory cards instead. Personal preference.

why do u prefer 4x4?

[OsmosisStudios]

Redundancy. I can have a card fail on me and still not lose A) all my images and B) my ability to shoot for the rest of the day. It also means that I can compartmentalize my images.

[maggie922]

A clear umbrella, for when you want to shoot in the rain but don't want to block the available light (as a regular umbrella will do).

A dog, for the constant photo opportunity (and a university in your backyard, like I have!).

Clothes you don't care about, so you can lay on your belly in your front yard and take pictures of bugs in the dirt.

Extra batteries. Always. Seriously, always.

I totally second the multiple memory card suggestion, too.

[senorpyz]

Originally Posted by maggie922

A dog, for the constant photo opportunity (and a university in your backyard, like I have!).
.

Oh i have a dog! haha however i dont have a university in my backyard =P

i think i'm going to get 1x4gb and 2x8gb

i hope they come out with a battery grip for the d3100 soon

[dbevisjr]

Yes. Always multiple memory cards. Since you have a tripod and will be looking into getting the remote I would also suggest a small flashlight. It helps to see the levels on your tripod for night shooting. And since you are just getting started it will help to find controls on your camera if you forget where they are in the dark. There is a small loopbolt on the collar of my tripod. I have a carabiner that I use to hang my flashlight on that bolt.