First DSLR

[Jase555]

Hey guys I've just ordered my first DSLR - a Pentax K100D Super with a twin lens kit - http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod931.htm
and I need some advice in regards to what else I should be looking at to complement the kit.

I realise the lenses aren't the best but I am just starting out and needed a combo that I could learn with.

Considering I may be taking it out to the racetrack to try my hand at some amateur motorsport photography, is there anything else I may need in terms of filters or protectors or cleaners...? total newbie in this regard...

cheers, Jase

[Mr Darcy]

You will want a couple of SD cards. Get two of the biggest you can afford. I find two medium size better than one enormous as it reduces the pain if one gets lost/damaged. CHeck for the best $/Gb ratio. Usually the bigger cards are at a premium too.

A UV filter on each lens is a good idea when starting out. These have minimal effect on image quality and protect the lens from fingerprints sand etc. You may want to take them off later as they DO affect image quality, but until you get used to the gear, they are a good idea.

One CPL polariser is nice to have, but not top of the list

For MotorSport photography, a Monopod is an excellent investment. Benro make some excellent affordable ones. You can see the entire range at http://www.photo-shop-studio.com/eng/default.asp. Their store is in Liverpool St in Sydney

A full cleaning kit is a good idea. Lenses and sensor. I see that camera has a built in system, but I am not sure how effective it is (I don't have such a system). Try the good people at http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/ for this. I find the Copper Hill products excellent

Oh and extra batteries are a must. Eneloop and Imedion have good reputations for rechargeables. A member of this forum sells these, but I don't have the details on hand.

HTH

[Biggzie]

Another Pentax user into the fold

I pretty much agree with Mr Darcy
Take lots of Batteries & Memory cards. I now use Eneloop Bateries too. PM the user 'servaasproducts' or check out his website http://servaas.com.au
The other thing you might consider in the future is a batery grip, especially if you want to use the camer in portraite ... it saves you elbow pointing up & doubles you battery capacity.
You probably wont want a sensor cleaner yet but a good blower is a good investment aswell as a lens cloth & lenspen. I also use a Copper Hill sensor cleaner from Quality Camera Sales, but you dont need it until there is dust bunnies you cant blow out.

[Glen]

Welcome Jase, I would echo what everyone else says but would start with just the SD cards and batteries, then as you realise you need more gear get it. Often our needs change as we become more proficient with the tools or decide our priorities are in one area.

I would further the recommendation for servaas products on the batteries, I I actually did a comparison and the Imedions came out top on low self discharge batteries: http://wolfeyes.com.au/news/

[aim54x]

There really isnt that much to add. Congratulations on your first DSLR!

[Jase555]

thanks for the info guys. Can't wait to pick it up and start shooting...

[Jase555]

Picked it up last night. Have only taken a few shots, but already i need two new things lol...

Firstly, my Energizer NiMh's are inadequate so I've ordered some eneloops from the site you guys linked.

Also, my first few low light early morning landscapes suffered from the slow lens I presume, will have to fiddle but a new wide angle, perhaps a 2.8 is next on the list...

Oh dear, I can see my money draining away...

[Reschsmooth]

Picked it up last night. Have only taken a few shots, but already i need two new things lol...

Firstly, my Energizer NiMh's are inadequate so I've ordered some eneloops from the site you guys linked.

Also, my first few low light early morning landscapes suffered from the slow lens I presume, will have to fiddle but a new wide angle, perhaps a 2.8 is next on the list...

Oh dear, I can see my money draining away...

What is that saying: "welcome to the forum, sorry about your wallet"?

[Mr Darcy]

Firstly, my Energizer NiMh's are inadequate so I've ordered some eneloops from the site you guys linked.

Don't forget to get a quality Charger. Servaas has the Maha ones that have a great reputation. I use a LaCrosse which is also excellent, but available from the USA only AFAIK. While it is 100-240V Autosensing, it is stuck with US style prongs

[Jase555]

I bought the charger that comes with the eneloops. Will that do? I can spend extra in the future if needed.

[aim54x]

I bought the charger that comes with the eneloops. Will that do? I can spend extra in the future if needed.

I'm still to charge my Eneloops, but I think I will use the Inca 1hr charger that I have for the moment, cant justify that nice one from Servaas, now if only they made a charger for 12 batteries at once with all the stuff that the MH-C9000 has. I am getting sick of charging 4 batteries at once.

[shakey]

Also, my first few low light early morning landscapes suffered from the slow lens I presume, will have to fiddle but a new wide angle, perhaps a 2.8 is next on the list...

Oh dear, I can see my money draining away...

IMO ...For early morning landscapes you'd be better off getting a quality tripod rather than a 2.8