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Top 7 Digital Camera Accessories and Extras

by Michael Carr
for About.com

Now that you have a great digital camera, you can enhance or improve the experience with many different digital camera accessories. Some (such as a decent camera bag to protect your investment or extra memory cards) are crucial, some (like a good photo printer or tripod) are simply handy. Here is a list of the best digital camera accessories that should be the next on your to-buy list once you get a camera.

1. Camera Bag

It is important to protect your digital point-and-shoot camera from LCD scratches, dings and other general abuse. A great camera bag can do that. You don't want one that is too big and bulky, but you also need to be sure your camera fits. They can hold all the little extras, too, like batteries and memory cards. Here is a list of the top camera bags for digital point-and-shoot cameras. If you use a SLR, instead see my list of Top Digital SLR Camera Bags.

2. Memory Cards

Even if your digital camera has some built-in memory, you can be sure this is one of the first investments you will have to make. Don't believe me? Go shoot a handful of photos, and then see your space for images dwindle to nothing. Ouch! Having another large-capacity card, or even a couple medium-capacity cards, is truly manadatory to enjoy your digital camera.

3. Camera Tripod

Tripods really are a necessity if you’re serious about photography, and that’s that. I know they’re big, bulky and a pain to carry around, but if you want to get rid of that camera shake that seems to appear in every one of your photos, then it's time to start the hunt for a good tripod. Get more tips on choosing the right tripod.

4. Photo Printer

If you have a digital camera, a great photo printer will eliminate the middle man when it comes to getting wonderful photo prints for albums, to share with families or to frame and display. You want to be sure to choose a printer that is suited for photo printing, and will produce dazzling print-outs. If you prefer to print on the go, see my list of Top Compact Photo Printers.

5. Photo Storage Device

If you plan to shoot a lot of photos, especially while on the road traveling, save yourself the nuisance of lugging along your laptop or spending a load of money on multiple memory cards. This storage device accepts 7 memory card types, and stores up to 100 GB of images.

6. Photo Editing Software

Even though many cameras come with photo software of some sort, you will probably find you want to upgrade to another more advanced program. The great thing about digital photography is you can fix those little problems later. A good software photo editing program is key to that.

7. Digital Picture Frame

Why get a simple do-nothing picture frame when you can have an amazing electronic version that displays slide shows, or even receives photos from family and friends across the country?

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