DSLR: What Next?

I've finally bought a DSLR. Finally! I would really like to thank Uncle De, Ikelah, my parents, O-K, my friend at work and Puan Mama Sarah in making the very tough decision. I would like to continue this sentence but I'll wait until I actually get the camera before commenting further.

One of my fears that let to the delay in buying a DSLR was that, buying the camera is only a tiny foot dip in the large sea that is photography. The world of photography is so vast, that it's daunting to start. Spending money in buying the body means spending a lot MORE money in buying the accessories. Starting to spend time in photography means investing a lot more time to master the intricate art.

It's like getting married: It's a lifelong commitment. (See why I was so scared to even start?) If the hobby is akin to marriage, I'll add that I already have many wives to satisfy: the blog, the computer, Linux, GIMP, anime, medicine and Puan Mama Sarah. Adding another wife is really spreading myself thin.

Anyhow, I've already tied the knot so I might as well move forward (looking forward to the honeymoon!). Now that I've bought a DSLR, (here's comes the question, brace yourselves PMS, Auntie De, KKL and DITH) ... what to buy NEXT? Here's the wishlist:

1. A speedy Compact Flash Card.

Below is the ultra fast Compact Flash card made by Corsair, a US maker renowned for their RAM chips for computer enthusiasts. It boasts 80x and 40x read and write speeds respectively. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. Don't forget to get big capacities (in my case 2Gb is optimum).

2. A Camera Backpack.

A rugged and tough backpack is crucial to keep the expensive equipments safe and sound, especially during travels. One that I particularly like is the backpack made by Crumpler, called the Sinking Barge. The cool thing about the Crumpler is that it's a hybrid bag with compartments to store both a laptop and a camera. It's padded to the brim with various well placed compartments for wires and chargers. It'd be perfect for me. You could read the review of Crumpler Sinking Barge Backpack here >>>>

True story: I've been stopped twice at airports when my laptop bag was scanned: The security attendant grimly asked, "Why does you bag have so many wires inside???". I meekly answered, "well ... I have so many gadgets the wires are actually a charger for my iPod, charger for my videocamera, a charger for my laptop, USB cables, the charger for my camera, wires for my external hard disk and a multi-point adapter to charge everything at the same time!" After around 15 minutes, I was free to go. Thank goodness!

It looks like a normal bag

Compartments to fit the camera body, lens and charger.

3. A microfibre cloth.

Simply to keep the expensive optics clean and free of dust, a microfibre cloth is essential to avoid scratching the lens.

4. Adobe Photoshop CS2

Adobe Photoshop is arguably the most powerful and most widely used image manipulation program out there. After owning a DSLR, having Photoshop is just crucial for photo enhancements.

5. A tripod

In order to keep the photos sharp, especially at low shutter speeds a stable tripod is extremely important to minimise movement and camera shake that would blur the photos. Below is the Giotos MT 8180 carbon fibre professional universal tripod which costs around $400. The carbon fibre technology is used in Stealth Bombers and B117 Stealth Attack Jets. You know, so that you could approach the subject you're photographing stealthily ... This beauty is slim and light and precisely engineered.

6. Polarisers and filters.

Expensive! Many polarisers and filters are above £150! These things are thin layers placed infront of lenses to reduce glare (for example from water surfaces), increase contrast, increase colour saturation, and make the sky stand out.

7. Lenses.

Don't get us started on lenses. There are just so many types, and so many makes. Talking about lenses is another topic of its own. Behold the prestigious Canon L series lenses:

8. Photography Magazines

I'll be buying a lot of these from now on.

Phew, that was a long list wasn't it? Any additions or recommendations guys? (especially for a beginner)