I need help on what to get with my XSI?

Question

im most likely going to get my XSI tomorrow and i dont know what to buy with it. i have so much things i want but i dont know if they're all necessary. i want a battery grip, a cleaning kit, lens hood for the kit lens, UV filter for the lens kit, 8gb card and battery grip and a good bag.

i think i'm been to crazy over it. do i really need a UV filter and a lens hood for my kit lens? and is a screen protector necessary?

what should i add or take off on the list. thanks

recommend me a good backpack for my camera. i wanna bring it around but i dont wanna look like i have a shell on the back of my back. im thinking about getting the flipside 300.

also what site do you recommend that can help me learn about every aspect of the camera. i know the best way is to play with the camera but i dont have one yet. ;D

Answer 1

Good choice :)

I'll tell you what I have, which is plenty:

18-55mm lens, 28-80mm lens, 70-300mm lens

EW60C lens hood (fits all three lenses)

Hoya super-pro1 UV filter (fits all 3 lenses)

2x Lexar Platinum 2GB CF cards

2 spare batteries

430EX Speedlight

Lowepro slingshot 200 backpack

As well a a tripod, a monopod (unnecessary but I got it anyway lol), and a good reflector.

Dont be scared to wait a little bit and get some stuff off eBay or at online stores, it will work out cheaper for you. Dont overwhealm yourself! I dont think the screen protector is necessary, my camera cops a fair beating when its out and about but its yet to get a scratch on the screen. A UV filter or a plain glass one is a must to protect your lens, you dont want to spend all that money to get it ruined by a teeny scratch.

When you get the camera, sit down and go through the manual cover to cover, trying everything it says along the way. I think thats the best way to become acquainted with your new camera.

Have fun with it!

Answer 2

Sounds like you have all the necessities. Battery grip doesn't sound necessary but I'm sure you have your reasons. Most definitely get the filter though. The ones where I used to work were pretty cheap, even cheaper online. A few dollars for a filter is so worth it instead of paying to get a scratch fixed on your lens. Possibly a service plan depending on if you are going to be in rough conditions. Best buy has those damage plans that cover d**n near anything you can do to the camera except water damage. Amazon usually has some sweet sales on cards and accessories, most of the time better than any retail store. Good luck, and hope you enjoy the camera!  

Answer 3

I think you should get a UV filter to protect the lens, a couple 2 or 4 gb memory cards, a screen protector, an extra battery, and a good bag.

Answer 4

Check to see if a screen protector comes with the camera before you buy another one.  Personally, I prefer adding PLAIN GLASS for protection instead a UV or Skylight filter, because they will alter your colros slightly.  It's no big deal if you are outdoors, but do you really want to filter out UV when you are using a flash indoors?  No.  They do make plain glass filters for this purpose.  See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstei...

I agree with the idea of getting a couple fo smaller memory cards instead of one large one.  Card failure is a rare thing if you stick to Sandisk or Lexar or other top name, but wouldn't it suck to lose every picture you took because your one card developed a glitch?