Whether you are the serious photographer, weekend snapper or just want to add convenience and class to your camera kit, there are many accessories available for point-and-shoot to digital SLRs.

What’s important to remember is that not every accessory is going to be suitable for all digital cameras. So make sure you check that what you buy is going to work or fit with your brand and style of camera.

There are many ways to find the right advice as well. Traditional stores and camera retailers can offer expert advice before you buy, or if you already know what you need, shopping online continues to be a popular option, whether it be on eBay or with a mainstream retailer.

It is also important to remember that while there are bargains to be had, as a general rule you are always going to get what you pay for. So it is wise to do a little research before you part with your hard-earned money to avoid any disappointment.

There are some accessories that you simply can’t go without and others that may seem like a luxury. But in the end it’s what suits your photography style, experience and budget.

Camera Bags:

These are a must-have for those of you with digital SLRs. They range in size, shape and price and what you buy depends on your needs. Obviously if you have several lenses you will need bigger space in the bag and removable partitions to customise the inside.

Get a bag with a lot of pockets and zips because you will find that you can accumulate lots of odds and ends, such as batteries, memory cards and lense covers. It’s worth considering a backpack-style bag as well for comfort and convenience rather than the traditional over-the-shoulder outfit.

Tripod

Whether you have a small pocket camera or a large-bodied SLR, a tripod is a must-have. There is a big range available but the most important thing is to get a tripod that will give your camera maximum support.

For digital SLRs, go for a tripod that has the full range of movement and a quick release for the camera. It’s a good idea to get a tripod with a built-in level to eliminate the chance of tilting photos. If you are into your sports photography, it also be worth looking at bipod to give you greater freedom of movement.

For smaller point-and-shoots there is an amazing range of smaller tripods that are both flexible and funky. All cameras should have a tripod connection on the base so check that what you plan to buy will fit your camera.

Range of Lenses:

Once you are more confident in the use of your digital SLR you will want to experiment more and push your boundaries and knowledge. The best way to do this is by investing in different lenses that can add a new perspective to your imagery.

If sport is your thing, you can’t go past a telephoto lense. Or if landscapes are your hobby, a wide-angle lense will add a whole new dimension to your photos. For something really funky, try a fish-eye lense – the results will amaze you. Just remember to check that the lense you buy will fit your camera. For example, if you have Canon gear, get lenses made for Canon cameras.

Quality Memory Cards:

As technology advances, the price of memory cards is dropping and the amount they can store is rising. As a general rule when buying a memory card, go for the best that your budget can buy. This includes what they can actually hold – 4GB should be considered a minimum – and their reliability.

Do some homework before you buy, because the last thing you want is for your memory card to pack it in before you can download your latest images. It’s worth having more than one memory card with you as well, just in case.

This is a guest post by Sachin. If you would like to write for YourDigitalSpace, do check our guest posting guidelines.