So I talked about point and shoot cameras and the toys that make them more fun on our last visit. That was an easy one. This time its on to the DSLR’s. My goodness talk about your myriad accessories options. If I could fill a suitcase with the accessories for the point and shoot cameras from the last post, then we are looking at a semi trailer for the options for your interchangeable lens digital SLR! If you have a Canon Digital SLR camera, you might naturally gravitate to Canon flashes, Canon lenses and accessories. The same can be said for Nikon Digital cameras, Olympus Digital cameras, Sony Digital cameras and all of their branded accessories. Bear in mind that there are literally hundreds of other companies making items for general camera use and specific applications as well.

A quick list of toys to enhance your camera (be it tool or toy or something more).

Extra lenses: More reach (Telephoto). Grander vistas (Wide angle), Extreme closeup detail (Micro/Macro), Distortion and Art (Lens babies, others)

Filters: Protective screw on filters, Polarizing and Enhancing filters (primarily nature shooting), Special effects, (Starbursts, softeners , color effects and correction etc…)

Supports: Tripods, Monopods, Bean bags, Suction cups and window mounts to name just a few.

Transport and Storage: Lens pouches, Camera bags, Backpack bags, tripod bags, waterproof cases, airline specifications sized bags, laptop compartment bags, again the list goes on.

Remote firing: Cable releases, Programmable interval timer releases, Infrared releases, Radio slave (long distance and multiple camera operations).

Lighting: External flashes, Ring lights for glamor or micro, Wireless flash systems, Studio lighting and a whole industry of accessories for just that.

I could actually go on forever, before I could list everything that is out there more would be hitting the market. Check out some of Derek’s blogs on unique and fun toys and accessories.