Equipment and accessories
Recording media
SD Card
Stores image data up to 2GB. Has a small lock switch to protect images from being deleted.
It is a convenient small size, but could easily be lost.
SDHC Card
Same as SD card, but has greater storage capacity – from 4GB to 32GB.
SDXC Card
Same as SDHC card, but has even greater storage – from 32GB upwards.
CF Card
These are larger than an SD card and tend to be used in higher end cameras.
Memory stick
A small sized stick used to store images and files up to 32 or 64GB.. It connects to any USB port. It can easily be lost/damaged, so do back-up. Can also corrupt easily if not ejected properly.
Hard drives
These are similar to memory stick, but usually have much greater storage capacity for example 1TB (1000GB). Useful if you shoot a lot in RAW mode, where more space is needed. If using on photoshoots, it is good to invest in one with a sturdy, protected case for shock proofing against dropping and against any extreme temperatures.
Hardware & Software
A computer and monitor or laptop that have an inbuilt hard-drive of around 1TB and usually operate with Windows. Monitor size is often a consideration when buying a PC. Programs such as Photoshop need computers with good performance (e.g. higher amount of RAM).
Photoshop
This is a pixel-based image editing program and industry standard software, that is used for photography and graphics based editing. It allows for the subtle enhancing of images and also more dramatic image manipulation or transformation.
Camera RAW
This is an editing program within Photoshop that allows you to process RAW files. RAW files are the best quality images from your camera, because the pixels are not compressed, unlike JPEGs.
There are some alternative editing techniques available in Camera RAW, allowing good creative control over image quality.
Camera Accessories
Lens hood
The lens hood attaches to the front of the lens and is mainly used to reduce lens flare. In bright conditions, the sun can form an unwanted glow in your shot and interfere with the picture quality. The lens hood has a double purpose of protecting the front of the lens from accidental damage. Lenses can easily be bashed against surfaces, and the lens hood can protect the glass and the whole front of the lens.
Remote shutter
A useful tool when used in conjunction with the tripod. The remote shutter allows you to take a shot without actually physically pressing the shutter on the camera. Like a remote control on a TV, you can fire the shutter from a distance. This helps to further avoid camera shake by not touching the camera body.
Batteries, Grips, and Chargers
It’s generally best to get an on-brand charger, such as a Nikon charger for a Nikon camera or a Canon charger for a Canon camera, and ensure it’s for the correct battery type too as many models, even within the same brand, have different batteries.
The Tripod
A simple tool for steadying the camera. Very useful in low light conditions, or where longer exposures are required. The tripod will eliminate camera shake/blur and help to gain sharper shots in low light conditions, also allowing use of a lower ISO for better quality. For example if I would go out at a clear night to take some pictures of the moon I would than definitely use my tripod because with my hands I couldn't hold the camera steady enough.