Nikon D3000 Recommended Accessories for a Newbie?

[Sovelin]

I have had a couple different point-and-shoot cameras, but I wanted better quality pictures and more creative control. I am still going to be keeping my point-and-shoot on me as a spare, but I also purchased the Nikon D3000 with the VR lens. This is my first dSLR camera, and the Nikon has a great guide mode from Newbies. It doesn't have the Live View which kinda scares me, but I think I'll get over it.

For a first time user of dSLR cameras, what accessories are recommended? I bought two 8 gig SDHC cards (Sandisk Extreme III series) and a spare EN-EL9a Battery. I bought the Nikon starter bag (sku 9020356 on BestBuy.com). I chose this one because it is not as huge as most bags and it is convenient for light travel. I also bought the Dynex camera cleaning kit and Digital SLR Cameras & Photography for Dummies. Is there anything else that might really benefit a beginner? I don't think I really need any extra lenses at the moment (very expensive and I wouldn't know when to use what anyway). What about filters?

 

[deep blue2]

1. UV filter to protect the front lens element (the diameter you need will be marked on the lens (note: its NOT the same as the focal length). Buy a high quality one - poor UV filters may affect image quality. Will stop scratches/dust getting on the front of the lens. I have filters on the front of all my lenses.

2. Tripod - buy what you can afford. Lightweight ones cost around £25-£45 & will do but for real stability go for one in the region of £100 or more. You'll need it for long exposures/night photography & useful for landscapes too.

3. You might want to consider other filters - in particular there's 2 whose effects cannot be duplicated in post processing. I would consider a circular polarising filter - good for cutting glare when shooting water & will give good sky rendition too. Also maybe a fairly high neutral density filter (ie 4 stop or higher) - this will cut down the amount of light entering the lens & will allow for longer exposures during daylight (good for smooth, milky look to water - often difficult to get long enough exposures in bright light even stopped down to the max).