As each aspiring photographer knows, there are many types of equipment that exist that you need to wade through before you find the perfect camera and accessories.  We are going to cover the basic list of items that you need this is not all-inclusive; some can be omitted depending upon what you want your camera for. 

Item #1.  Camera –This can range from the tiny point and shoot digital camera, up to the advanced semi-professional SLR models.  The power and ability of your camera is only limited by your budget and willingness to pay for a great camera.  If you are only interested in snapshots, you can easily purchase a great digital camera that is capable of taking 6MP or much higher for a reasonable price.  By carefully selecting your camera to fit your needs you will enjoy your purchase for many years.  One important thing to remember, there is a massive difference between optical zoom, and digital zoom.  Some low-end digital cameras do not have optical zoom, however for far distances optical zoom will provide you with a much clearer photograph.  Digital zoom, will take your “still” picture and enhance it digitally, instead of using lenses as optical zoom does.  This can results in blur, and fuzzy pictures depending upon the mega pixel size of the camera, as well as how far away the item is. 

Item #2.  Camera Bag –There are few things are essential in photography as a good camera bag.  This along with your camera is not somewhere you want to scrimp and save a few bucks on cheap materials.  Your camera bag will be your lifeline for your camera.  The bag should be big enough to comfortably hold your camera, film, batteries, and extra lenses if it has additional lenses and any other accessories that need to stay close to the camera.  You want to make sure the bag you purchase closes securely so nothing accidentally falls out.  In addition, a very thick layer of cushion and padding is needed to cradle the camera and protect it from shock.  Some camera bags are also large enough to hold a tripod; however, these are typically much larger.  While a good-sized camera bag is essential, you do not want the bag to be so big that you avoid taking it with you when you use the camera. 

Item #3.  Additional Batteries –This is something more for the photographer who cannot stop taking pictures.  Whether it is a rechargeable battery, or normal disposable batteries having extra batteries along is always helpful.  You never know when the opportunity to take dozens or even hundreds of great pictures will present itself.  Having extra batteries will ensure you can continue taking the great shots you want.  If the battery is rechargeable, search about for a quality backup, it is not always necessary to purchase the spare from the camera manufacture, however the quality will typically be higher from the camera manufacture, as well as a much higher price. 

Item #4.  Lens Hood –If you are using a high-powered camera or even a small point and shoot and you have the ability to get a lens hood they can be wonderful accessories.  They are small, lightweight and help remove the glare from the camera lens that bright light creates.  The use of a lens hood can often salvage a picture that would have otherwise been destroyed due to the amount of light hitting the lens. 

Item #5.  Film/Media –Depending upon whether you have purchased a film camera, or a digital camera will determine whether you need a memory card, or a roll of film.  In today’s emerging technology, digital cameras are in high demand delivering great pictures that rival professional photographs.  If your camera is digital you need to make sure, your memory card fits the camera you have purchased, each manufacture has a different media format they use, many photo printers also have the ability to hold these memory cards and transfer the pictures to your computer which gives you greater flexibility.  If you are using film, you need to search for the best film speed for your particular situation depending upon the subject you are photographing, as well as the conditions of the area you are photographing. 

As you can see the list of items for a camera purchase is not massive, however with some basic supplies you will be quite happy with your purchases.  Due to the expense and variations on the market always take the time to thoroughly do reviews of your desired item to find the best match for your budget, as well as ensure that the component will do what you want it to do.