Camera Crazy

You know it's bad when it's all you think about.

You know it's bad when pretty much every site you  go to that has Google ads, selects only ads specific to hot deals on cameras.

You know it's bad when Amazon sends you camera emails.

Oh goodness, I have a problem.

Once I get an idea in my head, I won't stop until I have it. The problem is, I can't have it for awhile, unless I did the buy now, pay later catastrophe of a plan. It's going to take me awhile to save up the money to get the DSLR I want, with all the necessary accessories.

Let us break it down.

I have been having the whole Nikon vs. Canon debate in my head for the past few weeks, but arrived back on the logical - you know you prefer Nikon - decision, and just because Canon has been having great deals on, doesn't mean I should get one. I could write a whole post on the decision behind why I prefer a Nikon, and at the end of the day, I would be happy with either, I just think I would prefer a Nikon. I know both are great, and it's pretty much a 50-50 split on what people like.

Anywho... the camera I have decided to zero-in on and specifically save up for is this puppy here:

the Nikon D3100

This beautiful child that will one day be mine retails for about $649.99 - $699.99, and I'm hoping that mayhaps by the time I have enough money saved up (probably February) it might be on for $599.99. It's new, so great sales are still few and far between. I love her.

So the issue with DSLR's is that you can't just buy and go. You need a few more things to start up. Including:

A Camera Bag

from here

To start up I'm going to get a cheapy messenger style bag pictured above. However... as soon as it will be possible I plan on getting one of these beautifully expensive bags from this amazing etsy shop.

Memory Card

 Within my research I've learned that normal SD cards no longer are good enough for me. I need to buy at least a Class 8 or 10 SD card.

UV Filter

 I've learned also that UV Lens Filters are about as essential of an accessory as they come for DSLRs.

Tripod

I'm not going to lie... one thing I most look forward to taking pictures of with a DSLR is the moon. I know a tripod is necessary for that and I really want a Gorillapod!

Slip Cover

from here

Making your gear pretty is essential in my books. A pretty slip cover for my camera will definitely be in the must have purchase category.

 

Learning Tools  

from here

 I'm as amateur as they come so a dummies book is also a necessity. 


In case you haven't been doing the math, that all adds up to be about $900 after taxes (not including the expensive pretty bag or tripod!) Yah, that's more than two months of my rent... and I currently have a little over $100 saved specifically for the camera fund. Oy vey. 

Questions for you DSLR owners out there:
What else do I need?
What should I get later on? 
Hints or helpful links/resources?

While I save I plan on becoming very informed!