My big Christmas gift from Don this year was a Canon Rebel T4i, a DSLR camera (he gave me the 18-135mm IS STM lens kit).  I had been coveting this beauty since its release in the spring of 2012 and thought it would be a nice camera to learn on.  It is no coincidence that the gift of this camera coincided with the launch of this blog.  I hope to pursue the art of manual photography for blogging in the future.  For the time being I am just enjoying the auto features while I get used to the feel of the camera and play with things like lighting, angles and color contrast.  Don also gave me a special pancake lens that Canon had introduced with the T4i, the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM.  STM stands for STepping Motor and refers to the focusing mechanism of the lens, which in this case is specially deisgned to reduce auditory autofocus noise when in film mode.  I decided to purchase an additional lens and some basic accessories through Amazon a couple of weeks ago to add to my new camera.

First thing on my shopping list was to buy a lens I have been hearing about in the YouTube community for some time now, the Tamaron AF 17-50mm XR Di-II f/2.8 LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon DSLR cameras.  So many of the beauty gurus I love to watch who film on Canon Rebel cameras use this specific lens.  After reading myriad positive reviews on the internet about its merits for not just filming, but all-around shooting, I decided to splurge on it.  Lenses do not come cheap and purchasing one is a serious investment!  I have been playing with it for about a week now and already love it.  I’m excited to attempt filming on it as well.

As a YouTuber, I am well informed on the importance of having a backup battery and charger for your cameras.  I have an extra set for the camera I use to vlog on, a Canon Powershot Elph 300 HS, as well as my video camera, a Sony Handycam HDR-CX150.  Having the extra batteries is crucial for long filming shoots or when I’m out all day vlogging on the go, not to mention absolutely essentiel when traveling.  I think having a backup battery and charger is worth the extra money.  The ones I already own have come to my rescue countless times over the course of my YouTube career.

Lastly, I knew I needed a proper bag to house my new camera and keep it safe while at home and on the go.  At first I thought I should have a camera bag, and I spent a lot of time researching the many options available.  I reached out on FB and Twitter to get your input and received so many wonderful recommendations (big thanks to all who contributed!).  Camera bags come in all shapes and sizes with all sorts of bell and whistles you can customize to suit your needs.  I started to feel overwhelmed by all of the options until I followed a viewer suggestion to look into Crumpler products.  These camera pouches offer the padding and security of a camera bag without being an actual bag.  This appealed to me immediately since I am quite new the the world of DSLR cameras and am not sure what my camera bag needs are as yet.  I figured having a Crumpler pouch would be a good start, since I can easily fit it into my carryon bag and larger purses.

I decided to go with the Haven in the medium size, described on the Crumpler website as “a portable padded protector for all things photographic, it instantly turns any bag into a camera bag – and back again – with pick up, plonk down ease.”  It comfortably holds my camera, two lenses (one big, one small), the charger, an extra battery, SD cards, and cords.  I like that the tough exterior fabric is water resistant, while the inside is lined in a soft fuzzy fleece.  It has just enough padding to cushion its contents well, while avoiding excess bulkiness & weight.  It also comes equipped with two removable velcro dividers, allowing you to customize the interior organization.  I traveled with my new Haven this past week when I was in LA & Disneyland.  It easily fit into my Vera Bradley 17″ Roll-Along Tote carryon for air travel as well as my Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ Large Tote for daytime excursions.  The Haven suits my current needs perfectly!

I am very pleased with my new camera and the first accessories I chose to purchase for it.  I’m always interested in your input about “all things photographic” so please feel free to share your thoughts with me.

*I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned.  All items mentioned were purchased by me with the exception of the camera and 40mm lens, which were gifts from my husband.  All opinions are my own.*