BASIC ACCESSORIES
Basic accessories include memory cards, camera bags, and photographer’s vests.
A DSLR stores images in its own buffer of RAM memory before transferring it to the memory card inserted into the camera. You can take pictures without a memory card, but they are not stored or saved anywhere. Based on my own experiences, I recommend that you adjust your camera to not function without a memory card!
When I started with digital cameras in late 2002, the highest capacity CompactFlash (CF) memory cards were 1 GB, and they cost about $500. The change has been huge; a 64 GB card at 90 MB/second now costs remarkably less.
The time it takes to transfer image data from the buffer to a memory card depends on both the camera processor and the memory card. In 2002, the rate of data transfer in cameras and memory cards was noticeably slower than today, and the image file that cameras produced was only about a quarter of the size of today’s RAW files. In 10 years, buffer capacities have grown many times over, but because RAW file sizes have grown at the same time, the real increase from the early days is about three to four times. A truly remarkable change has taken place in the speed of the transfer rate. New memory cards can reach up to 150 MB/second in receiving data from the buffer, meaning that the camera is cleared faster for taking new frames. With the Lexar 1000x UDMA 7 memory card, launched in August 2012, and a Canon EOS-1D X, you can shoot about 45 RAW files before the buffer fills up, and then at about 4 fps as the files are being transferred to the card at that rate. This can make a huge difference in action photography, where the buffer tends to fill up too soon.
CF cards have no moving parts, and in my experience they are reliable and durable. I gave up the separate, portable Digital Camera Data Bank devices years ago because they were unreliable, especially in colder temperatures. And I have not needed to use the more sophisticated Multimedia Storage Viewer devices. Instead I rely on a strategy based on many high-capacity memory cards. I pack enough capacity to cover several days of intensive shooting.
It’s better to have too much capacity than too little. You can be sure that whenever you need to change your card because it’s full, it will be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and you will lose some great action. The bigger the card, the fewer the changes.
I have seen a CF card malfunction only once when the data was completely lost. Maybe the card did not like being dipped in bog water. It makes sense to pack the cards in watertight cases.
Card readers also have different speeds. Try to find a fast one. You will appreciate the speed after a long day’s work when you are transferring your data to your computer.
Backpacks and Vests
A good camera backpack is all-important to a bird photographer. Over the years I have tried several models and used many of them until they almost fell apart.
A bird photographer’s vest
The best I’ve found so far is Kiboko by Gura Gear, which I’ve been using for two years. As a bird photographer, it fills every criteria I have for a backpack. It is ultralight, made of durable materials, and has a separate rain and dust cover. In addition to one long telephoto lens (500mm or 800mm), it holds two cameras, 1.4x and 2x extenders plus extension tubes, two wide lenses, two memory card cases, a lens rain cover, an MP3 player and small speaker, and binoculars. Each of these goes into its own compartment or pocket, which helps keep my equipment orderly and safe. There is also room for drinks and snacks. What’s truly important for traveling is that the backpack can be carried on to many, if not most, airplanes. The excellent design combined with very malleable and adjustable straps make carrying this backpack as comfortable as possible. You can also strap your tripod onto it. The price is quite steep, but in my opinion it’s worth it.
Binoculars, a tripod, and a camera backpack are a bird photographer’s basic accessories
Other good backpacks are available from, for example, Think Tank Photo, Lowepro, and Tamrac.
A vest is good for a bird photographer, although not essential. A good photographer’s vest has many good-sized pockets that can hold extenders, memory cards, and a short lens. It allows you to carry your basic gear with you at all times when you’re out photographing. A vest is particularly good in hot climates, where you can’t wear a jacket, and a vest allows faster access to your gear than a backpack.