New user new camera--soon what to get with it

As it says I am getting the D3100 at the end of the month can any one advise as to what would also be helpful to get, SDHC card type, other lens, bag etc, etc.

Just to give me an idea, not loaded but will consider anything...

As far as memory cards go, it is very important to look at the class and transfer rate, I'm using a PNY Professional class 10 and it works great. Lenses really depend on what you like to shot and conditions. I have the D3100 also, great camera!

First thing I would do is go to the closest book store and pick up this book "Nikon D3100 by Jeff Revell"

His book on the Nikon D5000 really smoothed out the learning curve I encountered going from the world of 35mm film and point & shoot digital cameras.

The D3100 manual has a listing of SDHC cards that can be used with the camera. The main thing to remember is not to buy cheap. Cheap has a high failure rate. I would recommend using two 4GB cards rather than one 8GB card. If a 4GB card fails you only lose half of your storage space. I have used two 4GB cards, close to one thousand RAW shots, in one shoot with a third one in the camera at the end of the shoot. So I usually have at least four cards with me on any shoot. I got the 18-105mm, f/3.5G, VR lens as part of the kit when I purchased my D90. That is an excellent general use lens. For a bag I use a backpack type which I find to be easier to use than the shoulder strap type if you have to carry it any distance.

I agree, don"t buy a cheap sd card (sandisk,lexar,etc.) are good get at least a class 6. As for lenses, I am assuming you will get the 18-55mm. Lens with your d3100? You might want the 55-200mm., 50mmf1.8 for low light shoots.
As for a bag,I would go with the low pro slingshot 202aw.

Guys, great advice, any one care to start a list of what I should be thinking of getting as a beginner?
Camera is sorted its just case, covers, memory etc...

If this is your first DSLR or SLR for that matter, please read the book 'Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition' or later by Bryan Peterson.

As Joesph mentioned above, I got the 18-105mm, f/3.5G, VR lens as part of my D90 kit as well. This is a great all around lens, especially for someone just starting out with a DSLR. If you are an experienced photographer and know your stuff, there is a wide assortment of good glass to consider for the D3100 (depending on your budget).

I will tell you to remember one very important thing...a DSLR...even an entry level sort of rig...is not a P&S...one must figure it out...work it out to find where it is strongest...

cheers I am an engineer by trade in telecomms so I love tinkering and seeing what things do, I also build websites and run a few forums so I cannot wait to play around with it...

Curt said:

I agree, don"t buy a cheap sd card (sandisk,lexar,etc.) are good get at least a class 6. As for lenses, I am assuming you will get the 18-55mm. Lens with your d3100? You might want the 55-200mm., 50mmf1.8 for low light shoots.
As for a bag,I would go with the low pro slingshot 202aw.

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are you saying that Scandisk, lexar are cheap or good? I think you mean good?

Definitely get a spare battery.
A tripod.
A bag...a LowePro slingshot 200 will be big enough. And the beauty of it is that you can access the camera without taking it off...the bag that is.
Get a small flash. I have the SB400 with me at all times...and spare batteries
.

Toppers said:

are you saying that Scandisk, lexar are cheap or good? I think you mean good?

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Yes, I meant those cards were good,there are a lot of no name cheap cards out there that sound good for the price ($10.00 for a 16GB,etc.) Don't buy those...lol. Get at least a class 6, class 10 if you shoot a lot of video.
A spare battery is a good idea (althought the new battery in the D7000 last twice as long as the old ones).
I have a Lowpro Slingshot (302AW)and it is really a good investment, you can get at your camera fast without opening the whole bag, its great!
I would suggest you buy the SB-700 speedlight, pictures are so much better off camera.
The SB-700 can be triggered off camera, by your D7000, fantastic feature.

Ok got the camera today, came with a bag, sdhc 4GB, filter, lcd protector 18-55 AF-S lens G DX.

Looking at some more shortly but I am on my way