Photo Tips

Recently, a friend of mine asked me to write up some tips for people who is considering buying a DSLR. Here they are:

1. Buy Canon or Nikon. There are reasons the pros stick to those brands.
2. This is the web site I stick to for reviews: http://www.dpreview.com/
3. If you want to get serious about this, you might want to consider a subscription to http://www.lynda.com for classes on photography and software.
4. Get a cheap UV filter for every lens. This will protect them. (It's better to replace a $10 filter than a $150+ lens). They also have great bundles for cameras and gear.
5. One of my favorite places to buy camera gear is (and a lot of professionals use them too) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
6. A tripod is a very early must acquire. This is something you want to spend money on because the cheap ones don't last.
7. There are times when a pocket/cell phone camera is just more convenient than a DSLR. 
8. Do your best to have your camera with you at all times. You never know when a great photo opportunity will present itself.
9. Play with your camera settings and see what happens. Do everything you can on manual, you will start getting better photos than the full auto mode. After all, if you do not want to play with settings, why are you getting a DSLR?
10. The flash that comes on the camera is not good enough. Based on what I heard and read, I bought a Speedlite YN560-II. Apparently, many photographers actually keep multiples of the flash on hand for when they are needing a cheap camera flash and do not want to be in a hurry.
11. When you buy lenses, keep in mind that good optics cost money.