Gnomie Quin Barrie writes:

Hey, Chris!

We got the same cam.

Here are my tips for getting the most out of it.

1. Hand Strap (absolutely indispensable)
   • allows you to hold the camera without having to constantly maintain grip
   • prevents dropping the $ camera from loss of grip
   • allows you to walk with the camera with a relaxed hand, yet keeps the camera always at the ready
   • does not dig into your neck like a neck strap (which also can cause the cam to pendulum into your stomach)

1. Battery Grip
   • immeasurably improves the ability to grasp and hold the camera
   • allows use of a second battery — greatly extending shooting time in all modes
   • adds mass to help reduce shake and blur

1. Quick Release/Lock Tripod Plate
   • if you’ve ever had to take a camera on and off a tripod with the usual screw mount, you’ll instantly see the advantages of a quick tripod release plate

1. Tripod Ball Head
   • Many many times more rapid to use than a conventional tilt/pan tripod head.

1. Shoot in RAW format for important shots, jpeg for casual photos.
   • It can take a bit to learn the advantages and editing techniques of RAW format photography, but the imaging results are definitely worth it, particularly for printing.