There are a variety of essential bits and pieces that any photographer needs for their digital camera, whether they use a simple point and shoot, or a complex DSLR.

Here are a few suggestions, dragged from my letter to Santa for those with digital cameras, and for a first camera here are some possibilities.

Polarizing filter

This is almost essential for any photography as it helps reduce glare and reflections while enhancing color saturation. The most common type of polarizing filters screw into the front of the lens. For DSLR users with more than one lens the chances are the lenses will have different size front element, requiring a matching diameter filter. Therefore, even if your favorite photographer has a polarizing filter they may appreciate one for another lens. Check that the diameters of the lens and filter match and that you buy a circular polarizer.

Memory Card

Most photographers have more than one memory card, and never seem to have enough. Particularly if your photographer is serious then on occasions they take many pictures in a short period. With the festive season offering photo opportunities galore with friends and family celebrations, your photographer will appreciate extra short-term storage.

There are a number of types so make sure the new card is compatible with your photographer’s camera.

Gorilla Pod

Relatively inexpensive, these compact devices provide a firm platform to reduce camera shake on long exposures to help produce crisp digital images. They can wrap their legs around an amazing array of objects and are ideal as tripod substitute for the photographer travelling light.

Eclipse Cleaning Products

Dust spots on DSLR sensors are an everyday annoyance for photographers. There are products designed for sensor cleaning. For example, Eclipse offers specialist cleaning fluids and swabs to suit the majority of different DSLR sensors currently in use.

Camera Bag

Every photographer needs at least one camera bag if not more, to not only carry the camera, but also all the spare memory cards, batteries and filters they just got for Christmas.

A big bag or hard case is useful for taking a large amount of gear in the car, while a small bag is more convenient when walking any distance.

There are bags and pouches available for every type of camera and photographer.

Lowepro Shoulder Strap

The shoulder straps on bags and cases can soon become uncomfortable. Lowepro make a thickly padded, non-slip replacement strap, making it easier for your photographer to lug their favorite bag on a long days shooting.

Zeiss Lens

For the photographer who has almost everything for their DSLR, one very special, and expensive, item is a lens from the legendary Carl Zeis. These superb lenses are available for DSLR cameras using the Nikon, Pentax, or Sony/Minolta lens mount systems. Zeiss also make them to fit the old universal m42 screw mount.