Half the fun of getting a new gadget is buying all the toys to go with it! Once you've done the research and purchased your digital camera, it's time to purchase the accessories that will enhance your user experience.

What are the different types of digital camera accessories available?

Just do a quick Internet search for "digital camera accessories," and you'll turn up hundreds of different products - more than you would have ever thought possible. To help get you started on your hunt for the perfect accessories, here's an overview of some of the most fun and essential pieces of digital camera equipment on the market.

Not all digital cameras have interchangeable lenses, but if yours does, then you should be taking full advantage of it. The lens is your camera's eye. It determines what your camera sees, and it also determines the quality of the image that's transmitted to your digital camera's image sensor.

You need different lenses to adjust focal length. A wide-angle lens pushes the subject back, and a telephoto lens pulls the subject closer. Zoom lenses are the perfect choice when you want a compact and versatile lens that covers most photographic situations. At the wide end of the zoom range it's possible to capture a group of friends having a meal, or at the telephoto end the expression on a child's face as they learn to kick a ball..There are also highly specialized lenses, such as the super wide-angle lenses that you can use to create distinct effects.

We all know the importance of light when it comes to taking amazing pictures. If the surrounding light isn't adequate, it's time to bring in the flash. All digital cameras have some type of built-in flash, but they can leave you with overexposed backgrounds and give the people in your photos red eyes. Instead, invest in a Speedlite flash. Speedlite flashes are external flashes you can purchase and attach to your camera. They tilt and swivel so you can direct the light source.

When it comes to carrying your digital camera, today's technology far surpasses the zip-up leather pouch. Planning a day at the beach? Then you need a waterproof case for your digital camera! These waterproof cases allow you to take your camera underwater with you as you swim and snorkel. You'll be able to snap great pictures of sea life.

Speaking of great pictures, have you ever returned home from a trip only to find that all your self-portraits are more like up-the-nose shots? The solution is a camera extender. Camera extenders are telescoping support rods that fit into your tripod mount. The extender allows you to hold the camera out at a far enough distance to get yourself in the shot.

Where can I buy digital camera accessories?

Where to shop for digital camera accessories depends on the type of accessories you're looking for. Accessories such as basic lenses and tripods will be available anywhere digital cameras are sold. For more specialised and high-tech gear such as Speedlites flashes, you'll likely need to visit a camera equipment store.

Of course, absolutely any camera accessory your heart desires is available online. Compatibility is always crucial when electronics are involved, so the best place to start looking would be a camera manufacturer's website.

With the right accessories, any camera can take beautiful pictures. You can really make your camera your own by outfitting it with the accessories that suit your personal style of photography.

This article was brought to you by Canon Australia - providing the latest Digital Camera Accessories.

About Canon

Canon Australia is a leading provider of advanced, simple-to-use imaging solutions for businesses and consumers. Canon's Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops customised solutions for local customers, and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-three US patent recipients for the past 16 years, and had global revenues of around $US39 billion in 2007. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services.

For more information, visit canon.com.au.