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Student Guide to Camera Accessories

Once you’ve chosen your camera, the next step is figuring out what else you actually need to go with it. A camera accessory like bags, tripods, straps and memory cards might not seem as exciting as the camera itself, but they’re essential for looking after your kit, shooting easily, and keeping everything organised, especially when you’re on the move between classes, locations and assignments.

This guide highlights some of the most useful camera accessories for students starting out in photography or video. We’ve also selected some Student Picks, which offer great value, so you can choose reliable gear from day one that helps get the most from your camera without overspending.

While our second-hand camera accessories department often includes individual bargains, stock changes quickly, so we’ve also included brand new options that are easier to pick up and come highly recommended.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at the extras worth adding to your setup.

Camera bags

A good camera bag does more than just carry your gear, it protects it from bumps, knocks and the weather, and helps keep everything organised so you can shoot without stressing. Whether you’re commuting, walking to a shoot, or travelling between locations, having a reliable bag can make a big difference.

The right bag depends on how much gear you carry, and it’s quite hard to find a single bag that fits all. A compact top-loader might suit a single camera and lens, while a camera backpack offers space for extras like a laptop, charger and spare lenses. Look for bags with padded compartments, water-resistant materials and easy-access pockets for cards, batteries or filters. Many bags also include hidden tracker pockets nowadays, which can help keep your gear safe while out and about. Check out our tips on looking after camera equipment for students for more on trackers and what else you can do to maintain your gear. 

We stock a range of camera bags and regularly highlight our favourites in the blog, including our guide exploring to How to Find the Best Camera Bag for You. Used bags are available too, though stock is limited and changes frequently.

Top 5 Camera Bags for Students

1. Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L V2 Black This is a compact, stylish and easy bag to wear across campus and into the streets, but be aware that it will set you back over £80.00
2. Manfrotto Advanced Holster M III At around £42.00 this is great for quick access and lightweight carry
3. Lowepro Adventura TLZ 30 III Toploader This is a popular choice for first-time DSLR users, anyone who cares about environmental credentials and is on a budget as this bag is only £38.00
4. Lowepro Tahoe BP150 Backpack We’ve selected another Lowepro thanks to the space this little backpack offers for camera kit, a water bottle and essential extras, all for around £50.00
5. Manfrotto Advanced Gear Backpack M III Our last option is a well-built backpack from market a leading brand, with space for your camera, lenses and laptop. It’s the priciest in the list, and will set you back around £90.00

Once your gear is packed and protected, the next thing to think about is how you’re going to shoot, especially if you want sharp photos, capture long exposures, or pan for video.

Tripods for Photos and Video

A tripod might not be the first thing you think of, but it can quickly become one of the most useful tools to have in your kit. Whether shooting in low light, capturing long exposures, live-streaming content, or you just want sharper results, a tripod adds the stability that makes it possible.

There are lots of types to choose from. Full-size tripods offer height and great control, mini tripods are compact and portable, and monopods are useful when you need a lighter support without the full weight of three legs. If you’re just starting out, go for something lightweight, easy to carry, and compatible with your camera and lens setup.

You’ll find new tripods to suit every setup, and we also have a selection of used tripods to browse, although availability is generally limited to one or two at a time. Look for quick-release plates, easy to adjust legs and a solid build for student use.

Top 5 Tripods and Supports for Students

1. Benro Slim Aluminium Tripod Kit This is lightweight and folds small, which is ideal for day-to-day use, and it costs just £84.00.
2. Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fibre Monopod Also at £84.55 this monopod is strong, light and easy to carry.
3. Cullmann ALPHA 1800 Mobile Tripod Silver At just £30.00 this is a budget-friendly and simple to use tripod for basic setups and beginners.
4. Joby GorillaPod 3K MII Mini Tripod Joby is the definitive name in flexible mini supports, and this one for £60.00 is great for filming and photography.
5. Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium Monopod This monopod is Ideal for sports and outdoor shoots, and at only £49.00 it’s great for beginners.

Camera Straps

A good camera strap can make a surprising difference, especially if you’re carrying your camera for long periods and walking around locations. Most cameras come with a basic neck strap, but upgrading to a more comfortable or versatile strap can help reduce strain and give you more control over your kit.

There are different styles to suit different needs, including neck straps, shoulder slings, and wrist straps, which all offer different levels of support and features. Quick-adjust sliders and strong anchor systems are especially useful if you’re moving quickly or switching between shooting and carrying.

Student Pick: Peak Design Leash Camera Strap in Charcoal

This lightweight, minimalist strap is ideal for students who want a neck, shoulder or sling strap all in one. It has quick-release anchor links that make it easy to detach your camera, and it is very durable, packable and secure, which makes a great upgrade from a standard strap.

Memory Cards

Memory cards are essential for storing everything you shoot, whether that’s coursework, video projects or everyday photography. Buying the right one can make a difference to your workflow, especially when it comes to speed and reliability.

The majority of cameras use an SD card, but rarely will you find one included in the box. Not all SD cards are created equal either, but there are only really two main things to look out for:

1. Capacity (how much it stores)

2. Speed (how quickly it can write photos or video).

A 64GB card is a good starting point, and a fast write speed, like 90MB/s or quicker is useful for burst photos or filming video in standard resolution.

We’ve written a full guide to help demystify the differences, which you can find in our Ultimate Guide to Memory Cards.

Student Pick: SanDisk 64GB Extreme PRO 200MB/s UHS-I SDXC Card

Despite costing only £22.00 this card is reliable, fast and has enough capacity for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for photo and video recording, so great for hybrid creators. It’s also compatible with most modern cameras and gives students peace of mind that their files are being saved safely.

The right accessories can make a big difference when you’re starting out, whether it’s a good quality camera bag that keeps your gear safe, a tripod to steady your shots, or a memory card fast enough to keep up with video. You don’t need to buy everything at once, but having the essentials sorted helps you focus on learning and creating, rather than thinking about your setup.

At Park Cameras, we stock a range of used accessories if you’re looking to pick up a one-off bargain, but availability changes quickly. That’s why we also created this post with Student Picks, so you can get good quality new accessories for a camera with our being overwhelmed by the choice.

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By Nick Dautlich on 25/08/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.