Qs about Sony DSC-H1

[mileaminute]

Since I'm getting this camera, (it's not in my hands yet) I wanted to know what else I have to buy for it. Since this camera was pretty pricey in my book, I'm really unenthusiastic about spending a ton more.

Batteries: Should I get NiMH rechargeable batteries? And if so, what kind and how many do you recommend? I don't have a battery charger so I'll need to buy one also. Is there a cheap but good battery charger that you can suggest?

I actually have a SONY CD player that runs on one NiMH battery and a recharger is built into the CD player. Er...do you think that counts as a useable recharger for NiMH camera batteries?

Carrying Case: Carrying cases are expensive ): Should I just buy the one that Sony has made for the DSC-H1 or is there another camera case I should look in to?

Memory Stick Pro: I am such a newbie at this. How many pictures on average does a 256 MB hold as opposed to a 512 MB stick? I'm not going to be travelling far right at this moment but during the Spring I will.

LCD Screen Protector: Do I need one if I'm getting a carrying case?

I really don't want to spend another couple of hundred bucks just on the additional stuff. I mean, I am going to invest my time into it and some money, but hey, I'm also a student who has to pay for their books!

I put all the biggies (or what I consider are biggies) up there. How much do you think I'll be spending after getting a hold of those items?

Thanks!

[Jason25]

Batteries: The Sony 2500mAh batteries and the Sony 15-minute charger are a great combo. You can get the charger and 4 batteries on Amazon for about $30.

Case: Just pick one that works for you and go with it. Lowepro and Tamrac are 2 popular brands.

Memory Stick: I have a 512 that holds around 200 photos at the highest quality settings if I remember correctly.

I haven't found the need for a screen protector, it's pretty sturdy as-is.

The price for all those items together will really depend on the size of memory stick you get. I'd go with a 512 though.

[mileaminute]

Since I'm very iffy with purchasing things over the internet, I usually check if bestbuy or circuitcity or something has the item and I swing over to that store. I found something on the bestbuy website:

Energizer NiMH Compact AA/AAA Battery Charger with 4 Rechargeable AA Batteries

I'm very new and dumb. These batteries will still work for Sony right? I mean, I know the cameras are very picky about their memory cards, but these batteries should be ok right?

(: I will be checking out the camera bags and I will probbaly get the 512MB.

Thank you!

[TampaJim]

You can buy the Energizer charger and four 2500mAH AA NiMH batteries at WalMart for under $18. Best Buy will be more than happy to charge you twice as much, however. Consider getting two 256MB memory sticks, gives you a backup if one fails - the amount of memory remains the same.

[mileaminute]

): I checked WalMart and they actually sell the energizer recharger for a couple dollars more than Bestbuy. As for the memory sticks, the 512 MB sells lower at Bestbuy, however, they sell the 256MB stick higher than Walmart's 256MB.

My cheapest decision (if I were to get either a 512Mb OR two 256MB) would involve me getting the 512MB from Bestbuy.

Should I be really worried about memory sticks failing on me?

What type of carrying case do you use for your DSC-H1? I can't seem to find a store around here that carries the bag that Sony designed for this camera.

Thanks!

[Jason25]

): I checked WalMart and they actually sell the energizer recharger for a couple dollars more than Bestbuy. As for the memory sticks, the 512 MB sells lower at Bestbuy, however, they sell the 256MB stick higher than Walmart's 256MB.

My cheapest decision (if I were to get either a 512Mb OR two 256MB) would involve me getting the 512MB from Bestbuy.

Should I be really worried about memory sticks failing on me?

What type of carrying case do you use for your DSC-H1? I can't seem to find a store around here that carries the bag that Sony designed for this camera.

Thanks!
I actually wound up getting my memory stick from Best Buy. I haven't had any issues with it yet, it works perfectly so far. I use a cheapo Samsonite I got from Circuit City when I bought my camcorder for now. Not sure what I'm going to go with for the D50 yet, though.

[freeline]

I also purchased a UV filter but don't know where to put it. One of the websites suggested that I needed it but there are no instructions. I will call the manufacturer if I don't get an answer from one of you experienced ones.

Thanks.