Buying your first DSLR - what else do you need?

[masp]

Ah, lens hoods, good idea!

Hmm, do you use the brush part of the your blower brush much? On the one hand, I'd worry that the brush would scratch the lens, but on the other hand, the brush could be handy for cleaning the exterior of the body... if there's some way to clean the brush off afterwards. Anyway, I'll check out this Lenspen too. Can the Lenspen be cleaned or does it need to be thrown away when it gets too dirty? The one Rockwell recommends is just an ear syringe: Amazon.com: Goodhealth Fautless Ear Syringe - 1 ea: Health & Personal Care Rockwell wrote: "I spent $5 on a blower bulb (not brush) and it's all I've ever needed these past 5 years to keep all my cameras clean."

Maybe it's better to spend a few extra bucks to protect my investment in the camera. Just wanted to make the stuff I'm buying is actually useful. Cheers.