Version: 2008
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The niftiest gizmos for shutterbugs
The coolest camera-bag gadgets
Extra batteries and memory cards aren't the only items you should keep in your camera bag. There are lots of cool and useful gadgets for the digital photographer. Our editors selected some of their favorite gadgets, from the esoteric to the eminently practical.

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Egg Photo 360° Pack
This accessory is pricier than the other items we've selected, but if you're shooting real estate or you simply feel that 180-degree panoramas leave something to be desired, you may be willing to splurge. To get navigable 360-degree images, you attach the Egg accessory to any compatible lens, shoot, then run your photos through the included software.

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Hoodman H-DCR LCD hood
Tired of peering at a hard-to-see LCD preview in bright light? The H-DCR's rubber hood shields the screen from glare, and its eyepiece incorporates a 2X magnifier. You can strap this accessory to nearly any camera with a 1.5- to 1.8-inch LCD. If you have a 2-inch display, check out the H-200 hood.

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Hoodman HSK-2 Hoodskins
These thin, transparent overlays stick to 1.5- to 2-inch LCDs to protect them from scratches and smudges, and the skins don't leave behind any residue when removed. If your screen does get dirty, you can clean it without damaging the surface using Hoodman's HW-1 Hoodwipes, which come foil-packed in packages of 12.

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Lenspen
Using fluids and cloths on your lens can leave cleaning marks. The Lenspen applies a dry compound through a soft, flexible tip to remove specks from high-quality lenses without damaging their optical coatings. And there's a brush on the Lenspen's other end for getting rid of dust. A handy FAQ is available at the Lenspen Web site.

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Metz 34-CS2 Auto Shoe Mount digital-flash kit
Even if your camera doesn't have a hotshoe or a flash terminal, you can increase your flash power with this external unit, which attaches to your tripod mount with an included bracket. The 34-CS2 uses a sensor to figure out when to fire and ignores red-eye preflashes.

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Mission3D Photo3D 303 kit
If you're unsatisfied with your photos' paltry two dimensions, you can create stereoscopic images with this kit. You align your shots properly with the help of an included gadget that attaches to your camera's tripod mount. The requisite software and a mini tripod are also in the package, along with stylish 3D glasses for you and a few cheap paper pairs for your friends. If you don't already have a digital camera and want to take photos in 3D, check out Pentax's Optio models. They all offer a rudimentary 3D shooting mode.

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Tiffen Close-Up lens set
If you usually shoot in macro mode and just can't get close enough to your subjects, Tiffen's lens attachments will give you the magnification you've been wishing for. The company makes them in various sizes, so make sure you get the ones that fit your camera. This set is compatible with lenses that take 37mm attachments.

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Tiffen Deluxe 3-filter kit
This kit includes a UV filter that protects your camera's optics, an FLD (fluorescent to daylight) filter for eliminating the greenish hue of fluorescent light, and a neutral-density filter for reducing light in overly bright and contrasty scenes. Tiffen makes the kit in various sizes, so make sure you get the one that fits your camera's lens.

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Tiffen Deluxe Enhancing kit
In addition to the UV filter, the circular polarizer, and the 812 filter of the Photo Essentials Kit (below), this package includes Tiffen's enhancing filter, which captures rich reds, browns, and oranges. The kit comes in various sizes, so make sure you get the one that fits your camera's lens.

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Tiffen Photo Essentials kit
If your lens is threaded to accept attachments, a basic set of filters will be an excellent addition to your camera bag. This set includes a UV filter to protect the optics; a circular polarizer to cut through glare and increase contrast; and Tiffen's 812 filter, which is useful for warming up portraits. Tiffen makes the kit in various sizes, so make sure you get the one that fits your lens.