With so many nifty gadgets and gizmos available you could end up with more than you'll ever use - let alone need.

To keep it in check, here are six do's that will ensure you have the necessities.

1. Have extra memory and batteries. There's nothing more frustrating than finding your memory card is nearly full.

Always keep at least one extra (and empty) memory card in your case. A 512-megabyte memory card can cost between $60 and $150, depending on its type.

If you are going on a trip and are expecting to take a lot of pictures, consider a portable storage unit. The FlashTrax (www.smartdisk.com) and eFilm PicturePAD (www.delkin.com) let you transfer pictures onto your computer later. A 40-gigabyte storage unit runs $450 on the Net.

Carry enough power for a day of shooting. If your camera uses rechargeable batteries, pack a quick-charging unit that can be plugged into your car.

2. Use lens cleaner. The best-framed picture is easily ruined by a dirty lens. You can pick up a good but inexpensive (less than $15) lens cleaning kit at any photo store. It should consist of a blower brush, cleaning solution and soft cloth.

3. Bring a plastic bag. When foul weather is at play, protect your camera with a plastic bag. Aquapac (www.aquapac.net) and KeepItDryCase (www.keepitdrycase.com) have clear bags ($45 to $340) that will protect your camera (even in shallow water), while still allowing you to take pictures.

4. Block out the light. Framing a shot with the liquid crystal display (LCD) or navigating a menu during a sunny day can be next to impossible. An LCD hood will combat overly bright conditions. Check with your camera manufacturer to see if it sells one for your model. Expect to pay about $30. Hoodman (www.hoodmanusa.com) sells hoods that fit a number of LCD screen sizes, all for less than $20.

5. Shed some light. Sometimes darkness is your enemy. When shooting in poorly lit conditions, it's great to have a little pen flashlight. This will help you find items in your bag. It's also handy for looking at buttons and settings.

6. Read the manual. This is what separates experts from amateurs. Professionals know their equipment like the backs of their hands. The rest of us snap photos too infrequently to know everything about our cameras. By packing your manual, you can quickly refer to it when an error message occurs or if you need to do something other than point and shoot.

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With reporting by Ted Rybka