I just purchased the Nikon 5100 camera?

I just purchased the Nikon 5100 camera and am wondering if there's an external flash that I should purchase for this camera? Any recommendations?

I'm a beginner so if there's anything you think I should purchase, please list below!

So far, I have a tripod, card reader, extra memory cards, extra battery, cleaning kit, bag, photoshop elements 10 - I want to make sure I have everything a fairly decent photographer would need.

Thanks to all!

Added (1). Thanks to everyone who has offered advice. I keep hearing "make sure you have a good quality tri-pod". I bought a camera bundle off of Amazon and the tripod came in it. How do i know if I have a good enough tri-pod?

A very good option.

SB700 is a fine flash.

The 5100 reviews well so a nice buy.

An external flash could be a good buy but will you need it?

I use the D60 and find the flash good enough for general purpose shots.

The 5100 also has good low light capability.

So, unless you intend to shoot specialist shots like portraits with bounce flash and reflectors then stay simple.

As for other tips. I would recommend shooting in RAW. Memory is cheap so its not a problem. But you will need some decent processing to edit the images.

I use Paint.net and Picasa for most of my editing. Photoshop is good but often far too complex.

You might also have a look here for learning resources.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/...orials.htm

Heres a link to my web site for more…

http://www.philcdav.webspace.virginmedia.com/photography.htm

One device I would add is a remote release if it supports it. I use infra red key, about £3 on eBay

Good luck and enjoy the hobby. It will last you a lifetime

Learn to use what you already have, then you will know what else you need. Buying everything you think you need first is a waste of your time and money. As you progress in your interest (photography) you will begin to understand what you need to enhance your abilities.
LEARN TO WALK BEFORE YOU RUN.

You might want to take a break from buying and do more photography.
That having been said, a good external flash would be the Nikon SB700.
Within the Nikon line, the SB400 is not bad, and its lightness can be convenient. However, for bounce flash its power and adjustability will be less than the SB700, and you would soon come to notice what it lacks. The SB900 would be better than the SB700, but the difference costs a lot, and your need for the extra abilities would be rare.
Beware of non-Nikon brand flashes. Maybe some are okay, but many are junk.

Speaking of junk, tripods are an accessory that Nikon has been willing to slap its name onto without any involvement in the manufacture or much responsibility for the quality. I hope you got a good tripod, but so many people buy cheap, flimsy tripods the first time, that maybe you should hold onto that flash money burning a hole in your pocket and give higher priority to shopping for a better tripod. That's after you get out and use the stuff you have and discover how it actually works.

No one ever puts a GOOD tripod in a camera bundle.

Good choice

It's easy to waste a lot of money on photography gear. Usually it's the best idea to buy new stuff once you have clearly identified the need for it, not just because you might possibly need it at some time in the future.

If you need it but don't have it, just order it on amazon and two days later you'll hold it in your hands.

Is the tripod a good quality one? I wouldn't trust a $700 camera to a $40 tripod. Also, the stability is essential for the quality of the photos.

A card reader is only required if your computer doesn't have one built in already. Most do.
What cleaning kit is it? I only use a rocket blower (NEVER canned air!) and a microfiber cloth. Never fluids.

What you might consider would be an UV filter as protection for your lens. Stick to reputable brands such as Hoya or B+W. After all, good camera+good lens+bad filter=bad photos.

Edit:
The tripods sold in those bundles usually are of the lowest possible quality. As are the filters that are included (let me guess - you got three filters in it?)

If possible i'd return that bundle and just buy a D5100 with its kit lens. Usually those bundles are not worth the extra price for the stuff that is included - those who sell them try to fool people who know little about photography with a large number of low quality accessories.