Stay awya from ebay right now, is my advice. Run some price checks at the camera dealers that support this site. If their prices are too high for you, run a CNET or Bizrate (or one of the other) price comparisons... but be carful and don't just go with the place with the lowest price!! Pay attention to the user ratings. Trying to save $50 can sometimes be a
big mistake. (The online camera places that have the lowest camera prices often more than make it for this by charging exorbitant prices for way overpriced and/or no-name junk accessories!)
The 717 comes with all sorts of neat stuff to keep you busy for quite q while, IMHO. The only thing you really need right away are:
1. A larger capacity memory stick (prices are going down; after rebate i paid about $60 for a 256MB stick recently.)
2. a decent cleaning kit (or buy the pieces seperately: a good cloth or two, lens blower & brush, lens cleaning fluid or a lens "pen.")
3. and if you're planning on going out, you might need case (depends on your needs & preferences)(Sony has a case & battery combo you might be able to get for 20% off...see below)
4. maybe a lens hood. a 58mm fold back rubber type for around $10 is my personal choice.
5. maybe a UV filter (get a brand name, not junk!)(to protect the lens as much as anything. Also, if you're in a very sunny or high altitude area, consider getting a decent circular polarizing filter. The 717 takes 58mm threaded filters.
Then take you time comparing other accessories such as:
6. a tripod (but you could wait on this for a bit) (but buy a brand name one from a good camera place (online is fine, just deal with a reputable one.)
7. A Sony remote corded control (list $49 on Sony's site)
Much llater: Tele and wide angle, or macro adapters: I really think it's better to wait on these and really get to know and use the camera as-is for a few months first. It come with a great lens that will keep you more than busy for quite a while (or should, anyway.) Then after a while, if you want to do more serious macro or whatever, you'll have a much better idea of what you need and want, and you can search this forum and find some great suggestions as to what other people with 717's use (and you will end up with quality glass at a good price! Most of the ebay stuff is overhyped junk (nothing you want to put in front of a great Zeiss lens!!) Most people here are into quality lenses and filters but appreciate good value, too. (Tip: Sony has some black colored tele and a wide angle lenses that list for something like $399 each! Don't ge them, even for $299 each! Sony has newer versions with a "D" in the number (as I recall) that cost considerable less, are top quality, and weight less, too. I learned that on this forum (along with many other great tips.)
Also, especially if you are going on a vacation, you might want an extra battery. They are available at less than full list price from many good places. Sony has one leather-looking case and battery combo that I happen to like, but it personal taste and how heavy or light you like to go.
A seperate flash unit, is something else you might want later, too. But again, take your time and listen to the folks here.
Another thing... When you register your 717 online at sony website, you will be entitled to purchase "selected" Sony accessories for 20 % off (which makes the price about right.) But don't register the camera or fill out any cards until you've checked out the camera thoroughly and know it is a keeper.
Here is the link to Sony's online regitration page:
https://www.onlineregister.com/sony/indexl.html
And if you go to Sonystyle USA site, and follow the trail to the F717, you can see all the official Sony accessories available (some, like the remote control, make sense getting from sony. Their $199 flash is a bit too pricey for me, as is some of their other stuff. Most forum members say not to get one of the Sony remote control tripods... just get a regular tripod and buy the remote control.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/Default-Start ;sid=86mhr0RQyHehkXt5HkCrpAteXK25S2y5ghk=
B&h carries many 58mm filters and accessories, but the place that i think has the best selection of quality filters & stuff (rubber lens shades, too) at good prices is:
http://www.photofilter.net
Hope that helps.
Good luck and enjoy your new 717... they are great quality cameras!!
