Gift-giving is hard. Shopping for photographers and photo enthusiasts is damned near impossible, but hopefully, this gift guide can help you not only get some ideal but look like a time here this holiday season. First things first, photographers will most undoubtedly have gear on the list ranging in the thousands of dollars, but don’t lose hope there are often many affordable gifts that can sometimes fly under many photographers’ radars. Let’s jump into it and go from stocking stuffer to baller status.
Stocking Stuffer $50 and under
Sandisk Extreme Pro SD card – memory is a must for any photographer and while you may need to make sure that you’re buying the right kind of memory card, SD cards are a safe format for most and at $20 at the time of this writing, makes it a must-have.
ThinkTank Photo SD Pixel Pocket Rocket Memory Card Case – speaking of memory cards, the ThinkTank Photo Pocket Rocket Card Case (yes, the official name is longer but this will get the job done if you walk into a store) is one that I’ve been using for literal years. I may have bought my first Pocket Rocket Card Case nearly 10 years ago and still as vital to my gear as my actual camera. The link above points to a newer version coming in under $18.
Moment’s CineFlare Streak Filter in Gold – if the photographer/videographer in your life looking to add some creative flare (pun intended) to their repertoire, the CineFlare Streak Filter is a great option that will fit most modern lenses. It comes in 67mm, 77mm, and 82mm thread options (so you’ll need to know which you need or add a set of Step Down Rings) and comes in right at our $50 mark!
NEEWER 5-in-1 Light Reflector – no one should be without a proper light reflector in their kit and whether your gift recipient is a pro or not, a reflector is a must-have. This version doesn’t collapse like other reflectors but does include a carry handle with a standard quarter-twenty mount for sticking onto a tripod. Just under $30 from Amazon.
The Centurions (Under $150)
If your budget allows or you simply really like the photographer/videographer in your life; maybe $50 is not enough to show how much you care (we like you). Here are some items that caught my eye this year:
NEEWER CL124 LED Wand – look, lighting is the second biggest component to good photography and sometimes, you just need a very specific thing – like a light wand. Whether you’re shooting portraits, or conducting interviews, a good LED wand can get “good” light anywhere you might need it – even when there are no large light sources available. I have this particular one on my own gift list – $89 on Amazon.
LUME CUBE Studio Panel Light – Remember where I mentioned that being able to make your own good light was important – the LUME CUBE Studio Panel Light is another great tool to keep on hand. Whether mounted directly on your camera, on a tripod or clamp, the Studio Panel boasts a durable construction and its own rechargeable battery – a clutch feature that can balloon the price of cheaper options. You can pick one up from Moment – $149.
SmallRig Universal Phone Cage – mobile photography/videography is having something of a golden age; great sensors and lenses paired with highly advanced, AI-powered software to optimize whatever you’re creating means that more and more people are using their phones as primary creation tools. A phone cage helps you add aids that can give you more control over light and sound as well as keep your phone securely tethered to any accessories. At $69 on Amazon, this cage is nicely priced.
Go For Broke! (No limit)
If money is no object or you’re simply shopping for yourself, here’s where things get pricey. This list might not be for everyone but it’s always fun to shop around!
TourBox Elite – I’ve spent a good portion of my life learning Photoshop/Lightroom keyboard shortcuts to cut down my time editing (which is my least favorite part of photography), of course, I’m interested in streamlining the process further. We reviewed the TourBox Elite earlier this year and Sam had this to say:
The TourBox Elite just might be the most useful gadget I’ve looked at in a long time. Not only that but there’s nothing I can really say negatively about it. The TourBox Elite has been nothing but a pleasure to work with since I’ve had it. It has certainly streamlined my workflow and made many tasks less time-consuming.
TourBox Elite Review
Right on! $265 direct from TourBox.
Canon PowerShot V10 – Unfortunately, I’ve been sitting on this review for a while, but let me give you all the TL;DR version: I don’t like vlogging but this vlog camera made me change my mind about it. Stripping down the available options of more “serious cameras,” made the experience much more approachable and encouraged me to actively bring it around and… vlog. $349 is a small price to pay if you’ve been considering becoming that kind of content person but it can also be used as a secondary camera to quickly record b-roll or BTS footage.
Sony ZV-E1 – Speaking of reviews I’m working on; the Sony ZV-E1 is one of those serious vlog-centric cameras. It comes packed with the same sensor as the Sony a7 IV, smart, AI-powered audio controls, and Sony’s ever-powerful AF algorithms. It’s a beast of a video-first camera in a body style that’s reminiscent of the a6600. At $2200 for the body-only, this one is for all you Sony FE shooters out there – if you’re a stills photographer, this is the video camera you’re looking for if you’re looking to test the video waters. If you’re currently a videographer -this is the camera you’re taking on vacation.
Final Thoughts
This by no means is a comprehensive list of what a photographer might have on their list – it’s very much what I’d like for someone to get me or something that I would get for myself. If the person you’re shopping for isn’t someone you’re close to, consider a gift card – can’t go wrong there. If you do happen to pick something from this list, share with us on social how it went.
