If your loved one enjoys action sports, filmmaking or photography, a camera or accessory would be a highly appreciated gift. There’s never been a better time to own a new camera, as the latest technology lets them take better photos and videos than ever. With all the camera models out there, along with numerous accessories like backpacks, memory cards, tripods and more, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Fortunately, we’ve done all the research and found cameras at a wide range of prices, along with accessories that will help your giftee get the most out of their gear.
Canon EOS R100
Canon’s latest budget mirrorless camera is the EOS R100, and it’s a great gift for that special someone just getting into photography. The 24.2-megapixel sensor delivers beautiful photos with warm skin tones, and it supports 4K video. It’s great for travel, street photography, and more, and can even capture bursts at up to 6.5 shots per second. The R100 comes in at $500, though you’ll likely want the $599 package with an 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 kit lens.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
If you want to be a holiday hero, just buy your favorite person the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 instant camera. It lets you take real, physical photos that friends and family can see, touch and enjoy immediately – a far different experience than digital photos on a screen.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
GoPro’s $400 Hero 12 Black didn’t change much over the last model, but it’s still the best action camera on the market for that adrenaline junky on your gift list. It offers outstanding video quality, Hypersmooth stabilization, and an HDR mode tuned for improved handling of mixed lighting. The biggest improvement over the last model are better battery life and a new log mode that improves dynamic range in tricky lighting conditions.
Joby Gorillapod 3K Stand
One of the most useful accessories out there for vlogger on your gift list are Joby’s famous mini-tripods, and the best one for the money is the GorillaPod 3K. It attaches securely to your camera and has flexible legs that let you set your camera anywhere to shoot, or even wrap it around a tree or other object.
WD My Passport SSD
Photographers always appreciate the gift of storage, particularly fast storage. Western Digital’s 1TB My Passport SSD fits the bill with fast NVMe speeds of 1,050MB/s read and 1,000Mb/s write speeds, fast enough to back up the entire drive in around 20 minutes.
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II Backpack
The ProTactic 350 AW II from Lowepro is a versatile camera backpack that makes a great gift for any photographer. It’s comfortable whether you’re doing a shoot across town, in the middle of nowhere or in another country, and spacious enough for a generous amount of photo or video gear. It’s also modular, with adjustable dividers, removable straps and multiple pockets.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag
With its rugged, practical design, Peak Design’s Everyday Messenger Bag is an ideal gift for adventurous, photo-shooting loved ones. It’s built with a lightweight yet durable 100-percent waterproof recycled 400D shell with handy Flexfold dividers in the main storage area.
Nanlite LitoLite 5C RGBWW Mini LED Panel
A good light is an awesome tool in your favorite photographer’s or videographer’s arsenal, and a relatively affordable gift to boot. One of the best all-around models is the Nanlite LitoLite 5C RGBWW Mini LED Panel.
Rode VideoMic Go and Wireless Go II
If the vlogger in your life doesn’t already have one, Rode’s wireless and shotgun microphones are solid, affordable gifts. The VideoMic Go is ideal for interviews and run-and-gun shooting, while Rode’s Wireless Go II functions as both a microphone (for up to two subjects) and wireless transceiver.
Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB SDXS UHS II card
There’s no point in buying your favorite photographer UHS-I cards anymore when faster UHS-II models can be found at nearly the same price. That’s the case with Lexar’s 64GB or 128GB 1667x V60 UHS-II cards.
ProGrade Digital CFexpress 2.0 Type B Gold card
Many new camera models these days include CFexpress Type B slots that are multiple times faster than SD UHS-II cards. Prograde’s Type B Gold with 1700 MB/s read and 1500 MB/s write speeds are a good value, available in 128GB and 256GB versions.
Amazon Basics 60-inch tripod
If your loved one is just jumping into photography, this one from the Amazon Basics line is a solid tripod that doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s compatible with most cameras up to 6.6 pounds, is easy to get flat thanks to two built-in bubble levels, and includes a carrying case with a shoulder strap.
Giottos Rocket Air Blaster
This popular tool will help keep your favorite photographer’s gear clean and free of dust.
