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A camera or accessory is a great gift for someone who loves action sports, filmmaking, or photography. And there’s never been a better time to own a new camera, as the latest technology will let them take better photos and video than ever. There are so many options for cameras, and accessories such as backpacks, memory cards, tripods, and other accessories, that it can be difficult to find the right one. 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 R10
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
Although it is still in its infancy, Canon’s EOS R10This camera is one of the most sought-after gifts for photographers. It has a combination of excellent handling and high performance. It has a nice big grip and generous controls, so it’s easy to change commonly used settings. The camera can capture bursts of up to 23 frames per second, and the autofocus that detects your eyes and faces is strong enough to keep up. You can also record video at 4K 60p resolution with 10-bit color and super-slow-mo (1080p @ 120 fps). You also get a flip-out LCD and an integrated flash. The only problem is the in-body stability.
GoPro Hero 11
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
The Hero 11 is GoPro’s most refined action camera yet, so it’s guaranteed to please any adventurous folks on your gift list. This new model features a 27-megapixel sensor. This is a significant upgrade over the previous 23 megapixel chip. You get the highest resolution of any action camera (both 5K 60p and 4K120p), along with 10 bit color. It also features a faster aperture of f/1.9. The higher resolution enables the horizon-leveling feature that keeps things steady when the camera tilts, on top of GoPro’s class-leading HyperSmooth stabilization, now in its fifth generation. You probably don’t need to update if you’re coming from a Hero 9 or 10, but it’s far and away the best option otherwise.
Buy GoPro Hero 11 at Amazon – $500
Sony A7 IV
Sony
Sony’s A7 IVThis is the follow-up to the A7 III and will please all Christmas photographers. This model has a higher resolution than the previous model, 33 megapixels. The image quality is also much better. Video is now comparable to rivals, with 4K at 60 frames per second and high-quality 10-bit video. Autofocus works well for stills and video, and in-body stability does a great job of correcting camera shake. The only downsides to the rolling shutter which limits the use for the electronic shutter and the expensive price are the most important.
Adorama sells Sony A7IV for $2,498
Panasonic GH5 II
Panasonic
Panasonic’s GH5 II is an update and not an overhaul of the original GH5, but it’s still the best value in a mirrorless camera for video – and a great gift for a videographer. The new features include enhanced stabilization, 10bit color for 4K 60p video and All-I capture. There are also USB-C PD charging and video streaming options. The drawback is the continuous video autofocus that’s not up to par with rivals, but it’s better than before. It costs around $1,700 and delivers more than many rival cameras.
Buy Panasonic GH5 II at Adorama – $1,698
Libec TH-X video tripod
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
For video shooting, a tripod with a fluid-head head is an essential tool. However, they can get very expensive. For a gift that won’t break the bank, Libec’s TH-X It is a fantastic choice. The camera can hold up to 9 lbs. It also includes a sliding plate to help balance your camera. It allows for smooth tilting and panning as well as easy leveling. It only weighs 3.1 kg and costs just $200.
Joby Gorillapod 3K Flexible Mini-Tripod
Joby
One of the most useful accessories out there for vlogger on your Santa list are Joby’s famous mini-tripods, and the best one for the money is the GorillaPod 3K. Attaching your camera couldn’t be easier thanks to the secure clip-in mounting plate with a built-in level. The flexible legs allow you to set your camera wherever you want it to, wrap it around trees or any other object, and even attach it to a tripod. You can also bend them to create the perfect vlogging angle or steady your shooting. Amazon has one for only $45, which is a great price for such a versatile tool.
Amazon: Joby GorillaPod3K for $46
Lowepro ProTactic BP350 AW II camera backpack
Engadget
The ProTactic 350AW IIThis versatile backpack from Lowepro makes a great gift. 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. Lowepro claims it can hold a Pro DSLR with 24-70mm zoom and eight additional lenses, flash units, and a 13-inch notebook. It’s also modular, with adjustable dividers, removable straps and multiple pockets.
Buy ProTactic backpack at B&H Photo – $190
Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag V2 13L
Engadget Photography by Will Lipman
With its rugged, practical design, Peak Design’s Everyday Messenger BagThis is a great gift idea for photo-shooting or adventurous loved ones. It’s built with a lightweight yet durable 100-percent waterproof recycled 400D shell with the ingenious Flexfold dividers in the main storage area. There are two elastic side pockets, a pair of zipper pockets, and a large compartment that can hold a 13- or 15-inch laptop. It’s practical for both work and everyday activities. I use it every day to carry my camera, lens, wallet, keys, and keys. It’s not the cheapest bag out there at $230, but your Dad won’t have to buy another for a good long while.
Buy Everyday Messenger at Peak Design – $230
Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio 18
Blackmagic
If you’re not interested in paying for Adobe’s subscription services, the best video editing software gift idea is Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve 18 app. There are two options for editing: Cut mode for quick projects or Edit for more complicated videos. Plus, you get Resolve’s well-known color correcting tools, the Fairlight audio editor, along with the Fusion graphics and compositing system – everything needed to deliver a project.
Blackmagic offers DaVinci Resolve for $295
Nanlite LitoLite 5C RGBWW Mini LED Panel
Engadget
A good light is an awesome tool in your favorite photographer or videographer’s arsenal, and a relatively affordable gift to boot. The is one of the most versatile models. Nanlite LitoLite 5C RGBWW Mini LED Panel. It is only 4.8 ounces in weight and provides dimmable lighting with a variety colors. The fixture can be adjusted via a smartphone or on-the-flare app. The fixture can be mounted on any wall using a magnet or quarter inch threads. It also has cordless operation, a 1.5-hour battery life (charged via USB) and cordless operation. The most interesting feature is special effects that range from a cop car’s flashing lights, flames, candlelights, a lightning storm and more.
Amazon: Nanlite LitoLite5C, $75
Rode VideoMic Go, and Wireless Go II
Will Lipman Photography, Engadget
If the vlogger in your life doesn’t already have one, Rode’s wireless and shotgun microphones are solid, affordable gifts. The VideoMic GoIt is perfect for interviews and running-and-gun shooting due to its clear directional audio and relative ease-of-use. It comes with a shock mount to eliminate bumps or vibrations that could interfere with sound and doesn’t require a battery, unlike past Rode models. Meanwhile, Rode’s Wireless Go II This wireless microphone is one of the most well-known wireless lavalier mics. It can be used as both a microphone for up to two subjects and a wireless transceiver. It offers a reliable connection and good audio quality, or you can maximize clarity by connecting external 3.5mm microphones like Rode’s $80 Lavalier Go, the Sennheiser Pro Audio ME2 Other.
Amazon: Rode VideoMicGo – $66
Amazon: Rode wireless go II
Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB UHS II SDXS card
Lexar
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 UHS-II V60 cardsThese cards are only $33 and $50 respectively. Although not as fast as the top-of-the line 2000x card you get faster read and writes (250 MB/s and 12 MB/s respectively) for a fraction more than any UHSI card. If speed is of the essence, then SanDisk’s top-end V90 cards with 300MB/s read and 260MB/s write speeds can be found for $80 and $150, respectively.
Amazon Lexar Professional 1667x starting at $33
ProGrade 256GB CFexpress 2.0 Type C Gold
ProGrade
New camera models include the Panasonic GH6, Fujifilm X-H2, Canon EOS R3 & EOS R5, as well as CFexpress Type-B slots, which are faster than SD UHS-II. Prograde’s Type B GoldWith speeds of 1700MB/s read speed and 1500MB/s write speed, this device is a great choice. It’s available in 128GB or 256GB versions at $100 and $140 respectively. ProGrade also offers Type B Cobalt versions for 8K and RAW capture at $180, $450 and respectively for 325GB and 165GB.
ProGrade CFexpress 2.0 Card – 100$
Edelkrone SliderOne 2
Engadget
Nothing ups video production value like a camera slider for doing “dolly” moves, and one of the most affordable and gift-friendly models is Edelkrone’s SliderOne V2. It’s relatively lightweight and small at just 20 centimeters (8 inches), so it’s portable enough to fit in a camera bag. It offers smooth operation that’s easily programmable from a smartphone, and works nicely with other Edelkrone products like the HeadONE motorized panning system.
