It’s safe to say that we’re in an age of photography that is unparalleled in history. Between the incredible quality and features of modern-day smartphones and related accessories, photography-enabled drones, and a never-ending stream of fun, innovative gadgets to support your photography endeavors, photography has never been so fun (and functional!).
We’ve scoured the internet for the best and brightest photography tools of the year, and came up with three can’t-miss gadgets that you’re sure to want to check out before 2016 comes to a close.
Gifyyy
There are few photography products out there that are as unique as Gifyyy. A highly portable, cutting-edge photobooth, Gifyyy includes all the hardware and software needed to set up in 10 minutes or less, and is a must-have tool for any wedding or event photographer (or any other type of creative, for that matter).
Gifyyy is a blast for guests, who simply pose for a few shots, which are stitched together into an animated GIF. The GIFs are then shared with guests via SMS, so they, in turn, can enjoy and share the GIF's themselves. Gifyyy will soon support traditional still photos as well, and is set to be even more portable with an optional Lilon battery, so you can set up your booth anywhere you want, without worry of how you’ll power the device.
Better still, Gifyyy isn’t just a fun tool for guests, but it is also a prime marketing tool for your business. Push bulk messages out to event guests, such as a link to the event’s photo gallery, run post-event promotions, and even collect email addresses for your database too.
Gifyyy is currently on Kickstarter and has an estimated delivery window of October 2016. If you want to take your wedding or event photography to the next level, get on board with Gifyyy!
PowerEgg Camera Drone
If you aren’t taking your photography to the skies, you’re behind the times!
The PowerEgg Camera Drone gets its name from its collapsed egg shape when not in use, which makes for easy transport between photo outings. When deployed, the PowerEgg has four propellers to keep the rig steady, even in strong winds. It’s easy to fly too, with a Maestro gesture-based controller or via an iOS or Android app for your smartphone. Better still, the PowerEgg has a range of 3.1 miles and a 3-axis gimbal for smooth, stable video. With a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s, a maximum ISO of 1600, and video capabilities as well, the PowerEgg is a great addition to any photographer’s kit that will provide a unique perspective on any subject. Pre-order now!
Hasselblad True Zoom Camera for Moto Z
If you’ve always wanted a Hasselblad camera but haven’t wanted to pay an arm and a leg for it, now’s your chance!
You can currently pre-order the True Zoom, which has a 10x optical zoom, xenon flash, a physical shutter and zoom, and RAW shooting capabilities. The camera has a 12 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, which isn’t going to compare to Hasselblad’s typical medium format sensor, but is definitely bigger than what most smartphones offer. With an aperture range of f/3.5-f/6.5 and a maximum ISO of 3200, the camera certainly has better low-light shooting capabilities than you can get with your smartphone. It also shoots video at 30fps in 1080p HD.
The True Zoom isn’t going to replace your DSLR or mirrorless camera, but with capabilities on par with many point-and-shoots and the convenience of being attached to your phone, the True Zoom is a great entry-level camera that’s fun, packed with features, and easy to carry around. Just like the Gifyyy and the PowerEgg, this is one exciting gadget that might very well change the way you approach photography!