^{Photo by Keegan Checks from Pexels}

Do you want some useful audio recording tips for video cameras? Fully half of an A/V project is sound. Audio/Visual. They even put it first! Maybe it’s just an alphabetical order thing.

Current digital cameras are capable of recording amazing-looking video footage. They are also capable of recording audio. But what keeps many videographers from actually having great sound on their recording is relying on the built-in mics of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Seriously, the camera sensors are phenomenal and the lenses are extremely sharp. The mics are generally pretty good for their size, but we can do better. The best types of microphones for video are off-camera mics.

Simple To Use

^{Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels}

When searching for audio recording tips that relate to their own videos, some videographers might be led to believe that achieving high-quality audio recordings could turn into a difficult chore. It doesn’t have to. Superb sound can be realized by simply plugging in an external mic to your camera.

What are the best types of microphones for video shot with our favorite digital camera? Three common choices are lavalier, shotgun, and handheld. Each of these microphones has a specific characteristic or two that will blend in with your personal style of videography.

Some microphones can be plugged directly into your camera. Some are best used plugged into a mixing board and recorded on another digital recording tool. Many mics have wireless options as well. We’ll show you three different mics but you can use the information to shop for other audio recording gear too.

 

Recommended Videography Books:

• How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro
• The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook: Real-World Production Techniques

 

Lavalier Mic 

^{Photo by Rodrigo Souza from Pexels} 

Lavalier mics are small microphones placed near the mouth of the subject speaking. The name refers to a style of jewelry worn around the neck. Early lavalier mics were large, strapped to the chest, pointing directly toward the mouth. Think of telephone operators from the early 20th Century.

Modern lavalier mics are small enough to be clipped to the lapel, tie, or breast pocket of the subject's clothes. One of the more interesting audio recording tips I learned from recording live stage performances is that you can also put a lavalier mic in a performer’s hair to give the illusion of a mic-less performance. Works best with longer hair, of course.

One of the better examples of a lavalier mic can be found at Samy’s Camera, the Tascam DR-10L Digital Audio Recorder with Lavalier Mic. What sets this apart from other lavalier mics is that it’s a recording device, too. 

It can record in BWF to make editing easier. Sync up the recorded audio with the in-camera footage with an editing program to  bump up the quality of the audio in your videos.

Shotgun Mics

 ^{photo by filadendron via iStock} 

A shotgun is one of the easiest types of microphones for video that a videographer can use. It can mount directly to the camera to enhance the built-in audio recording capability of your DSLR or mirrorless camera. 

Shotgun mics like the Rode Microphones VideoMic GO On-Camera Shotgun Microphone are lightweight, too. If using a shotgun mic outdoors, a good audio recording tip is to make sure you put a wind sock on it. You are using an off camera microphone to improve the audio portion of your A/V production, so don’t degrade the quality of the sound by allowing wind noise to be recorded.

Plugged into a wireless transmitter or a compact recorder, you could also place a small shotgun mic anywhere you want to put it with a low profile mount such as the OctoPad. Check out the review below for more details on that device.

Learn More:

• OctoPad - Why You Need One
• Videography Tip: Using a Drone for B-Roll

Handheld Mics

^{Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels} 

A handheld microphone is a great way to add high-quality voice audio to instructional vlogs, presentations, or musical performances. If you plan on plugging directly into your camera, you will need to ensure you have the proper type of cord attached. Adapters exist for some of the most common configurations. 

An important audio recording tip is that a handheld microphone with an XLR connector can provide very clean audio when plugged into a mixing board or an auxiliary audio recorder. Be careful not to fiddle around too much with the mic in your hand to avoid extraneous noise.

A high-quality example of a handheld mic can be seen in the Sennheiser E835 Cardioid Handheld Dynamic Microphone. Another good pro audio recording tip is to employ a microphone stand for handsfree use of a handheld mic. 

Extra Pro Audio Tips for Video Recording

Whichever type of microphone for video you end up using, a couple of other methods can be employed to increase the quality and performance of your sound recording.

If you have the budget and the space for them, a mixing board and a digital audio recorder can increase the quality of the sound recorded. There are versions of these devices that are battery powered for use in the field, others are more comfortably used in a home or office studio.

Audio files aren’t just for vocal or music recording. A Foley artist can use these same tools to manufacture additional noises in order to enhance your video productions. 

Check out this informative YouTube video about Foley from Academy Originals: 

As one more of my audio recording tips, try out some of the simple audio-only editing programs to make files you can then insert by means of your regular video editing equipment and programs. 

 ^{photo by EvgeniyShkolenko via iStock} 

Any way you look at it, having great audio to add to your excellent video footage will enhance your finished A/V projects! 

Learn More:

• How to Edit Videos Like a Pro
• Videography 101

 

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I've been producing video content for a while now, and in that time, I've used and tested a good number of microphones.

As with anything else, some of the mics I've used have been absolutely stellar. Others have been pretty bad. But most occupy the "perfectly fine" middle ground.

In this buyer's guide, I want to highlight some of the best microphones of 2020.

I've used each of these mics, I've tested them in various environments, and they have proven to be the cream of the crop for my audio recording needs.

You'll find microphones on this list at varying price points, the least expensive of which is barely more than $50! That means there are mics listed below for any and every budget.

Let's get to it!

Ikan Comica CVM-V30 PRO

I have to say that of all the microphones on this list, this one surprised me the most.

At just $53.99 (at the time of this writing), it is by far the least expensive mic listed here. But don't let the price fool you...this thing hits way above its weight class.

I've tested inexpensive mics before, and by and large, it has not been a good experience. That's why I typically avoid recommending microphones at this price point.

But the Ikan Comica CVM-V30 PRO is different...

When you're filming in an environment with a lot of noise, you can put the mic in low-cut mode and adjust the sensitivity adjustment to minimize all the ancillary noise.

When you're filming on the go, as I often do, the shock-resistant structural design helps keep the noise from vibrations in check.

The super-cardioid polar pattern of this shotgun mic gives you superb off-axis rejection of unwanted sounds and allows the viewer to hear the subject with greater clarity.

Truly, the audio quality I've gotten from this mic has surpassed many other microphones that cost double or triple the price - or more. In fact, the quality is excellent up to about 5-6 feet away. Not many budget mics like this can make that claim.

I create a lot of YouTube content, so high-quality audio is a must. This microphone delivers! With excellent build quality, technical specs you'd expect in a much more expensive mic, and extras like an excellent filter and travel case, you have the makings of the ideal budget-friendly mic.

Learn more about the Ikan Comica CVM V-30 PRO

Learn More:

• Common Videography Mistakes You Need to Avoid
• Essential Camera Accessories for Vlogging

RODE VideoMic NTG

I began testing a pre-release version of the RODE VideoMic NTG about six weeks ago. I use the RODE NTG 4 for a lot of my studio work, and I was interested to see if this smaller, more portable mic could stand shoulder to shoulder with its bigger brother.

Needless to say, this mic has impressed!

Like the larger NTG 4 studio mic, the VideoMic NTG captures gorgeous, natural sound. There are various controls to assist you in doing so, including an infinitely variable gain control, a digital switch for controlling high-frequency boost and the high-pass filter, and it has a headphone output for monitoring audio.

Additionally, there is a peak decibel warning light so you can avoid distortion.

The best feature of this mic, though, is its sliding rail.

I've used RODE mics forever, and they are excellent. But my one complaint about them is that they protruded so far out from the camera that they can easily hit you in the face.

Well, the sliding rail system on the VideoMic NTG solves that problem, so if I'm shooting in selfie mode, I can slide the rail back and keep the microphone from hitting my face.

On top of all that, it has a battery that will last more than 30 hours on a single charge, it can be plugged into a USB port for recording on your computer, and it's price isn't bad at all, if you ask me - it's on sale for $249.00 at the time of this writing.

Learn more about the RODE VideoMic NTG

Deity D3 Pro

Yet another fine option for your audio recording needs is the Deity D3 Pro.

This super-cardioid directional condenser shotgun mic gives you a sensitivity range of -50dB to 28dB. It uses an on-board microprocessor that talks to the audio input it's connected with, which means it can work with your DSLR, mirrorless camera, smartphone, tablet...you name it! Basically, it's compatible with anything with a 3.5mm microphone jack. That's excellent versatility!

This mic has one of the best batteries in the business, too. You get up to 51 hours of runtime on a full charge. As an added bonus, it takes less than two hours to charge up!

The Deity D3 Pro has a stepless analog gain adjustment dial. It also has an on-board low-cut filter and a Rycote shock mount.

What all this means is that you get excellent audio (broadcast quality, in fact), that enables you to elevate the quality of your video productions.

It's priced at $199.00 at the time of this writing, so it's an excellent mid-range option.

Learn more about the Deity V3 Pro

Learn More:

• How to Edit Videos Like a Pro
• Plan a Solid Video Shoot With These Pre-Production Tips

SHURE Lenshopper VP83F

One of the neatest features of this microphone is that is has integrated flash recording.

Just add a MicroSDHC card, and you can record and play back audio while the mic is mounted to your camera.

It has an electric condenser cartridge with a super-cardioid/lobar polar pattern for optimal audio quality and an integrated shock mounting system the helps isolate the mic from unwanted noise.

As you'd expect from Shure, this mic is well built, rugged, and offers an intuitive and easy-to-use design.

Speaking of the design, this is a small and compact shotgun mic that doesn't take up too much space or get in your way.

The high-definition audio has excellent low-end response while the single-button recording option allows you to initiate recording quickly and easily.

I appreciate that Shure integrated a headphone audio output, which makes it easier to monitor recording.

I also like how natural the audio sounds, which is thanks to its high sensitivity, low self-noise, and wide frequency range. 

At $299.000 (at the time of this writing), this is one of the pricier mics on this list. However, the audio quality and features you get make it well worth the price tag.

Learn more about the Shure Lenshopper VP83F

RODE VideoMic Pro+

I've had the RODE VideoMic Pro+ in my kit for quite some time, and I have enjoyed using it with a variety of cameras in a variety of situations.

This true shotgun-style mic records super clean, broadcast-quality audio. That's thanks in part to digital switching that includes a two-stage high-pass filter that reduces low frequencies and a three-stage gain control with a +20dB functionality, which improves audio quality on DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

There is also a safety channel to ensure the signal doesn't clip with spikes occur, and a high-frequency boost to enhance the detail and clarity in the recording.

Like other mics on this list, the VideoMic Pro+ has a Rycote Lyre shock system that buffers the microphone capsule and electronics and the microphone mount.

In turn, the result is fewer vibrations of the mic that helps improve the quality of the audio recording that much more.

This mic has easy-to-use controls, intuitive operation, and excellent sound. It's simply a hard-working, lightweight mic!

Normally, all that performance would set you back about $400.00, but at the time of this writing, this microphone is on sale for just $249.00. That's not a bad deal at all!

Learn more about the RODE VideoMic Pro+

 

 

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^{photo byjacoblund via iStock}

So, you’re thinking about vlogging and you’re wondering if you really need to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on your equipment.  

No. You don’t. You just need the basics. But, you’ll want to make sure your vlogging gear will still last you a long time. 

Here’s a list of everything a vlogger can’t live without. 

Camera: GoPro

^{Photo by Arindam Raha from Pexels}

You’re definitely not going to get very far as a vlogger without the most basic of vlogging gear: a good camera. 

I think the most important thing when purchasing a camera is to remember that it’s 2020 and most cameras are going to be more than enough for your new vlog. Don’t overspend here and not be able to purchase the other vlogging gear essentials.

While you can use just about any DSLR or mirrorless camera out there, I’d recommend purchasing a GoPro because GoPros are definitely the easiest vlogging camera for traveling and shooting outside of a studio. 

They’re rugged, easily portable, and packed with features that make them a well-rounded camera. Besides, you can get a GoPro Hero 8 Black for $400, which is a great price for all the functionalities you get: 

• 12MP sensor
• 4K video at 60p or 1080p video at 240p
• 8x Slo-Mo video
• HyperSmooth 2.0
• TimeWarp 2.0
• Live Streaming
• LiveBurst
• SuperPhoto + HDR

You may not be planning to shoot anywhere other than your house, but if the need arises, you’ll have wished you went with a GoPro!

Quick Tip: You’ll want to invest in a quality external microphone to go with your GoPro. I’ve used the RODE VideoMicro and loved its sound quality and compact size. It’s a perfect addition to a GoPro because it’s rugged and portable, just like the GoPro! And at just $59, it’s budget-friendly too!

 

Recommended Videography Books:

• How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro
• The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook: Real-World Production Techniques

 

Light: LitraPro 

You’ll want to use natural lighting for your vlog as often as possible, but sometimes it’s not. In these times, you’ll want a natural-looking light to ensure your face doesn’t have any awkward shadows. 

I use the LitraPro because it is 100% dimmable, has adjustable color temperature, can run for up to 10 hours on one charge and is waterproof up to 90 feet. 

You can use it in your studio, on that epic surfing trip you’ve been planning, or on your trip to Machu Picchu and points in between.

It’s hard to find a light that is this bright, this rugged, and this portable. You can purchase a Litra Torch LitraPro on Adorama for $220. 

Learn More:

• 2019 Top Cameras for Vlogging
• Introduction to Drone Photography

Tripod: Octopad

 

People who write about vlogging best practices will always recommend getting a tripod, but I’ve found something just a little bit better. 

The Octopad does everything a tripod can’t through its patent-pending technology. It doesn’t slip or slide, it doesn’t cave under weight and it never loses suction - because it doesn’t use suction!

It’s weighted bottom keeps your GoPro, LitraPro, microphone, and other vlogging accessories perfectly stable, even on uneven surfaces. Heck, I often use my GoPro and Octopad as a dashcam setup - I set the Octopad on the dash, hit record on the GoPro, and we’re off.  

As soon as you buy this, you’ll have wished you had it in your camera bag over the years because it makes taking video and photos so much easier.  

The Octopad is available for only $27 on Adorama. 

Handheld Mount: HandlePod

Finally, before getting started in vlogging you’ll need a handheld mount. 

I chose the HandlePod because it works with GoPros, and you can use it in a variety of ways.

I typically use it as a handheld mount, but you can also use it as a tabletop mount or even mount it to a stable object, like a tree or a fencepost. 

Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty and weighs just 4 oz so you can take it everywhere. 

This camera stabilizer is available for less than $30 on Adorama.  

Pro Vlogging Tips

^{photo by NoSystem images via iStock} 

Now that you’ve got all the equipment you might need, you’ll need some information about getting started in vlogging. 

The first thing you’ll need to do is establish the “why” behind your vlog. Are you getting started in vlogging to educate your audience? Do you want to entertain them? Are you just looking to make some extra cash to take your family on vacation every year?

Once you have your “why,” other parts of your vlog will come more easily, like your story outlines, your purpose, and your filming dates. 

Next, you’ll need to get really good at editing, like Matti Haapoja.

Most people stop watching videos within the first two minutes, so you need to prove to your audience that your material is worth sticking around for. That means editing the crap out of your vlogs.  

Anything that isn’t 100% necessary to fulfill the purpose of the vlog needs to get cut. As a beginner vlogger, you should be aiming for videos that are no longer than 5 minutes. 

Finally, you should be doing a ton of market research. Watch other vlogs, both those who you consider your competitors and those who aren’t. Figure out what you love about watching vlogs and then try and emulate that. 

Learn More:

• Landscape Photography Myths Debunked
• Nikon Z6 Review

 

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^{Photo by Eugene_EM via iStock}

The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and you know what that means...

It's time to discuss more great gifts for photographers, this time with a budget of $1,000.

While a lot of photography gear is expensive, there are all kinds of gear options for photographers with a price tag under $1,000.

From tripods to cameras, photography lighting to gimbals, the following list has it all!

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Colorado Tripod Company Centennial Tripod

Every photographer needs a great tripod, and for that I recommend the Colorado Tripod Company Centennial Tripod.

One look at this thing and you know that it's been beautifully designed and built to last a lifetime.

The new 4-series version of this tripod extends to a height of 70 inches yet weighs just 4.9 lbs. and collapses down to 24 inches, making it a highly portable option for all kinds of photographers.

Part of what makes this tripod so lightweight is the Japanese carbon fiber legs that provide the ultimate in rigid support for your camera gear without adding unnecessary weight.

The legs are also waterproof, so if the person you're shopping for enjoys landscape photography that involves water, they can be confident in setting up this tripod at the beach or in a stream without worry of what the water will do to the tripod's legs.

This tripod is easy to set up, too...

The quarter-turn leg locks mean you can get the tripod in place and locked down in a flash, that way you don't miss any shots.

I like the fact that the Centennial Tripod comes in gunmetal or black finishes as well.

I've used various Colorado Tripod Company products over the years, and they have always impressed. This tripod is no different, and I'm sure the lucky photographer on your list would find it to be just as impressive!

Besides, at just $499, this tripod is way under budget!

Learn more about the Colorado Tripod Company Centennial Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Rode Microphones RODECaster Pro Integrated Podcast Production Studio

If the photographer on your holiday shopping list has their sights set on expanding their creative footprint into podcasting, then the RODECaster Pro should be on your radar as a perfect gift idea.

This gadget is the first fully integrated podcast production studio and can be used for producing beginner to advanced podcasts.

There are four high-quality microphone channels that can power studio condenser microphones and traditional dynamic microphones as well.

Connecting the microphones is quick and easy, and you get automatic level setting, one-touch recording, and many other convenient features as well.

The RODECaster Pro also allows you to have remote guests call in for an interview. Just connect a smartphone to the unit via Bluetooth or a TRRS cable, and it will automatically provide "mix-minus" audio to prevent the caller hearing an echo.

Additionally, this unit provides preamps and outputs with Class A circuitry for top-of-the-line gain structure and ultra-low distortion, just like you find in broadcast consoles!

RODE loaded the RODECaster Pro up with eight programmable sound effects as well.

There's music, jingles, applause, and other sounds that help give your podcast a more professional sound.

In other words, this is the perfect setup for getting a podcast off the ground!

Learn more about the RODE Podcaster

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Atomos Ninja V With Accessory Kit

Another great gift for photographers that are expanding into audio and video production is the 5-inch Atomos Ninja V portable monitor/recorder.

This gadget works with both mirrorless and DSLR cameras and provides 4K 60p 10-bit recording with a 1000nit display.

Video recording is done directly from the camera's sensor via HDMI 2.0, so you can bypass the camera's internal compression and its record time limits as well.

The ProRes or DNxHR files are edit-ready and can be easily stored on an SSD drive.

In fact, a 1TB AtomX SSDmini drive gives you 2.5 hours of recording in 4K. This drive is just 3 inches long and 1/4 inches tall and is backward compatible with previous Atomos drives.

The monitor is a super-bright 5.2-inch 10-bit HDR screen with 1,000 nits of output. It's encased in a 1-inch aluminum body that's ultra durable while weighing just 11 ounces.

Additionally, the screen offers 10+ stops of dynamic range in real-time from various signals, including Log, PQ, and HLG.

The anti-reflection screen allows you to clearly see what's happening, even on the brightest of days.

With one-touch operation, recording couldn't be easier. You also get speedy playback, slow motion, and frame-by-frame analysis with AtomOS

Of course, that's just the start. This little guy offers much more in the way of utility for your favorite photographer!

Learn more about the Atomos Ninja V

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Zhiyun Weebill 2 Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

A handheld gimbal like the Zhiyun Weebill 2 is a must-have for photographers that also produce videos.

This is the upgraded version of the Weebill S, and boasts many features that enable the creation of beautifully smooth and steady video.

The Weebill 2 has a dynamic stabilization system at the chip and algorithm level that enables lightning-fast adjustments by the gimbal to ensure smooth video capture.

The gimbal has a 2.88-inch color touch display that offers real-time video monitoring and the ability to instantly adjust settings. 

The user interface is easy to navigate and easy on the eyes as well - its operation is completely intuitive so videographers can focus on recording video, not on trying to figure out how to work the gimbal.

Another feature of this gimbal that's worth mentioning is that it has an underslung design. This allows you to get ultra-low-angle shots 

Additionally, you can use it handheld, in portrait mode, and in storage mode, and there are multiple ways to grip or hold the gimbal to get the desired results.

Other features include SmartFollow, which supports target marking and gesture control, follow focus controls, aperture and ISO controls, and focus control wheel supports.

In other words, this gimbal is loaded up and ready to roll!

Learn more about the Zhiyun Weebill 2 Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 with 12-32mm Lens & 45-150mm Lens

When you give a gift to someone for the holidays, you want it to be something that wows them, but that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg either…

Well, Samy’s Camera has an incredible deal that ticks both of those boxes - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 with not one, but TWO lenses bundled with it.

This kit is normally just under $1,000, but with a $400 instant rebate, you’ll pay $597.99. Not bad, right?!

The GX85 features a 16-megapixel micro four-thirds sensor, 4K video, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization that helps enable the capture of sharp photos and smooth video, even when shooting handheld. 

Because this camera lacks a low-pass filter, it generates images that have better image quality and sharpness. The photographer on your list will certainly appreciate that!

Other features of this camera include a 2764-dot electronic viewfinder, a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, and an ISO range of 200-25600. Additionally, the GX85 has WiFi and continuous shooting of up to 40 fps. All of those features are wrapped inside a small, lightweight mirrorless camera body.

Of course, we can’t forget that there are two lenses as part of this package: a 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 wide-angle zoom lens and a 45-150mm f/4-5.6 zoom that gives photographers the option of shooting throughout both standards and telephoto ranges.

That means that the special photographer that you’re shopping for will have a complete setup for tackling all kinds of photography and videography needs, from landscape and portrait photography to making dynamic videos in high-quality 4K resolution. If that isn’t an awesome gift idea, I don’t know what is!

Learn more about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 with 12-32mm Lens & 45-150mm Lens

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Onyx Digital Color LED 1 x 2 Soft Light

The Onyx Digital Color Light from Ikan is an RGBWA LED panel that offers five color modes for getting the lighting just right for photography or videography pursuits.

With separate controls for red, green, and blue, the photographer or videographer on your list can get the precise look they want for their creations. And, of course, with independent controls for each channel there are millions of color options!

Add in amber and white LEDs, and you have a light with more accurate color temperatures when recreating daylight or tungsten lighting.

This light also offers CCT mode, which gives you color temperature controls from 2800K up to 10000K.

There is a hue shift of magenta and green, too, so the user has better matching control when using this light in addition to other LED light fixtures.

The light offers CRI/TLCI of 95 as well, so you get beautiful quality lighting.

Throw in 33 different gels and 8 different special effects, and you have a recipe for an all-purpose light!

Learn more about the Onyx Digital Color LED 1 x 2 Soft Light from Ikan

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Really Right Stuff TFC-33 Versa Series 3 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod

This carbon fiber tripod from Really Right Stuff has improved ergonomics that make the tripod easier to use than ever before.

In fact, this tripod is so easy to use that it will easily become a seamless part of your favorite photographer's workflow...

There are 1/4"-20 sockets on the outside of the tripod's apex that allows for adding accessories to expand the functionality of the photography or videography setups.

Furthermore, this tripod is ultra-fast to lock and unlock, that way the photographer on your list can deploy the tripod to get a shot and quickly unlock it, fold it up, and move on to the next shot without any fuss.

The twist locks on the legs have been redesigned to hold up better to contaminants like debris. This tripod also holds up better to the elements than previous versions, so you get the ultimate in reliability and functionality, too.

At just 4.3 pounds, this is a nice and compact tripod that can accommodate up to 50 pounds.

And you get the same attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship that you expect from Really Right Stuff.

As I mentioned earlier, every photographer needs a good tripod. This is a great option!

Learn more about the Really Right Stuff TFC-33 Versa Series 3 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Godox AD600Pro Witstro All-In-One Outdoor Flash

This Godox all-in-one flash is the perfect gift idea for photographers that do a lot of outdoor portraiture, event photography, and the like.

It has a 2.4GHz wireless X system that offers a range of up to 328 feet.

And since it's compatible with various TTL systems like Nikon, Sony, Canon, Olympus, Fujifilm, and Panasonic, the chances are good that the photographer on your holiday shopping list has a compatible camera.

The light offers up to 600Ws with nine steps of power output that range from 1/1 to 1/256.

In addition to plenty of light output, you also get incredible battery life with a 28.8V/2600mAh lithium-ion battery pack that provides up to 360 full-power flashes.

There's an optional AC adapter for this light as well, which gives photographers the ability to run the flash off of AC power for long-lasting performance.

Learn more about the Godox AD600Pro Witstro All-in-One Outdoor Flash

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Sony Alpha a6300 

A great holiday gift idea for the photographer on your list is a Sony camera.

By opting for a pre-owned camera, you can save a ton of money while still giving an awesome gift this holiday season.

The Sony a6300 offers lots of features, including a 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, 4K video at 30p, HD video at 1080p/120, and continuous shooting at 11fps.

Add to that a spectacular 425-point autofocus system with tracking AF, excellent image quality, and a small, lightweight body, and the a6300 is a perfect gift for a photographer that needs a capable yet highly portable camera.

Plus, with the a6300, you give the gift of a small, yet mighty camera with superb photographic and video capabilities, but that can easily slide into a camera bag with loads of room to spare.

There are also many different lenses that work with this camera, so if you wanted to expand the gift-giving, you could potentially find a nice pre-owned E-mount lens to add to the mix.

Whether the photographer on your list photographs people, buildings, landscapes, wildlife, or something in between, this camera will be a welcome addition to their camera bag!

Learn more about the Sony a6300

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Phottix Indra500 TTL GameChanger 2-Light Kit for Canon

Yet another lighting option you might consider as a great gift idea for a photographer is this Phottix Indra500 TTL Gamechanger 2-light kit for Canon.

This is a perfect kit for photographers that don't have access to AC power while on location because it has Li-ion batteries and chargers.

The kit includes two Indra500 TTL 500 Ws monolights as well as an Odin II TTL trigger transmitter for canon cameras.

Additionally, you get a 32-inch Easy Up Octa Softbox with grid and a 24x35-inch Easy Up Softbox With Grid.

There are two nine-foot air-cushioned stands for supporting the light and softboxes as well.

With all the lighting elements that a photographer needs, this is a perfect holiday gift idea!

Learn more about the Phottix Indra500 TTL Gamechanger 2-Light Kit for Canon

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^{Photo by July Ko via iStock}

Getting a head start on your holiday shopping is helpful, especially if the photographer on your list is hard to shop for. With a little more time (and lists like this) to find a great gift, you can give them something awesome, fun, useful, or all of the above!

We've curated this list in large part by including products we've tested ourselves. With this real-world experience, we can speak to the quality of these items and their usability for photographers of all strips.

So, without further ado, let's get to the list of the best gifts for photographers under $1,000 for 2023!

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Shiny Prints Metal Print

While some gifts for photographers focus on enabling better results with a camera, others allow you to enjoy your favorite images over and over again. Of course, being the holiday season, you can also give the gift of a large-format print to someone on your shopping list.

I'm a big fan of metal prints - I love how modern and sleek they look. And when you get a metal print from a high-quality printer like Shiny Prints, the images you have printed stand out even more. But why?

Well, it's simple - Shiny Prints specializes in metal prints, so they know precisely what they're doing! Evidence of this fact is presented in my review video below:

Not only does Shiny Prints specialize in using metal, but they also use the finest products to ensure the metal print you order is of second-to-none quality.

This quality also stems from the company's extensive experience with photo printing and working with metal. Beyond that, the Shiny Prints commitment to quality over quantity further ensures that the print you get in the mail knocks your socks off.

Additionally, Shiny Prints gives you all sorts of customization options....

For example, you can choose from dozens of sizes ranging from 8x10 to 48x96, or you can order a custom-sized print (or custom shape!) if you really want to impress your loved one this holiday season. Likewise, you can choose from various mounting styles, from a simple box mount to a luxurious tuxedo mount and other options in between. What's more, there are multiple surface options, including matte and gloss in either white or silver.

Heck, there's even a white gloss EXT option specifically formulated for outdoor use.

So, whether you need a big print or a small one or a print for indoors or out, Shiny Prints has exactly what you need.

As I noted earlier, I've been blown away by the quality of the Shiny Prints metal prints I've gotten this far. With this kind of quality and customer service, you are in for a gift-giving treat this holiday season!

Learn more about Shiny Prints

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Hobolite Avant

When shopping for a holiday gift for a photographer, there are a few things to keep in mind…

The gift should be extremely functional. It should also be easy to use. Versatility and portability are features any photographer or videographer will appreciate, too. You can find all of these benefits (and more!) in the Hobolite Avant.

Sure, you can give your loved one a traditional lighting setup for the holidays, but why not give them something far more advanced in a much more portable package? The Avant 3.29”x4.63”x4.91” and weighs less than three pounds, making it the height of portability whether your loved one needs beautiful lighting for product photography, portraiture, or something in between.

And no matter where they go, they can rely on a light that’s built using aircraft-grade aluminum, which not only makes the Avant lightweight, but also incredibly durable. Photography and videography can be tough work, and this little light is ready to rock no matter the circumstances.

Of course, the most important feature of a light for photo or video work is the quality of the light produced, and the Avant delivers on that front, too. With a CRI and TLCI of 96+, you can rely on the Avant to provide beautiful, accurate, and consistent light. What’s more, the Avant is adjustable from 2700 to 6500K, allowing you to fine-tune the color temperature to the specific needs of the photo or video shoot.

What’s more, the Avant’s internal dual drivers offer 100W output throughout its color spectrum and produce excellent luminous flux from 6000 to 8500 lm. Not bad, right?!

But the Avant takes it a step further - with exceptional color consistency, you can use multiple lights for the same shoot and have matching colors across each one. And since the Avant can be controlled via a companion app, you can quickly and easily make adjustments to individual lights or lighting groups with a few taps.

Hobolite has also incorporated a fantastic onboard UI system that gives you a secondary means of controlling and adjusting these lights. Large knurled knobs and four buttons make fine-tuning the light output a breeze, while the bright LED display lets you quickly check settings to create the perfect lighting setup in no time flat.

Aiding in the ease of use is the integrated V-mount, which allows for quick setup and takedown. Furthermore, you can rely on a host of accessories for the detachable lens to customize the light output. For example, you can incorporate a soft box, a lantern, or a Bowen’s Mount Adapter as needed.

Beyond that, the Avant Standard Kit comes with barn doors with colored filters, a V-mount clamp, a V-mount handle, a D-tap cable, and a power supply. Many other Bowen’s mount accessories are compatible with the lighting system as well. Plus, the kit is available in AC or DC formats.

So, to recap, the Hobolite Avant is a professional lighting solution that’s portable, easy to use, and produces clean, accurate lighting. It’s beautifully designed, superbly made, and is ready for use in just about any photography or videography setting.

With professional-grade lighting output, the Avant is an ideal option to give your photography-loving loved one this holiday season!

Learn more about the Hobolite Avant

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Goal Zero Yeti 500X & Solar Panel

When you or your loved one is on location for a photo shoot and need power to charge camera batteries, your phone, and other devices, lugging around a huge generator just isn't the solution.

Instead, something like the Goal Zero Yeti 500X power station is ideal!

Lightweight and compact, this power station comes with multiple ports to charge various devices: AC, 12V, and 60W USB-C among them.

Better still, the Yeti 500X offers high-speed delivery of power so you can juice up your devices without waiting all day. On top of that, this Yeti 500X package comes with a Goal Zero solar panel for charging the power station (or you can charge it from home before you head out or in the car using a 12V outlet).

And at 12.4 pounds, the 500X won't break your back, either - just what you want when you're heading out with a ton of photography gear to begin with!

Of course, this unit is compatible with plenty of other Goal Zero products, so you can develop an entire ecosystem of power collection and distribution for yourself or your favorite photographer this holiday season!

Learn more about the Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station & Solar Panel

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: RØDECaster Pro II

If you're shopping for a videography enthusiast this holiday season, giving them high-quality audio production capabilities will be a welcome gift. The RØDECaster Pro II is what I use in my studio for audio production, and I couldn't be happier with its ease of use, features, and functionality.

This bad boy is a versatile and powerful audio production console. It emerges as an exceptional gift option for those looking to elevate their audio quality, simplify their workflow, and unlock creative possibilities within a reasonable budget - just as it's done for me! Whether you're shopping for a photographer who occasionally dabbles in video or a seasoned videographer, this compact powerhouse can drastically improve their production quality.

The RØDECaster Pro II has been meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of content creators, streamers, podcasters, musicians, and more. It combines a host of revolutionary features with superior sound quality, intuitive usability, and endless customization options, making it a one-stop solution for anyone looking to record exceptional audio content effortlessly.

One of the standout features of the RØDECaster Pro II is its ability to consolidate all the essential elements of a professional audio setup into a single, user-friendly console. This means that photographers and videographers can set up and record high-quality audio content within seconds. The 5.5-inch high-definition touchscreen, complete with haptic feedback, tactile rotary encoder, and bright RGB color-coding, simplifies the navigation process, ensuring that even newcomers to audio production can get started quickly.

The RØDECaster Pro II also comes pre-loaded with useful presets and an intuitive VoxLab processing editor, making it effortless to capture professional-grade audio. From configuring microphone channels to programming SMART pads, every feature is designed to enhance creativity. This ease of use ensures that you can focus on your content, not the technicalities.

With four studio-grade Neutrik combo inputs and ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps, the RØDECaster Pro II delivers unparalleled clarity and transparency, regardless of the microphone or instrument you're using. These preamps eliminate the need for external boosters or processors, even for demanding dynamic microphones. The RØDECaster Pro II certainly provides a clean and transparent audio canvas that allows you to shape and enhance your sound with onboard processing and effects.

To further enhance audio quality, the RØDECaster Pro II features studio-quality signal processing powered by APHEX, a respected name in pro audio. The onboard suite includes emulations of classic hardware units, such as the Aural Exciter for adding brilliance, Big Bottom for depth, and the legendary Compellor master compressor/leveler for that final touch. Additional features like a de-esser, noise gate, high-pass filter, and equalizer offer comprehensive sound-shaping tools to refine your recordings.

The RØDECaster Pro II offers extensive connectivity options, too, expanding creative horizons and streamlining the workflow for your loved one. Four Neutrik combo inputs can accommodate microphones, line-level sources, and instruments, allowing you to record anything from a single microphone to complex multitracked audio. Advanced Bluetooth capabilities enable high-quality phone call integration, audio streaming, and wireless monitoring.

Moreover, dual USB-C interfaces support two simultaneous computer or mobile device connections, perfect for remote podcasting or intricate streaming setups. You can record in stereo or multitrack to various storage options, including microSD cards, USB devices, or directly to a computer. Additionally, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections facilitate firmware updates, software integrations, and hardware connectivity.

Whether your loved one is recording interviews, podcasts, or video content, the RØDECaster Pro II will undoubtedly take their production quality to the next level, making it a gift that keeps on giving!

Learn more about the RØDECaster Pro II

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: GVM YU150R PRO LED Video Light Board RGB & Bi-Color Studio Light

If the photographer on your holiday shopping list wants to really improve their lighting situation, the industrial-grade GVM YU150R full-color panel light is precisely what they need to do so.

This five-color light source (RGB+WY) offers a CRI and TLCI of 97+ with beautifully accurate colors, natural-looking lighting, and impressive shooting effects that result in a higher level of production value for photography and videography.

This light has a variety of features that give it professional-level performance. For example, it has four selectable dimming curves - exponential, S-curve, linear, and logarithmic - that allow you to meet specific technical requirements of applications like entertainment production or TV news.

Moreover, the GVM YU150R offers a brightness range from 0.1-100 percent that’s adjustable within 0.1 percent accuracy. This fine level of control results in the light offering ultra-smooth dimming and more accurate colors during the dimming process.

Speaking of fine levels of control, this light is equipped with smartphone compatibility. On the one hand, you can use the accompanying app to make adjustments to color temperature and intensity. On the other hand, you can control this light and any other GVM products that are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 mesh networking.

In other words, this light makes it as easy as possible to get the precise look and feel that’s needed for a photo or video shoot - all from the palm of your hand!

An intriguing feature of the GVM YU150R is that it offers a unique way of adjusting color temperature and brightness. Unlike conventional bi-color panel lights that use many different lamp beads for these processes, the YU150R uses an algorithm to make these adjustments. The result of this is that you get more consistent and accurate colors and constant brightness. With a maximum output of 150 watts, it also offers plenty of brightness!

Other features of this light include:

• HSI mode for adjusting hue, saturation, and light intensity with ultra-fine accuracy
• Gel color paper mode, which gives you access to ROSCO and LEE paper libraries
• Eight white light effects, including breathing light, CCT cycle, and candle
• 8-bit and 16-bit DMX control
• Active cooling system featuring dual fans

This panel light offers far more amenities and features, too. For example, you can use CT mode for making accurate color adjustments from 2000-10000K. You can also use RGB color more to dial in a specific color - one of millions available - and use the light matching mode to choose from 12 light source types for the perfect look for photos and videos.

Truly, this panel light is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s lightweight and portable, ruggedly built, easy to use, and offers a host of features that will help improve the quality of photos and videos your loved one creates. What better gift can you give than that?!

Learn more about the GVM YU150R PRO LED Video Light Board RGB & Bi-Color Studio Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: f-stop Shinn Adventure and Cine Backpack

F-stop certainly excels in crafting exceptional bags - that's undeniable. While a camera backpack priced at $700 may initially strike you as exorbitant, this is one of those situations where your investment truly matches the quality you receive.

Furthermore, when you're entrusted with safeguarding thousands of dollars worth of photography equipment, a robust and protective bag becomes a necessity. The f-stop Shinn unquestionably fulfills this requirement!

At an enormous 80 liters, this bag offers an abundance of space, allowing you to accommodate an extensive camera setup or a cine rig. Alternatively, it offers the flexibility to carry multiple DSLR or mirrorless systems simultaneously.

The bag's exterior is constructed from f-stop's own DuraDiamond material, renowned for its remarkable strength, featherlight weight, and resistance to adverse weather conditions.

Given the substantial weight you may be carrying, it's imperative to have a dependable weight distribution system, and the Shinn delivers on this front with its BLOOM foam shoulder straps and hip belt. Personally, I can attest to the exceptional comfort provided by these shoulder straps and hip belts as my f-stop Tilopa employs a similar setup, making it one of the most comfortable configurations I've ever encountered.

In addition to the BLOOM foam straps and belt, the Shinn incorporates an aluminum frame that effectively transfers the bag's weight to your hips - precisely where you want it. A combination of plastic and T6 aluminum hardware further reinforces critical components of the suspension system.

Inside, the bag is generously equipped with organizational and storage features, ensuring that small items such as cords, memory cards, and batteries remain neatly organized and secure.

To keep your camera gear in order, you can opt for a Cine Master Camera Bag Insert or a Pro XL camera insert. These inserts play a pivotal role in safeguarding your equipment, keeping it snugly nestled in a cushioned compartment to prevent any potential damage. Should you venture on a trip sans your camera gear, simply remove the inserts, and you'll have a spacious bag ready to accommodate all your adventure essentials.

Over the years, I've had the pleasure of using several f-stop bags, each one seemingly surpassing the previous in quality and functionality. These experts truly understand the art of crafting a bag, from utilizing weather-resistant zippers to offering multiple access points and developing the finest carrying system available.

If you're eager to impress the photographer in your life, the f-stop Shinn unquestionably stands out as the perfect gift choice!

Learn more about the f-stop Shinn Adventure and Cine Backpack

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: GVM PRO-SD650B 650W Bi-Color Monolight

A bi-color monolight is a standard piece of lighting gear for photographers and videographers alike. Whether you’re shopping for someone that needs to upgrade their existing lighting equipment or needs their first monolight, the GVM PRO-SD650B is a fantastic option!

With 650 watts of output, this light will shed beautiful light on virtually any scene. In fact, the PRO-SD650B is an industrial-grade film and television light that will support all sorts of photography and videography endeavors for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals alike.

As you’d expect from GVM, this light offers clean, crisp, accurate lighting with a CRI and TLCI of 97+. The light can be adjusted from a warm-toned 2700K up to a cool 6800K to suit specific lighting needs. Speaking of which, GVM has incorporated several other features that allow for quick, simple lighting adjustments to tailor the light output:

• 12 lighting scenes - like candle, TV, and strobe - for producing visually stimulating results
  
• 12 light source matching modes to minimize lighting adjustment time
• Thousand-step dimming accuracy from 1-100 percent 

The dimming accuracy of this light is especially impressive. Not only does it provide full dimming capabilities, but it’s also extremely accurate - to one percent! With such fine control over the dimming process, your loved one can reap the benefits of more accurate color and improved light intensity.

This GVM light has another handy feature up its sleeve - smartphone control. By using the accompanying smartphone app, your loved one can turn their iOS or Android device into a light-controlling machine. The app offers basic features like turning the light on and off, as well as advanced controls like adjusting the color temperature, dimming curve, and lighting effects.

Additionally, this light has Bluetooth mesh networking support, meaning that when it’s used with other GVM lights with mesh support, your loved one can control them all from their phone. In terms of convenience and functionality, it doesn’t get any better than that!

The build quality of this light is next level as well…

The light is made from aluminum alloy, which is durable yet lightweight. On the one hand, the light will stand up to the rigors of use in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. On the other hand, the aluminum construction, rear handle, and bottom legs make the light easy to maneuver from one location to the next.

And when your loved one is on location, they can trust this light to perform, even for long periods of time, thanks to its built-in active cooling system. Lights like this can put out a tremendous amount of heat, so built-in fans help the PRO-SD650B stay cool to prevent overheating.

With additional features like DMX control, a Bowens mount, and a V-mount that can be used with an external supply box and V-mount battery, this light offers everything your loved one needs to improve the quality of illumination for their projects.

Best of all, when you give this light as a gift, you give something that your loved one can use and enjoy for years and years to come!

Learn more about the GVM PRO-SD650B 650W Bi-Color Monolight

Vanguard Alta Fly 58T Backpack & Alta Pro 2+ 263AB 100 Tripod

Every photographer has to hit the road now and again, so a high-quality backpack and a capable tripod are two things that are likely on your loved one's holiday wish list.

I've used Vanguard products for years, and appreciate their build quality, durability, and innovation. The low price point of Vanguard gear is a nice touch, too. That's why you can give TWO gifts for the price of one!

First up is the Alta Fly 58T bag...

With an overall size of 13.6" x 11" x 23.25", the Alta Fly 58T is just the right size to use as a carry-on bag. And at 10.5 pounds (with 27 liters of space that can fit 33 pounds of gear), you can still carry all the necessities and do so in a compact bag.

The bag has a four-wheel trolley system for making your trips from one concourse to the next a breeze. Of course, there are tuck-away backpack straps as well, so you can carry it as a backpack, if desired.

Vanguard has incorporated plenty of protection for your gear, too - double security buckles, a three-point security system, loads of padding, and a total rain coverage cover as well.

Add in numerous pockets, connectors, and organizers, and you have the makings of a bag that will get your gear from Point A to Point B safely!

The other component of this holiday gift idea is the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB 100 Tripod...

This particular version is aluminum and comes with the Vanguard BH-100 ball head. The ball head offers ergonomic friction control, a quick-release arca-type system, and dual bubble levels. It also offers fluid 360-degree panning for those occasions when you want to photograph moving subjects.

The tripod is further equipped with a canopy suspension loop, which allows you to add a counterbalance weight for improved stability, and Alta Link, a 3/8 thread connection that accommodates accessories like arms and reflectors.

One of the best features of this tripod, though, is the multi-angle center column or MACC. The MACC allows you to frame up shots quickly and easily, from low-angle to high-angle and points in between.

When folded down, the tripod is about 29 inches long, but it extends to more than 68 inches for snapping photos of all kinds. The tripod weighs about five pounds but accommodates more than 15 pounds of gear. It's an ideal companion for the photographer on your holiday shopping list!

Learn more about the Vanguard Alta Fly 58T Backpack & Alta Pro 2+ 263AB 100 Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Sony Alpha a6300 

An excellent holiday gift suggestion for the photographer you have in mind is a Sony camera. Opting for a previously owned camera allows you to enjoy significant cost savings while still presenting an impressive gift this festive season.

The Sony a6300 boasts a plethora of features, such as a 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, 4K video recording at 30p, HD video at 1080p/120, and a rapid continuous shooting capability at 11fps.

To enhance its allure, the a6300 boasts a remarkable 425-point autofocus system with tracking AF, delivering exceptional image quality. All of this is packaged in a compact, lightweight body, making it an ideal gift for photographers seeking a capable yet highly portable camera.

Moreover, with the a6300, you're bestowing a gift that combines a small yet powerful camera with outstanding photographic and video capabilities, effortlessly fitting into a camera bag with plenty of space to spare.

It's worth noting that this camera is compatible with a wide range of lenses, providing an opportunity to expand your gift-giving. You could potentially discover a high-quality pre-owned E-mount lens to complement the package.

Whether the photographer on your list specializes in capturing people, architecture, landscapes, wildlife, or anything in between, this camera is sure to be a valued addition to their camera gear collection!

Learn more about the Sony a6300

GIfts for Photographers Under $1,000: GVM YU200R Led Video Lights Panel RGB and Bi-Color Studio Light

When buying lighting for the photographer or videographer on your holiday shopping list, you want to give them something that’s highly functional, easy to use, and puts out beautiful light.

And while you’d think most lights fall into these categories, nothing could be further from the truth! Not all lights are all that user-friendly or functional, and not all lights match the same level of lighting quality.

Make things easy on yourself this holiday season by investing in the GVM YU200R studio light for your loved one!

What’s so nice about this light is its versatility. Your loved one can use it indoors and out, for portrait or landscape photography, video work, streaming videos, and much more.

The compact design of the light - it’s just 14.6 x 11.6 inches in size - makes it easily portable from one location to the next. Moreover, its compact design won’t overtake the shoot. Instead, your loved one can quickly set up the light, get reliable performance, and do so without worrying about lugging around a big, heavy, bulky light.

The quality of light from the YU200R is top-notch, with a CRI and TLCI of 97+. Additionally, it offers stepless RGB color control from 0 to 360 degrees, consistent brightness throughout its color temperature range (2700-7500K), and a wide beam angle of 180 degrees.

Beyond that, GVM has incorporated seven lighting modes that enable quick and easy customization. These modes include the following:

• CCT Mode for adjusting white light color temperature
• HSI Mode for adjusting hue, saturation, and light intensity for output of up to 36 million colors
• RGB Mode for adjusting red, green, and blue light for a combination of 1.6 x 1010 colors
• Gel Color Paper Mode, which includes ROSCO and LEE profiles with 30 numbered color paper libraries each
• Light Matching Mode for matching the light output to any of 12 light source types
• White Light Mode for choosing between eight white light effects, including TV, explosion, and CCT cycle, among others
• Color Light Mode for choosing between four color effects, including police car, di bar, party, and color cycle

Additionally, this light offers a beautifully smooth and even beam field thanks to its true-tone, wide-beam SMD LED and diffuser plates. This type of lighting is a perfect addition to many kinds of photo and video shoots.

The built-in DMX-512 interface is another noteworthy feature that enables 8-bit and 16-bit control and integration into complex studio installations. The built-in support for Bluetooth 5.0 mesh networking and an accompanying smartphone app for iOS and Android devices give your loved one further capabilities for controlling this and other GVM lights quickly and conveniently from their device.

Of course, the precise dimming control of the YU200R is a prime feature, too. You can adjust the brightness from 0.1 percent to 100 percent and do so with 0.1 percent accuracy. As a result, this light offers an incredibly smooth dimming process while also ensuring more accurate colors.

This light also includes four individual dimming curves (logarithmic, S-curves, linear, and exponential) that allows photographers and videographers to precisely meet the technical requirements of other studio devices.

Add in an active cooling system to improve performance, an ultra-quiet design, and a robust all-aluminum build, and you have the makings of an impressive light - and an impressive holiday gift!

Learn more about the GVM YU200R Led Video Lights Panel RGB and Bi-Color Studio Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition

Add a little fun to your favorite photographer's photoshoots with the Insta360 ONE RS!

This little camera offers gorgeous 6K 360-degree video capabilities  as well as 21-megapixel 360-degree photos. The camera seamlessly stitches the 360 stills together for a breathtaking view of the subject that's impossible to get with a traditional camera.

These 360-degree images and videos are possible due to the dual one-inch sensors. Both sensors provide unparalleled dynamic range and excellent low-light performance, too.

Other features include:

• PureShot HDR for wider dynamic range
• FlowState Stabilization for beautifully smooth images and videos
• 360 Horizon lock to ensure images and videos are level

The camera comes with a mounting bracket, a vertical battery case, a lens cap, and more!

Learn more about the Insta360 ONE RS

Gifts for Photographers Under $1,000: Pre-Owned Canon EOS RP

Full frame cameras need not be bulky, and they need not break the bank either! The Canon EOS RP emerges as an ideal holiday season gift choice due to its remarkable performance packed into a compact form. Furthermore, opting for a pre-owned camera opens up budgetary flexibility, allowing you to allocate additional gifts for the photographer on your list.

The EOS RP may be an entry-level full frame camera, but it certainly doesn't skimp on features. It comes equipped with:

• A 26.2-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
• A DIGIC 8 image processor
• Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus
• A built-in EVF boasting 2.36 million dots of resolution and touch capabilities

Being a full frame camera, it excels in low-light shooting scenarios. What sets it apart is its status as one of the most compact and lightweight full frame mirrorless cameras available, occupying minimal space in your bag and ensuring effortless portability.

As mentioned earlier, choosing a pre-owned Canon EOS RP grants you financial flexibility for purchasing supplementary items. When shopping at MPB, you can rest easy knowing that you're acquiring a quality used camera, too.

MPB conducts thorough inspections and assigns grades to each camera in their inventory, providing transparent information about the item's condition on the listing page. This ensures you know exactly what to anticipate when the camera arrives at your doorstep. In the rare event that you change your mind about the camera, you can easily return it within the seven-day return window.

Moreover, MPB offers long-term support, with most of their cameras backed by a six-month warranty, offering peace of mind for your investment. Not bad, right?!

Learn more about the Canon EOS RP

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^{Photo by svetikd via iStock}

This has been a crazy year, and many folks have to seriously tighten their belts. This includes keeping their holiday shopping budget in check.

If you fall into that category and have a photographer on your shopping list, this list of gifts for photographers under $100 is for you!

From camera bags to gift cards to handy gadgets for their camera or lens, we've got awesome gift ideas that won't break the bank!

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: H&Y RevoRing Bundle

One of the most innovative photography gadgets of 2020 is also one of the most inexpensive!

A couple of months ago, H&Y unveiled RevoRing, which is a variable step ring. This is so innovative because it eliminates the need to carry a bunch of individual step rings to make filters and filter systems work with different lenses.

Instead, the photographer on your list can have this set of variable step rings in their camera bag and use it to adapt their filters to a variety of lenses.

This particular set includes 37-49mm, 46-62mm, and 67-82mm options, giving your favorite photographer lots of leeway in terms of which filters they use with which lenses.

It’s dead simple to use too - just twist the RevoRing, attach it to the lens, and it’s ready to rock!

There simply aren’t that many truly innovative photography gifts for under $100, but RevoRing certainly fits the bill.

If you want to surprise your loved one with a gift that is unique, functional, and will legitimately help them improve their photography workflow, look no further than RevoRing!

Learn more about the H&Y RevoRing

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: CanvasHQ Print

One of my favorite gifts to give (and to get, while we're at it) is a big, beautiful print.

Personally, I like canvas because of the texture the canvas gives to the print. Besides, a canvas print is something that will continue to give joy to the person that receives it for years and years to come!

Now, I know what you're thinking...canvas is so old-school.

But if you order your canvases from the right printers, you can get something that is beautiful, well-made and looks modern, even if the substrate is perhaps a bit old-school.

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are fromCanvasHQ.

These are some of the best canvas prints I've ever purchased. The sharpness of detail, the color accuracy, and the overall build quality of these prints is next-level good.

Part of the reason for this is the materials CanvasHQ uses. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back. 

In the video above, you can see how one of my CanvasHQ prints stacks up against similar prints from other printing companies. I think you'll see why I'm so loyal to CanvasHQ!

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ.

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: ProGrade Digital Dual Slot Card Reader

Photographers today have at their disposal lightning-fast memory cards that can accommodate things like 4K video and huge image files.

But it's not enough to have high-speed cards - you also need a high-speed card reader that makes transferring all those huge files to your computer a quicker task. That's where the ProGrade Digital Dual Slot Card Reader comes in.

With transfer speeds of up to 1.25GB per second, this card reader will make quick work of transferring files. Better yet, you can transfer data from two cards at the same time.

It's also a small and lightweight device, so the photographer on your list can easily take this reader with them on photoshoots or when they travel.

To ensure safety, this card reader has a magnetic base that pairs with a metal plate. Just attach the metal plate to your laptop, connect the reader, and you're ready to go!

This year, give the gift of convenience and help your favorite photographer save some time, too!

Learn more about the ProGrade Digital Dual Slot Card Reader

Gifts for Photographers Under $100:Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag 

One of the best gifts you can give the photographer on your list is a new camera bag.

But not all camera bags are made alike...

Honestly, I’m a bit of a camera bag snob, so I look for things that others might skim over.

For instance, I check the stitching inside and out to see how well put together it is, and with this bag, it’s very well put together.

It’s part of the thoughtful construction and design processes that also make this bag an excellent choice for a gift for the photographer on your holiday shopping list.

One of the things I like most about the bag is the collapsible interior dividers - including the bottom divider. This gives you a bag that can not only be customized to your gear for each photoshoot, but you can also fold up or remove the dividers to allow the bag to be packed totally flat for travel inside another bag. 

Speaking of customizations, this bag has side adjustable load straps and adjustable bottom carry straps so you can carry even more gear when needed.

This bag is also packed full of pockets to help you keep track of your stuff. There’s a front access organizer for small items, a faux fur lined pocket on the front for your phone or a pair of shades, a faux fur lined pocket for your table, and multiple hidden velcro stash pockets. And the bag sits very well when worn. It’s comfortable and easy to access your gear and really hugs your body.

With genuine Cordura material and YKK zippers with metal pulls, this bag will stand up to use and abuse, too. And since it’s so compact (just 1.3 pounds and 14.5"L x 7.25"W x 4.75"H), you can rock it in the urban jungle without worrying that it’ll be knocking into people as you move from shot to shot.

Something that really stood out to me was that, although the bag is listed at 8 liters, there is no wasted or negative space. In fact, I easily transferred all the gear I would normally carry in my Peak Design 10L Sling into the HEX Ranger Sling. I have to say that I am a big fan of the efficient use of space in this bag and the collapsible potential of the HEX bag certainly gives it a leg up.

With eight liters of storage space, a streamlined design, and looks that don’t quit, this is definitely a gift for photographers that will put a smile on their face!

Learn more about the Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Camera Canopy

If you want a unique, yet functional gift for the photographer in your life, the Camera Canopy is an ideal choice. 

Photographers that spend any time outdoors understand that when it rains, it can really put a damper on their ability to get the photos they want. That’s because even weather-sealed gear isn’t completely water-tight.

And trying to manipulate camera controls with a traditional bag-like rain cover for a camera is a huge pain in the rear. That’s why Camera Canopy is a much better alternative.

Camera canopy attaches to a camera via its hot-shoe mount, and then acts like a roof to protect the camera and lens from rain. It even protects the glass of the lens so there’s no water droplets messing up the shot.

Better still, it’s adjustable for lenses up to 500mm in length, and there’s even a smaller version for mirrorless setups (shown above). Add in a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you’ve got the perfect gift for this holiday season!

Learn more about Camera Canopy and Mini Camera Canopy 

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: PolarPro Belay Quick-Release Camera Strap

PolarPro continues to innovate with products that are smartly designed to maximize functionality for you. The Belay Quick-Release Camera Strap certainly fits the bill.

This strap allows you to carry your camera at your side without limiting your movement. This is possible because of the ergonomic anchor point that's attached to the bottom of the camera. This results in a lower carrying profile than traditional straps.

What's more, this strap has an integrated quick-draw mechanism so you can quickly remove the camera if need be. That's definitely a feature the photographer on your list will be looking for!

The quick-draw mechanism is made of aluminum while the strap is industrial nylon. In other words, the strap is lightweight, yet ultra-strong to give you peace of mind. In fact, this strap is rated to 50 pounds, so it will support even the heaviest of professional camera and lens combinations.

And with a wide 3/4-inch strap, you don't have to worry about your shoulder feeling pinched under the weight of your gear. Instead, the strap distributes the weight for a more comfortable carrying experience.

If you know a photographer that has been itching for a new camera strap, consider this as the ideal gift for them!

Learn more about the PolarPro Belay Quick-Release Camera Strap

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: PolarPro Traverse Strap Mount

If the photographer on your list doesn't need another strap in their collection, the PolarPro Traverse Strap Mount might be a great alternative gift idea.

This is a QuickDraw camera mount, so you can quickly release the camera with a one-handed motion from the mount and start shooting.

When not in use, your camera is securely and comfortably mounted on your backpack, belt, or any other kind of strap.

The Traverse Strap Mount has a secondary locking mechanism which keeps your camera completely secure as you move. Better still, it'll support up to 100 pounds of gear, so even if the photographer on your list has a big, heavy DSLR and long lens, this mount will hold it!

Best of all, it's under $60, so you'll give a great gift without coming close to your $100 budget.

Learn more about the PolarPro Traverse Strap Mount

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: ViewSonic VA2246MH-LED 22 Inch Full HD 1080p LED Monitor

I have a couple of ultra widescreen ViewSonic monitors in my home office, and they have convinced me that ViewSonic is among the best brands of computer monitors.

If you're on a budget, you might consider the ViewSonic VA224MH 22-inch LED monitor as a great gift idea for the photographer on your list.

This widescreen monitor offers a 21.5-inch viewable screen that has an LED backlight. The thin bezel design increases the viewing area while helping maintain the smaller profile of the monitor for smaller work areas.

The monitor offers full 1080p HD resolution and mega dynamic contrast ratio for a clear, sharp, and contrasty display.

There are two integrated speakers, tons of connectivity options, and it's compatible with VESA mounts in case it needs to be mounted on the wall.

Your favorite photographer will also appreciate the flicker-free technology and the blue light filter to ease eye strain on those occasions when there's hours and hours of work to be done.

Learn more about the ViewSonic VA2246MH monitor

Gifts For Photographers Under $100: GoPro Smart Remote

There are few cameras that are as versatile as the GoPro Hero 8 Black, but with the GoPro Smart Remote, you can make it even more versatile.

This remote gives you total control over the camera, including the shutter, camera settings, and turning the camera on and off.

You get long-range control as well - up to 600 feet if the conditions are just right.

The GoPro Smart Remote also enables control of up to 50 cameras at the same time, so if the photographer on your list has multiple GoPros, this remote is the perfect accessory!

The GoPro Smart Remote has a rugged design that's waterproof up to 33 feet and is both mountable and wearable.

The LCD screen mirrors the screen on the camera's, that way you're abreast of the camera's status and making quick confirmations of the camera settings and functions.

This remote isn't just compatible with the Hero 8 Black, either. It also works with the Hero 8 MAX, Hero 7 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black, Hero 5 Session, and Fusion.

All this for well under $100 too!

Learn more about the GoPro Smart Remote

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: LitraTorch 2.0

I know what you might be thinking - this tiny light is worth $100??

Well, I’ve used the LitraTorch 2.0 for a few months now, and I can tell you it’s worth well more than $100…

Though it weighs just over three ounces, and is about 1.5 inches square, Litra packed 16 LEDs into it, so it has some serious light output! 

In fact, you can adjust the output from 100 to 450 to 800 lumens depending on what you’re doing.

Better yet, this little light puts out beautiful light that’s clean and crisp and flicker-free, too. It has a wide 70-degree beam angle to illuminate your subject and offers a color temperature of 5700K - right in the sweet spot of natural-looking light. 

On its low setting, the LitraTorch 2.0 will give you four hours of illumination while you get 35 minutes of light on full power. That’s a 10 percent improvement over the original LitraTorch.

It’s also waterproof up to 60 feet, has a magnet for easily attaching it to metal surfaces, and it’s built like a tank, so it’ll withstand some use and abuse.

This is simply a versatile, go-anywhere, do-anything light!

Learn more about the LitraTorch 2.0

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: RODE VideoMicro 

This tiny shotgun microphone is perfect for a GoPro.

It's compact and lightweight, but audio quality isn't sacrificed. In fact, it has a high-quality cardioid condenser mic capsule so you can get clear, crisp audio.

And since it's a directional mic, it minimizes sounds from the periphery so your video has focused audio from the subject.

Add to that a thermoplastic suspension structure for minimizing vibrations as you adventure around with your GoPro, and you have the ideal audio companion for the best adventura camera on the market!

If the photographer on your list is an adventurer and utilizes a GoPro, this is the perfect gift idea!

Learn more about the RODE VideoMicro

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Amazon Gift Card

Totally stumped regarding gift ideas for photographers on your list?

Why not go the easy route and get them an Amazon gift card?

Though a gift card isn't exactly the sexiest gift, when the photographer in your family sees that you have given them carte blanche to get what they want, they'll be stoked!

With an Amazon gift card, they can put the card amount towards whatever they want - a new lens, a second camera body, lighting gear, a laptop - you name it!

As far as flexibility goes, there's nothing better to give a photographer than a gift card.

Learn more about Amazon gift cards

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 ^{photo byTom Merton via iStock}

I know what you’re thinking…you can’t get a truly awesome gift for a photographer with just $100.

But you’re wrong!

Not only are there plenty of gifts for photographers with a price less than $100, but there are also lots of amazing gifts for that price.

While a lot of photography gear is admittedly expensive, these gift ideas will keep you on budget - and impress the photographer on your list, too.

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Artbeat Studios HD Metal Print

If you ask me, one of the best gifts for photographers is a print of one of their favorite photos. It's a great way to honor their craft while also giving them a gift that truly keeps on giving! 

And I know what you're thinking...metal prints for under $100 must be pretty low quality. Happily, though, that's just not the case!

Artbeat Studios is known as an industry leader for high-quality metal prints. One of the reasons for this is because Artbeat Studios’ HD metal prints have the image heat infused directly into the metal. The result is unsurpassed resolution and color vibrancy.

Metal is a gorgeous substrate for all manner and type of photos, too. The crisp, clean detail and modern look is just what the doctor ordered for highlighting a beautiful image.

What’s more, Artbeat Studios uses Chromaluxe® brand aluminum sheets. This brand of aluminum has a 3x better permanence than Kodak Silver Halide Prints and resists fading for more than 65 years. So not only is an HD metal print a great gift for this holiday season, but it’s a gift that will keep on giving for decades!

You can also customize the look of the print by choosing different finishes, surfaces, and mounts. One of the newest additions to the options list is the textured matte surface for a true fine art look. 

Whatever options you choose, the result is a breathtaking and custom print that your favorite photographer is sure to love that won't bust your budget! And since Artbeat Studios won our 2020 Metal Print Shootout, you know you’re getting a high-quality product! 

Learn more about Artbeat Studios’ HD Metal Prints

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: An SD Card (or Several!)

^{Photo by nicolas_ via iStock} 

Is the photographer on your holiday shopping list difficult to shop for? Then a great gift idea is something that offers utility now and in the future, like an SD card. 

All photographers need memory cards, so giving the gift of a memory card or two will be much appreciated.

Memory cards can be expensive, though, so you’ll want to maximize your budget by finding the best deals on top brands.

I use SD Card Express to find great deals on memory cards, and I think you’ll find that their selection is just right for finding the photographer on your list the cards they need.

From microSD cards to Class 10 cards, TF Cards to U3 cards, SD Card Express has you covered. 

There’s a huge selection of different brands, too, so if the photographer you’re shopping for likes Lexar, SanDisk, Western Digital, or something in between, you should be able to find what you need.

For example, you can get a SanDisk Ultra 512GB MicroSD Memory Card for $86.64. As another example, you can get a Lexar Professional 633x 256GB SD Memory Card for $48.13. You can mix and match types and brands to give your favorite photographer a nice collection of cards while staying under your $100 budget.

Learn more about SD Card Express

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: CanvasHQ Print

It's tough to beat a large-format canvas print as a holiday gift...

Canvas prints offer a classic look with an interesting texture that helps bring the image to life.

What's more, when it's a well-made canvas, like those from CanvasHQ, the print can become a family heirloom - something that you cherish for decades to come. What a powerful gift!

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are from CanvasHQ. 

What appeals to me about these prints is the impeccable quality. There is a great level of detail and sharpness, beautiful color accuracy, and the frames on which the print is stretched are handmade with kiln-dried wood to ensure the frame stays square and true for years to come.

Additionally, these guys use archival-grade canvas and commercial-grade inks to ensure long-lasting durability.

They also have a new product - a variety of floating frames - that add a touch of elegance and depth to canvas prints.

The floating frames extend along the sides of the print and don't obscure the front of the print, that way you can see 100 percent of the image. It's a clean, dynamic finish that looks great!

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry. 

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back! That’s just a few reasons why CanvasHQ was a repeat winner of our 2019and 2020Canvas Print Shootouts!

Learn more about CanvasHQ Prints

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: RODE VideoMicro

This tiny shotgun microphone is perfect for a GoPro (or DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, for that matter).

It's compact and lightweight, but audio quality isn't sacrificed. In fact, it has a high-quality cardioid condenser mic capsule so you can get clear, crisp audio.

And since it's a directional mic, it minimizes sounds from the periphery so your video has focused audio from the subject. That’s just the kind of audio performance you want to match the high-quality video footage that you can capture with modern cameras.

Add to that a thermoplastic suspension structure for minimizing vibrations as you adventure around with your GoPro, and you have the ideal audio companion for the best adventura camera on the market!

If the photographer on your list is an adventurer and utilizes a GoPro, this is the perfect gift idea!

Learn more about the RODE VideoMicro

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Holdfast Mini EDC Fieldbook

If you’re shopping for a photographer that was alive in the 1990s or earlier, they probably have a habit of carrying a notebook with them to write down camera settings, site information, and other details about the shots they take. I know I do that… 

And while some folks have transitioned to taking notes on their phones or other devices, there’s something about having handwritten notes about your photos that is so satisfying.

With the Mini EDC Fieldbook from Holdfast, your favorite photographer can take all the notes they want and protect them in style.

This leather journal cover is beautifully made of leather and is sized perfectly to fit the Rite in the Rain spiral-top 3x5 notebook.

This gorgeous fieldbook also has room to fit pens or pencils, your ID, business cards, and other small items that photographers might need on a photo shoot. In fact, there are six pockets and two hand slots for carrying the essentials.

Not only is this fieldbook supremely useful, it’s also impeccably made right here in the U.S. Talk about a wonderful gift idea!

Learn more about the Holdfast Mini EDC Fieldbook

Gifts for Photographers Under $100 - Ikan ILED 120 Daylight Flood LED Light

As modern cameras become more and more about photography and videography, and as more and more photographers add videography to their list of services, it makes sense to get the photographer on your list a quality light for video work.

 The Ikan ILED 120 Daylight Flood LED light is a perfect option, given its performance and its price tag.

At just 3¾” x 3⅓”, this tiny light won’t burden photographers with extra size and weight. But don’t think that it doesn’t pack a punch despite its small size…

There’s a 60-degree beam pattern and 5300K-5900K LEDs that put out clean, beautiful light. And since it’s an Ikan product, you can trust that this light is solidly built, packed with features, and field tested to ensure long-term reliability.

 This light comes with an on-board rechargeable lithium battery, a battery charger, a camera bracket, a shoe mount, and a diffuser, so it’ll be ready to go right out of the box!

Learn more about the Ikan ILED 120 Daylight Flood LED Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: PhotoRepairPro

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...

The best gifts are the ones that offer long-lasting joy and utility. For the photographer on your list, a way to provide that is by restoring one of their favorite photos.

We all have printed photos that have seen better days, but fortunately there is a way to bring those photos back to life - PhotoRepairPro.

For $34.99 - which is obviously way under the $100 limit - you can give your favorite photographer a repaired photo.

Not only that, but PhotoRepairPro also throws in an online proof, a JPEG download, and two 5x7 prints of the image. It's five gifts in one!

And don't worry if the source image has water damage or is faded, or if it has cracks or creases. PhotoRepairPro can bring it back to its original beauty.

You can get the process started now online. In a few days' time, you'll have the perfect gift for your favorite photographer!

Learn more about PhotoRepairPro

Gifts for Photographers Under $100:Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag 

One of the best gifts you can give the photographer on your list is a new camera bag.

But not all camera bags are made alike...

Honestly, I’m a bit of a camera bag snob, so I look for things that others might skim over.

For instance, I check the stitching inside and out to see how well put together it is, and with this bag, it’s very well put together.

It’s part of the thoughtful construction and design processes that also make this bag an excellent choice for a gift for the photographer on your holiday shopping list.

One of the things I like most about the bag is the collapsible interior dividers - including the bottom divider. This gives you a bag that can not only be customized to your gear for each photoshoot, but you can also fold up or remove the dividers to allow the bag to be packed totally flat for travel inside another bag. 

Speaking of customizations, this bag has side adjustable load straps and adjustable bottom carry straps so you can carry even more gear when needed.

This bag is also packed full of pockets to help you keep track of your stuff. There’s a front access organizer for small items, a faux fur lined pocket on the front for your phone or a pair of shades, a faux fur lined pocket for your table, and multiple hidden velcro stash pockets. And the bag sits very well when worn. It’s comfortable and easy to access your gear and really hugs your body.

With genuine Cordura material and YKK zippers with metal pulls, this bag will stand up to use and abuse, too. And since it’s so compact (just 1.3 pounds and 14.5"L x 7.25"W x 4.75"H), you can rock it in the urban jungle without worrying that it’ll be knocking into people as you move from shot to shot.

Something that really stood out to me was that, although the bag is listed at 8 liters, there is no wasted or negative space. In fact, I easily transferred all the gear I would normally carry in my Peak Design 10L Sling into the HEX Ranger Sling. I have to say that I am a big fan of the efficient use of space in this bag and the collapsible potential of the HEX bag certainly gives it a leg up.

With eight liters of storage space, a streamlined design, and looks that don’t quit, this is definitely a gift for photographers that will put a smile on their face!

And there’s also an updated Version 2 of this bag that offers tons of upgrades, like like a hideaway rain fly, upgraded padding, and a double buckle strap for additional sizing options. It’s under $100 too!

Learn more about the Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Camera Canopy

I don’t know about you, but I’m all about giving gifts that are functional, and functional is a perfect word to describe Camera Canopy.

If the photographer on your list spends any time outdoors, they need something to help protect their camera gear. As a photographer that falls into that category, I understand that when it rains, my day of shooting could be over if I don’t have the protection I need. That’s because even weather-sealed gear isn’t completely water-tight.

There are all kinds of rain guards for cameras, but most of them are plastic bags that make using your camera a huge pain. It’s hard to adjust your lens. It’s hard to see the rear LCD. It’s hard to use the viewfinder too! That’s why Camera Canopy is a much better alternative.

Camera canopy attaches to a camera via its hot-shoe mount. Once attached - which takes just seconds to do - it shields the camera and lens from rain. It even protects the glass on the end of the lens so there’s no worry that good shots will be ruined by water droplets on the glass.

Better still, it’s adjustable for lenses up to 500mm in length, and there’s even a smaller version for mirrorless setups (shown above). Add in a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you’ve got the perfect gift for this holiday season!

Learn more about Camera Canopy and Mini Camera Canopy

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Pre-Owned Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

Photographers can never have too many lenses, right?

Okay, so maybe there’s a limit, but one of the best lenses a photographer can have in their camera bag is a good Nifty Fifty.

 What makes Nifty Fifties so great is that they’re versatile - they can be used for portraits, landscapes, and video work.

Plus, Nifty Fifties like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 have a nice, big aperture for getting beautiful background blur and for shooting in low-light conditions.

And since you can get a pre-owned 50mm lens for under $100, they’re also an economical gift idea!

 Don’t be scared off by the word “pre-owned,” either…

 You can buy with confidence from MPB because each item in their inventory is thoroughly reviewed and tested before it’s put up for sale.

 That means that if you find a 50mm lens listed in good condition, that lens will be in good condition! There are no surprises, no scams...just a quality used product that comes with a six-month warranty.

 So, this holiday season, help your favorite photographer fill out their kit with a new-to-them lens!

Learn more about the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

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^{Photo by franckreporter via iStock}

We've got about five weeks until Christmas as I'm writing this. That means holiday shopping is about to begin in earnest!

It also means that you might need ideas to zero in on some excellent gives for the photographers on your list...

With a budget of $100, you can get your loved one some truly incredible photography gifts. The question is, which of our favorite gifts for photographers will be the gift you give this year?

Let's find out!

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Canvasprints.com canvas print

I don’t know about you, but I find that there are two common problems when searching for gifts for my loved ones. First, I have a lot of people in my life that are difficult to shop for. And second, it can be difficult to find gifts that have long-term utility.

I think I’ve found a solution for both problems, though…

This year, I’m giving canvas prints to many of the people on my holiday shopping list. Why? Well, it’s easy! Even the most difficult of people to shop for enjoy a good photo. What’s more, the chances are high that they have wall space to put a printed photo.

On top of that, a canvas print is something that can be enjoyed for years - decades, really - to come. It isn’t a one-and-done gift that offers flash-in-the-pan excitement during the holidays, then finds its way into a closet somewhere. 

Instead, by giving someone a gorgeous photo that’s been hand-crafted just for them, you can give them the gift of time - time to enjoy the print each and every day.

So, the question is, where do you get a good canvas print?

Earlier this year, I ordered a canvas print from CanvasPrints.com. It was my first such order, so I wasn’t completely sure what to expect.

Well, what I got in the mail was a superb canvas print!

As I shared in this post, the canvas I got from CanvasPrints.com ticks all the boxes in terms of quality:

• The printing process was flawless, with no ink smudges or stains.
• The high-quality canvas is tightly wrapped around the frame, with no waves or puckering.
• The frame is well-made with square corners and a center support to ensure it stays square.
• The canvas is attached to the frame with plenty of staples to further ensure the canvas remains tight.

Additionally, I like that CanvasPrints.com uses a wire hanger on the back rather than the more typical sawtooth hanger. I find that sawtooth hangers are often not attached to the frame in the center (and often aren’t level, either), which obviously complicates hanging the print level. With a wire hanger, there’s no concern there!

In other words, my first experience with CanvasPrints.com could not have gone better. As a result of that, they’ve earned my business for additional prints for myself and for my loved ones this holiday season. You should entrust them to create a beautiful print of your images as well!

I should note that the materials used to create these prints are American-made and of the utmost quality to ensure the print that arrives at your door looks incredible. If something goes awry, no worries - CanvasPrints.com offers a 100-percent money-back guarantee with your print.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your holiday shopping done, get a fantastic gift that keeps on giving, and give the gift of a special moment in time with a CanvasPrints.com print!

Learn more about CanvasPrints.com

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Vanguard VEO SPH Smartphone Holder

Since so many photographers use their mobile phones for photo and video work, it makes sense to put a multi-purpose smartphone holder on our list of the top gifts for photographers under $100.

The VEO SPH Smartphone Holder by Vanguard is a great option for mounting a phone in either vertical or horizontal format. And since it works with an Arca-compatible head, this holder can be used in conjunction with a tripod, monopod, support arm, and other mounting devices. The ¼-inch and ⅜-inch threads make doing so quite easy.

The holder comes equipped with a cold shoe for adding an external light, microphone, or another accessory to expand the capability of the phone for photo and video projects.

With rubber padding inside the clamps, you can rest assured that the holder won’t damage the phone. And with an easy-turn knob, the holder is a breeze to adjust for phones of varying sizes from 2.4 inches to 3.5 inches wide. On top of all that, the ball on this holder has a +/- 40-degree tilt and 360-degree rotation for easy adjustments. 

With a price that’s well under $100, the VEO SPH is an ideal gift for your loved ones this holiday season - and one that won’t break the bank, either! It’s a perfect price point for the photographer on your list, and with the high-quality construction and impeccable design from Vanguard, it’s a gift that provides years of reliable service. What’s not to like about that?!

Learn more about the Vanguard VEO SPH Smartphone Holder

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Saal Digital Photography Gifts

One thing that makes shopping for your loved ones much easier is having variety in terms of what you can get them. Saal Digital offers precisely that!

With a budget of $100, you can give a host of gifts that your loved one is sure to love. For example, Saal Digital’s beautifulphoto books are an ideal way to display cherished photos. These books have high-end features like premium covers, a range of photo papers from which to choose, and a layflat binding that makes viewing the gorgeous photos inside much easier.  

Another option to consider is turning a favorite photo into breathtaking wall decor. Saal Digital again provides many different products that help highlight the beauty of the image. You can choose from canvas, acrylic (shown in the video above), or metal prints. Likewise, there are options for PVC foam board, multi-part displays, and even photos in changeable frames.

With this many options, the most difficult part of shopping for your loved one will be choosing which type of wall decor you want the most!

I’m a big fan of gifts that offer functionality and utility, and if you’re shopping for someone that appreciates those features, aphoto calendar is a wonderful choice. Saal Digital offers three different calendar types: wall calendars, desk calendars, and family calendars (shown above).

Regardless of the type of calendar you choose to give this holiday season, it’s printed using the finest inks and durable materials for long-lasting beauty. It’s a gift that will be appreciated each time your loved one looks at it or uses it!

Best of all, these photo gifts represent just a small sampling of the gift ideas offered by Saal Digital.Visit their website to learn more about these and other excellent holiday gift ideas!

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Pre-Owned Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

If the photographer on your holiday shopping list shoots with a Canon DSLR, a zoom lens with long reach is the perfect holiday gift idea for less than $100.

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens has an equivalent focal range of 88-400mm. This makes it an ideal addition to a kit for everything from portraiture to sports and wildlife photography.

The ultrasonic motor allows the lens to quietly zoom in and out so as not to disturb the subject being photographed. Likewise, the image stabilization technology gives photographers more leeway when shooting handheld.

Even though this lens has a wide focal range, it's a compact and lightweight lens. It's easy to carry without being overly heavy, and makes a good companion for a DSLR for all-day shooting.

And with the equivalent 88-400mm focal range, it's a nice complement to the 18-55mm (28.8-88mm equivalent) kit lens that often comes with Canon DSLRs. With solid imaging quality and reliable performance, this lens provides a lot of bang for the buck! And if you shop at MPB, you can choose from a range of graded lenses, each of which has been thoroughly inspected. Plus, you get a seven-day return window and a six-month warranty.

What's not to like about that?!

Learn more about the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Holdfast Mini EDC Fieldbook

If you’re shopping for a photographer that was alive in the 1990s or earlier, they probably have a habit of carrying a notebook with them to write down camera settings, site information, and other details about the shots they take. I know I do that… 

And while some folks have transitioned to taking notes on their phones or other devices, there’s something about having handwritten notes about your photos that is so satisfying.

With the Mini EDC Fieldbook from Holdfast, your favorite photographer can take all the notes they want and protect them in style.

This leather journal cover is beautifully made of leather and is sized perfectly to fit the Rite in the Rain spiral-top 3x5 notebook.

This gorgeous fieldbook also has room to fit pens or pencils, your ID, business cards, and other small items that photographers might need on a photo shoot. In fact, there are six pockets and two hand slots for carrying the essentials.

Not only is this fieldbook supremely useful, it’s also impeccably made right here in the U.S. Talk about a wonderful gift idea!

Learn more about the Holdfast Mini EDC Fieldbook

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: RODE VideoMicro

This tiny shotgun microphone is perfect for a GoPro (or DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, for that matter).

It's compact and lightweight, but audio quality isn't sacrificed. In fact, it has a high-quality cardioid condenser mic capsule so you can get clear, crisp audio.

And since it's a directional mic, it minimizes sounds from the periphery so your video has focused audio from the subject. That’s just the kind of audio performance you want to match the high-quality video footage that you can capture with modern cameras.

Add to that a thermoplastic suspension structure for minimizing vibrations as you adventure around with your GoPro, and you have the ideal audio companion for the best adventure camera on the market!

If the photographer on your list is an adventurer and utilizes a GoPro, this is the perfect gift idea!

Learn more about the RODE VideoMicro

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Small f-stop Drone Case

If the photographer on your list has a drone, why not get them a drone case to keep it safe?

This small case from f-stop is compatible with various foldable-wing drones, and protects them with a padded interior. The case has adjustable dividers to help keep gear organized and protect individual items from banging against one another while in transport. The dividers give you the ability to customize the interior space to the specific needs of the drone setup.

The case is more than a holder for a drone, though...

There's four pockets to organize cables, batteries, memory cards, and other items. These pockets have magnetic closures for easy opening and closing, too. There's also a padded soft storage compartment for bringing along a tablet or an additional screen.

The carry handle makes it easy to carry this case by itself, or you can attach it to a backpack or even a belt. In other words, f-stop has thought of everything to make this a highly functional case for small drones. And if your loved one has a larger drone, f-stop has them covered with their Large Drone Case (which is also under $100!).

Learn more about the f-stop Small Drone Case

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Photomatix Pro 6

 

Whether the photographer on your shopping list is a newbie or a pro, they will probably tell you that one of the hardest parts of photography is getting the exposure right.

What makes it so complicated to perfect is that there are so many variables involved, one of which is dynamic range.

When dynamic range, or the values of light tones in the shot, is too much, the camera can’t accommodate it. That means that highlights might be blown out or shadows might be too dark.

But by bracketing exposures, merging them together, and using HDR software, photographers can overcome this difficulty.

For less than $100, you can give the gift of gorgeous exposures by putting Photomatix Pro 6 in your loved one’s stocking.

Since 2003, Photomatix has enabled photographers to easily create HDR images.

Over the years, the software has changed and added tons of new features, including built-in presets, dozens of HDR settings, tools like selective ghost removal, and batch processing in Photomatix Pro 6. And that’s just the start!

There’s also multiple HDR styles so no matter if the photos are landscapes, portraits, real estate, or something in between, you can customize how they look with Photomatix.

That’s why HDR software like Photomatix Pro 6 is such a valuable tool for photographers! 

Learn more about Photomatix Pro 6

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Vanguard VEO 2 204AB

This aluminum tripod from Vanguard offers an incredible list of specs and features for the price point.

For example, the leg tubes are designed in a way that enables smooth and precise leg extension. There's also three built-in leg angles that offer versatility for adapting to uneven terrain.

Furthermore, this tripod comes with a ball head that offers up to 8.8 pounds of load capacity. There's even an Arca-compatible QS-60S quick-release plate, so your loved one has everything they need to begin using the tripod right out of the box.

One of the best features is the central column system that allows you to set up the tripod in about 15 seconds. Often, getting the shot and not getting the shot is a matter of a second or two, so having a quick-set tripod is a huge bonus!

To provide added stability, the tripod has a suspension loop so you can add a backpack or some other type of counterbalance if the wind picks up. And for those days when your loved one is out in the snow or rain, the integrated all-weather TPU grips give them a spot to get a good handle on the tripod.

A tripod is one of the most important photography accessories, and with a price under $100, this tripod is a great option!

Learn more about the Vanguard VEO 2 204AB

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Pre-Owned Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN ART (Sony E-Mount)

Sony E-mount cameras are among the most popular in the world. Pair that with a lens from Sigma - which is known for high-quality optics - and you have a recipe for a great camera setup!

If your loved one has a Sony E-mount camera, the 19mm f/2.8 DN ART lens from Sony is a nice addition to their kit. The wide-angle format (35mm equivalent) is ideal for landscape photography and other types of images in which a wide field of view is necessary.

On top of that, this lens offers a wide f/2.8 aperture that allows for shallow depth of field images and taking photos in low-light situations.

This Sigma lens has an inner focusing system that maintains the overall size of the lens when zoomed in, rather than extending the barrel of the lens as many zooms do. This maintains its compact form factor without sacrificing image quality.

Another feature that's worth noting is Sigma's Super Multi-Layer Coating. This proprietary coating helps reduce ghosting and flare while improving the sharpness and contrast in images. Aberrations are also limited by three glass-molded aspherical elements.

All that is available for less than $100!

Learn more about the Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN ART for Sony E-Mount Cameras

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^{Photo by strike0 via iStock}

As I'm writing this, October is coming to a close. That means the holidays are rapidly approaching, and holiday shopping will begin in earnest.

But why not get a head start on the chaos?

This go-round, I've selected some of my favorite gifts for photographers under $150. This list has a wide range of options for photographers of all levels and abilities. Honestly, the hardest part for you will be deciding which of these awesome gifts to give your loved one!

So, without further ado, let's check out this year's list of top photography gifts!

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Aluminyze Metal Print

One of my personal favorite mediums for displaying my photos is metal. I love the sleek, modern look that it gives my images. And I'm not alone! Metal prints are extremely popular, making this a fantastic holiday gift idea for the photographer on your list.

These ready-to-hang professional prints are made in the USA by highly trained artisans. Aluminyze uses only high-quality materials to create their prints, and does so in an environmentally-conscious way. The result of all that is a metal print that is highly impressive when it's unwrapped!

As you can see in my video review above, Aluminyze prints knocked my socks off...

The print offered excellent sharpness, virtually no noise, and absolutely beautiful colors. And as is the case with metal, it's anti-corrosive, stands up to the elements, is rust-resistant, lightweight, and durable.

In other words, a metal print from Aluminyze is a gift that will keep on giving!

But why is an Aluminyze metal print so good?

On the one hand, the Aluminyze team has been at it for more than 20 years, perfecting the printing process along the way. The company has state-of-the-art labs and highly skilled artisans who create these prints - prints that are professional-level in every sense of the word.

And if that's not enough, these prints are backed by a 14-day guarantee. So, not only can you give a great gift, but you can do so with the peace of mind that the print will arrive in perfect condition or Aluminyze will make it right!

Learn more about Aluminyze metal prints

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: GVM-MIC LM2 2.4GHz Wireless Microphone

With video production becoming a more and more popular venture, the need for high-quality accessories is greater than ever before. After all, a great video depends not just on good video footage, but also on lighting, post-production, and sound, to name a few.

If you want to give the gift of great-sounding audio to someone this holiday season, look no further than the GVM-MIC LM2. This 2.4GHz wireless microphone has a transmission distance of up to 330 feet, a built-in encrypted channel for secure transmission, and minimizes interference for improved sound quality.

Not only that, this microphone offers an onboard recording function to protect against data loss due to receiver disconnections. GVM has also incorporated features like:

• A security track recording, which records a second audio track at -6db on top of the main track.
• Approximately 10 hours of battery life (and up to 30 hours when using the charging case).
• An HD TFT color screen to view input strength, connection status, battery power status, and more.
• Real-time monitoring with a 3.5mm headphone monitor output.

GVM built this microphone with compatibility in mind, too. It comes with 3.5mm TRS and 3.5mm TRRS cables for use with various cameras and smartphones with 3.5mm ports. You can also purchase optional 3.5mm TRS to USB-C and 3.5mm TRS to Lighting adapters for compatibility with other devices.

Furthermore, the LM2 microphone is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems as well as many cameras from major brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, and Fuji. You can extend the microphone’s usability even further with various accessories like the included wind cover and charging box (which charges the transmitter and receiver).

In other words, GVM has stuffed all sorts of usable, functional features into this small wireless microphone, all without a high price tag!

Learn more about the GVM-MIC LM2 2.4G Wireless Microphone

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Skylum Luminar Neo 12-Month Subscription

I don’t want to date myself too much here, but I vividly remember heading into the darkroom in high school to process film. It was a laborious (and smelly) task, but I enjoyed seeing my images come to life under the red lights.

But as much as I enjoyed it, I’m more than happy that photo editing today is a much different animal. Now, instead of spending hours editing my images, I can use editors like Luminar Neo to get even better results in far less time. And this holiday season, you can give the gift of this cutting-edge technology to help your loved one get professional results!

With a 12-month subscription to Luminar Neo, you can open a world of creativity to your loved one that enables them to completely change how their photo editing process works. For example, Luminar Neo offers a host of AI-powered tools that make enhancing images quick and efficient:

• Structure AI (shown above) boosts clarity, detail, and contrast for images with pop
• Face AI (shown below) allows for quick adjustments to the face, eyes, and mouth that make them smooth, bright, and vivid
• Crop AI enables professional-level cropping, horizon alignment, rotating, and flipping
• Sky AI holds the key for making blah skies beautiful with a fast sky replacement tool
• Accent AI incorporates up to a dozen image adjustments into one high-powered tool

That’s just a sampling of the AI prowess of Luminar Neo, but you get the gist - you get ultra-high performance for creative tasks in an easy-to-use interface. Not bad, right?

Luminar Neo is available as a standalone editor or as a plugin for other editors, like Apple Photos, Photoshop, and Lightroom. What’s more, Luminar Neo is compatible with Mac OS and Windows, so no matter what kind of computer system your loved one has, Luminar Neo will work.

But using Luminar Neo isn’t just “work.” It’s also fun! Unlike my days in the darkroom, you can play around with dozens of adjustments and see real-time results right before your eyes. And since Luminar Neo offers non-destructive editing, your loved one can play to their heart’s content without worrying about changing the original image file.

What makes a great gift is something that’s utilitarian, at least from my point of view. And Luminar Neo is that - and more. It’s something your loved one can use every single day for a full year and realize improved results while also saving time. In that regard, this is a gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving!

Check out the video above from Skylum to see Luminar Neo in action. You might find it so impressive that you decide to get it for your loved one and for yourself this holiday season!

Learn more about Luminar Neo

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Printique Photo Tiles

Why give a gift that can only be enjoyed once? Furthermore, why only give one gift when you can give multiple gifts without busting your budget?!

Printique's Photo Tiles fit the bill for both of these scenarios...

On the one hand, you can get two, three, four, or more tiles for less than $125, depending on the tile sizes you select. And, on the other hand, giving the gift of photo tiles means your loved one can enjoy their favorite images over and over and over again! It's a win-win!

And since these tiles are lightweight and have an adhesive backing, they're extremely easy to hang on the wall - no hammer and nails needed! Plus, the tiles can be arranged and rearranged as many times as you like, furthering the utility of this gift.

The tiles are printed on high-quality, silver halide paper, so they offer improved image quality and better adhesion than the competition. With sizes ranging from 8x8" on the small side to 16x20" on the large side, there is a lot of variety in terms of how you use this as the ultimate gift for your photography loved one this year!

Learn more about Printique's Photo Tiles

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: GoShelter

Sometimes, the weather doesn’t exactly cooperate when you’re out taking photos…

Whether it’s rain, wind, or even the beating heat from the sun, photography enthusiasts can use a way to protect themselves and their gear from the elements. And while there are some options out there that seem to be adequate, not all weather protection affords you the protection you need and the freedom of movement required to get the best shots.

That’s where the GoShelter comes in!

This innovative product is worn like a backpack to maximize comfort and extends out and over you to give you complete protection from the weather. But, unlike a poncho for you or a rain cover for your camera, the GoShelter has room inside for you to maneuver around and easily manipulate your camera controls.

The shell is made of silicone double-coated polyester ripstop, which is lightweight yet offers waterproofness and long-term durability. GoShelter also offers UV protection and can be worn in breezy conditions, too.

GoShelter is completely adjustable to fit your body as well. Again, it’s worn like a backpack, so you can quickly make the needed adjustments to fit your body, and off you go!

Transporting GoShelter is a breeze. It folds down into a flat disk like the sunshade in your car, allowing you to carry it on your backpack as you hike or work outside. Better still, you can wear GoShelter without taking off your backpack - the images shown above highlight the GoShelter being worn over a 50L Osprey backpack.

If you want to give a functional gift that keeps on giving, the GoShelter is a very fine option!

Learn more about GoShelter

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: RØDE NTH-100 Headphones

Searching for the perfect holiday gift for the audiophile or content creator in your life? Look no further than the RØDE NTH-100 headphones! These professional over-ear headphones are a gift that will delight and inspire with their exceptional sonic performance, superior comfort, and unmatched versatility for various content creation tasks.

The heart of the NTH-100 headphones lies in their custom-matched drivers, which deliver an incredibly accurate frequency response. This precision ensures that every nuance of your audio is faithfully reproduced, making them the go-to choice for critical listening and monitoring. Whether it's music production, mixing, audio editing, podcasting, or location recording, the NTH-100s are engineered to provide a listening experience that is second to none.

The acoustic design of these headphones has been optimized for enhanced detail and clarity, meaning you'll hear every subtlety in your audio content. This is a game-changer for music producers and audio engineers who rely on hearing every element of a mix with precision.

Additionally, the NTH-100 headphones take comfort seriously. They feature luxurious Alcantara® cushions paired with RØDE's innovative CoolTech™ gel. These cushions provide maximum comfort, especially during extended listening sessions. It means you can immerse yourself in your audio work or enjoy long music listening sessions without discomfort. And with a fully adjustable headband and RØDE's proprietary FitLok™ locking system, you'll always get the perfect fit. No more constant readjusting or dealing with headphones that slip out of place. The NTH-100s stay securely in position, ensuring a comfortable and consistent listening experience.

The RØDE NTH-100 headphones offer an incredible aural experience that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of discerning audio enthusiasts and content creators. These headphones are more than just a listening tool; they are a source of inspiration that fosters creativity and elevates the quality of your work.

So, if you've been on the hunt for the perfect headphones that combine precision sound, luxurious comfort, and versatility for content creation, your search is over. The RØDE NTH-100s are the ideal gift for anyone who is passionate about audio, whether they are a musician, audio engineer, podcaster, or content creator. Give the gift of sonic excellence this holiday season with the RØDE NTH-100 headphones and watch your loved one's passion for sound reach new heights!

Learn more about the RØDE NTH-100 Headphones

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Printique Photo Gifts

If you're simply not sure what to give the photography enthusiast on your shopping list this year, why not delight them with an array of photo gifts from Printique?

Printique has a wide selection of options that allow you to highlight a favorite photo in a unique way. Choose a photo puzzle that brings a favorite photo to life or opt to have a cherished image printed on drinkware so your loved one can enjoy their favorite photo each and every day.

Alternatively, you can spruce up your loved one's office with any number of fun photo gifts. Give them a photo mouse pad, photo coasters, or a magnetic notepad - or all three! Yet another option is to give a mini softcover photo book that features numerous favorite images that your loved one can flip through over and over again for years to come.

Of course, being the large printing company it is, Printique has many other gift options this holiday season. You can invest in a large-format print, aphoto album, or acalendar, to name a few.

In fact, with $150, you can do a lot of shopping at Printique. What's more, you can get high-quality products that are budget-friendly and help you stretch your budget without diminishing the WOW factor of the gifts you give. Nice!

Learn more about Printique

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Pre-Owned Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G from MPB

If you're on the hunt for the perfect gift for a photographer who loves their Nikon DSLR, look no further than this 50mm lens. It's an absolute gem that any photography enthusiast would cherish.

This lens offers a wide range of creative possibilities thanks to its versatile 50mm focal length. Whether your photographer friend is into capturing stunning portraits, sweeping landscapes, or candid moments in the bustling streets, this lens can do it all. What's more, with an optional adapter, it can even be reverse-mounted for captivating macro photography work. It's also a fantastic choice for those interested in videography.

But that's not all - this lens is a real game-changer in low-light situations. With its maximum f/1.8 aperture, it excels in challenging lighting conditions, ensuring that your favorite photographer can capture those beautiful moments even when the sun goes down. And let's not forget the exquisite bokeh it creates; it's a visual delight that enhances the overall quality of photos.

Nikon lenses are known for their durability and exceptional build quality, and this particular model is no exception. It's compact and lightweight, making it the ideal companion for photographers who want an all-day lens that won't slow them down. Plus, it's pre-owned, so you can save a substantial amount of money – perhaps enough to splurge on a second gift to make their holiday even more special.

So, this 50mm lens is a thoughtful and practical gift for any Nikon DSLR photographer. It opens up a world of creative possibilities, excels in low light, and is built to last. Your photography-loving friend will undoubtedly appreciate this versatile, cost-effective addition to their gear collection.

Learn more about the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G From MPB

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Vanguard VEO Select 49 Backpack

This holiday season, if you're searching for the perfect gift for a loved one who's always on the move, the Vanguard VEO Select 49 is an exceptional choice. It's a versatile and well-thought-out bag that meets the demands of a traveler, photographer, or anyone who appreciates quality and convenience.

One of the standout features of the VEO Select 49 is its adaptability. It offers two carrying styles, functioning as both a backpack and a shoulder bag in one. This means your loved one can switch between styles depending on the situation, making it incredibly flexible for various occasions. Additionally, it boasts multi-access quick-action capabilities, with full rear opening, side access, and top access, ensuring that your loved one can grab their gear with ease, even on the go.

Comfort is a top priority with the VEO Select 49. Its ergonomic harness can be neatly tucked away when not in use, allowing the well-padded shoulder strap to take over, ensuring that your loved one remains comfortable during extended periods of wear. The bag is designed for ease of transport, with the ability to connect to the handle of wheel-along luggage, streamlining their journey.

For organization enthusiasts, this bag is a dream. The bright-colored interior not only adds a touch of style but also makes finding items a breeze. There are dedicated pockets for all the essentials, helping to keep things neatly arranged and readily accessible.

Safety is also paramount. The VEO Select 49 features a concealed pocket on the back panel to securely store travel documents and a wallet. It can even accommodate up to a 15" laptop, providing convenience for work or entertainment while on the move. Additionally, the bag boasts an optimal balance tripod carrying system, ensuring that photography enthusiasts can bring their equipment along without hassle.

Protection against the elements is no problem, as the bag is crafted from water and scratch-resistant materials on the bottom, and it comes with a total coverage rain cover, keeping the contents clean and dry even in inclement weather.

In summary, the Vanguard VEO Select 49 is a thoughtful and practical gift for your loved one. It's a versatile bag that excels in comfort, organization, and safety, making it an excellent choice for travelers, photographers, or anyone in need of a well-designed and dependable bag. This holiday season, give the gift of convenience and peace of mind with the VEO Select 49.

Learn more about the Vanguard VEO Select 49 Backpack

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Pre-Owned Canon EOS Rebel SL1 From MPB

This Christmas, if you're in search of the perfect gift for a new photography enthusiast, a pre-owned Canon EOS Rebel SL1 is a fantastic choice. This lightweight APS-C format digital SLR camera offers a plethora of features that will delight any budding photographer.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 comes equipped with an 18MP CMOS sensor and the powerful DIGIC 5 image processor, ensuring that every shot captures sharp details, accurate colors, and low-noise imaging. All of this comes in a compact form factor with an easy-to-use interface, making it an excellent choice for photographers of all levels.

The camera has a 9-point autofocus system with hybrid CMOS AF II technology, which increases autofocus speed and accuracy when shooting in Live View mode, ensuring that you never miss a moment. Continuous shooting at up to 4 frames per second, coupled with a wide ISO range of 100-12800 (expandable to 25600), means that this camera is ready for action in various lighting conditions, from bright daylight to low light situations.

The Rebel SL1 boasts a user-friendly 3.0" Clear View II Touchscreen LCD with a high resolution of 1,040k dots. This touchscreen interface provides easy composition and playback viewing. The smudge-resistant coating ensures that the screen remains clear, even in bright sunlight.

For those who want to capture videos, the Rebel SL1 supports full HD 1080p at 30 fps and 24 fps, with the convenience of Movie Servo for continuous autofocus during shooting. Manual exposure control is also available in video mode, and you can even achieve 60 fps when shooting at 720p HD.

Scene Intelligent Auto Mode makes the camera a perfect choice for beginners, as it automatically adjusts settings based on scene recognition. Advanced imaging features like Effect Shot mode and background Simulation add creativity to your shots, and Creative Filters allow you to add expressive touches to your images in real time during Live View shooting.

The compatibility with Canon EF and EF-S lenses ensures that your loved one can explore a wide range of creative possibilities, and the camera is compatible with various memory cards, including Ultra High-Speed UHS-I cards. It's a great beginner camera that won't cost you an arm and a leg!

Learn more about the Pre-Owned Canon EOS Rebel SL1 From MPB

Disclaimer: Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don't sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!

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^{Photo by GMVozd via iStock}

Shopping for a photographer can be a tough task. Heck, shopping for yourself can be a difficult task!

It's not that there aren't all kinds of gifts for photographers under $250...it's simply trying to decide which ones are the best.

In this holiday gift guide for photographers, we've got 10 great gift ideas, all of which come in at less than $250. That means you have many options for giving an awesome photography gift without blowing your budget.

Let's get to the list!

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Colorado Tripod Company Highline Ballhead

The great thing about the Colorado Tripod Company Highline Medium Ballhead is that it's a fantastic addition to my kit whether I'm working in my home studio or I'm out in the field.

When I'm in the studio, I use this ballhead with Colorado Tripod Company's lever clamp (which is compatible with L-brackets and Arca-compatible plates) doing overhead shots. There is a distinct clicking noise that tells me that the ballhead is 100 percent locked in, that way I don't have to worry if the camera is going to crash down on my head as I'm recording.

And, as you'd expect with a product from Colorado Tripod Company, the Highline Ballhead is beautifully made using high-quality materials. It's smartly designed, too, with a universal knob clamp, a drop-in window, dedicated friction control, and independent locking and panning knobs. Addin a 10-year warranty, six available colors, and two different sizes, too!

It's just an easy-to-use, go-anywhere ballhead that any photographer on your holiday shopping list would appreciate!

Learn more about the Colorado Tripod Company Highline Medium Ballhead

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: CanvasHQ Print

It's tough to beat a large-format canvas print as a holiday gift...

Canvas prints offer a classic look with an interesting texture that helps bring the image to life.

What's more, when it's a well-made canvas, like those from CanvasHQ, the print can become a family heirloom - something that you cherish for decades to come. What a powerful gift!

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are fromCanvasHQ.

What appeals to me about these prints is the impeccable quality. There is a great level of detail and sharpness, beautiful color accuracy, and the frames on which the print is stretched are handmade with kiln-dried wood to ensure the frame stays square and true for years to come.

Additionally, these guys use archival-grade canvas and commercial-grade inks to ensure long-lasting durability.

They also have a new product - a variety of floating frames - that add a touch of elegance and depth to canvas prints.

The floating frames extend along the sides of the print and don't obscure the front of the print, that way you can see 100 percent of the image. It's a clean, dynamic finish that looks great!

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back!

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ. 

Best Ever Backdrops Mix and Match Backdrop

Ever since the pandemic started, many photographers have been looking for ways to supplement their income from home. For many people, that means getting involved in product photography and food photography because both are easy to do from the comfort of your own home, provided you have the necessary gear.

Of course, the photographer on your holiday shopping list already has a camera, lenses, a tripod, and so forth, but they might not have the kind of backdrops that make product photography and food photography an easier task.

That’s where Best Ever Backdrops come in!

Now, if the photographer on your list is a portrait photographer, they undoubtedly have a collection of backdrops already. The problem is that those big, bulky, heavy backdrops aren’t well-suited for small scenes like product or food photography.

But since Best Ever Backdrops are just 24 x 36 inches, they are perfect for making small subjects stand out against the non-glare matte finish. These backdrops are also waterproof and stain resistant.

In addition to being just the right size, these backdrops are double-sided which means each backdrop comes with TWO textures! You choose the color or pattern you want for both sides which maximizes the utility of the backdrop for the lucky photographer who will get them as a gift.

And if you know photographers, you know that we have tons of gear all over the place, so storage is often an issue. But since these backdrops are small, lightweight, and just 1/8th of an inch thick, they can be stored under the bed, behind a door, in the corner of a closet - you name it! 

To top it all off, these backdrops are virtually indestructible, so this is a gift that will literally keep on giving for years and years to come. PLUS...the more you order, the more you save. For example, if you order two backdrops you get four textures. Each backdrop is $124.50, but if you order four, the price drops to $104.75 each.

Giving a great gift is all about being thoughtful and giving your loved one something that they will use over and over again. That’s exactly what you get with a backdrop that pulls double duty and allows the photographer on your holiday shopping list to expand the footprint of their business

Learn more about Best Ever Backdrops

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: RODE VideoMic NTG

I've used the RODE VideoMic NTG for well over a year and a half now. 

Needless to say, this mic has impressed!

Like the larger NTG 4 studio mic, the VideoMic NTG captures gorgeous, natural sound. There are various controls to assist you in getting beautiful sound, including:

• Infinitely variable gain control
• Digital switch for controlling high-frequency boost and the high-pass filter
• Headphone output for monitoring audio
• Peak decibel warning light to avoid distortion

The best feature of this mic, though, is its sliding rail.

In the past, a difficulty with my RODE mics is that they stuck out so far from the camera that you might find yourself with a face full of microphone.

But the sliding rail on this mic means that problem is solved - if I'm shooting in selfie mode, I can slide the rail back and keep the microphone from hitting my face.

Add to that a battery that gives you more than 30 hours of runtime on one charge and you have a recipe for an excellent microphone for the photographer or videographer on your holiday list.

Learn more about the RODE VideoMic NTG

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Nanlite FS-150 AC LED Monolight

One of the most critical pieces of equipment in a portrait photographer’s arsenal is a good LED light. After all, without good lighting, the task of creating captivating images is difficult, if not impossible.

This year for the holidays, you can ensure the photographer on your shopping list has that all-important good lighting by giving them the Nanlite FS-150 AC LED Monolight.

This AC-powered light from our friends at Samy’s offers a beautifully even light spread thanks to a large LED array and a high-quality reflector. The light puts out 26380 Lux at 5600K and boasts a CRI of 96 and a TLCI of 98. What all that means is that this light emits beautiful, color-accurate light that falls evenly across the scene.

This light is an all-in-one device as well. It has a control unit, power adapter, and lamp body all in one compact unit. So, not only does this light offer beautiful lighting, but it’s also lightweight and easily portable. The in-body cooling is a further advantage because it enables easier heat dissipation for longer-lasting performance.

Since Nanlite incorporated a Bowens-style light modifier mount and an umbrella holder into the yoke, this light also gives photographers the ability to use a wide array of light modifiers. Additionally, this light offers customizable pre-programmed special effects to give photographers additional leeway in terms of how the light is used.

In other words, this is a gift that offers all sorts of functionality and utility; it’s truly something a photographer can use everyday!

Learn more about the Nanlite FS-150 AC LED Monolight

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Refurbished SideTrak Slide Portable Monitor

One of the best gifts you can give the photographer in your life is the ability to streamline their workflow and make it more functional.

And a great way to do that is to give them a monitor that allows them to double the workspace of their laptop screen…

That’s where the SideTrak Slide Portable Monitor comes in.

At 12.5-inches, this portable monitor offers loads of additional real estate for working photographers. It simply attaches to the back of a laptop with a semi-permanent metal plate and gives photographers the ability to work with two screens or to mirror to the second screen if desired.

The Slide can be rotated 270-degrees, which means it can be used to share what’s on screen with clients. The monitor can be used on the left or right side of a laptop and can be used in portrait mode as a standalone monitor as well.

As a photographer that often travels, I know that space can often be at a premium which makes having a complex computer setup next to impossible.

But with Slide, you don’t need any extra table or desk space because it attaches directly to the back of a laptop. And since Slide is a lightweight, portable monitor, it can be brought along on field assignments with ease.

This is definitely one of those “gifts that keeps on giving” situations…

Giving gifts that can be used over the long-term gets you more bang for your buck while giving the photographer on your list tons of utility. This holiday season, make sure they have all the utility they need with the SideTrak Slide!

Learn more about the SideTrak Slide

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Onyx 30W Bi-Color On-Camera LED Light

With more and more photographers getting into video production, it makes sense to get the photographer on your list a high-quality LED light for their video shoots.

The Onyx Bi-Color LED light is a great option because it features 30-watt high-quality LEDs, high brightness, and beautiful clarity for giving video sequences the light they need to stand out.

With an aluminum frame, the light is both lightweight and durable. Likewise, there is minimal heat release because the aluminum frame allows for excellent ventilation.

The light can be mounted on-camera or a tripod. It comes with a bracket that can attach to any light stand with a baby 5/8-inch receiver.

Best of all, the Onyx Bi-Color light has easy-to-use controls. The LED display gives you the ability to make quick and accurate adjustments of brightness from 10 percent to 99 percent and color temperature from 3200K to 5600K.

Of course, this light can also be used for photography, so it's a gift that offers multiple benefits for the person on your list!

Learn more about the Onyx 30-Watt Bi-Color On-Camera LED Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Edition II Variable ND Filter

^{PolarPro Signature Edition II}

A variable ND filter is a crucial component of a photographer's kit because it's such a versatile piece of kit.

You can use a variable ND filter for photo and video work, and since this filter is variable, it gives you the ability to adjust from 2-5 stops or 6-9 stops depending on which version you opt to get.

What's so innovative about this filter is that it has preset stop ranges that eliminates the all-too-frequent occurrence of cross-polarization.

Likewise, this filter displays zero vignetting down to 16mm focal lengths. That means your favorite photographer can get a lot of utility out of this filter with a lot of different lenses.

^{PolarPro Mist Edition II}

This updated version includes PolarPro's new Defender360 system, too. It's a 360-degree protection system for the filter, including a waterproof and dustproof seal.

PolarPro has also developed a new haptic feedback mechanism that gives photographers the ability to make quick and easy stop-value changes without taking their eye off the viewfinder. 

On top of that, PolarPro offers Adventure Assurance, so if the photographer on your list isn't satisfied with the performance of the filter, you get your money back.

PolarPro has demonstrated a commitment to quality over the years, and this filter is no exception. With two versions (Signature II and Mist II) it's a great gift idea if you want to spend less than $250!

Learn more about the PolarPro PeterMcKinnon Edition II Variable ND Filter

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Aputure Amaran AL-MX Bi-Color LED Mini Light

This pocket-sized light might be small, lightweight, and portable, but it packs a mighty punch with 128 LEDs, 3200lux of brightness, and a "boost mode" that increases brightness by 30 percent for bursts of 60 seconds.

Add to all that power the ability to tune the light from 2800-6500K so the photographer on your list can make fine adjustments to how the light looks to suit each and every photograph.

The quality of the light is top-notch, too - it offers a CRI of 95+ and a TLCI or 95+ as well.

This light has a wide beam angle of 120-degrees, a portable design that's about the width and height of a credit card, and a durable metal body that's crafted of aircraft-grade aluminum.

It has a 1/4 screw and a universal cold-shoe mount so it can be mounted on a camera, a tripod, a light stand, and so forth.

This unit has a built-in battery that offers about an hour of runtime at full power and four hours of runtime at minimum power. The battery is rechargeable via a USB-C cable.

This is simply a well-built, bright, easy-to-use light that any photographer would appreciate in their stocking this holiday season!

Learn more about the Aputure Amaran AL-MX Bi-Color LED Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Nomatic Peter McKinnon Cube Pack

Nomatic has forged a reputation for being innovative and focused on developing high-quality, high-utility bags, and the Peter McKinnon Cube Pack is certainly no exception.

The Cube Pack holds 21 liters of gear and offers complete customization thanks to the customizable dividers inside. That customizability comes from the input of Peter McKinnon, who as a photographer and videographer understands the need to be able to customize your bag to fit the specific needs of each shoot.

On the exterior of the bag is a durable and water-resistant finish. There are also external attachment loops for carrying additional gear.

And since this bag fits inside the Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack, it can pull double-duty as a standalone bag or as an organizational tool for the larger Camera Pack.

Plus, at a price of $125.00, this bag is one of the least expensive items on this list! What's not to like about that?

Learn more about the Nomatic Peter McKinnon Cube Pack

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Zoom H4n Portable Audio Recorder

As I noted earlier, since many photographers are now fully invested in also making videos, having proper video equipment is a must.

And one of the best gifts for a photographer that's shooting videos is a high-quality audio recorder like the Zoom H4n.

I've used Zoom products for years, and I can't express enough how pleased I have been with their performance.

In this case, the H4n offers four-channel recording up to 24-bit and 96 kHz. It has 2 XLR/TRS inputs with locking connectors and built-in stereo X/Y microphones that are adjustable from 90-120 degrees.

It has 4-in and 2-out USB interfaces and can record directly to SD or SDHC cards up to 32GB in size.

The H4n is portable, has professional-grade preamps, three recording modes, and many other features that make it an ideal holiday gift for the photographer on your list.

Learn more about the Zoom H4n Portable Audio Recorder

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: E-Image EK650 Tripod

A solid tripod is a must-have for any photographer, and that's exactly what you can give them in the E-Image EK650.

This professional tripod kit is ideal for photographers that shoot with DSLR or mirrorless gear.

It has a fluid head with a 75mm bowl that can support up to 11 pounds thanks to its fixed counterbalance.

The tripod's legs have plastic leg locking frames which reduce the overall weight of the tripod, making this a great option for photographers that travel a lot.

The mid-level spreader offers increased stability for shooting on uneven terrain too. The anti-skid pads and highly stable aluminum legs also help in that department. You get fixed pan drag, variable tilt drag, and continuous adjustable tilt drag options as well.

This is simply a fantastic all-in-one package (with a carrying bag included) that will bring a smile to your favorite photographer's face!

Learn more about the E-Image EK650 tripod

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^{Photo by LukaTDB via iStock}

Whether you're looking for a gift for yourself this holiday season or you've got a fellow photographer that deserves a nice gift, a $250 budget can go a long way.

From microphones to camera bags to memory cards, there's all sorts of gadgets that make excellent holiday gifts. You can also give gifts that keep on giving, like a beautiful canvas print. The possibilities are endless!

Below, we've compiled a short list of the best gifts for photographers under $250 to consider this holiday season.

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Canvasprints.com canvas print

I don’t know about you, but I find that there are two common problems when searching for gifts for my loved ones. First, I have a lot of people in my life that are difficult to shop for. And second, it can be difficult to find gifts that have long-term utility.

I think I’ve found a solution for both problems, though…

This year, I’m giving canvas prints to many of the people on my holiday shopping list. Why? Well, it’s easy! Even the most difficult of people to shop for enjoy a good photo. What’s more, the chances are high that they have wall space to put a printed photo.

On top of that, a canvas print is something that can be enjoyed for years - decades, really - to come. It isn’t a one-and-done gift that offers flash-in-the-pan excitement during the holidays, then finds its way into a closet somewhere. 

Instead, by giving someone a gorgeous photo that’s been hand-crafted just for them, you can give them the gift of time - time to enjoy the print each and every day.

So, the question is, where do you get a good canvas print?

Earlier this year, I ordered a canvas print from CanvasPrints.com. It was my first such order, so I wasn’t completely sure what to expect.

Well, what I got in the mail was a superb canvas print!

As I shared in this post, the canvas I got from CanvasPrints.com ticks all the boxes in terms of quality:

• The printing process was flawless, with no ink smudges or stains.
• The high-quality canvas is tightly wrapped around the frame, with no waves or puckering.
• The frame is well-made with square corners and a center support to ensure it stays square.
• The canvas is attached to the frame with plenty of staples to further ensure the canvas remains tight.

Additionally, I like that CanvasPrints.com uses a wire hanger on the back rather than the more typical sawtooth hanger. I find that sawtooth hangers are often not attached to the frame in the center (and often aren’t level, either), which obviously complicates hanging the print level. With a wire hanger, there’s no concern there!

In other words, my first experience with CanvasPrints.com could not have gone better. As a result of that, they’ve earned my business for additional prints for myself and for my loved ones this holiday season. You should entrust them to create a beautiful print of your images as well!

I should note that the materials used to create these prints are American-made and of the utmost quality to ensure the print that arrives at your door looks incredible. If something goes awry, no worries - CanvasPrints.com offers a 100-percent money-back guarantee with your print.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your holiday shopping done, get a fantastic gift that keeps on giving, and give the gift of a special moment in time with a CanvasPrints.com print!

Learn more about CanvasPrints.com

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: f-stop Dyota 11 Camera Sling Bag

A durable, functional, and comfortable camera bag is a great gift for photographers under $250. And one of the best options is the Dyota 11 Camera Slings bag from f-stop.

At just 15.7 inches tall, 9.4 inches wide, and 5.1 inches deep, this bag is a small, everyday carry for quick photography outings. It weighs just 1.8 pounds empty, so the bag is lightweight, has a slim form factor, and can easily move with you as you navigate through crowds.

The 11-liter capacity is all you need for your camera, a lens or two, and other required accessories. You can access the gear quickly and easily via the expandable roll-style top. There's also a curved weatherproof zipper that allows easy access to the main body of the bag.

Like all f-stop bags, the Dyota is impeccably designed and manufactured. The bag's material is RF welded for a seamless design, and the interior storage insert can be removed when not needed.

That means that the Dyota 11 can pull double duty as a camera bag and an everyday carry bag when you're not on photography adventures.

It's a great option to give yourself this holiday season or to give to a loved one!

Learn more about the f-stop Dyota 11 Camera Sling Bag

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: iMovR Gymba

One of the worst things about being an office worker is being in a sedentary position all day. Thankfully, you can use many strategies to help offset the adverse effects of sitting or standing for long periods.

iMovR specializes in American-made sitting-standing desks that utilize brushless motors for easy adjustments to the desk height. With features like a built-in health coach to remind you to change position, iMovR’s desks are a dream come true for people that work from home or in an office environment.

But iMovR doesn’t just make desks…

If you or a loved one need an additional way to stave off the deleterious effects of long work days, Gymba is an ideal gift option this holiday season.

Gymba is a balance board that’s a perfect complement for working at a standing desk. You can “walk” while standing at your desk and activate various body parts for a workout while you work.

In fact, Gymba allows you to work on various aspects of your body, including your core and leg muscles. What’s more, by being more active throughout the day, you’ll improve your posture and circulation.

Now, I know what you’re thinking - won’t this “workout at work” distract you from what you’re doing? After using Gymba for a while now, I can tell you that it absolutely does not interfere with your work!

Once you get used to standing on it, Gymba really settles into the background. I don’t even think about it anymore, yet as I’m writing this, I’m working my core and leg muscles. It’s a much better way to work, to say the least!

And, unlike other balance boards, Gymba doesn’t damage your floors. That means you can get your work done, be healthier, and not worry about what your floors look like at the end of the day. Best of all, Gymba is less than $250, so it’s a budget-friendly holiday gift!

Learn more about the iMovR Gymba

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: RODE VideoMic NTG

I've used the RODE VideoMic NTG for well over a year and a half now. 

Needless to say, this mic has impressed!

Like the larger NTG 4 studio mic, the VideoMic NTG captures gorgeous, natural sound. There are various controls to assist you in getting beautiful sound, including:

• Infinitely variable gain control
• Digital switch for controlling high-frequency boost and the high-pass filter
• Headphone output for monitoring audio
• Peak decibel warning light to avoid distortion

The best feature of this mic, though, is its sliding rail.

In the past, a difficulty with my RODE mics is that they stuck out so far from the camera that you might find yourself with a face full of microphone.

But the sliding rail on this mic means that problem is solved - if I'm shooting in selfie mode, I can slide the rail back and keep the microphone from hitting my face.

Add to that a battery that gives you more than 30 hours of runtime on one charge and you have a recipe for an excellent microphone for the photographer or videographer on your holiday list.

Learn more about the RODE VideoMic NTG

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Holdfast Moneymaker Solo

One of my favorite camera accessories is my Holdfast Moneymaker Solo leather camera strap. This thing looks great, is built like a tank, and is a comfortable carry for my camera. That's why I'm recommending it!

If you aren't familiar with Holdfast, you're missing out. This Oklahoma-based company makes some of the finest leather camera accessories you can find. For example, the Moneymaker Solo is crafted of beautiful leather and stainless steel hardware, which make it eye-catching and supremely durable.

In fact, the longer you use the strap, the more aged it will become, and the better it will look!

The Moneymaker Solo has a big, curved shoulder pad that helps lessen the blow to your shoulder as you carry your camera. Also helping in making it a smooth and easy carrying experience is the Belt Anchor, which attaches your camera to your hip to prevent it from clanking around as you walk.

Disengaging the Belt Anchor is a simple one-handed motion, so you can quickly bring your camera to your eye to get the shot. Reattaching the Belt Anchor is also a one-handed job so you can return it to its secure spot on your hip without any fuss.

The stabilizer strap offers further insurance that the strap and camera stay in place on your shoulder.

Another benefit of the Moneymaker Solo is that you can add accessories to it. For example, there's a front D-ring that's a perfect location for attaching a Holdfast Cell Pouch or lens pouch.

These straps also come in various sizes (small, medium, and large) and are offered in right-handed or left-handed configurations.

If you or someone on your holiday shopping list likes to run and gun with a single camera, this is a great option for doing so in comfort and style!

Learn more about the Holdfast Moneymaker Solo

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Vanguard VEO Active 46 Camera Backpack 

When I started in photography many, many years ago, I carried my camera gear in a regular backpack. Not only was this a big mistake from a gear care perspective, but it was also impossible to find anything inside the abyss of the backpack.

Don’t let your favorite photographer make the same mistake…

An ideal camera backpack is the Vanguard VEO Active 46. This bag keeps photography gear organized with a removable camera box insert. The insert has space for a camera with a lens attached, plus various cubbies for other lenses, an external flash, and other accessories. There’s no hunting around in a dark bag for what’s needed - instead, it’s all right there in its own protected space.

Plus, the camera box is brightly colored, so it’s even easier to see where your gear is. That’s just one of the ingenious design choices from Vanguard, though.

For example, this bag has top, front, and rear access to make grabbing the needed gear as quick and efficient as possible. You’ll also find a protective sleeve for a tablet or laptop.  There’s even a built-in USB charger connection for an optional power bank!

The Active 46 is made for, well, an active lifestyle. It has an ergonomic design with a metal frame and waist belt, breathable material to help you keep cool, and a trolley handle for easier transport in airports. There’s even a rain cover that offers total coverage for those days out taking photos when the weather just won’t cooperate. 

Other features include a multifunction pouch and an accessories pouch for added storage, expandable pockets, and a waterproof sleeve for your water bladder to stay hydrated.

Truly, Vanguard has thought of everything with this bag. It’s hugely functional, super comfortable, and smartly designed. And it’s priced at less than $250!

Learn more about the Vanguard VEO Active 46 Camera Backpack

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Pre-Owned Canon EF 24mm f/2.8

If the photographer on your list shoots with a Canon DSLR with an EF or EF-S lens mount, a great gift idea is a fast wide-angle lens. The EF 24mm f/2.8 certainly fits the bill!

The 24mm focal length offers a nice wide-angle view on a full frame camera while providing a standard view on a crop-sensor camera. The constant f.2.8 aperture enables improved results in low-light situations while also enabling faster shutter speeds when needed.

This is an autofocus lens, but there is a manual override switch on the lens barrel.

This is an ideal lens for portraits, street photography, architecture, and landscapes, to name a few. Its small size and relatively light weight make it a good "walkabout" lens for Canon DSLR shooters.

You can buy with confidence from MPB because each lens is thoroughly inspected and graded. An explanation of the grade (e.g., "excellent," "like-new") is provided directly on the listing page for each lens. 

Likewise, MPB offers a generous six-month warranty on most lenses to give you peace of mind in your purchase. There's a seven-day return window as well!

I've purchased, sold, and traded gear on MPB on many occasions, all with great success. Save a little money this holiday season by investing in quality used gear from MPB!

Learn more about the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Onyx 30W Bi-Color On-Camera LED Light

With more and more photographers getting into video production, it makes sense to get the photographer on your list a high-quality LED light for their video shoots.

The Onyx Bi-Color LED light is a great option because it features 30-watt high-quality LEDs, high brightness, and beautiful clarity for giving video sequences the light they need to stand out.

With an aluminum frame, the light is both lightweight and durable. Likewise, there is minimal heat release because the aluminum frame allows for excellent ventilation.

The light can be mounted on-camera or a tripod. It comes with a bracket that can attach to any light stand with a baby 5/8-inch receiver.

Best of all, the Onyx Bi-Color light has easy-to-use controls. The LED display gives you the ability to make quick and accurate adjustments of brightness from 10 percent to 99 percent and color temperature from 3200K to 5600K.

Of course, this light can also be used for photography, so it's a gift that offers multiple benefits for the person on your list!

Learn more about the Onyx 30-Watt Bi-Color On-Camera LED Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Lumina AI Webcam

A webcam is a great tool for photographers of all kinds, but particularly for photographers that are in business for themselves. Having a reliable, high-quality webcam enables "meeting" clients who live far away, in addition to creating video content for social channels or a website.

The Lumina AI webcam works with Windows and Mac-based systems and captures video in 4K resolution. The DSLR-quality video is enhanced with Lumina's proprietary AI technology, which makes you look your best on video calls. You can even use the Lumina Studio app to apply more than 30 settings to the video, including changing the white balance, exposure settings, and background blur.

The ultra-wide 4K camera captures a 95-degree field of view while the dual microphones capture excellent sound. And with an AI auto-framing feature, the photographer on your list will always be front-and-center in their video calls!

Learn more about the Lumina AI Webcam

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Pre-Owned Sigma 30mm f/2.8 DN ART - Sony E Fit

One of the great things about Sony E-mount cameras is that there is a huge array of lenses you can use. This includes many excellent third-party lenses from companies like Sigma.

The 30mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture make this an excellent standard prime lens for the Sony shooter on your holiday shopping list. The f/2.8 aperture is a nice feature for low-light shooting while also enabling beautiful background blur. 

Sigma has included technology that reduces flare and ghosting, so the resulting images are sharp, high in contrast, and beautifully detailed.

For what it's worth, this lens looks incredible, too. The metal construction means that it will provide durable service for years to come.

It's a small lens as well, and since it has an internal focusing system, the lens doesn't extend when zooming in. The linear autofocus motor gives you precise control while also being whisper quiet.

This is an all-around excellent lens, and a great gift idea for the photographer on your list! And with excellent pre-owned options available at MPB, you can give a fantastic gift backed by a six-month warranty while saving yourself some money at the same time. It's a win-win!

Learn more about the Sigma 30mm f/2.8 DN ART Sony E Fit

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 300R Memory Card (256GB)

A memory card might not be the flashiest gift for photographers, but it's certainly one of the most useful!

This ProGrade card is a fine choice with 300 MB/s read speed and up to 250MB/s write speed. The SDXC UHS-II U3 format works with many different types of digital cameras from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, Fuji, and Samsung. It can be used for capturing still images or videos. In fact, it's compatible with cinema cameras and can record various video formats including 4K, 8K, RAW, and RAW HD.

ProGrade rigorously tests its cards to ensure the highest quality and the most dependable performance. There's a three-year warranty on the card as evidence of that!

Learn more about the ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 300R Memory Card (256GB)

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Amazon Gift Card

Totally stumped regarding gift ideas for photographers on your list?

Why not go the easy route and get them an Amazon gift card?

Though a gift card isn't exactly the sexiest gift, when the photographer in your family sees that you have given them carte blanche to get what they want, they'll be stoked!

With an Amazon gift card, they can put the card amount towards whatever they want - a new lens, a second camera body, lighting gear, a laptop - you name it!

As far as flexibility goes, there's nothing better to give a photographer than a gift card.

Learn more about Amazon gift cards

 

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^{Photo by ASIFE via iStock}

The holidays might still be a few months away, but time is of the essence to get a killer gift for the photographer on your shopping list.

As in years past, we've scoured the internet to find the best gifts for photographers, this time under $500. Many of these products are items we've tested, so we can offer our enthusiastic approval of them as ideal holiday gifts.

The hardest part will be deciding which of these gifts you get for the photographer or videographer in your life!

Without further ado, let's get to the list!

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Shiny Prints Metal Print

While some gifts for photographers focus on enabling better results with a camera, others allow you to enjoy your favorite images over and over again. Of course, being the holiday season, you can also give the gift of a large-format print to someone on your shopping list.

I'm a big fan of metal prints - I love how modern and sleek they look. And when you get a metal print from a high-quality printer like Shiny Prints, the images you have printed stand out even more. But why?

Well, it's simple - Shiny Prints specializes in metal prints, so they know precisely what they're doing! Evidence of this fact is presented in my review video below:

Not only does Shiny Prints specialize in using metal, but they also use the finest products to ensure the metal print you order is of second-to-none quality.

This quality also stems from the company's extensive experience with photo printing and working with metal. Beyond that, the Shiny Prints commitment to quality over quantity further ensures that the print you get in the mail knocks your socks off.

Additionally, Shiny Prints gives you all sorts of customization options....

For example, you can choose from dozens of sizes ranging from 8x10 to 48x96, or you can order a custom-sized print (or custom shape!) if you really want to impress your loved one this holiday season. Likewise, you can choose from various mounting styles, from a simple box mount to a luxurious tuxedo mount and other options in between. What's more, there are multiple surface options, including matte and gloss in either white or silver.

Heck, there's even a white gloss EXT option specifically formulated for outdoor use.

So, whether you need a big print or a small one or a print for indoors or out, Shiny Prints has exactly what you need.

As I noted earlier, I've been blown away by the quality of the Shiny Prints metal prints I've gotten this far. With this kind of quality and customer service, you are in for a gift-giving treat this holiday season!

Learn more about Shiny Prints

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Hobolite Mini

Hobolite bills the Mini as being “miniature size, maximum performance.” Well, they aren’t kidding because the Mini is the perfect blend of compactness, portability, high-quality lighting, and ease of use. And the best part? It fits in the palm of your hand!

At just 2.56 x 3.25 x 4.1 inches in size and weighing just under one pound, the Mini is the perfect size for the photographer or videographer on your holiday shopping list who needs high-quality light without taking up tons of space. And boy, does the Mini deliver!

With bi-color output from 2700-6500K and a CRTI and TLCI of 96+, the Hobolite Mini provides the clean, accurate lighting that professionals demand. And with an adjustable lens from 15-45 degrees, the Mini brings versatility to the table, too - you can use it as a spot or a flood, depending on the needs of the specific shoot.

And unlike some lighting options, the Mini doesn’t require a gigantic battery pack. In fact, the integrated 3000mAh 7.4V, 22.2Wh lithium-ion rechargeable battery offers up to 50 minutes of runtime at full power. If you need more power, add the Hobolite 95kWh external V-mount battery for up to six hours of beautiful light. Nice!

The Hobolite Mini isn’t just impressive because of its size, quality of light, and onboard power options. Instead, the Mini impresses with an ease of use that will make your loved one jump for joy…

The Mini has onboard controls, including large knobs and a big, bright LCD screen that allows them to dial in the perfect lighting for the shot, like adjusting the light’s brightness from 0-100 percent. But, with the companion smartphone app, they can add custom lighting setups, control individual lights, group scenes and effects, and more - all with a few taps on their phone screen.

It’s worth diving into how the Hobolite Mini looks, too…

Now, I know that how your gear looks really has nothing to do with how it performs, but it doesn’t hurt that the Mini is so eye-catching. The vintage vibes and impeccable design can spark creativity in a way that a traditional lighting system can’t. When the Mini is sitting on your desk, it’s hard not to be inspired and want to grab your gear to go take photos. That’s a good thing!

Hobolite offers two versions of the Mini - the Standard Kit and the Creator Kit. The former includes a set of barn doors with colored filters, a USB-C charging cable, a power adapter, and a storage bag. The latter includes all these items, plus a desktop tripod, a V-mount ball head adapter, and a V-mount cold shoe adapter.

Of course, you can add many other accessories to either kit to expand the functionality of the Hobolite Mini even further. Accessories like a softbox, an additional battery, and a light stand (shown above) can be valuable additions.

At the end of the day, lighting accessories need to be reliable, produce beautiful light, and be easy to use. The Hobolite Mini ticks all those boxes (and many more), which is why it’s such a great holiday gift idea!

Learn more about the Hobolite Mini

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Skylum Luminar Neo Lifetime Subscription

Skylum has been at the forefront of the development and innovation of photography editing for years and years. It’s no surprise, then, that its Luminar Neo editor is such a popular choice for so many photographers - amateurs and professionals alike.

The value of a high-quality editor like Luminar Neo cannot be understated. Its intuitive design and forward-thinking tools make editing photos easier than before, which means giving Luminar Neo as a holiday gift isn’t just a functional undertaking but one that allows you also to give the gift of time back to your loved one!

When I say that Luminar Neo is the complete package, I mean it. On the one hand, there are essential editing tools you’d expect in any photo editor - layers, local adjustments, masking, cropping, and so forth. 

^{Image by YuliyaKirayonak}

On the other hand, Luminar Neo also comes with a suite of AI-powered tools that streamline the editing process and make once-laborious tasks as simple as pressing a button or adjusting a slider.

For example, if your loved one primarily shoots landscapes, they can use Luminar Neo to quickly expand the scene using SceneExpand (shown above) to create an eye-catching shot or use water enhancer (shown below) to make water scenes really pop. If they love to create portraits, Luminar Neo has advanced AI tools to retouch eyes, skin, and lips, to name a few. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

^{Image by Dmitry Molchanov}

Luminar Neo offers plenty of other features that enable users to generate professional results with a flexible workflow. Your loved one can use built-in presets to quickly edit images and achieve a consistent look across their catalog of images. They can also use AI-powered masks to mask nine types of objects automatically.

If they have an image that could use a boost in contrast, Luminar Neo’s SuperContrast tool will help them achieve perfect contrast quickly and easily while maintaining separate control over shadows, midtones, and highlights.

As another example, Luminar Neo’s new GenErase tool (shown below) enables users to quickly and seamlessly erase unwanted elements from an image while filling it with elements from the image to fill in the gaps. Like I said earlier, Luminar Neo makes photo editing easier than ever before!

^{Image by Srafa Prada}

Of course, it isn’t just the fancy tools of Luminar Neo that make it such a fantastic holiday gift…

Luminar Neo ups the ante in terms of usability because it can be used as a standalone program or as a plugin. So, if your loved one is invested in using Photoshop, Lightroom, or Apple Photos, Luminar Neo can be added for a seamless workflow. Nice! It’s also available for Windows or Mac, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues with your loved one’s computing system.

I could go on and on about Luminar Neo and its features and functionalities, but we’d be here a very long time. Instead, I’d encourage you to check it out in more detail so you can get a fuller sense of what this unique and innovative photo editor has to offer your loved one. The video above from Skylum is also a good resource for exploring what you can do with Luminar Neo to create epic long exposures.

For now, I’ll say this - for $299, you can give the gift of a lifetime subscription to Luminar Neo. This is a significant savings for you (it’s normally $599) and is obviously a money-saver for your loved one as they’ll never have to pay for a Luminar Neo license. Talk about an awesome gift!

Learn more about Luminar Neo

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Aluminyze Metal Print

One of my personal favorite mediums for displaying my photos is metal. I love the sleek, modern look that it gives my images. And I'm not alone! Metal prints are extremely popular, making this a fantastic holiday gift idea for the photographer on your list.

These ready-to-hang professional prints are made in the USA by highly trained artisans. Aluminyze uses only high-quality materials to create their prints, and does so in an environmentally-conscious way. The result of all that is a metal print that is highly impressive when it's unwrapped!

As you can see in my video review above, Aluminyze prints knocked my socks off...

The print offered excellent sharpness, virtually no noise, and absolutely beautiful colors. And as is the case with metal, it's anti-corrosive, stands up to the elements, is rust-resistant, lightweight, and durable.

In other words, a metal print from Aluminyze is a gift that will keep on giving!

But why is an Aluminyze metal print so good?

On the one hand, the Aluminyze team has been at it for more than 20 years, perfecting the printing process along the way. The company has state-of-the-art labs and highly skilled artisans who create these prints - prints that are professional-level in every sense of the word.

And if that's not enough, these prints are backed by a 14-day guarantee. So, not only can you give a great gift, but you can do so with the peace of mind that the print will arrive in perfect condition or Aluminyze will make it right!

Learn more about Aluminyze metal prints

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS

Every photographer needs a good, solid tripod, and the Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS is a high-quality candidate...

First and foremost, this tripod boasts a robust carbon fiber construction that seamlessly marries strength with featherweight characteristics. Gone are the days of lugging around a bulky, heavy tripod; the VEO 3+ 303CBS ensures your loved one can effortlessly carry it to their desired shooting location.

Featuring three-section legs equipped with user-friendly twist-lock mechanisms, setting up this tripod is a breeze, too. Say goodbye to the frustration of fumbling with complicated adjustments – Vanguard designed this tripod for quick and hassle-free assembly.

From a compact 8.5 inches, it extends up to a towering 70 inches, giving you unparalleled versatility for all your photography needs. Whether you're capturing macro shots, striking portraits, or breathtaking landscapes, the VEO 3+ 303CBS has you covered.

With its Multi-Angle Center Column offering nearly 360-degree movement and three leg angles to choose from, you can also unleash your creativity and set up shots from every angle imaginable. The possibilities are limitless, allowing you to experiment and achieve truly unique perspectives.

Worry not about accommodating a lot of gear, as this tripod can support up to 55 pounds! It's versatile enough to handle various camera and lens combinations, along with accessories such as lights, microphones, and more.

Included with the tripod is an Arca-compatible dual-axis ball head that provides you with precise control for locking in the perfect shot. Achieving the ideal angle and composition is a breeze, ensuring your photos and videos are on point.

Of course, when folded down, the Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS measures a mere 31 inches and weighs less than 6 pounds, making it incredibly portable. You can take it with you on your holiday adventures without adding unnecessary bulk to your gear.

Moreover, the included dual-axis VEO BH-250S ball head empowers you with precise control over framing, regardless of your subject. Vanguard goes the extra mile by providing the VEO+ MA1 Adaptor, allowing you to attach additional accessories like lights, microphones, or displays, enhancing your workflow.

In a world filled with gear, having equipment that can adapt to various situations is invaluable, and the VEO 3+ 303CBS excels in this regard. It offers unparalleled versatility, ease of use, and precise control, ensuring that you capture every special moment flawlessly. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this tripod your loved one's trusted companion for all their photography and videography adventures this holiday season!

Learn more about the Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Goal Zero Skylight

One of the best things you can give the photographer on your holiday shopping list this season is the gift of light...

Sometimes, setting up or taking down photography gear happens after the sun has set (or risen!). There's nothing worse than fumbling around in the dark with expensive camera gear, trying to get everything packed up and secure to head home.

But with the Goal Zero Skylight, you can give the gift of plentiful site lighting, so packing up in the dark is a thing of the past...

For starters, the Goal Zero Skylight is less than 18 pounds (including the carrying case), so it's highly portable - something photographers demand of their gear. Yet, this little guy extends from four feet to 12 feet high, allowing your favorite photographer to cast light on the immediate area (or further afield, if needed).

With a maximum output of 6,000 lumens, the Skylight can produce a lot of light. With an adjustable brightness, though, your favorite photographer can tailor the light output to their specific needs.  

The Skylight features six light petals, each of which moves 180 degrees to allow for adjusting the light direction as needed. The 3250K color temperature is a nice touch, too. In fact, your loved one can use this light as a task light for their work or even as a continuous light source for their photography. Nice!

The Goal Zero Skylight is easy to set up, too. Just remove it from its carrying case, adjust the light petals as needed, get the tripod setup, and raise the light to its desired height. There's not much more involved than that!

With an onboard rechargeable battery that can deliver up to eight hours of continuous lighting on its lowest setting, the Skylight is the perfect companion for photo shoots. Add a Goal Zero power station to the mix, and you can get hundreds of hours of runtime!

Learn more about the Goal Zero Skylight

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: GVM BD45R RGB & Bi-Color Colorful Tube Light

Creativity is the name of the game in photography. And while much of an image’s creative impact comes from the skill and talent of the photographer, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have tools that allow for even greater levels of creativity when crafting an image.

That’s where the GVM BD45R RGB & Bi-color Colorful Tube Light comes in…

Not only is this a handheld stick light that’s supremely easy to use, but it’s also full-color and offers film and television-grade performance. That’s not bad for a light that weighs just 3 pounds, 8 ounces and is about 47 inches long.

This tube light uses 660 LED beads that produce up to 2180 lux at 0.5m and up to 750 lux at 1m. In other words, it offers beautifully rich and accurate colors that make photos and videos all the more vivid and natural-looking.

These lights are optimal for a variety of shooting situations, too. Use them in the studio for portrait photography, in the field for a video production, for a live broadcast…you name it!

The photographer on your list will also appreciate that these lights can be used in any number of ways. Use one lamp in the hand, splice multiple lamps together, or attach the lamp to a light stand, as just three examples.

Using the GVM BD45R is a breeze as well…

Use the integrated OLED display to turn the lamp on, adjust the mode, and make changes to settings like light intensity. You can also use a smartphone to control the lights remotely. And, as with many GVM products, this light supports Bluetooth 5.0, so you can use it as part of a mesh network system to control multiple GVM devices from the app.

As impressive as all that is, what will really make your loved one’s jaw drop is the wide range of features this light provides, including:

• Stepless dimming from 1-100 percent with an accuracy of 1 percent for ultra-smooth dimming and greater color accuracy.
• CCT mode, which allows for the adjustment of the light’s intensity and color temperature from 2700-10000K.
• HSI color mode, which enables fine-tuning of vibrancy and light intensity that results in 36 million adjustable colors.
• Multiple scene lighting effects for use with many types of photo and video shoots, including disco, party, police car, and more.
• 6 pixel lighting effects off even further creative lighting opportunities that make images more vibrant and colorful.

In addition to all that, the GVM BD45R offers DMX control, rugged construction, and can be used via DC power or battery power.

If you want to give a gift that’s not only incredibly versatile but has a significant WOW factor, the GVM BD45R is it. It’s a true do-it-all lighting package for your favorite photographer!

Learn more about the GVM BD45R RGB & Bi-color Colorful Tube Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: RØDE Wireless Pro

 

If you or a loved one enjoys making videos, you know that it's not enough to have beautiful video footage - you need to match that high-quality footage with impeccable audio. You can do just that with the RØDE Wireless Pro.

The RØDE Wireless Pro is a dual-channel microphone that boasts an ultra-compact design. When you wear it, all eyes are on you, not a bulky microphone. This discreet form factor ensures that you can move freely and confidently during your recording sessions without any distractions.

One of the standout features of the Wireless Pro is its universal compatibility. Whether you're using a Macbook Pro, a smartphone, or a camera, this microphone seamlessly integrates with your devices. Say goodbye to compatibility issues and hello to hassle-free recording! And with 32GB of internal memory per transmitter, you'll have more than 40 hours of onboard record time at your disposal. No need to worry about running out of storage space during long shoots.

RØDE has thoughtfully incorporated timecode capabilities into the Wireless Pro, too. This feature is a lifesaver for content creators who often spend precious time synchronizing audio and video in post-production. With the Wireless Pro, this process becomes quick and painless, eliminating the need for an external timecode system.

As I mentioned earlier, audio quality is paramount, and the Wireless Pro delivers with its Intelligent GainAssist technology. This feature ensures that your audio is crisp and clear, even in challenging recording environments. You have flexible output gain control and a safety channel, providing peace of mind that you'll capture the best audio possible when recording to your camera.

The Wireless Pro relies on RØDE's Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption. This results in highly stable audio with a remarkable range of up to about 850 feet. Say goodbye to signal dropouts and hello to reliable audio transmission.

Moreover, several standout features make the Wireless Pro a must-have. The 32-bit float onboard recording ensures you never have to worry about clipped audio, allowing for audio recovery in post-production. The timecode feature streamlines the syncing process, saving you valuable time. Plus, the microphone's audio quality is outstanding, thanks to GainAssist technology.

The Wireless Pro is also incredibly user-friendly, featuring a built-in LCD display that allows you to customize settings on the fly to suit your specific needs. Integration with multiple devices, from cameras to phones to computers, is seamless, and you can fine-tune the system using the RØDE Central app.

The Wireless Pro comes with an accessory kit that includes two Lavalier II microphones, MagClip GO mounting clips, various cables, and an accessory case. To top it all off, the included smart charging case not only charges the Wireless Pro quickly but also facilitates lightning-fast data transfer. It also offers robust protection for your microphone, ensuring it remains in perfect condition.

In other words, you have everything you need to start recording right away, no need to purchase additional accessories separately!

Learn more about the RØDE Wireless Pro

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: GoPro Hero 12

Of all the cameras I have, my GoPros get the most use. They are incredibly versatile, easy to use, and durable. The new HERO 12 continues that tradition!

The Hero 12 sets the bar high with its exceptional 5.3K and 4K HDR video capabilities. Say goodbye to compromise – capture every detail and color in stunning clarity. Whether you're shooting action-packed scenes or breathtaking landscapes, the Hero 12 delivers outstanding video quality.

Navigating your Hero 12 has never been easier, either, thanks to the all-new user interface with simplified controls. With an intuitive design, you can focus on your creativity without getting lost in complex settings.

Prepare to be amazed by the Hero 12's battery life. It's not just a small improvement; it's a game-changer. With superior power management, the Hero 12 offers a remarkable 100% increase in battery life. Record up to 70 minutes of continuous video at 5.3K/60p or over 95 minutes at 5.3K/30p. And if you opt for 1080/30p resolution, enjoy more than 155 minutes of runtime. Keep the action rolling without constantly worrying about recharging.

The Hero 12 also boasts a Type 1/1.9 sensor, maintaining the high-quality imaging capabilities of its predecessor, the Hero 11. But that's not all – it adds exciting features to the mix. Shoot vertical video effortlessly, perfect for mobile viewing, and sync wirelessly with multiple cameras, simplifying your video editing process in multi-camera scenarios.

Tailor your content to your vision with the Hero 12's flexible aspect ratios. Choose from 16:9 widescreen video, traditional 4:3 video, or embrace the cinematic full-frame 8:7 aspect ratio. Each of these options can be utilized for various shooting modes, including Time Lapse, TimeWarp, Night Effect, and Night Lapse. Plus, explore the Hero 12's long exposure capabilities for capturing stunning star trails, mesmerizing light painting, and captivating vehicle lights.

You can also expand your horizons with the GoPro Hero 12's compatibility with the Max Lens Mod 2.0. This remarkable accessory provides an ultra-wide 177-degree field of view, elevating your perspective by 36% wider and 48% taller. Craft unique shots and explore new angles, all while knowing your lens is protected by scratch-resistant glass with a hydrophobic coating.

In other words, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is more than just an action camera; it's a powerful tool for capturing your world in exceptional detail and style. Help your loved one elevate their content, seize the moment, and make their adventures legendary with the Hero 12 this holiday season!

Learn more about the GoPro Hero 12

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: GVM PRO-SD300B 300W Bi-Color Monolight

The great thing about the GVM PRO-SD300B is that you get professional-grade lighting without the professional-grade budget!

With a robust 300 watts of power, this bi-color spotlight will be the perfect addition to your loved one’s photography or videography kit. Not only does this light offer plenty of power, but it also offers beautifully clean light with a CRI and TLCI of 97+.

On top of that, this light is lightweight (less than five pounds), highly portable (thanks to a built-in handle), and it’s built with aviation-grade aluminum, which helps keep weight down without sacrificing ruggedness.

GVM has also incorporated a cooling system to keep this studio light from overheating and extend its lifespan. With an active cooling system that features built-in fans, your loved one can use this light for long periods of time without worrying about diminished performance.

In that same vein, this light can be used with DC power or battery power, allowing your loved one to tailor how they use the light to their specific needs. They can use the batteries (like an external supply box and a V-port battery) for fieldwork, DC power for studio work, and do so knowing that they get long-lasting performance.

This light offers enhanced features that make it a top performer as well. For example, it offers 12 different lighting effects ranging from fireworks to lightning to flames. It also comes with a dozen source-matching modes that diminish adjustment time when a specific light source is needed. Add in a standard DMX interface with 8-bit and 16-bit control for good measure!

Another notable feature is the fine dimming accuracy of this light. It offers CCT adjustment accuracy from 100 to 50 for ultra-fine control over color temperature adjustments. Moreover, this light utilizes GVM’s new algorithm that allows for instant light intensity adjustments, rapid large-step adjustments, and smooth transitions during the dimming process.

As noted earlier, this 300-watt light offers tremendous power for photography and videography applications. But what sets this light apart from many others is the way it maintains consistent brightness across color temperatures. 

In some spotlights, power variations can occur that result in inconsistent brightness as color temperatures vary. But GVM’s algorithm gets around this issue, providing the user with consistent brightness no matter what color temperature is dialed in. 

One of the best features, though, is that this studio light is compatible with smartphone control. Whether your loved one has an Android or iOS device, they can easily turn the light on and off, make color or brightness adjustments, and even control multiple lights in a Bluetooth mesh network. Nice!

At the end of the day, photography and videography are expensive hobbies and professions. But by giving the gift of high-quality lighting from GVM, you not only help defray costs for your loved one, but you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg, either!

Learn more about the GVM PRO-SD300B 300W Bi-Color Monolight

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond Travel and Adventure Camera Backpack

I'll tell you right now that this bag isn't just one of my favorite items on this list. It's one of my favorite pieces of photography gear of all time. I mean, it's on my 2021 list of the best camera bags for a reason and took the top spot on my 2022 list of the best camera bags as well.

Let's start on the outside of the bag...

The exterior is constructed of DuraDiamond 315D HT nylon ripstop (an f-stop proprietary product) to give it supreme durability. Add in C0 DWR coating and a TPU layer that gives the fabric excellent waterproofing and added strength as well.

There's heavy-duty stitching with industrial-bonded thread, a 500mm Polyurethane coating, and heavy-gauge weatherproof zippers. The 20-year warranty speaks to the durability and impeccable construction of the bag.

You can access the bag from every side, making quick work of grabbing your camera for a shot. There's also external side pockets for keeping small items. All told, this bag offers 50 liters of storage space, so, really, you can take just about all the photography gear you have if need be! You can carry stuff on the outside of the bag, too, thanks to a variety of mounting options:

• 22 Gatekeeper attachment points (up from 10 on the previous version)
• 4 detachable, quick-release, lockable Gatekeeper straps
• Hypalon ski strap loops
• Ice axe loops
• Bungee loops (that can be released with a single hand)
• Angled MOLLE webbing on the hip belt

Even if the pack is fully loaded, the carrying experience is so comfortable. The internal metal frame helps stabilize the load and shift the weight of the bag to your hips. Of course, the BLOOM EVA padded hip belt (which is contoured for comfort) helps to further ease the pressure of carrying a heavy load.

The shoulder straps are also made of contoured BLOOM EVA, and are hands-down the most comfortable shoulder straps I've ever used.

Inside, the bag is lined with 700 Nylon Ripstop fabric. The main compartment holds 39 liters of gear while the various smaller pockets on the top, bottom, and sides round out the remaining 11 liters of storage space. Get a complete tour of this bag in the video below:

Of course, the star of the interior of this bag is the excellent line of ICUs from f-stop. The Tilopa accommodates small, medium, and large ICUs to give you a complete interior organization system for your gear. You can even mix and match smaller ICUs to create a truly bespoke storage space.

And since the ICUs are removable, you can adjust how you use them from one trip to the next. Honestly, this bag would be worth the price of admission even if it wasn't compatible with ICUs. Their availability is simply icing on the cake!

I've had several Tilopa bags over the years, and each time I didn't think f-stop could improve it. Yet, each time, f-stop proves me wrong!

Everything about this bag is done so, so well, from the construction to the materials to the way it fits your body. I absolutely love this bag, and the photographer on your holiday shopping list is sure to love it as well.

Learn more about the f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond Travel and Adventure Backpack

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Pre-Owned Sony a6000

The Sony a6000 is an oldie, but it's definitely a goodie.

Released in 2014, the a6000 quickly became one of the most popular mirrorless cameras ever made. In fact, you can still buy a brand-new a6000 - they're still that popular!

But with a budget of $500, a new a6000 is out of reach. But a quality pre-owned a6000 is well within your budget if you shop at MPB.

The a6000 has a 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that's paired with a BIONZ X image processor. This combination results in a superb stills and video camera for beginner and enthusiast photographers and videographers.

Though the camera lacks modern amenities like a touchscreen LCD, in-body image stabilization, and 4K video, it has a host of other features that make it a very useful camera, even so long after its release. For example, the a6000 comes with:

• ISO range: 100-25,600 (expandable to 51,200)
• 11 fps burst shooting
• 179 phase-detection autofocus points and 25 contrast-detection autofocus points
• 1080 video at up to 60p

All of this is wrapped in a tiny body that weighs just 12 ounces without a lens or battery.

The a6000 uses Sony E-mount lenses, so there is a wealth of native Sony glass available as well as a host of third-party E-mount lenses:

• Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
• Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary - Sony E Fit
• Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
• Sigma 35 mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary - Sony E Fit
• Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS

With such a wide selection of glass, this camera can be used for all sorts of pursuits, from portraiture to sports photography to landscapes. With a battery life of 360 shots, you can shoot for a good, long while, too!

If you want to give someone a highly capable, yet inexpensive camera, this is it! Buy with confidence at MPB, which offers a six-month warranty and a seven-day return window. Each a6000 has been thoroughly graded, so you know exactly what to expect when the camera arrives at your door.

Learn more about the Sony a6000

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: DemerBox DB2

I know a portable sound system isn't technically photography gear, but I know plenty of photographers that like to have tunes while they're working in the field. The DemerBox DB2 is the ideal solution for such applications!

What is the DemerBox DB2, you ask?

Well, it’s pretty simple… The DB2 is a professional-grade speaker housed in a USA-made military-spec Pelican 1300 case. For the uninitiated, Pelican cases are known for their indestructibility, so it’s the ideal vessel to house a speaker for photography outings of all sorts. It’s waterproof, too!

Pop open the case, and you’ll find a dual-speaker setup that produces clean treble and punchy bass for getting the party started at the photoshoot location. Both speakers are three-inch, 8-ohm aluminum cones with rubber surround drivers that put out 94db at one foot and 11w per channel RMS.

In addition to the speakers, there is dry internal storage for small items like snacks, an internal USB charger for your phone, and a 3.5mm audio jack, so the DB2 doesn’t just give you great sound but it also pulls double-duty with handy storage. Additionally, the DB2 offers a Bluetooth range of up to 100 feet, so you aren’t tethered to the speaker to blast your favorite tunes.

Better still, you can connect multiple DB2 speakers via Bluetooth to amp up the music and give photography subjects something to sing and dance to. With a 2600mAh lithium-ion battery with up to 40 hours of battery life, the DB2 allows you to liven up multiple photoshoots without recharging it. All this comes in a highly portable lightweight package that’s just 10.62” x 9.68” x 6.87” and less than 5.5 pounds, so you have access to great-sounding music without the hassle of a big, bulky speaker to lug around.

On top of all that, the DB2 is made in the USA and comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. And with tons of colors to choose from, the ability tobuild your own unit, and loads ofspeaker accessories, DemerBox gives you the ultimate holiday shopping power to create the perfect gift for yourself or someone you love!

Learn more about the DemerBox DB2

Gifts for Photographers Under $500: Printique

Shopping for a photographer can be tough sledding because most of us have most of the gear we want or need. And if we don't, we're very particular about what gear we want to buy.

That being the case, sometimes the best way to shop for a photographer is to give them the gift of photography!

Printique offers a wide range of products and services that enable you or your loved one to showcase favorite images. On the one hand, you could put together a collection of your favorite images to give in a photo book or album. On the other hand, you can go with a large-format acrylic or canvas print. There are, of course, many other options in between, like:

• Metal prints
• Wood prints
• Paper prints
• Puzzles
• Calendars

You get the point...

Of course, since Printique offers excellent pricing on their products and services, you can give the gift of a lot of photos for the holiday season. Mix and match among the products listed above or explore Printique's website for other items you or your loved one might enjoy most.

Whatever you decide to order, you'll be impressed with the quality. I've ordered a variety of products from Printique over the years and have been impressed through and through with the quality of the prints, the craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Heck, even the packaging Printique uses to send you your orders is impressive!

Printique has cut its teeth in this industry for a long time, and as an Adorama company, it holds itself to the highest standards of quality and customer service.

Whether you're shopping for yourself or a loved one that's a beginner, enthusiast, or professional photographer, Printique has something - a lot of things - that make ideal holiday gifts. And like I said, with a budget of $500, you can do a lot of shopping!

Learn more about Printique

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^{Photo by recep-bg via iStock}

The photography industry is in continual flux. Companies are constantly improving, pushing forward, and devising new innovations that make our jobs of capturing the perfect shot much simpler. The same goes for creating videos - the process of filming, editing, and producing high-quality videos is easier than ever before.

Now, this isn't to say that generating beautiful images and impactful videos is easy. It's still a lot of work! But, some brands in this industry have developed products that make the process far easier. So I figured, why not highlight some of the brands that I find the most helpful in my photo and video work?

This guide pulls the curtain back on some of the most innovative products I've used in 2023. This is a growing list, too, so check back frequently to see which new products I add to the list!

Table of Contents

• Hobolite
• RØDE
• GoPro
• GVM
• Skylum

Hobolite

When you think about photography lighting, you probably think of traditional continuous lights, flash guns, light stands, and so forth. And who can blame you? Most lighting companies have been around for a while and offer the same old thing.

But most companies aren’t Hobolite…

Photography lights are usually an afterthought on set. They’re functional items that are behind the scenes and do their job. But Hobolite believes that beautiful gear can inspire you to create more beautiful photos, and I wholeheartedly agree.

I’ve field-tested numerous lights from Hobolite over the last several months (like the Micro and Mini shown above), and I can tell you first-hand that these lights make me want to take more photos (and better photos!) more often.

However, the aesthetic appeal of Hobolite’s classic design is only part of the equation. Another feature that makes Hobolite an innovative company is the quality of the light available from such small packages.

A great example of this is the Hobolite Micro - a light that fits in the palm of your hand yet offers features like a high CRI/TLCI of 96+, a magnetic mount for accessories, bi-color output from 2700-6500K, and a built-in battery. It even has NFC capabilities to operate it from your phone.

Again, these innovative features are in a light that weighs just .52 pounds and can be used with a host of accessories like barn doors, gels, a fresnel lens, a frosted dome, and much more. Of course, these and other features are available in the lights throughout Hobolite’s product lineup.

In this way, Hobolite products aren’t just tools but are an expression of the creativity of those who use them. This is true whether you’re using the entry-level Micro, the professional-level Hobolite Pro, or something in between.

It’s worth mentioning that Hobolite isn’t just about lights, either…

In addition to its broad range of lights, Hobolite offers many different accessories to complete your lighting kit, from softboxes to light stands to batteries and chargers. I’m currently testing a new product called LiteDock that will add another layer of innovation and functionality when it comes to market.

In other words, while Hobolite might not be the oldest lighting company around, they have certainly made a name for themselves. That’s hard to do in a niche like photography lighting that’s crammed to the brim with established companies.

However, this just speaks to Hobolite’s dedication to disrupting the lighting space with beautiful, functional gear for photographers and videographers who demand quality and portability at an affordable price. If you need to upgrade your lighting equipment, partnering with an innovative company like Hobolite is a smart move!

Learn more about Hobolite

RØDE

Another brand that has really impressed me in 2023 is RØDE. But unlike some of the other companies on this list, RØDE isn't new to me...

I've used RØDE mics for years both in and out of the studio, and I've been thoroughly impressed. I have various models, from the RØDE VideoMic NTG to the Wireless Go II. I also use RØDE's NTH-100 headphones when I'm in the studio and the RØDECaster Pro II for audio production in my studio as well.

And while these products have all been impressive, the item I want to discuss as the most innovative from RØDE this year is its Wireless Pro mic.

The Wireless Pro microphone is a game-changer in terms of design. It's incredibly compact, ensuring that your focus remains on the person in the video, not on a bulky microphone. This sleek design is perfect for content creators who want to capture high-quality audio without cumbersome equipment.

RØDE has designed the Wireless Pro with versatility in mind as well. It seamlessly works with a wide range of devices, from my MacBook Pro and iPhone to professional cameras like my Canon EOS R5 or R6. This universal compatibility streamlines your workflow and lets you switch between devices effortlessly.

With a generous 32GB of internal memory per transmitter, you have over 40 hours of onboard record time at your disposal. This eliminates the need for constant memory card swaps, making the Wireless Pro perfect for extended recording sessions.

RØDE has incorporated timecode capabilities into the Wireless Pro as well, revolutionizing audio syncing in post-production. This feature dramatically reduces the time and effort required to synchronize audio and video, eliminating the need for an external timecode system. Talk about innovation!

The Wireless Pro also takes audio quality to new heights with its Intelligent GainAssist technology. It provides flexible output gain control and a safety channel to ensure that you capture the best audio when recording to your camera. Say goodbye to clipped or distorted audio.

RØDE's Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption ensures highly stable audio transmission over an impressive range of up to 850 feet. This ensures that your audio remains crystal clear even when shooting at a distance. And RØDE doesn't overlook the details. The inclusion of locking 3.5mm TRS connectors ensures a secure and reliable connection, further enhancing the microphone's reliability in demanding shooting environments.

The 32-bit float on-board recording feature provides a safety net for your audio, too. It allows you to recover audio in post-production, whether it was too loud or too quiet, ensuring that you capture the perfect sound every time. The Wireless Pro also offers headphone monitoring with on-board level control, giving you real-time feedback on your audio quality while recording.

And RØDE goes above and beyond by including a comprehensive accessory kit with two Lavalier II microphones, MagClip GO mounting clips, various cables, a smart charging case, and an accessory case. This ensures you have everything you need to enhance your content creation experience.

In summary, the RØDE Wireless Pro microphone is a testament to RØDE's commitment to innovation. It addresses the common pain points of content creators, offering a compact, easy-to-use, and versatile solution that delivers exceptional audio quality. Priced at around $400, the Wireless Pro provides immense value for its cost, making it an attractive choice for both professionals and budding content creators.

RØDE's dedication to improving and evolving its microphone technology ensures that this product truly knocks it out of the park for creators in 2023!

Learn more about RØDE

GoPro

In the realm of photography and videography gadgets in 2023, the GoPro Hero 12 stands out as one of the most innovative and sought-after devices. This sentiment is shared by many enthusiasts and professionals alike, who, like me, have a deep appreciation for GoPros.

Over the years, I've amassed quite a collection, including the GoPro Hero 12, Hero 11, and Hero 10, and while the newer models are enticing, there's something uniquely captivating about a GoPro. These small, compact, highly functional, and versatile cameras can adapt to various applications, making them indispensable tools for creative expression.

However, it's not just the inherent brilliance of the GoPro that makes the Hero 12 exceptional; it's the potential to enhance its capabilities with a range of accessories that sets it apart from the rest.

The GoPro Hero 12, as the latest addition to the HERO series, is a powerhouse of an action camera that redefines the boundaries of what you can capture. It raises the bar for image quality, firmly establishing itself as the best HERO camera ever created. Let's delve into the remarkable features and specifications that make this camera a standout choice.

At the core of the Hero 12's innovation is the introduction of HDR (High Dynamic Range) video and photo capabilities, ushering in an era of more vivid and breathtaking imagery. With stunning 5.3K and 4K video resolution, this advancement is a game-changer for anyone who demands exceptional video quality, whether you're capturing breathtaking landscapes or the most thrilling adventures. The Hero 12 ensures your memories are faithfully preserved in all their splendor.

Another standout feature of the Hero 12 is the upgraded HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization, which takes the concept of smooth footage to an entirely new level. The addition of the 360° Horizon Lock guarantees that your videos remain incredibly steady, no matter the level of action unfolding in front of your lens. It's the perfect companion for those on-the-go shots, whether you're navigating a rocky trail or conquering white-water rapids.

With an industry-leading 177° field of view, the Hero 12, when combined with the Max Lens Mod 2.0, allows you to capture a broader scene and create cinematic, immersive footage. This is particularly thrilling for videographers looking to push the boundaries of their creative content.

Never missing a moment is crucial, and the Hero 12 excels in this regard with its redesigned power management system. It offers improved thermal performance and up to 2x longer runtimes, ideal for those who require extended shooting sessions without worrying about battery depletion.

For those who value pristine audio quality, the Hero 12 introduces Bluetooth audio support, enabling the use of devices like Apple AirPods for wireless sound recording and voice control. This feature enhances your ability to capture clear audio and issue voice commands remotely.

The Hero 12 offers a wide range of video resolutions, too, including 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240, catering to a variety of filming needs. Whether you seek ultra-high resolution for stunning visuals or ultra-smooth slow-motion for dramatic effects, this camera has you covered.

Beyond its video capabilities, the camera's large image sensor captures an ultra-wide 156° field of view in an 8:7 aspect ratio, ensuring you capture more in each frame. It can also extract stills with an impressive 24.7 megapixels from video, providing ample room for creative post-processing.

The GoPro Hero 12 doesn't just excel in performance; it's also built to withstand the elements. With waterproofing to a depth of 33 feet, it maintains GoPro's legendary durability, ensuring you can take it on any adventure with confidence.

Furthermore, the Hero 12 introduces the ability to wirelessly synchronize multiple cameras simultaneously using Timecode Sync, a feature that's perfect for multi-camera setups and advanced video production. Additionally, it includes GP-Log and LUT support, catering to professionals who require precise control over their footage.

So, it's clear that the GoPro Hero 12 stands as a revolutionary action camera that redefines the standards of image quality, stability, and creative potential. This camera embodies the GoPro spirit of durability, ensuring you can capture the perfect shot, regardless of the environment. Whether you're an extreme sports enthusiast, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply someone looking to document your travels with unmatched clarity, the Hero 12 is the ideal companion for your journey into the world of photography and videography in 2023.

Learn more about GoPro

GVM

A brand I wasn't familiar with until 2023 is GVM. These guys have various products for video production, from mono lights and panel lights to teleprompters and microphones (and many other goodies!).

Yet, despite not using any of their products until earlier this year, GVM has quickly gained my admiration, and more importantly, my trust. I use the GVM PRO-SD300B 300W Bi-Color Monolight (shown above) as my primary light in my studio and the GVM BD45R tube light (shown below) as a backlight for my videos. I also have the GVM YU150R PRO LED Video Light Board RGB & Bi-Color Studio Light in my studio for added lighting for my video content.

In each case, these lights have been thoroughly impressive...

For starters, these lights can be controlled with a companion app for iOS or Android. That means I can quickly and easily turn the lights on and off as a group. I can also make color or brightness adjustments on my phone, among other things. Nice!

The quality of the light is impressive as well. Each of these lights has a CRI and TLCI of 97+, which means they produce accurate color and realistic object colors on camera. Better yet, you get that high-quality light at a price that's a fraction of other lights on the market. It's the best of both worlds - beautiful light for less money!

It's worth mentioning the build quality of these lights, too. The PRO-SD300B is made from aluminum alloy, which not only helps reduce its weight for better maneuverability, but it also ensures this light can stand up to the rigors of constant use. The YU150R PRO LED Video Light Board also has a solid all-aluminum structure that enhances durability while making it a lightweight option for my studio lighting needs.

I have to tip my hat to GVM for innovating how lighting algorithms work, too. You see, GVM has a new algorithm that allows these lights to maintain consistent brightness across color temperatures - something that many other lights cannot do. Now, I can adjust the brightness of the lights without worrying about how the color temperature will change. This might seem like an inconsequential change, but if you spend a lot of time in front of a camera like I do, the value of having consistent brightness cannot be understated.

In other words, GVM has stormed onto the scene, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. These lights are easy to use, solidly built, and have superb light output. And as I said earlier, you get these and many other features with a surprisingly low price tag!

If you're ready to level up your lighting game, GVM is a worthy consideration. Their innovative products can be game-changers for you if you're a photographer, videographer, or both!

Learn more about GVM

Skylum

Another photography brand that's synonymous with innovation is Skylum, makers of the absolutely incredible Luminar Neo.

Now, Skylum isn't a new company by any means. However, where some companies affect the industry with a bang and fizzle out over time, Skylum has remained at the forefront of innovation and has developed tools that truly make photo editing as easy as a click of a button. More on that in a minute...

First, let's quickly define what Luminar Neo is...

^{Photo courtesy of Skylum}

Luminar Neo is photo editing software that's easy to use and developed specifically for hobbyist photographers. Luminar Neo puts the power in your hands to elevate your images with simple, yet powerful AI tools. In other words, Luminar Neo gives you the ability to attain professional-quality results in a simple, effective, fun, and flexible workflow. What's not to like?!

You get traditional capabilities like layering, masking, and cropping, but you can also access AI tools to replace skies (as shown above), enhance landscapes, relight dark portraits, and much, much more. In fact, you can harness the power of the following:

• Presets that enhance your images in an instant (designed by professional photographers)
• Composition^AI allows you to fix perspective and alignment issues in photos, intelligently crop photos, and perfect the framing of the shot.
• Accent^AI balances brightness, color, and contrast automatically while giving you the power to adjust the intensity of the enhancements with a single slider. You can even sync these enhancements across images to save time!
• Structure^AI adds clarity and depth to cityscapes, landscapes, and environmental portraits.

You can see just how simple and effective Luminar Neo is in the video below by Irene Rudnyk: 

Better still, as  Luminar Neo is constantly evolving and becoming more and more useful. Upcoming features will allow you to enhance water in your photos and use AI to expand a scene, to name but two.

And you can use these tools without saddling your computer with memory-eating tasks. You don't need the most expensive Macbook Pro to realize the power of Luminar Neo - your average computer will do just fine!

Add to that the fact that Skylum offers multiple ways to buy Luminar Neo - one-month, one-year, two-year, and lifetime memberships - all for an affordable price, and you have the makings of one heck of an editing studio!

Learn more about Skylum

Disclaimer: Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don't sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!

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^{photo bymolchanovdmitry via iStock}

I love that our modern digital cameras have amazing video capabilities in addition to their superb still imaging. Many of us may not have ever thought too much about shooting handheld video before but now that we have the ability, we should all be looking at adding video to our digital repertoire. 

Since video is motion pictures, it makes sense for us to try to have our camera free to move about, too. Certain gear for handheld video will help make us more mobile and make that mobility usable for creating viewable handheld videos.

^{photo byRenphoto via iStock}

What do you need for handheld video? Whether shooting video with a DSLR or shooting video with a mirrorless camera, there are few items that will definitely assist us in how to improve handheld video. Here are some great options of gear for handheld that I found:

• Handheld video stabilizer
• Shotgun microphone
• Portable LED light
• Huge memory card
• Sling-pack camera bag

Obviously, while proper technique is absolutely vital for great handheld video, using some of these accessories will give you options for techniques you may not have without them.

3-Axis Angled Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer from Ikan

When Steadicam first came out in the 1970s and saw widespread use in the 1980s for film and television, it revolutionized the industry for mobile cinematography. While Steadicam is an impressive and expensive brand name product, you can get results that increase the steadiness of your own handheld video productions by means of a gimbal.

The Horizon Pro 3-Axis Angled Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer from Ikan is an electronically balanced 3-axis gimbal that will smooth out most of your handheld video shots with modern DSLR and mirrorless camera rigs weighing up to about 7 pounds. It’s also relatively inexpensive making it a good fit for many serious videographers.

Being a 3-axis gimbal is an important aspect of how to shoot handheld video, since it dampens movement up and down, side to side, and yawing or pivoting. It comes from Ikan which makes and sells their own videography accessories for serious video cinematographers. Being their own manufacturer, they can offer extremely well designed gear for reasonable prices.

Editor's Tip: If you have a GoPro, you can easily use it as a handheld camera with The Handler Grip. This official GoPro accessory is just $30, yet gives you the functionality to do some selfies, record vlog-style videos, and give viewers your perspective as you shoot photos and videos. This grip floats, has a quick-release base for rapidly switching out mounts, and has a bright orange cap so you can easily spot it in the water. It's an ideal accessory for adventure-minded individuals that don't want to pay an arm and a leg to make their camera more functional!

Rode VideoMic Pro

Shotgun style microphones are an excellent choice for shooting video with a DSLR or mirrorless camera handheld because it mounts directly to the camera and points in the direction of what’s being filmed. 

I like the Rode VideoMic Pro for its compact size and excellent sensitivity, being just under 6 inches and 3 ounces and having a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz in a supercardioid pickup pattern. 

What that all means for you and your handheld video is that you will capture excellent audio along with gimbal smoothed video. While some photographers may be under the impression that their fine camera has a good enough mic for serious video, the reality of the matter is that we need better mics for the highest quality video productions. Thankfully, they’re not very expensive, so it is a no brainer, more or less, to add one to our handheld video gear.

Learn More:

• Mirrorless Camera Accessories You Need Right Now
• Plan a Solid Video Shoot with These Pre-Production Tips
• How To Shoot Quality Video Footage

Aputure Amaran AL-MX LED Light

Next order of business is to light up our handheld video shoots with  portable lighting equipment such as the Aputure Amaran AL-MX LED Light which is hardly bigger than a man’s wallet.

Handheld video has its own set of logistical problems, how to get enough light on the subject is an important one to handle. Handheld, portable, cool operating, battery powered LED lights are among the best alternatives for how to improve handheld video.

These lights are very small and lightweight, the face is about credit card sized and it weighs about 10 ounces. Their color output is variable from 2800K to 6500K so you can seamlessly blend the on camera light with ambient lighting. The built-in battery will power the cool temperature LED bulbs for about 30 minutes per charge.

ProGrade Digital 325GB Memory Card

In order to effectively capture high quality handheld video in the field, we want to use the best video capture mode our camera has, but that takes up a lot of card memory, so we want to have a very high capacity memory card.

CFExpress is the memory card choice for most of the higher end prosumer and professional digital cameras due to their fast read and write speeds and their near indestructibility. An excellent example of a high capacity CFExpress memory card to use during our handheld video shoots is the ProGrade Digital 325GB Memory Card that is also backwards compatible with XQD cards using cameras that have had the proper firmware update. With 1500MB/s read/write speeds, this card will be able to keep up with your high quality video mode recording.

Freelance™ Tactical Sling-Pack

Since you’re out shooting handheld video, you need something to carry all your gear for handheld video. The sling-pack style of camera bags is secure as well as being easy and quick to get into and out of for your gear.

Hazard 4® makes a fantastic series of tactical bags that are very durable, offer great equipment protection, and are easy to use. The Freelance™ Tactical Sling-Pack is small enough to be very comfortable while large enough to hold all your handheld video gear such as lights, batteries, and filters. 

Now, you’re all set to go out and capture some great handheld video with your new DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Learn More:

• 4 Must-Have Accessories for Shooting Video
• Beginner's Advice for Using a Gimbal
• Tips for Better DSLR Video

 

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As many of you know, I am primarily a landscape photographer. But a few years ago, I expanded into video creation and started our YouTube channel.

Even before I got heavily into video creation, I used Rode microphones for the occasional videos I took of my family. Now that I'm producing video content multiple times a week, I have quite the collection of Rode gear - including the Rode Wireless Go II.

I've had this microphone for over six months now, so I figured it's time I did a quick review to explain why it's such a fantastic little microphone.

Table of Contents:

• Rode Wireless Go II Specs and Features
• The Rode Wireless Go II Offers Professional Features for Everyone
• What Functionalities Do You Get With Rode Central?
• Rode Wireless Go II Price
• Some of My Other Favorite Video Accessories

Rode Wireless Go II Specs and Features

First, let's do a rundown of the basic specs and features of this microphone:

• Dual-channel system that allows you to record two separate sources at the same time, such as two-person interviews (it can also be used as a single-channel mic)
• Two clip-on transmitters/recorders
• Built-in omni mics with 3.5mm mic inputs
• 3.5mm analog TRS output as well as USB-C and iOS digital audio output for compatibility with cameras, computers, and smartphones
• On-board recording capability
• Rode Wireless Go II records over 24 hours of audio to each transmitter
• Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption
• Safety channel that records a second channel at -20dB as a backup
• Stereo or dual-mono outputs
• Supports up to 8 mics with more than 650 feet of range
• Rechargeable batteries with more than seven hours of life (you can use USB power as well)

On top of all that, you can switch between Split or Merged recording modes and have flexible gain control. The Rode Wireless Go II has 2 person recording capabilities that makes it a great option for interviews as well.

Additionally, this mic is extremely easy to set up and comes with Rode Central app compatibility that gives you easy access to the system's features.

If I were to describe all these specs in one word, I would say "flexibility."

I mean, just look at all the ways that Rode allows you to customize your experience with this mic...

You can record two sources simultaneously, use up to eight mics, use it with all sorts of devices, output in stereo or dual-mono, power it with batteries or USB, and so forth. Additionally, you can record audio internally or attach a lavalier mic to the Rode Wireless Go II. From my perspective, that kind of flexibility is paramount when you're like me and do most of your video and audio work yourself.

With this mic, I can be out in the field and record excellent video and audio with my phone, and then head home and do the same with the Wireless Go II in my home studio with my Canon EOS R6. Though I have multiple mics, if you invested only in the Wireless Go II, you'd have everything you need to capture great audio no matter where you're at.

The Rode Wireless Go II Offers Professional Features for Everyone

Aside from the laundry list of awesome specs that this microphone offers, it's worth pointing out that you get them in an easy-to-use package.

Rode Wireless GO II is a small, pocket-sized unit that's easily carried and concealed. With over 650-feet of range, you can move freely without worry that the signal will drop and you'll lose your audio. And, the universal compatibility that I mentioned earlier is a huge benefit - if you shoot video with your phone but upgrade to a more capable video camera down the road, your microphone will still work.

Speaking of range, the Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption is a game-changer. Not only do you get the extended range, but you also get a system designed specifically for use in areas with high RF activity like offices, malls, schools, and urban areas. 

Because the Rode Microphones Wireless Go II's internal antenna has been designed in a way to ensure a connection that's supremely stable, you don't have to worry about your audio dropping out. That's excellent peace of mind when you need to record your content and get it out quickly!

Additionally, you can attach the Rode Wireless Go II transmitters and receiver to just about anything using the built-in clips. Attach them to your camera, a boom, a rig or cage, or to yourself or whoever is in front of the camera.  

Better still, there are no complicated menus to navigate to get this thing going. With the press of a button, you're ready to record professional-quality audio. If you're a beginner videographer, having a mic like the Wireless Go II will make getting started so much simpler.

Part of the reason for this ease of use is that the transmitters and receiver are paired right out of the box. Not only that, they remember which channel they've been assigned, that way you have a super easy setup each and every time.

Learn More:

• The RØDE VideoMic GO II is Here...And It's a Game-Changer
• Inexpensive Upgrades for Your Nikon Camera Gear

What Functionalities Do You Get With Rode Central?

As impressive as all the features I've already discussed might be, one of my favorite features of the Rode Wireless Go II is its compatibility with the Rode Central app.

Why? It's simple - it greatly extends the usability and functionality of this mic.

The app enables device configuration from anywhere, including the ability to optimize and export recordings (when working from your desktop computer).

From either your computer or mobile device, Rode Central allows you to access information about the Wireless Go II, enable on-board recording, and access a fine gain control that increases the three-stage pad to a 10-stage pad.

Additionally, the app gives you the ability to activate the safety channel, which, as I alluded to earlier, records a second track to protect against distortion on the main channel. Naturally, the app can be used to update the Rode Wireless GO II with the latest firmware as well.

Rode Wireless GO II Price

At the time of writing, the Rode Microphones Wireless GO II price is $274.00.

Now, I know what you might be thinking - isn't that a high price for a microphone?

Honestly, no, it isn't! At least not for a microphone like this.

Sure, you can get a cheap microphone, but the cheapness of that microphone will shine through in the audio that it records. As I've said before, your videos are only as good as your audio, so don't pair your UHD 4K video with audio from a bargain-basement microphone you find on Amazon.

Besides, Rode Wireless GO II microphone is something that can grow with you. The built-in flexibility it offers means you can use it as a beginner today and as a seasoned pro a few years down the road.

As I said before, I have a lot of mics, and most of them are from Rode. But this one might just be my favorite because of all the features, functionalities, and utility that Rode stuffed into it. I just can't recommend it enough!

Some of My Other Favorite Video Accessories:

• Peak Design Travel Tripod
• Canon EOS R5
• Canon EOS R6
• Acratech GP-SS Ball Head
• Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
• Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM

Learn More:

• Videography vs Cinematography
• How to Get Started in Videography

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RØDE is known worldwide for creating high-quality microphones, and their new Wireless PRO is no exception...

In fact, the RØDE Wireless PRO isn't just a high-quality microphone; it's the most powerful compact wireless system ever and comes with an absolutely mind-bending suite of features not found on any other microphone, let alone a compact system like this.

This compact, dual-channel wireless system features RØDE's state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption. The result is incredibly clear, stable audio with a line-of-sight transmission distance of up to 850 feet. That's far, folks!

Helping matters is the Wireless PRO's Intelligent GainAssist technology, flexible output gain control, and safety channel, which work together to give you the cleanest audio when you record directly to a camera.

The Wireless PRO has 32-bit float on-board recording with 32GB of internal memory, which enables you to get the audio you need whether you're using the mic with your phone, camera, or computing device. Something that I particularly appreciate about the Wireless PRO is that it has an advanced timecode capability, that way I can more easily sync audio in post-production. Time is money, as they say, and this feature saves me tons of time.

As you'd expect from RØDE, the Wireless PRO comes with many more features that make it a more than compelling option for your audio needs...

For example, there's a headphone output with on-board level control and locking 3.5mm lavalier connectors for the utmost security. RØDE has also incorporated TRRS input for a headset or another microphone for a narrator, which allows you to record as many as three audio channels at the same time. Of course, the mic is super easy to configure using your computer or your phone and RØDE's easy-to-use RØDE Central platform.

Add plug-in power detect to extend the battery life, a smart charge case, two Lavalier II mics, a MagClip GO magnetic mounting clip, and an accessory case, and you have the makings of one heck of a microphone package!

Of course, all these goodies are wrapped up in a tiny, pocket-sized package that carries on the tradition of RØDE's groundbreaking Wireless GO and Wireless GO II mics. When I got the Wireless GO, I couldn't imagine RØDE making any improvements to it. Then they dropped the Wireless GO II, which took all the best parts of its predecessor and added tons of new features that made it an even better mic. Well, now RØDE has done it again and improved upon a mic that I honestly couldn't imagine being any better.

I'm not in a position in which my mic needs to be discrete, but if you are, the RØDE Wireless Pro is for you. Aside from its tiny form factor, the black-on-black design offers the ability to blend in with dark-colored clothing. The integrated clips make setup a fast process, and since it has a broadcast-quality built-in omnidirectional mic, you can clip it virtually anywhere on your shirt, blouse, or jacket and get high-quality audio.

Something else that makes this mic a breeze to use is the aforementioned 32-bit float on-board recording. This enables you to record directly to the transmitters without worrying about audio clipping. Likewise, this feature ensures you have a backup and eliminates the need to set gain levels before you begin recording. The 32GB of on-board memory I noted earlier gives you about 40 hours of record time, so you have plenty of time to get the audio you need before recharging the unit.

But, if you prefer to record audio to your camera, you can do that with ease, too. The GainAssist technology I mentioned earlier automatically controls the audio levels, which gives you a smooth and balanced result with less risk of clipping.

The Wireless PRO additionally offers a 30dB gain range so you can precisely adjust the mic's output to your specific camera. Heck, RØDE even incorporated camera presets to streamline the process of setting up the mic even further. We can add marker dropping, merged and split recording modes, and customizable buttons to the long list of features that make the Wireless PRO a must-have for your video setup.

In other words, RØDE has done it again! The quality of their microphones is unmatched, and with every iteration, I'm left wondering how they managed to improve on something that was so good already. 

The RØDE Wireless PRO will be available in the near future for $399. That price might give some of you pause, but this is a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation. As we all know, making a great video doesn't just require beautiful visuals - you also need impeccable audio, and the Wireless Pro looks like it absolutely delivers!

Learn More:

• The RØDE VideoMic GO II is Here...And It's a Game-Changer
• RØDE Wireless GO II Reviewed Wireless GO II Reviewed

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^{Photo by AleksandarNakic via iStock}

One of the best features of a GoPro is its portability and its functionality as a still camera and video camera is off the charts.

But if you want to extract every ounce of potential out of your GoPro, you need to add a few accessories to your GoPro kit.

This list offers a look at some of the best GoPro accessories you can get your hands on in 2019.

Best GoPro Accessories - Spare Batteries

When you're out adventuring and filming for hours on end, the batteries in your GoPro drain rather quickly.

Thus the need for a spare battery...

Actually, pick up a couple of spare batteries so you're never without juice!

Learn more about the GoPro Rechargeable Battery

Best GoPro Accessories -  HandlePod 3-Axis Action Cam Mount

The great thing about the HandlePod 3-Axis Action Cam Mount is that you can use it in a variety of ways, depending on what the situation calls for.

It's a fantastic grip for shooting handheld video, but it also deploys as a stand to act like a mini tripod (as shown above). It even comes with an elastic cord for lashing it to objects like trees or fenceposts.

So whether you're indoors or out, stationary or on the move, the HandlePod can help you get steady and stable video with your GoPro.

Learn more about the HandlePod 3-Axis Action Camera Mount

Best GoPro Accessories - Litra Torch LitraPro

One of the keys to making great videos is having great lighting, and when it comes to that, look no further than the Litra Torch LitraPro.

This little guy has 60 LEDs that put out 1200 lumens of light. Not only that, but the light is bi-color and adjustable from 3000 to 6000 Kelvin.

It's only 2.75 x 2 x 1.2 inches and weighs just 6 ounces, too, so it's a perfect accessory for a GoPro!

Learn more about the Litra Torch LitraPro

Best GoPro Accessories - RODE VideoMicro

Alongside great lighting, you need great audio to really make your GoPro videos shine.

There's no better accessory to do that than the RODE VideoMicro.

This tiny shotgun mic is compact and lightweight, yet the quality of the audio it records is clear and crisp. Often, when you're out shooting, there's a ton of peripheral noise, but with this little gadget's directional mic, you'll get the focused audio you want from your primary subject.

Learn more about the RODE VideoMicro

Top GoPro Accessories - GoPro Adventure Kit

This kit has everything you need for taking your GoPro on land, in the air, or on the water.

There's a floating handgrip, a head strap, and a quick clip for attaching it to a hat.

What more could you want from an action cam accessory?!

Learn more about the GoPro Adventure Kit

Best GoPro Accessories - GoPro Suction Cup Mount

 

Having a suction cup allows you to place your GoPro on all sorts of surfaces, like your car or boat.

This thing is industrial-strength, too, with the ability to remain mounted at speeds up to 150 mph.

The adjustable arm allows for compact mounting and the quick release base means you can easily remove it, too.

Learn more about the GoPro Suction Cup Mount

Best GoPro Accessories - GoPro Floating Hand Grip

If you plan to spend any time in the water with your GoPro, a floating hand grip like the one shown above is a must-have.

Not only does it give you a solid grip on your GoPro, but its quick-release base makes switching between mounts super easy and fast, too.

The bright orange end of the handle makes for spotting it on the surface of the water an easy task as well.

Learn more about the GoPro Floating Hand Grip

Best GoPro Accessories - GoPro Pro 3.5mm Microphone Adapter

A downer about the GoPro is that you have to have one of these adapters if you want to use an external mic.

And as I mentioned earlier, you need an external mic to get good audio.

So, this is a must-have accessory not because it's especially cool, but you really can't create videos with epic sound without one!

Learn more about the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Microphone Adapter

BEST GOPRO ACCESSORIES - GOPRO DUAL BATTERY CHARGER

Having a spare battery isn't good enough. Instead, you need a quick charger so you can keep your batteries charged up and ready to rock.

This unit allows you to charge two batteries at once, and gives you charging options via a USB port or a GoPro Supercharger

Learn more about the GoPro Dual Battery Charger

Best GoPro Accessories - Ulanzi V2 Vlog Protective Housing Case

This case is a must for having a microphone with your GoPro.

Not only does this case have a cold-shoe mount for the mic, but it also has a spot to hold the 3.5mm microphone adapter nicely tucked directly beneath the GoPro.

This rig is compatible with GoPro HERO 7, 6, and 5, and you can mount the case in a number of different ways, from your bike helmet to a chest belt to a monopod or selfie stick.

It's lightweight, portable, and fits the GoPro like a glove, so you don't have to worry about a clunky case getting in the way of your fun.

Learn more about the Ulanzi V2 Vlog Protective Housing Case

Best GoPro Accessories - Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I MicroSDXC Memory Card

A fast memory card is a must for shooting GoPro videos, and the Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I certainly doesn't disappoint.

It's got plenty of storage, that's for sure, and with lightning-fast read/write speeds of up to 100MB/s, you won't have to sit around and wait for it to do its thing.

In fact, it'll transfer a 3GB video to your computer in 38 seconds. Nice!

This card is also waterproof, temperature resistant, X-ray proof, and has a 10-year warranty. Not bad, right?

Learn more about the Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I MicroSDXC Memory Card

Best GoPro Accessories - GoPro Chesty Mount

When you're hiking, biking, or otherwise need your hands free, a GoPro chesty mount is the way to get awesome footage.

This mount is made of lightweight and breathable fabric, so it won't bog you down or make you sweat as you adventure around.

There's a quick-release buckle for easy on and off, and with an adjustable strap, it can accommodate just about any body type.

Learn more about the GoPro Chesty Mount

Best Accessories for GoPro - GoPro Fetch

 

For those of you that adventure with your dog, a GoPro Fetch is certainly one of the best accessories money can buy.

With options to mount on your dog's back or chest, you can get footage from a dog's point of view that adds unique flair to your videos.

It's comfortable, won't inhibit Fido's ability to move, and is machine washable.

Learn more about the GoPro Fetch

Best GoPro Accessories - GoPro Smart Remote

Though a variety of GoPros can be controlled with your phone, your phone isn't exactly built for the rough-and-tumble adventure lifestyle.

Instead, if you want a remote that's wearable, rugged, and waterproof, pick up the GoPro Smart Remote.

Heck, this thing will control up to 50 GoPros at once from up to 180 meters away, so you can make some truly incredible videos!

Learn more about the GoPro Smart Remote

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^{Photo by Lyndon Stratford via iStock}

As we near the end of 2019 (and the decade!), it's a prime time to look back on the year in photography.

It's been a crazy year with so many incredible innovations happening. I say that every year, but every year it's the truth!

When I think about the best photography gear, gadgets, products, and services, I think about things that are functional, easy to use, and innovative.

The list I've compiled below is full of products that tick these boxes...

Each item I've included on my Best of 2019 list is something that I have at the very least thoroughly tested or that I own.

With that said, here's a few items that blew me away in 2019.

Argraph Marumi M100 Filter System

One of the hallmarks of the companies featured on this list is that they have all innovated the photography industry in some way.

For Marumi, their claim to fame isn’t just crafting some of the best filter systems available today, but creating filter systems that streamline your workflow in the field.

Marumi’s Magnetic M100 Filter Holder and their line of magnetic filters are just what the doctor ordered for photographers that are sick of sliding filters in and out of their holders.

The M100 filter holder sports a slim 10mm design with strong magnetic attachments that hold the filter in place. The foam gaskets on the filter holder ensure that there are no light leaks to ruin your photos.

If using a circular polarizer, it rotates independently in the filter holder and features water and oil-repellent coatings on both sides that minimizes clean up.

The filter also has anti-static-anti-scratch, and anti-reflection properties that ensure you have the ideal shooting experience.

The other magnetic filters in Marumi’s lineup have the same features, including their graduated ND filters and solid ND Filters.

The graduated ND filters include hard-edge, soft-edge (as shown above), and reverse grads for photographing landscapes with a definite horizon, a variable horizon, and at sunrise and sunset, respectively.

Of course, there are also many different solid ND filters available from 2-stops all the way up to 15-stops.

Like the other Marumi filters mentioned above, these ND filters are made of durable Schott 5270 glass that offers high-definition results.

When photographing landscapes, the quality of light can change from one second to the next. That’s why this magnetic system is so compelling - by reducing the time spent swapping out filters, you can spend more time photographing the beauty before you! 

Ikan E-Image Horizon One 3-Axis Gimbal

One of the most pleasant surprises for me this year was just how good the Ikan E-Image Horizon One 3-Axis Gimbal really is.

I use this rig with my Nikon Z7, and it absolutely rocks it in terms of helping me get ultra-smooth, cinematic-looking video.

This gimbal is extremely well built and feels solid and supremely sturdy in your hand.

Granted, my setup doesn't come close to meeting this gimbal's eight-pound load capacity, but I'm sure it could perform just as well if I used a heavier camera and lens package.

The Horizon One has brushless motors that give you ultra-precise stabilization, and with the 12-hour runtime, you can shoot all day long without stopping to recharge the gimbal.

Built into the unit are five operational modes, including my personal favorite, "Dream Follow," which gives you 360-degree spin on the roll axis.

I can't even tell you how many gimbals I've tested and owned over the years - maybe more than a dozen!

And this rig is by far one of the very best.

It's impeccably built, full of features, and easy to use. If that doesn't say "Best of 2019," I don't know what does.

Ikan Onyx Digital Color LED Panel Light 

I know what you're thinking...

How can a light be part of the Best of 2019?

Well, as you know, photography is all about great light, and the Ikan Onyx Digital Color Light definitely delivers on that front.

What I've found so impressive with this light is that it has RGB, white, and amber LEDs. And with five color modes, you can use this thing for just about any kind of photo shoot or video shoot.

In fact, in RGB mode, this light gives you independent control over the red, green, and blue LEDs, which means you can literally create millions of different colors to suit your needs and tastes.

Meanwhile, the amber and white LEDs give photographers the option of recreating daylight or tungsten light with incredible accuracy.

This light even has a CCT mode that offers an adjustable color temperature from 2800K up to 10,000K. You simply don't find that kind of range in most lights!

On top of that, the Onyx has a Hue Shift feature of green and magenta lights, giving you yet another option for exerting pinpoint control over the kind of light you have available to you.

Ikan also stuffed the Onyx with eight special effects - like police lights and candle flames - as well as 33 different gels to give you even further light customization possibilities.

Heck, there's even a built-in 1/2-stop diffuser!

This is one of the best lights I've used this year, and the data backs it up - it has a CRI-TLCI rating of 95, so you know that the light it emits is clean and beautiful.

In my opinion, you just won't find a better light, which is why I've included it in my Best of 2019 list.

Exposure Software

I've been a fan of Exposure Software for a long time, and it just keeps getting better and better with more and more tools available that make editing photos a simpler, more streamlined process.

The latest version of Exposure - Exposure X5 - is brimming with innovative and easy-to-use features.

There's a huge collection of "Looks," which give you the power to change the appearance of the image with a simple click.

You can make selective presets too, that way the edits you want to apply only apply to specific areas of the image.

Exposure has all the basic editing tools you could want as well, including nondestructive layers, linear and radial gradients, a brush tool, overlays, creative focus, and more.

In addition to all that, Exposure is also a complete photo manager.

You can apply camera profiles and presets, migrate collections over from Lightroom, use keywords to manage and organize your images, and review images side-by-side for easy comparison.

Exposure also enables you to create smart collections of photos - just add specific criteria you want for the collection (i.e., rating, color label, flag, camera data, f-stop, and so forth) and Exposure will populate the collection for you.

Nice, right?!

 

One of my favorite features, though, is the 3D color masking tool in Exposure.

Basically, this tool gives you precise control over where an adjustment is applied in the shot. This is thanks to the range of definitions that Exposure uses to define adjustment areas, such as saturation, hue, and luminance.

Because you can target colors of a specific hue, for example, you can apply adjustments to specific areas of the shot, like the sky or to skin tones. You can do all this with just a few clicks, too!

From the intuitive user interface to the powerful editing tools to the suite of support features that help make your workflow smoother, Exposure has everything you need to create your best images. They even offer a free trial to give it a test drive!

Syrp

It's been a great year for Syrp...

They unveiled the Syrp Genie Mini II Linear this time last year to much fanfare.

If you're unfamiliar with this thing, the Genie Mini II Linear is incredibly portable and gives you the option to add motion control to your timelapse and films without lugging around a big, heavy piece of kit.

It can attach to any slider on the market and even cable cam systems up to 328’ in length, so you can quickly and easily upgrade your ability to capture gorgeous timelapses and real-time video.

Additionally, the Genie II Linear is loaded up with features for key-framing, shooting interviews, b-roll and timelapse with future available features including live view, and camera control for ramping exposure, just to name a few. It’s wirelessly controllable as well, via an iOS or Android device.

At the same time, Syrp introduced the Genie II Pan Tilt, which gives you an ultra-portable camera motion control that you can carry in your backpack. 

You can use it with a tripod for ultra-precise pan and tilt motion control, or if you want three-axis, use it in conjunction with the Genie II Linear for the most powerful 3-axis device on the market.

Like the Genie II Linear, the Pan Tilt offers tons of functionality, including timelapse and real-time video capabilities, key-framing, and much more. With multi-row Panoramas, you can capture high resolution ‘gigapixel’ images and shoot Panoramas all controlled from the app itself.

It also has a built-in screen so you don’t have to use the app if you don’t need it and you want to pack light, not to mention a built-in joystick for quick setup and re-positioning from the device itself. Not bad, right?!

After that, Syrp brought us the Tilt Platform, which allows you to get perfectly level, vertical footage.

It couldn't be easier to use, either...

It requires no tools, has angle markings to help you dial in accurate adjustments, and it has a 3/8-16" - 1/4-20" UNC thread adapter in the base to expand its mounting options.

Just use the easy-adjustable knob to change the lever tension to secure your camera, and away you go!

You can position the Tilt Platform up to 180-degrees, it can be used with motion control or manual sliders, and it'll hold up to 13.2 pounds of gear.

And as if all that isn't enough, Syrp just released a new app feature available through the Syrp Genie II app - stop motion.

This mode allows you to create stop motion videos more precisely (and faster) than ever.

You can set up any desired movement using the app's keyframe editor, and you have complete control over the video's frame rate.

Once you have the motion set up, all you have to do is move the motion controller to each frame and trigger the camera's shutter.

Stop motion videos have never been so easy to make!

Excire 

Excire is an innovative product that I became familiar with last year, and I just have to continue singing its praises. 

For me, there isn’t much that I hate doing more than manually tagging my photos in Lightroom. That’s why there are thousands and thousands of images in my Lightroom catalogs that aren’t tagged at all. 

Until now… 

What’s so great about Excire’s products - Excire Search and Excire Search Pro - is that they utilize artificial intelligence to tag your Lightroom photos for you. 

Yeah...we’re living in the future, my friends! 

Excire Search has 125 common keywords that can be used for tagging your images, so every shot you have of a mountain or a bike or a dog will be organized and easily identified. 

Excire Search can obviously be used to search your images as well. Just use the plugin to find the images in your catalog that meet your criteria!

Even better, Excire Search Pro offers over 500 keywords for tagging, so you have even more capability to organize and search your photos.

It includes a keyword transfer function, too, which means you can use Excire Search Pro on your existing catalogs. That means no more hunting around for the images you need, even if you have an enormous Lightroom catalog of tens of thousands of images.

In other words, Excire transfers the keywords it extracts to your Lightroom catalog, and then those keywords can be used in Lightroom as if you had manually entered them.

Needless to say, Excire Search is a fantastic tool for beginner and hobbyist photographers, and Excire Search Pro is a great option for serious photographers and professionals.

It's this kind of innovation I looked for when considering my Best of 2019 list!

PolarPro Summit Filters

PolarPro has built a reputation over the years of developing well-built, high-performance products, and their newest filters are no exception.

The Summit filter system was specifically developed for the rough-and-tumble world of landscape photography.

These filters are built to withstand the rigors of shooting outdoors in harsh conditions while at the same time having a design that makes them incredibly easy to use.

On the one hand, the ND and graduated ND filters have aluminum frames that both protect the filter and help minimize fingerprints getting on the filter glass.

So, not only do you get filters that are more durable, but you also won't spend as much time cleaning the filters to get rid of fingerprints. It's a win-win!

On the other hand, the filters and filter housing feature materials that ratchet up the build quality.

For example, the filters are made of fused Quartz glass with 16 layers of coatings that improve color fidelity and clarity while reducing glare.

As another example, the filter frames are made of lightweight aluminum that helps cut weight in your pack while providing you strong durability for years to come.

Add in a user-friendly design, light-sealed slots, filter locks to lock down the filter position, and the ability to rotate the filter system 360 degrees, and you have the makings of the ideal landscape photography filter kit - one of the best of 2019, in fact!!

Wolverine Data F2D Titan

What’s so great about the Wolverine Data F2D Titan is that it’s an 8-in-1 rig. 

In addition to working with slides, 8mm movies, and Super 8 movies, the F2D Titan also works with 35mm, 110, 126, 127, and APS film.

It has a 20-megapixel sensor that turns your analog memories into high-definition digital files at up to 5472 x 3648 pixels.

The F2D Titan makes quick work of scanning, too. In just three seconds, the scan is complete thanks to its speed-load adapters that are perfectly sized to each format of slide or negative that you’re scanning.

 

You can view the results of the scan on the onboard 4.3-inch color LCD. You can even fine-tune the brightness and color balance settings. If you prefer to see your newly digitized photos on a larger screen, simply connect the F2D Titan to a computer or a TV.

Saving the digitized images is a breeze, too. Just use its internal memory or add your own SD/SDHC memory card.

Better still, you don’t need a computer or external monitor or software of any kind, so this unit is totally self-contained. Just have a power source (via an AC outlet or USB) and you can digitize slides, film, and old movies anywhere you like.

If you’ve got a lot of old memories to digitize, there’s isn’t a better or faster way to do so than with this bad boy! It's simply the easiest, most functional film to digital scanner I've ever tested.

RODE Video Mics

I have several RODE mics, including the tiny shotgun microphone shown above.

The RODE VideoMicro is compact and lightweight, which makes it a perfect pairing for my GoPro.

But don't think that because it's a tiny mic that audio quality is sacrificed. In fact, it has a high-quality cardioid condenser mic capsule so you can get clear, crisp audio.

It's shocking just how good this little guy performs!

Since it's a directional mic, it minimizes sounds from the periphery so your video has focused audio from the subject.

Add to that a thermoplastic suspension structure for minimizing vibrations as you adventure around with your GoPro, and you have the ideal audio companion for the best adventure camera on the market!

For more heavy-duty action, I have a RODE VideoMic Pro.

This shotgun-style mic has a 1/2-inch condenser capsule, which results in ultra-clean audio that's broadcast quality. We're talking about a self-noise level of just 14db!

It has a super-cardioid polar pattern that reduces background noise while ensuring that it captures crisp audio of the source you want to record.

And, unlike lesser microphones, the RODE VideoMic Pro has a Rycote Lyre shock system that creates a buffer between the microphone capsule and electronics and the microphone mount. This, in turn, minimizes the vibrations of the mic and improves the quality of the audio even more.

Add in fantastic sound, easy-to-reach controls, and intuitive operation, and you have the makings of the ideal microphone for filmmaking! 

Camera Canopy

I first learned about Camera Canopy last year, and I have to say that over the course of 2019 I've grown to appreciate this unique camera accessory more and more.

Photographers that spend any time outdoors understand that when it rains, it can really put a damper on their ability to get the photos they want. That’s because even weather-sealed gear isn’t completely water-tight.

And trying to manipulate camera controls with a traditional bag-like rain cover for a camera is a huge pain in the rear. That’s why Camera Canopy is a much better alternative.

Camera canopy attaches to a camera via its hot-shoe mount, and then acts like a roof to protect the camera and lens from rain. It even protects the from glass of the lens so there’s no water droplets messing up the shot.

Better still, it’s adjustable for lenses up to 500mm in length.

Camera Canopy also has a mirrorless camera version, so now that I've gone totally mirrorless, I can still enjoy the benefits of having my camera and lens protected by a Camera Canopy.

Just like its big brother, this mirrorless version is extremely easy to mount to your camera, simple to adjust for different lens lengths, and still provides you unfettered access to your camera's controls.

It's simply the best wet-weather camera accessory money can buy!

Hex Brand Ranger Sling Bag

I had an opportunity to head up to Los Angeles a while back and meet the masterminds behind HEX.

It was a fun time looking behind the curtain at their operation, plus I got to bring one of their Ranger Sling bags home to test out.

First impressions are good, to say the least! And that's coming from an admitted bag snob.

For instance, I check the stitching inside and out to see how well put together it is, and with this bag, it’s very well put together.

It’s part of thoughtful construction and design processes that make this bag one of the very best I've used this year.

One of the things I like most about the bag is the collapsible interior dividers - including the bottom divider. This gives you a bag that can not only be customized to your gear for each photoshoot, but you can also fold up or remove the dividers to allow the bag to be packed totally flat for travel inside another bag. 

Speaking of customizations, this bag has side adjustable load straps and adjustable bottom carry straps so you can carry even more gear when needed.

This bag is also packed full of pockets to help you keep track of your stuff. There’s a front access organizer for small items, a faux fur lined pocket on the front for your phone or a pair of shades, a faux fur lined pocket for your table, and multiple hidden velcro stash pockets. And the bag sits very well when worn. It’s comfortable and easy to access your gear and really hugs your body.

With genuine Cordura material and YKK zippers with metal pulls, this bag will stand up to use and abuse, too. And since it’s so compact (just 1.3 pounds and 14.5"L x 7.25"W x 4.75"H), you can rock it in the urban jungle without worrying that it’ll be knocking into people as you move from shot to shot.

Something that really stood out to me was that, although the bag is listed at 8 liters, there is no wasted or negative space. In fact, I easily transferred all the gear I would normally carry in my Peak Design 10L Sling into the HEX Ranger Sling. I have to say that I am a big fan of the efficient use of space in this bag and the collapsible potential of the HEX bag certainly gives it a leg up.

With eight liters of storage space, a streamlined design, and looks that don’t quit, this is definitely one of the best products I tested this year! 

TravelSchool.Info

^{Photo by anyaberkut via iStock}

This entry on my Best of 2019 list is a little different from the rest...

Rather than a camera accessory or some kind of service you use to take better photos, TravelSchool.Info makes it on this list because of its innovative approach to education and furthering your ability to make money.

TravelSchool.Info enables you to learn how to harness the power of affiliate marketing all the while traveling the world. Sounds nice, right?

By teaching you how to create multiple revenue streams from affiliate marketing, TravelSchool enables you to earn active and passive income that frees up your time to pursue things that are more fun than working!

Travel School is a comprehensive training program for starting an independent affiliate marketing business. It will take you step-by-step through the process of building a business that is not only wildly successful in the short-term, but can sustain steady growth for the long-term too.

Travel School founder Emilian travels the world with his furry friend, Divak, and is eager to share his knowledge and experience with you and help you build a successful affiliate marketing business that will allow you to quit your traditional job and travel the world like you want!

But Travel School isn’t just a step-by-step training program. Instead, it will change your outlook on what it means to work, and at the same time will be a transformational experience that will change their entire life for the better.

With specific, actionable steps, you will learn how to connect with established brands, develop core marketing skills, and activate multiple income streams to realize their dream of living a life full of travel and freedom.

Not only does Travel School aid in leveraging the credibility of amazing companies, but they will also offer weekly private webinars to keep your loved one motivated and on track toward accomplishing their goals.

Additionally, all training sessions are recorded and available at any time, that way if questions come up down the road or a little extra motivation is needed, the lessons can be easily accessed. There are opportunities to learn and collaborate with other students too!

It’s not often that you have the opportunity to learn how to live a life with more freedom, but in this case, Travel School is does just that!

Octopus.Camera OctoPad

I’m a gear head and I buy and test all kinds of stuff - cameras, lenses, tripods, lights...you name it!

But one of the most pleasant surprises I had this year was the Octopus.Camera OctoPad.

I know what you’re thinking...how can a little weighted support system be all that innovative? Trust me when I say that OctoPad certainly is!

For starters, OctoPad is a much better alternative than suction cup mounts or even mini tripods because it actually stays put.

The weighted anti-slip mat keeps the OctoPad right where you want it, even if it’s on a smooth or uneven surface.

Additionally, OctoPad has a built-in 1/4-20 threaded male bolt for attaching any number of accessories like a microphone or a light. The included ball head also has a 1/4-20 threaded male bolt for accessory attachment.

That means that this little guy is a great option for supporting a compact camera or a smartphone, a GoPro, a microphone, or a light. Plus, it can be used for photo or video work, giving you even more versatility.

It’s easy to use and transport too - there’s a built-in grommet for attaching a lanyard and a cable strap to tuck cables out of the way of your shots.

This is just a well designed product that offers a ton of benefits for photographers and videographers alike. And the best part? It’s priced at just $26.95!

Snaptiles

One of the most innovative products I encountered this year is Snaptiles.

These ingenious patented magnetic photo tile system takes all the fuss and muss out of displaying your photos.

If you want to create a mixed tile array, you can do so in a matter of seconds thanks to the easy mounting system that Snaptiles employs.

All you do is attach the mounting bracket to the wall using four adhesive strips. Make sure to press down firmly for 10 seconds so that it holds tight to the wall. You can snap up to 12 photo tiles onto the first anchor tile. If you really want to have some fun push in the 4 included thumbtacks for additional support. You can then snap up to 30 Snaptiles to the anchor! Not a bad tradeoff for 4 small pin holes if you ask me.

Next, you mount the anchor tile to the wall mount by snapping it into place.

Then, you can add any number of additional photo tiles, which connect together using rare earth magnets. And that’s it!

Now instead of having to put nails in the wall to hang additional photos, you can simply order 4 photo tiles from Snaptiles, add them to your array of mixed tiles, and enjoy your favorite photo (along with all your other favorites in the display).

These tiles are super lightweight so if they fall they won’t break. They are printed onto a premium SBS Acid-Free paperboard using the same printing technology as high-quality photo books. Likewise, the UV protective lamination ensures that the images don’t lose their color over time.

Snaptiles has a unique ability to let you display your photos in a creative and ever-changing way. When it comes to hanging art and your favorite images, being able to swap them out quickly and easily is a huge bonus.

Best of all, four tiles are just $59 with Free Shipping, so you can enjoy four of your favorite images without breaking the bank.

What’s not to like about that?!

Westcott Rapid Box Octa

As photographers, we all know the value of good light for creating compelling photos. And when it comes to modifying light to get the precise look you want, Westcott should be your source.

After all, Westcott has been in this business since 1899, so they know exactly what they’re doing.

In fact, Wescott holds 12 patents and has a product line of more than 600 products, so they’re much more than umbrellas and lights - they’re the go-to for all manner of durable, high-end lighting gear.

It would be impossible to expound upon Westcott’s vast array of products, so I’ll illustrate why they’re included on my list of the Best of 2019 by using their Rapid Box Octas as examples.

I know you’re probably thinking, “Aren’t all softboxes the same?” Well, no, my friend, they aren’t!

Westcott’s Rapid Box Octa, which come in small (26-inch), medium (36-inch), and large (48-inch) versions, are the ideal softbox for modifying speedlites.

For starters, these things are supremely easy to set up - you can have them ready to go in a matter of seconds, so there’s no long, drawn-out procedure for getting your gear ready for the shoot.

They’re easy to transport as well, given that they are completely collapsible and super lightweight.

But don’t think that because they’re collapsible and easy to set up that they’re somehow not durable. Far from it.

The solid metal framework ensures that these softboxes retain their shape over the course of years and years of repeated use, and the built-in mounting hardware means there’s a snug fit with your speedlite whether it’s a Yonguo, Nikon, or something in between.

In other words, Westcott makes this list of the Best of 2019 not just because they create superb lighting gear, but because they also have a proven track record of innovation when it comes to lighting gear.

Their products are durable and easy to use and show a demonstrated effort by Westcott to think purposefully about design and functionality so you and I have a better user experience.

But don’t take my word for it...see the Rapid Box Octa in action in the video above!

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Today, RØDE released their latest microphone, the VideoMic GO II, which is the successor to the hugely popular VideoMic GO.

As expected from RØDE, this microphone comes fully loaded with specs and features that make it a hugely functional and versatile addition to your video-making kit.

For starters, it's just 5.9 inches in length and weighs only three ounces. In terms of size, it falls between the RØDE VideoMicro and the RØDE VideoMic NTG.

Yet, despite its small size, there are plenty of features that catch your attention...

For example, the RØDE VideoMic GO II has a 3.5mm output for using with your DSLR or mirrorless camera PLUS a USB-C output for using the microphone with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This means that you can utilize a single microphone for working in the studio with your computer and in the field with various other devices.

Another feature that is truly impressive is that this little microphone has the same annular line tube design as the VideoMic NTG and VideoMic NTG 5. The result is that you get superb audio quality with a richness and depth that is on par with professional-grade mics.

Along with the physical connectivity options that come with this mic is access to the RØDE app suite.

The app suite includes RØDE Connect, RØDE Central, and RØDE reporter:

• RØDE Connect is a free podcasting and streaming software.
• RØDE Central is a desktop and mobile app that includes features like pad, high-frequency boost, a high-pass filter, and more.
• RØDE Reporter is an app that enables you to record broadcast-quality audio on mobile devices. 

In other words, this next-generation mic is a game-changer...

It's got a small form factor, yet features the same impeccable build quality you expect from RØDE.

It's got loads of functionality and tons of versatility that allow you to record beautiful audio whether you're in your studio or out in the field.

With access to RØDE apps, you can expand the functionality and versatility of this mic even further!

If you're just getting into video creation, this mic is an ideal option, and if you're an accomplished videomaker, this mic is the perfect addition to your kit as well!

The RØDE VideoMic GO II is available now for just $99, so get yours today!

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 _{photo by GMVozd via iStock}

With the holidays getting closer - and Black Friday closer still - it’s necessary to start thinking about what gifts you’ll bestow on the photographers in your life.

With a budget of $150, there are a lot of options that will make a photographer’s eyes light up this holiday season.

Below, we’ve outlined ten of the best gifts for photographers under $150. From canvas prints to lens filters to video microphones, there’s something for everyone!

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: CanvasHQ Print

If you’re like me, sometimes finding the perfect gift for certain loved ones is a long, drawn-out process that causes tons of stress, and often you still don’t get something that totally blows them away.

I think a lot of photographers fall into this category. We have specific likes, and many of us already have most of what we want or need gear-wise, and what we don’t have is usually too expensive to put on a Christmas wish-list anyway.

But for all those hard-to-shop-for photographers on your 2019 holiday shopping list, I have the perfect solution - a large-format canvas print.

Think about it…

A canvas print is the gift that keeps on giving.

Not only can you immortalize one of your favorite images from your favorite photographer, but you also give them a means to showcase their work in a format that’s drop-dead gorgeous.

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are from CanvasHQ.

Now, I know what you’re thinking - canvas is old school.

Sure, maybe it is, but I’m telling you that these canvas prints from CanvasHQ are mind-bogglingly beautiful. In fact, they go head-to-head with any metal or acrylic print I have in my home.

The attention to detail is just amazing, and the materials they use are top-of-the-line. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.

I love the personality that the canvas texture gives my images. That’s true whether it’s a portrait of my son or a landscape photo.

 I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the customer service you get with CanvasHQ.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back. 

In the video above, I explain why I highly recommend a CanvasHQ canvas print as the ideal gift for the photographer on your holiday shopping list.

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ!

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Marumi M100 Magnetic Filter Holder 

This innovative magnetic filter system by Marumi speeds up the process of changing filters by enabling quick attachment and detachment.

When seconds count as the light changes, having a filter system that streamlines your workflow is a huge asset, and something that the photographer on your list is sure to appreciate. 

Made of aircraft aluminum, this filter holder is supremely strong and durable, yet super lightweight too, making it the perfect companion for landscape photographers that need a quality filter holder that doesn’t weigh down their bag.

The gaskets on the front of the holder help prevent light leaks while the holder ensures there is no vignetting when used with a 16-35mm lens. That means clear, clean, beautiful results when using Marumi magnetic filters with the M100 filter holder. 

Learn more about the Marumi M100 Magnetic Filter Holder

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Holdfast Sightseer Small Lens Pouch

One of the best features of the Holdfast Gear Sightseer line of bags is that they are modular, so as your kit grows, your bag system can grow along with it.

Part of that modular system is the Sightseer Small Lens Pouch shown above.

These beautifully crafted lens pouches are constructed of waxed canvas and American Bison leather. Inside, the Aztec flannel fleece looks like a million bucks while providing a soft, secure environment that cradles your lens.

The outside of the pouch is weather resistant while the Aztec flannel on the interior is scratch resistant, which means your favorite photographer won’t have to worry about their gear getting wet or scratched no matter how many times they go out and shoot.

These pouches can be worn on any belt, on the Holdfast MoneyMaker, or on the exterior of the Holdfast Sightseer Bag, so there’s a ton of different ways for photographers to have their favorite lens right at their fingertips.

What better gift to give this holiday season than one that’s super functional, looks great, and is supremely versatile too?!

Learn more about the Holdfast Sightseer Small Lens Pouch 

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Wolverine Data F2D Titan

If you’re like me, you probably have a box or two of old 35mm negatives or slides laying around in your house somewhere.

If the photographer on your shopping list has hoarded a few negatives and slides, think about getting them the ultimate photography gift this holiday season - the Wolverine Data F2D Titan.

This rig allows you to convert all sorts of analog stuff to digital - 35mm/127/126 & 110 negatives, slides, 8mm and Super 8 movies.

In fact, not only does the F2D Titan convert these files, but it does so into 20-megapixel digital images in mere seconds. Literally - you push a button, and the Titan does the rest without the need for any additional software or even a computer

Each image you scan is saved to the internal memory on the device, or you can opt to insert an SD/SDHC memory card for saving files.

You can also transfer the images to your Mac or PC for storage or editing, or if you want to quickly view the images, you can hook the Titan up to your TV to watch a slideshow (TV cable not included)

With the versatility and ease of use of this product, it’s a perfect gift idea for photographers that have a ton of old negatives, or even a friend or family member that’s been hanging onto their old memories, but unable to do much with them. Give them the gift of organizing their photos and being able to enjoy their old memories quickly and easily too!

Learn more about the Wolverine Data F2D Titan 8-in-1 High Definition Film to Digital Converter.

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Kenko PL Fader Variable ND Filter

The great thing about a variable neutral density filter is that it’s like having a complete ND filter kit wrapped into a single filter. 

This PL Fader by Kenko offers variable densities from ND3 to ND400, offering photographers a wide range of possibilities for controlling exposure.

Made with two high-transparency polarizing film layers, this filter controls the amount of light that passes through to the camera lens, giving photographers supreme control over shutter speed for blurring motion during the daytime.

What’s more, this filter can also help control the aperture, allowing photographers to open up the aperture to minimize depth of field without worrying about overexposing the shot. That goes for still photography and videography too!

Whether your loved one enjoys photography, videography, or both, they’ll certainly appreciate having a variable ND filter that enables them to achieve the creative effects they want without worrying about overexposure.

Learn more about the Kenko PL Fader Variable ND Filter

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: RODE VideoMic

 

If the photographer on your list is like me and has expanded their activities into video production, then they need a high-quality microphone.

The RODE VideoMic is just that… 

It has a Rycote Lyre Suspension System that helps prevent unwanted vibrations and noise from handling.

 

It easily mounts to any camera with a hot-shoe and is effective at eliminating noise from either side while picking up the desired audio from the front.

Even in noisy environments or at moderate distances, this mic is capable of capturing clean audio to complement beautiful video footage. 

With a battery life of about 100 hours, the photographer in your life will have plenty of juice to keep recording and recording too!

Learn more about the RODE VideoMic

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Kenko Pro ND 100000 Filter

If the photographer on your list specializes in long exposure photography, then they need this ultra-dark ND 100000 filter from Kenko. 

With 16.5-stops of light-stopping power, this filter enables photographers to extend their shutter speeds to incredible lengths - several minutes, in fact.

The result of having the shutter open for so long is gorgeously ethereal scenes with beautifully blurred movement of water, clouds, and other moving features.

Likewise, this filter is dark enough that it can be used as a solar filter, so your favorite photographer will be ready to go for the next solar eclipse.

This filter glass is made using a carbon vapor deposit method that ensures and even coating that completely blocks out infrared light.

The glass itself is made of Asahi optical glass and has a multi-coating to ensure maximum resolution.

Available in multiple sizes, this filter is a must-have for photographers that want to explore the possibilities of long exposures!

Learn more about the Kenko Pro ND 100000 Filter

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: f-stop Dalston Bag

If the photographer on your holiday shopping list is in need of a high-quality, versatile camera bag, then look no further than the f-stop Dalston. 

This bag was designed with meeting the demands of the urban jungle in mind.

As a capable everyday bag, it not only offers excellent storage space but also has a sleek silhouette that makes it less bulky, which is ideal for photographing in tight spaces.

The bag is easy to access, too, with side-access pockets for quick grab and go.

But don’t think that the Dalston is just for quick daytime adventures…

At nearly 19 inches tall and 11.4 inches wide, this bag can hold up to 21 liters of gear. That’s plenty of space for extended photoshoots in which a photographer needs lots of space packed into a sleek bag.

Add in weather-sealed zippers, a removable internal organizer for keeping your gear tidy, a Jersey laminate EVA-padded back panel, and Thermoformed EVA shoulder straps for comfort, and you have the makings of a killer bag for photographers of all kinds!

Learn more about the f-stop Dalston

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: Westcott Rapid Box Octa Softboxes

 

If you’re in need of a gift for the photographer on your holiday list, don’t just settle for any old thing. Instead, wow them with a gift that has the ability to help them elevate the quality of their photos. 

In photography, light is everything, and if the photographer you’re shopping for takes any portraits at all, they need a high-quality softbox in their collection of gear. 

And for me, the best softboxes on the market are those by Westcott.

 

I particularly like their Rapid Box Octa series because they’re lightweight, easy to set up, and supremely durable

The all-aluminum frame is strong and helps the octabox keep its shape - a shape, by the way, that has a very shallow depth, so it can still be used even if space is at a premium.

But what will impress your favorite photographer most about the Rapid Box is probably not its durability or construction, but the way it modifies light.

There’s a silver reflector that’s sewn into the back of the box’s diffusion panel, which minimizes the hot spot from the speedlight and results in gorgeously even light from corner to corner. 

Speaking of the diffusion panel - it’s made of an all-natural, unbleached nylon fabric, which softens the light without changing its color temperature. Lesser softboxes cannot claim the same!

In the end, you want the gift you give to your loved one to be something that they love, but also something that they can use over and over again. The 26-inch Westcott Rapid Octa softbox certainly fits the bill!

Learn more about the 26-Inch Westcott Rapid Octa Softbox

Gifts for Photographers Under $150: ProMediaGear BP1-PBX3 Paparazzi Bracket

Photographers that need to have a few accessories on their camera will love this ProMediaGear Paparazzi Bracket.

It attaches to a PMG Arca-Type flash bracket base plate and enables you to mount a flash, a flash trigger, or another accessory right next to the camera.

This facilitates better camera balance without greatly impacting its form factor. You can also install the bracket forward or backward, depending on your specific needs.

This bracket comes with the necessary mounting hardware, an anti-rotation mounting plate, and a 1/4-20 threaded adapter. With two 1/4-20 threaded female accessory holes, the bracket arm gives you the option of removing the extension plate if you need a more compact setup.

For photographers with lots of accessory needs, this bracket is the ideal holiday gift!

Learn more about the ProMediaGear BP1-PBx3 Paparazzi Bracket

 

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I just picked up a GoPro HERO 7 Black not that long ago, and after taking it on a recent trip to Death Valley, I'm all in on the action camera thing.

I had so much fun shooting video with this thing - particularly the TimeWarp feature.

Anyway, in the weeks since I got my new GoPro, I've been testing out some accessories for it and wanted to share my thoughts on the to p10 GoPro accessories I've been able to get my hands on thus far.

Let's get started!

Table of Contents

• Top GoPro Accessories: RODE VideoMicro
• Top GoPro Accessories: RODE WS9 Windshield
• Top GoPro Accessories: Ulanzi V2 Vlog Protective Housing Case
• Top GoPro Accessories: GoPro Pro 3.5mm Microphone Adapter
• Top GoPro Accessories: Andycine Mini Hot-Shoe Stand
• Top GoPro Accessories: LitraTorch LitraPro
• Top GoPro Accessories: Joby GorillaPod 3K
• Top GoPro Accessories: HandlePod 3-Axis Action Camera Mount
• Top GoPro Accessories: GoPro Dual Battery Charger
• Top GoPro Accessories: Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I MicroSDXC Memory Card
• Top GoPro Accessories (Honorable Mention): Wiral LITE Cable Cam

Top GoPro Accessories: RODE VideoMicro ($59.00)

This tiny shotgun microphone is perfect for a GoPro.

It's compact and lightweight, but audio quality isn't sacrificed. In fact, it has a high-quality cardioid condenser mic capsule so you can get clear, crisp audio.

And since it's a directional mic, it minimizes sounds from the periphery so your video has focused audio from the subject.

Add to that a thermoplastic suspension structure for minimizing vibrations as you adventure around with your GoPro, and you have the ideal audio companion for the best adventura camera on the market!

Learn more about the RODE VideoMicro

Top GoPro Accessories: RODE WS9 Windshield ($25.00)

There's no point in investing in a better microphone if all it picks up is the sound of the wind rushing by...

The WS9 is inexpensive, but packs a solid punch for ensuring you get the best quality audio.

With an open-cell foam enclosure covered with synthetic fur, this sucker does its job to perfection. After all, that's why it's one of my picks for the best GoPro accessories on the market today.

Learn more about the RODE WS9 Windshield

Top GoPro Accessories: Ulanzi V2 Vlog Protective Housing Case ($15.95)

This case is a must for having a microphone with your GoPro.

Not only does this case have a cold-shoe mount for the mic, but it also has a spot to hold the 3.5mm microphone adapter nicely tucked directly beneath the GoPro.

This rig is compatible with GoPro HERO 7, 6, and 5, and you can mount the case in a number of different ways, from your bike helmet to a chest belt to a monopod or selfie stick.

It's lightweight, portable, and fits the GoPro like a glove, so you don't have to worry about a clunky case getting in the way of your fun.

Learn more about the Ulanzi V2 Vlog Protective Housing Case

Top GoPro Accessories: GoPro Pro 3.5mm Microphone Adapter ($49.99)

In order to use an external mic with a GoPro, you need one of these things.

Personally, I find it really annoying that you need to shell out $50 bucks for one of these when it would have been better for GoPro just to include the 3.5mm mic port to start with!

But..good luck finding one of these for $50, as they have been out of stock for some time. I had to buy mine from someone on eBay for $106. Yikes!

Learn more about the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Microphone Adapter

Top GoPro Accessories: Andycine Mini Hot-Shoe Stand ($36.99)

If you have hot-shoe accessories you want to add to your GoPro, this little stand is a must-have.

Use it to mount a mic, LED lights, flash, or camera monitor to your GoPro...you name it!

It offers a 176-degree viewing angle with a base that rotates 360-degrees for optimal functionality.

Making adjustments is simple with 3 M3 knots and an Allen key to get things just how you want them.

Additionally, since the GoPro has such a wide-angle of view, you need to get your microphone or other accessories out of the way.

This rig puts more distance between your accessories and the GoPro to get them out of frame. 

Learn more about the Andycine Mini Hot-Shoe Stand

Top GoPro Accessories: Litra Torch LitraPro ($220.00)

Yes, the Litra Torch LitraPro is one of the more expensive GoPro accessories on this list, but it is also far and away one of the best GoPro accessories you can get your hands on...

That's because the GoPro has never been good in low-light situations. If you'll be filming without much light, you absolutely must have a light like this.

Just get a load of these specs:

• 60 LEDs
• 1200 lumens of output
• Bi-color with adjustable color temperature
• 70-degree beam angle
• 95 CRI
• Size: 2.75 x 2 x 1.2 inches
• Weight: 6 ounces

So, yeah, the LitraPro is a powerhouse despite being so small. But, hey, that small size is precisely what makes it an ideal companion for a GoPro.

This thing puts out so much light, and the fact that it's adjustable from 3000K to 6000K should not be overlooked.

I did a full review on this rig a few weeks ago. Check it out here to see why this is the best light money can buy!

Learn more about the Litra Torch LitraPro

Top GoPro Accessories: HandlePod 3-Axis Action Cam Mount ($29.95)

You might have never heard of the HandlePod 3-Axis Action Camera Mount, but I have to tell you it's one of my favorite GoPro Accessories for a couple of reasons.

For starters, it's like a Swiss Army Knife for action cameras. With its 3-axis configuration, I can use it as a grip, as a stand, and even mount it to things like a bicycle or a tree. I can hold onto it in from of me for vlogging, set it atop my desk (as shown above)...you name it!

Secondly, it's inexpensive - about $20.00 less than my beloved GorillaPod.

So, not only is the HandlePod more versatile, it's also far less expensive. What's not to like about that?!

Learn more about the HandlePod 3-Axis Action Camera Mount

Top GoPro Accessories: Joby GorillaPod 3k ($49.88)

Another must-have GoPro accessory is the Joby GorillaPod 3K.

This multi-use tripod can support just about any device that weighs less than 6.6 pounds, so if you have a light, microphone, or other accessory, or if you want to use it to support the GoPro itself, this mini tripod is up to the task.

It comes with a Ball Head 3K with a separate pan joint so you can position the camera or accessory just how you need or like. You can also use the GorillaPod 3K as a grip or wrap its legs around sturdy objects for hands-free filming.

Learn more about the Joby GorillaPod 3K

Top GoPro Accessories: GoPro Dual Battery Charger ($49.00)

Not only does this charger enable quick charging of two GoPro batteries, but it also comes with a spare battery in the first place!

You can charge the batteries via a USB port or for up to 45 percent faster charging, you can add a GoPro Supercharger to the equation.

GoPro batteries can drain fast, so having a backup that's fully charged and a means of recharging the batteries quickly is an absolute must.

Learn more about the GoPro Dual Battery Charger

Top GoPro Accessories: Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I MicroSDXC Memory Card ($23.99)

A fast memory card is a must for shooting GoPro videos, and the Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I certainly doesn't disappoint.

It's got plenty of storage, that's for sure, and with lightning-fast read/write speeds of up to 100MB/s, you won't have to sit around and wait for it to do its thing.

In fact, it'll transfer a 3GB video to your computer in 38 seconds. Nice!

This card is also waterproof, temperature resistant, X-ray proof, and has a 10-year warranty. Not bad, right?

Learn more about the Samsung 128GB EVO UHS-I MicroSDXC Memory Card

Top GoPro Accessories Honorable Mention: Wiral LITE Cable Cam ($399.00)

I just got this thing, so I haven't had a chance to fully test it.

However, in the little time I've had to play around with it, I can tell it's going to be a rockstar GoPro accessory for me.

It's billed as the world's first easy-to-use cable cam system, and so far, I wholeheartedly agree that it's easy to use.

It's just a simple rope system that takes about three minutes to set up, but it gets your viewers close to the action with smooth, long video sequences that you'd expect from a much bigger and pricier unit.

Check out the video above to see what I mean - this thing is totally awesome!

Learn more about the Wiral LITE Cable Cam

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^{photo byVitaliy_ph via iStock}

With just a few days left until Christmas, it's officially time to get your last-minute shopping done.

To help you find the perfect gift for the photographer on your list, we've put together this last-minute gift guide for photographers.

With items of all shapes, sizes, types, and prices, there's something on this list for the photographer in your life!

Best Ever Backdrops Mix and Match Backdrop

As a photographer, I want to get gifts that improve my ability to take photos. And as a photographer with a lot of gear, I also want something that I can tuck away into a drawer here or a cubby there to keep it out of the way.

I want to receive a gift that also has a lot of utility - something that’s easy to use, offers flexibility in terms of how it's used, and something that will last a long time. And that, my friends, is exactly what you get with a backdrop from Best Ever Backdrops.

Now, I’m a landscape photographer by trade, but I also love to cook. So I thought, why not give food photography a try?

To create images of food that really make people’s mouths water, I need to set up a home studio that allows me to get the perfect shots. And for that I need a good backdrop.

What I really love about these backdrops is that they tick all the boxes - they look incredible, they’re double-sided to give you two backdrops in one, and they are just 24 x 36 inches and 1/8th of an inch thick, so they’re easy to shove under my bed when I’m not using them.

Additionally, these backdrops are extremely durable, waterproof, and stainproof, so if my food photography shoots get a little out of hand, I don’t have to worry about ruining my backdrops.

Better still, there are dozens and dozens of colors, textures, and patterns to choose from, so you can truly tailor the backdrop to what you think the photographer on your shopping list would like. There’s even free shipping! 

Since this is a last-minute gift guide, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that these backdrops arrive at your door in just a couple of days, so they truly are an ideal last-minute gift. 

It’s hard to beat something that’s so useful, so beautiful, and at the end of the day, inexpensive, too. If you want to wow the photographer on your holiday list, this is the gift to do it!

Learn more about Best Ever Backdrops

Sony a7 IV

The Sony a7 IV is the newest version of the a7 line - so new, in fact, that it’s still in the pre-order phase. 

However, any photographer on your holiday shopping list would surely love to have this camera, even if they have to wait a while to get it. 

The a7 IV is equipped with a full frame 33-megapixel Exmor R back-illuminated sensor that offers incredible image quality, including better color reproduction and low noise.

Additionally, the sensor is capable of accommodating more than 15 stops of dynamic range, which offers photographers the ability to capture a wide range of highlights and details in the scene.

The Sony a7 IV isn’t just a photographer’s camera, though…

The fast sensor readout enables 10-bit 4:2:2 4K video recording at up to 60p. Likewise, you get full pixel readout with no binning, the option to edit footage in slow-motion at 30p or 24p, and oversampling at 7K

Of course, that’s just the start! The a7 IV offers a host of other features that includes a 3-inch free-angle tilting touchscreen LCD, an OLED EVF, up to 10fps burst shooting, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5-axis image stabilization.

In other words, this camera is loaded up with goodies that will make your favorite photographer smile from ear to ear!

Learn more about the Sony a7 IV

Atomos Ninja V

If you're shopping for a photographer that wants to try their hand at audio and video production, the 5-inch Atomos Ninja V portable monitor/recorder is a great gift idea.

The Ninja V is compatible with virtually any DSLR or mirrorless camera. Recording is done directly from the camera's sensor, but because it bypasses the camera's internal compression and record time limits, the Ninja V allows you to record for as long as you want. You get 4K 60p 10-bit recording out of the deal, too.

Files from the Ninja V are in ProRes or DNxHR format, which are ready to edit and can be easily stored on an SSD drive.

The monitor on the Ninja V is a bright 5.2-inch 10-bit HDR screen that offers 1,000 nits of brightness. The unit is wrapped in a 1-inch aluminum body that's both durable and lightweight.

Additionally, the screen is anti-reflective and offers 10+ stops of dynamic range in real-time from various signals, including Log, PQ, and HLG.

You get one-touch operation, fast playback, slow motion, and frame-by-frame analysis with AtomOS as well!

Learn more about the Atomos Ninja V

Sony ZV-1

The Sony ZV-1 is a compact, 4K camera aimed specifically at vloggers.

It has a 20.1MP sensor, a vari-angle LCD screen that faces forward, and a three-capsule mic with a windscreen as well.

These features make it much easier for videographers to see themselves as they record and capture improved audio as they do it.

But the list of features doesn't stop there...

The camera is compatible with Bluetooth grips that enable easy handheld shooting. There is also a bokeh switch and a product showcase setting that make it easier to defocus the background and highlight products that need to be singled out in a video.

The ZV-1 also comes with a 2.7x optical zoom, enhanced color science for improved skin tones, and real-time tracking that ensures the subject is always in focus.

In other words, if the photographer on your list is ready to get into shooting video, this might be the camera for them!

Learn more about the Sony ZV-1

Westcott FJ400 400Ws Strobe with AC/DC Battery

If the photographer you’re shopping for needs to upgrade or expand their lighting gear, this Westcott 400Ws strobe will be an ideal solution.

This light comes with an AC/DC battery, making it highly portable for use in the studio or in the field. The AC/DC battery offers 480+ full-power flashes with each charge, so photographers get long-lasting use out of it. And with less than a second recycle speed, work can commence quickly!

The FJ400 offers superb color accuracy, has a 9-stop output range, and a stable color temperature of 5500K (+/-150K). There’s an easy-to-use menu system with an LCD color display for making quick adjustments in addition to having both manual and TTL flash modes.

Westcott incorporated other nice features into this light as well. It offers High Speed Sync (HSS) at up to 1/8000s, Freeze Sync up to 1/19000s, Continuous Capture at up to 20fps, and automatic memory recall. 

Add to the list mask function, delay function, rear curtain sync, and group and channel assignment, too! 

Even better, this light is firmware upgradable via USB-C, so additional features can be added in the future. What’s not to like about that?!

Learn more about the Westcott FJ400 400Ws Strobe with AC/DC Battery

RODE Wireless GO II Microphone

I've used RODE microphones for years, and I can attest to the quality of these mics both in terms of build and audio performance.

The Wireless GO II builds on the success of its predecessor by continuing the tradition of innovation.

It operates in the 2.4GHz spectrum and is compatible with Android and Apple products.

This kit comes with dual transmitters, each of which have an internal microphone and a receiver with a 3.5mm TRS output.

The transmitter and receiver have a USB-C port for charging. These ports can also be used to connect to a computer to get firmware updates.

With completely wireless operation, these mics give you the freedom to move around in front of the camera without worry of tripping over wires. What's more, if you're on camera, there's no wires to try to hide under your shirt.

These little guys simply give you a lot of bang for your buck with professional-quality audio in a tiny package.

Learn more about the RODE Wireless GO II

Rode Microphones RODECaster Pro Integrated Podcast Production Studio

If you're shopping for someone that wants to get into podcasting, then the RODECaster Pro is a great last-minute gift idea.

What's so great about this gadget is that it is fully integrated. That means that photographers can use this to produce podcasts whether they are an experienced podcaster or a beginner.

There are four high-quality microphone channels that can power studio condenser microphones and traditional dynamic microphones as well.

Better still, you can connect microphones to the RODECaster Pro quickly and easily. The device also offers convenient features like one-touch recording and automatic level setting.

The RODECaster Pro also allows you to have remote guests call in for an interview. Doing so is easy - just connect a smartphone via Bluetooth or a TRRS cable and the RODECaster will automatically provide mix-minus audio so the caller doesn't hear an echo.

This unit additionally provides preamps and outputs with Class A circuitry for ultra-low distortion and top-of-the-line gain structure.

There's music, jingles, applause, and other sounds that help give your podcast a more professional sound as well!

Learn more about the RODECaster Pro

RODE Lavalier GO

Another prime last-minute gift idea for photographers is the RODE Lavalier GO microphone.

At just $79, this is one of the least expensive items on this list. But don't let the small price fool you - this is a high-powered mic!

In fact, this is a professional-grade microphone that can be used in a variety of situations, from speaking directly to the camera in the studio to conducting interviews in the field and many points in between.

The Lavalier GO has a discreet 4.5mm omnidirectional mic that captures beautifully clear audio - even in less-than-forgiving environments.

It has a 3.5mm TRS connector and is designed to work with the RODE Wireless GO and many recording devices with a 3.5mm TRS microphone input.

The key to getting good video is capturing great audio, and with this microphone, the photographer on your shopping list can do just that!

Learn more about the RODE Lavalier GO

Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Tough-55

Chances are that the photographer on your holiday shopping list already has a ton of gear. So why not give them a gift that helps them carry that gear safely?

The Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Tough-55 roller case has four layers of foam on the bottom and convoluted foam on the lid to help protect sensitive photography and videography gear from bumps and bruises when traveling.

When closed, the case creates an airtight compartment. With pull release latches, the case is easy to open, and with padlock compatible points, the case can be easily secured as well. Add in a telescoping handle for making maneuvering the case through the airport a breeze!

One of the most interesting and useful features of this case is that it has optional accessories that can attach or latch onto metal attachment pins on the case.

This means that you can add a laptop bag, a tripod bag, or many other accessories to expand the usefulness of the case. 

These cases are dust-resistant and moisture-resistant and are rated to IP67 standards, so they are fully capable of being a photographer's go-to travel case in all sorts of environments.

Learn more about the Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Tough-55

Ikan Professional 15-Inch High Bright Beam Splitter Teleprompter

One of the best pieces of kit I have in my home studio is this Ikan 15-inch beam splitter teleprompter.

I do a lot of videos where I'm speaking directly to the camera, so a high-quality teleprompter is critical so I can speak naturally to my audience while maintaining eye contact with the camera.

With a large and bright 15-inch screen, the text on the screen is nice and big so I can easily read it from across the room. Now, my home studio is pretty small, so I'm no more than about eight feet away.

However, if you're shopping for someone that has a larger studio, this teleprompter can be set back much further, allowing for placement of additional cameras, lights, and other gear.

The teleprompter itself is about 25 x 20 x 16 inches and weighs about 22 pounds. These figures are just for the teleprompter, so once you add in a camera and lens, a tripod, and so forth, the entire setup is fairly large. That means it's probably more of a studio setup than something you'd want to travel with.

Still, I've been thoroughly impressed with this rig and can't recommend it enough!

Learn more about the Ikan Professional 15-Inch High Bright Beam Splitter Teleprompter

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Those of you that know me know that I have been dabbling in video work lately.

I have to say that it's been exciting to use my cameras in a different way and create content that differs so much from what I've always done.

Getting started can be a bit of a bear, though. Having little to no experience in creating video content meant that I wasn't completely sure what accessories I needed to get the job done.

Now that I have slogged my way through, made a ton of mistakes, and now actually have a clue what I'm doing, I thought I'd share my thoughts on a few video accessories that I've found helpful.

I shoot with a Sony a6300, so that's where my frame of reference is coming from. If you have a Sony a6400 or a Sony a6500, these accessories will work for you as well.

Let's get started!

Top Accessories for Sony A6300, A6400 and A6500: Ikan Delta DH5e-V2 Field Monitor

Having a field monitor is a must-have accessory for any videographer so you can actually see what you're filming.

But more than that, a field monitor like my Ikan Delta makes getting the correct focus and exposure miles easier

This rig is small, lightweight, and has stunning image quality. As you can see below, the monitor is crisp and bright, too.

The full HD screen offers 440 pixels per inch for a super clear picture, and the touch capability makes checking menu settings, exploring features, and zooming a breeze.

The Ikan Delta is equipped with software features that help me get better shots - guides, a histogram, and audio meters, as well as peaking, zooming, and false color.

This unit has HDMI input and output (with 4K UHD support), a USB port for loading 3D LUTs, and a 3.5mm audio jack as well.

It's the perfect companion for any videographer, but as a relative newbie, I can tell you it's one of the most valuable accessories I've bought thus far.

Top Accessories for Sony a6300, a6400 and a6500: Litra Torch LitraPro

If you want to up the production value of your videos, you need a good light source (and great audio, too...but that's another topic).

The problem with lighting for video is that so many of the options are big, bulky, hot, expensive, or some combination thereof.

That's not the case with the LitraPro LED light...

The LitraPro has a whopping 60 LEDs that put out 1200 lumens. It's fully dimmable, too, so you can max it out at 100 percent power or rock it at 1 percent - whatever you need!

This thing puts out gorgeously even and clean light with 95 CRI and a 70-degree beam angle for broad coverage. It's bi-color and has an adjustable color temperature of 3000-6000k to meet your needs.

And, as you'd expect from a Litra Torch product, it's incredibly small and lightweight - just 2.75 x 2 x 1.2 inches and 6 ounces.

On top of all that, the LitraPro is Bluetooth compatible, waterproof up to 90 feet, and has a 10-hour battery life to boot.

If you need a high-quality light that's easy to use, rugged and reliable, and puts out beautifully crisp light, the LitraProshould be on your radar!

Check out my full LitraPro review for more details.

Top Accessories for Sony A6300, A6400 and A6500: Joby GorillaPod 5K Kit

I waffled back and forth between the Joby GorillaPod 5K and the GorillaPod 3K, and ultimately went the 5K route even because it's Arca-Swiss compatible.

This little guy has been invaluable thus far because it allows me to use it as a tripod or wrapped around an object for stability, as well as a grip when I need on-the-go footage.

It also features Joby's BallHead 5K, which has independent 360-degree panning and 90-degree tilt so you can get the precise positioning you need.

Setup is fast and easy thanks to the Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate, and with a weight rating of up to 11 pounds, you can stack a ton of gear on it and still have all the stability you need.

Top Accessories for Sony A6300, A6400 and A6500 Ikan Stratus Cage

Another top accessory you need for videography is a rock-solid cage.

I chose the Ikan Stratus Cage because it's form-fitted to the a6300 (and a6400 and a6500) so you can add tons of accessories without having a big, cumbersome cage wrapped around your camera.

It's base on an Arca-Swiss plate, so you can mount it directly to an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod.

There are 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded mounts all over the cage so you can add all the accessories you need to get the job done. There's a shoe mount and an ARRI rosette for more options for mounting gear.

As you can see above, I just have my field monitor and mic attached to the cage, so I have plenty more room for more accessories down the line.

Top Accessories for Sony A6300, A6400 and A6500: Rode VideoMic GO

As any seasoned videographer will tell you, your videos are only as good as the audio.

That means that a high-quality mic is a must so that 4K UHD video you shoot has crystal clear audio to go with it.

I chose the Rode VideoMic GO for a few of reasons.

First, Rode has a long-standing reputation for quality and performance, so a Rode mic was a must.

Second, I didn't want to spend a giant amount of money, so I wanted a budget-friendly option that would still get me great results (this mic is $99.00 at the time of writing).

Lastly, I wanted a mic that was compact and lightweight, and the VideoMic GO certainly delivers on that front.

As you can see above, it's not obtrusive in any way, and even though it's a tiny little thing, it still gets me excellent audio that picks up my voice while minimizing surrounding sounds.

Top Accessories for Sony a6300, a6400 and a6500: Shure VP83F Lens Hopper

I know I've already recommended a microphone, but the Shure VP83F Lens Hopper is so good that it warrants inclusion on this list.

Though the Rode mic described above is a great microphone, this Shure mic is a step above.

Yes, it's more expensive, but that extra money gets you plenty of extra features...

The biggest benefit of this mic is that it can record digital audio by itself - no need to rely on the camera to do so (though that's an option if you need).

The shotgun design with electret condenser cartridge and integrated shock mounting system offers excellent audio quality with top-of-the-line isolation of unwanted noise.

Additional features include:

• Dedicated audio output so you can monitor audio in real-time
• Low self-noise and high sensitivity with a wide frequency range that results in natural audio reproduction
• Easy access to the MicroSD card for quickly swapping cards
• Highly directional supercardioid/lobar polar pattern that rejects off-axis audio

It runs on two AA batteries, mounts to the hot-shoe on your camera, and comes with a windscreen, too.

If you want to step up your audio game and have the budget to do so, I strongly suggest investing in the Shure VP83F!

Get more details on this fantastic little mic in the video above by Jason Vong.

Top Accessories for Sony A6300, A6400 and A6500: Andycine Hot-Shoe Stand

An unsung hero of the Sony accessory world is a solid hot-shoe stand that you can use to mount accessories like a flash, LED lights, a monitor, and so forth.

For my money, it doesn't get better for this purpose than the Andycine Hot-Shoe Stand shown above and below.

With 176 degrees of viewing angles and 360-degree rotation, this stand makes shooting video a much easier task.

Installation is a breeze as is making adjustments, that way you spend less time messing around with your gear and more time actually making videos.

There's an upper 1/4-inch screw for fast attachment to accessories and on the bottom is a standard shoe and 1/4-inch screw so you can quickly attach the stand to your camera's hot shoe or other rigs.

It's small and lightweight, too, so you won't feel like you're carry around a ton of extra weight by adding this little guy to your camera.

Top Accessories for Sony a6300, a6400 and a6500: Good Glass

Just like a microphone enables you to capture the audio that makes your video sing, a high-quality lens will make your camera more capable of capturing footage that makes your videos shine.

But don't confuse "high-quality" with expensive.

Sure, there's tons of really good lenses out there with giant price tags, but that's not the route I chose.

I picked up a Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens and a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 version that are absolutely outstanding, and neither one was particularly expensive as lenses go (the 16mm was $400 and the 30mm was $289).

In both cases, these lenses are ultra-light, incredibly sharp, and have stepping motors that enable quick and quiet autofocusing that's so crucial to video.

Additionally, both lenses have a huge f/1.4 aperture, which is great for getting gorgeously blurred backgrounds in my videos and for shooting in low-light conditions.

I've been blown away by the ease of use of these lenses and with the quality they produce when I'm shooting video. 

Combined with the other accessories I've highlighted above, I think I have a pretty darn good setup going!

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^{photo byzeljkosantrac via iStock}

It was a great year for photography, particularly on the software and gear fronts.

From camera accessories to post-processing software, camera bags to lighting gear, we saw tons of new, updated, and innovative products and services come to market in 2019.

It would be impossible to review everything that rocked the photography world this year, so we’ve done the next best thing and outlined more than a dozen of our favorite updates below. 

Luminar 4

 

I’ve been a big fan of Luminar going back to when it was called Luminar 2018. And when Luminar 3 came out, I got my copy and began enjoying it immediately.

Now Luminar 4 is here, and with a host of improvements and expanded capabilities, it is the best Luminar yet. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Luminar, let me give you a quick overview… 

It’s chock-full of revolutionary tools that help you create better photos, faster.

That’s thanks in large part to artificial intelligence that drives easy-to-use tools that streamline your workflow yet still give you pinpoint control over how your images look.

Joining tools like the Accent AI Filter and the AI Sky Enhancer from Luminar 3 is a suite of new AI-powered tools that take image editing to a whole new level.

For portrait enthusiasts, the AI Skin Enhancer and Portrait Enhancer tools will revolutionize the way photo editing is done.

Using human-aware technology, the AI Skin Enhancer detects all the skin in a photo, smooths it out, removes blemishes, and does so while preserving the texture of the skin, pores, and hair.

It takes just one click to apply the Skin Enhancers edits, and then with a single slider you can adjust its strength for a picture-perfect result.

The AI Portrait Enhancer gives you a host of tools to quickly and easily make detailed changes to portraits, like whitening teeth and eyes, removing dark circles under eyes, and removing red eye, just to name a few. 

In all, the Portrait Enhancer includes twelve revolutionary tools that turn editing portraits into a process that takes a minute or less!

Luminar 4 has some goodies for landscape photographers as well. 

Primary among them is the AI Sky Replacement tool. 

As its name suggests, this tool replaces the sky in your photos automatically - there’s no masking or selections to be made on your part. 

The selection algorithms work so well, in fact, that it knows to exclude leaves, grass, and animals from the sky selection.

Not only that, but this tool relights the entire image, that way the foreground matches the brightness of the new sky.

It’s advancements like this that make Luminar 4 one of the most powerful, easy-to-use editing programs on the planet today.

Need more convincing? Get Luminar 4 today and see for yourself!

Hakutatz Pocket Size RGB+AW LED Light

Gone are the days when you have to lug around huge lights to get the key light or fill light you need for awesome portraits.

Instead, companies like Hakutatz have developed powerful pocket-sized LED lights that give you the power to customize the type of lighting to your specific needs.

This particular light has RGB, amber, and white LEDs, so you can add accent colors to your photos and videos or dial in the ideal white balance by using the amber or white lights.

This light is completely adjustable, with controls for saturation, brightness, and color temperature. Better still, you can adjust the light’s settings via a well-designed and user-friendly smartphone app.

That means that with a simple touch or a swipe of your finger, you can fine-tune everything from the RGB color to special effects. You can even control multiple lights at the same time right from the app. No wonder their Kickstarter campaign was such a huge success!

Hakutatz literally puts the power to dial in complex lighting schemes in the palm of your hand, and does so in a way that’s clean, simple, and super functional. That’s by this little light rocked the photography world in 2019!

Be on the lookout for Hakutatz’ online store to have these lights in stock in December!

Learn more about the Hakutatz Pocket Size RGB+AW LED Light

Hazard 4® Cyclone™

Framing shots with your action cam in direct sun can be frustrating; glare in your eyes and the camera’s tiny, reflective screen are really fatiguing. Blowing sand, water or snow don’t help. But the best action is shot outside - Cyclone™ is the first real solution.

This patent-pending optic blocks the sun, but it’s lens also magnifies the screen and protects it. You effectively add mirrorless camera style composition and review to your tiny affordable GoPro or DJI action cam that survive where real mirrorless can’t. Better still, the viewfinder mounts to your action cam’s bottom screw in seconds, so there is no fumbling. But you’ll probably choose to keep it on since this little guy doubles as a tiltable handle - keeping fingers out of frame and for extension. With cheap additional hardware you can even head mount it for hands-free composition while biking, paragliding etc, and it tilts out of the way at will. 

The simple, waterproof, tough, design accordions flat for easy portability and flattened can be a selfie mini tripod. It has diopter focus - even helping out ageing eyes. The high-vis cap self closes to protect the lens. And you get a tether loop action cams don’t include.

Hazard 4® has a reputation for innovating outdoor photo accessories; the Cyclone™ is no exception. As usual they have gone above and beyond to design a multi-functional, easy to use bombproof solution to a common video shooter problem. Perhaps this may push GoPro® or DJI® to finally up the resolution on their LCD’s under magnification and drive the mirrorless wars into the action cam space. Either way, you don’t have to rely on the wide angle lens for your framing anymore- you can actually compose like a pro.

This device is currently on Kickstarter, with a fund date of January 7, 2020. Head over to Kickstarter now to learn more about this device.

The Camera Pack by Nomatic and Peter McKinnon

Billed as a “functional camera pack for all types of travelers,” the Camera Pack by Nomatic and Peter McKinnon is certainly worthy of inclusion on this list. 

The Kickstarter campaign to fund this pack had a goal of $100,000. It raised nearly $2.3 million. That speaks to the reputation of Nomatic and Peter McKinnon! 

This bag is ridiculously well designed and has a functionality level that’s off the charts.

It’s designed to cure the woes of travel photographers who have to have one bag for their gear and another bag for their personal items.

The Camera Pack solves this problem by having a clothing side and a gear side which are separated by an interior panel. This keeps everything neat and tidy so you aren’t rifling through the entire back when you need something. 

Better still, the bag has a “Cube Pack” inside, which serves as the ideal organizational module within the interior ecosystem. However, as the gif below shows, the Cube Pack converts to a daypack, so if you need to run and gun a little, you don’t have to take the larger Camera Pack with you. Ingenious!

Overall, the Camera Pack can hold 35 liters of gear, but can be expanded to accommodate up to 42 liters of gear. That’s a lot of stuff! And with a full clamshell opening, you can see all the gear you’ve stowed away with ease. 

And everything is neatly organized thanks to a main camera compartment with moveable interior dividers. There’s a sleeve for your tablet, pockets for your camera accessories, and quick side access for easy retrieval of gear, too.

 

On the clothing side, there’s compression cubes for your clothes, compression straps to keep everything where it should be, and more pockets for smaller items.

This is just a really well designed and impeccably built backpack. And with the input of a photography expert like Peter McKinnon, you know that it’s been designed with photography needs in mind. 

Learn more about the Camera Pack by Nomatic and Peter McKinnon

GearFocus.com

 

If you buy and sell your used photography gear on places like Craigslist, you’re doing it all wrong. 

That’s because there are much better alternatives that take the hassle out of buying and selling used gear. GearFocus.com is certainly one of the best.

One of the top reasons GearFocus makes our list of the Top Software and Gear Updates is because they focused on building a community where people like you and I can buy quality used gear and get fair market value for stuff we sell.

Unlike other used gear sites, GearFocus doesn’t take a giant chunk of your profits when you sell your gear. Instead, they offer the lowest seller fees among B2C and C2C marketplaces, which means more money in your pocket when your item sells.

Additionally, GearFocus ensures each transaction is safe and secure by screening and monitoring every single post and transaction. Gear Focus was made by creatives, for creatives and they’ve been in this business long enough to be able to spot suspicious listings and red flags from a mile away. Without scammers creating fake listings, the buying and selling experience is enhanced so you can get the best deal on used gear and the most money for the items you sell.

Heck, they’ll even intervene on your behalf if something goes wrong! Having that kind of peace of mind alone is enough to land these guys on this list!

It’s not often that you find companies like this that prioritize community building and supporting one another over making a buck. That focus on customer service is just the icing on the cake for patrons of GearFocus. They are here to help FEED YOUR PASSION! 

Learn more about GearFocus.com

Litra Studio 

To say that the Litra Studio is powerful is an understatement. 

Weighing in at just 33.5 ounces and measuring 5.5" x 3.9" x 2.9", the Litra Studio is certainly easily transported without taking up a ton of space in your camera bag.

But don’t let its small size fool you - this light can produce over one million unique colors that will help you light up your portraits and videos.

The Litra Studio can produce up to 3,000 lumens of continuous light and up to 6,00 lumens of flash. In CCT mode, you get 2,000-10,00K adjustable bi-color lighting with green and magenta color shift controls to allow for tunable blue and green screen optimization.

On top of that, this light is fully tunable and dimmable, and offers CCT, HSI, RGBWW, gel presets, flash modes, and effects, too.

The light it produces is clean and flicker-free at all shutter angles. The CRI and TLCI of 97 speak to its impeccable color accuracy.

Litra even made sure this light is rugged and durable. It’s waterproof, has highly efficient passive thermal management, and offers up to 20 hours of battery life on the low setting.

That makes this a go-anywhere, do-anything light that made huge waves in the photography world this year.

Learn more about the Litra Studio

GoPro HERO 8

While the GoPro HERO 8 doesn’t boast any major updates, it does represent a culmination of a wide range of smaller updates that, taken together, make it the best GoPro thus far.

In fact, I’d say this is the most innovative and user-friendly GoPro yet. 

It has built-in mounting pins so you can directly mount the camera to accessories rather than needing a frame to do so.

There are built-in digital lenses for multiple field of view settings from Narrow and Wide to Linear and Superview. The camera’s physical lens cover is not not removable and it twice as strong as those found in older models.

Also on the ease-of-use front are numerous capture presets that allow you to create and save popular types of videos. SuperPhoto, which is GoPro’s version of HDR, gets a refresh that results in improved image quality as well. 

The GoPro HERO 7 debuted incredible image stabilization with HyperSmooth, and the HERO 8 builds on that with even better results with HyperSmooth 2.0.

The HERO 8 also gets upgraded TimeWarp features, including an auto mode that uses sensor to detect motion and adjust the recording speed accordingly.

The camera also has improved photo-taking capabilities with face detection, smile detection, and blink detection functions, as well as LiveBurst mode for taking 1.5-second-long images before and after the shutter button is depressed. 

Add in built-in GPS, motion sensors, live streaming capabilities at 1080p, 4K video at 60fps, and a host of mod accessories to expand the camera’s capabilities, and it’s no wonder that this rig set the photography world on fire in 2019! 

Learn more about the GoPro HERO 8

Aputure 120D II

As far as studio lights go, it’s tough to beat the quality lights that Aputure puts out. 

And at the top of their lineup is the 120d II, a light I reviewed earlier this year and was very impressed with.

This light is 1000-watt tungsten equivalent, so you get plenty of brightness for your studio work. It’s fully dimmable, too, and has a CRI and TLCI of 97+. That kind of quality light is a must-have for discerning photographers. 

Aputure also included a variety of built-in lighting effects so you can dial in custom looks for your images. With this light, there’s nothing stopping your creativity!

But what’s really impressive about the 120d II is what’s “behind the scenes.”

It has an integrated power and control box, which keeps clutter to a minimum in the studio. Any studio photographer will appreciate that!

What’s more, it has an 18dB quiet fan, which keeps that annoying “whooshing” sound to a minimum so you can concentrate more thoroughly on getting killer shots.

Add in the fact that this light is 25 percent brighter than its predecessor and that it has DMX controls, a wireless remote, and excellent portability, and you have the makings of a top light for your photography studio. 

Learn more about the Aputure 120d II

Exposure X5

Exposure X5 is yet another software update that sent shockwaves through the photography world in 2019.

Its predecessor, Exposure X4, was highly functional, user-friendly, and super powerful, so it was hard to imagine how the folks at Exposure could make X5 better. But they did.

For starters, Exposure X5 has custom camera profiles that allow you to control how the software interprets color from RAW files. These profiles (created by X-Rite, among others) can be applied automatically by matching the serial number of your camera or by using the camera model. Furthermore, these profiles can be matched to a specific lens or ISO range.

You get advanced chromatic aberration correction in X5 too. This allows you to remove unwanted artifacts using lens profiles, or you can remove them by making manual adjustments if you prefer. 

There’s also a new fringe removal tool, so X5 makes getting rid of chromatic aberrations easier than ever before.

There are a host of other new features too.

Exposure X5 includes new complementary color presets, new season-inspired looks, and new light and airy presets that give you expanded creative potential when editing your photos.

There are more black and white film options than ever before, support for grayscale TIFF and JPEG images, and new image flip options too. Exposure X5 also has multiple language options, including English, German, and French. 

But for me, the best new feature in Exposure X5 is 3D color masking.

Basically, you can use this tool to make incredibly precise selections for applying adjustments to your photos. You can see it at work in the video above. 

This fine level of control is made possible by using specific color characteristics (hue, saturation, and luminance) to define the adjustment areas.

What this means is that you can quickly and easily target specific areas for color masking, like the sky in a landscape photo or skin tones in a portrait. This is all done with just a few clicks.

Exposure X5 is powerful, easy to use, and incorporates tons of new features that make it the best Exposure software to date. If you’ve never tried exposure, give it a test-drive for free. 

Learn more about Exposure X5

Holdfast Tanker Belt

I’ve been a Holdfast customer for a long time, and what initially drew me to them was the absolutely outstanding build quality of their products.

They use only the finest materials - things like full-grain leather and stainless steel - so when you buy a camera strap or harness or bag, you get something that is durable and will last you for years. 

But as the years have gone by, I’ve come to appreciate more and more the sheer innovation that these guys display when developing new products. That being the case, I had to include Holdfast on this list of the best gear updates of the year.

One of Holdfast’s latest products is the Tanker Belt, which changes the way you carry your gear.

It’s actually two belts in one, the first of which cinches around your waist like a normal belt and the second, outer belt, which forms loops for attaching your gear.

This ingenious design means the belt stays put (as do your pants) while maximizing the amount of gear you can carry around your waist.

There are three D-rings on the belt for attaching things like your keys or a wallet, and the D-rings are moveable, so you can customize precisely where your items hang on your waist. 

And, as you’d expect with Holdfast, this belt looks and feels like a million bucks - it's gorgeous handmade leather is something to behold! 

Better still, the Tanker Belt was designed with functionality in mind, so it’s compatible with a wide range of Holdfast products.

You can attach the Ranger Leash to the belt and take Fido for a hands-free walk, or you can add a cell phone pouch and keep your smartphone safe and secure and out of the elements.

Add a lens pouch or two (small, medium, or large) so you have extra glass for your next shoot too!

With sizes from 28-inches up to 44-inches and multiple colors (black, tan, chestnut, and burgandy), you can customize the Tanker Belt to your specific needs and tastes. 

Learn more about the Holdfast Tanker Belt

Panasonic 10-25mm f/1.7 Lens

I picked up a Panasonic GH5 earlier this year, and it quickly won me over with its astonishing video capabilities.

It wasn’t until recently, though, that I got to test out the Panasonic 10-25mm f/1.7 lens, and I have to say, I wish I would’ve gotten my hands on it a lot sooner! This is a fantastic lens, to say the least.

You can get some of my thoughts on this lens in the video above, but I want to expound on its features a little bit more. 

Make no mistake - this is a gigantic lens, especially for a micro four-thirds camera. Fortunately, it’s not hard to handle at all, and despite its footprint, it’s actually not all that heavy.

But it’s massive size means that Panasonic was able to cram lots of goodies inside to help you get superb images.

This lens is supremely sharp, beautifully responsive, and gets you clean, crisp images each and every time. Its bokeh is buttery smooth and there’s wonderful brightness throughout its aperture range.

It has 17 elements in 12 groups, including three aspherical lenses and four extra-low dispersion elements which work to all but eliminate spherical aberration, distortion, and chromatic aberration. The result is images with impressive quality. 

But where this lens was a game-changer in 2019 was in its video capabilities…

It’s compatible with up to 240fps high-speed sensor drives and offers silent operation thanks to the inner focus drive system and the de-clicked aperture ring.

The focus clutch is a nice touch as well, as it enables instant switching between autofocus and manual focus as well as improved accuracy when manually focusing.

With next to zero focus breathing, a micro-step drive system that accommodates brightness changes when panning and zooming, and Leica build quality, this lens certainly doesn’t disappoint! 

Learn more about the Panasonic 10-25mm f/1.7 lens

Sony a7R IV

When the Sony a7R IV was announced earlier this year, it set the internet on fire with news of its massive 61-megapixel sensor. And while the sensor is impressive, it’s just the beginning of the impressive specs of this camera.

Paired with a BIONZ X image processor, the a7R IV’s back-illuminated sensor is capable of rendering images that are beautifully crisp.

You get an eyeful of all that beauty with the brand-new UXGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder, which has a whopping 5.76-million dots of resolution for a clean, bright, detailed look at what you’ve framed up in the shot.

This camera has a native ISO range of 100-32000 for low-light shooting, and with 15-stops of dynamic range rendering, you’ll have no problem getting tons of details in the shadows and the highlights. 

Of course, the a7R IV carries on the Sony tradition of excellent autofocusing, with an ultra-fast hybrid AF system that has 567 phase-detect AF points to give you quick and accurate autofocus tracking. 

Throw in UHD 4K video at 30p, Real-Time Eye AF tracking, 10fps shooting, and a bevy of other features, and you can see why the Sony a7R IV was one of the best gear updates of 2019.

Learn more about the Sony a7R IV

Haida M10 Filter System

The Haida M10 filter system is something I’ve been testing as of late, and I have to say that I’m impressed with this system.

Like the other products and services on this list, I’ve found numerous innovative and unique features that compelled me to include this product on this list.

Haida is a great value for the money with well-built components that show an attention to quality and detail that many filter companies just can’t match.

I have multiple components in my kit - the M10 filter holder, a circular polarizer, a couple of solid ND filters, and a soft-edge grad (shown above) - but you can also buy complete kits of varying sizes, including their Master Filter Kit, their Professional Kit, and their Enthusiast Kit, if you’d rather go that route. 

Either way, I think you’ll find, as I have, that the Haida system is one that enhances your ability to get quality shots.

The aluminum alloy filter holder can accommodate two 100mm filters, but it can expand to include a third slot if needed. The Haida filters are made of shock-resistant optical glass and features 10 layers of anti-reflective nano coating and 10 layers of scratch and water resistant coatings.

The holder rotates a full 360-degrees, which is enormously helpful for getting just the right positioning when using graduated ND filters.

I also like the fact that Haida incorporated gaskets in the filter slots to help prevent light leaks. They even include a “dummy” filter housing that can be dropped into the filter if you’re shooting without the circular polarizer in place. Again, this helps prevent light leaks so you get a cleaner exposure. 

The pinch and pull system for adding and removing filters make using this system super easy, as do the rounded edges of the rectangular filters - they’re much easier to slide into the filter holder without sharp edges.

This is just a well thought out system for beginners and enthusiasts alike!

Learn more about the Haida M10 filter system

Sony a6600

Though the Sony a7R IV probably got more attention, the Sony a6600 is certainly not something to forget about…

With a much smaller price tag than the a7R IV and more applicability for more photographers, the a6600 rocked our world this year by bringing many flagship features to a mid-range camera.

Its 24.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor is ideal for capturing beautifully resolute images while the native ISO range of 100-32000 gives you excellent low-light shooting capabilities with reduced noise.

As I get more into video creation, I appreciate the fact that this camera sports UHD 4K video capabilities that can be internally recorded in XAVC S format.

The five-axis image stabilization is a dream, giving you five full stops of stabilization, while the weather-sealed construction means you can head out in adverse weather with less worry about what will happen to your camera.

With additional features like a beautiful XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder, a tiltable LCD monitor, 11 fps continuous shooting, and much more, this camera is certainly worthy of the title of gear that rocked 2019!

Learn more about the Sony a6600

RODE Wireless GO 

A final product I wanted to mention on this list of the top software and gear updates is this handy little guy, the RODE Wireless GO.

This wireless system automatically pairs in just three seconds and transmits via RODE’s new Series III digital transmission system. It’s a 2.4GHz system that’s optimized for short-range operation, particularly in environments in which there is a lot of RF and Wi-Fi interference. It also offers line-of-sight range of up to 70 meters.

You also get broadcast-grade audio thanks to the built-in condenser mic’s superb isolation and transparency. Alternatively, you can use it with a lavalier mic using the 3.5mm TRS input.

Additionally, the Wireless GO system operates up to seven hours on a full charge, and since the unit is so small and compact, it’s super lightweight and portable. 

You can even use up to eight systems in one location if you have the need!

If you’ve ever used a ROD mic before, you know they’re some of the best in the business. The RODE Wireless GO is certainly no exception!

Learn more about the RODE Wireless GO

 

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