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The Best Holiday Gifts for Photographers

You don't have to spring for a new camera to make the photographer in your life happy; there are plenty of accessories and other tools to help them make images. These are the best gifts for photographers at a variety of price points.

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You Can Trust Our Reviews

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

  • BLACKRAPID Classic Retro (RS4) Camera Strap

    BLACKRAPID Classic Retro (RS4) Camera Strap

    Bottom Line:

  • DJI Mavic Air

    DJI Mavic Air

    Beginners
    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The Mavic Air is DJI's smallest, most portable drone, and is just as full-featured as its larger siblings.
    • Pros

      • Very small.
      • High bit-rate 4K UHD video.
      • HDR and Panorama still capture.
      • Raw and JPG support.
      • Asteroid video shot.
      • Good obstacle avoidance.
      • Automated flight modes.
    • Cons

      • Doesn't support USB charging.
      • No 4K DCI video.
      • Panorama stitching needs some work.
      • Real-world flight limited to about 18 minutes.
  • Lensbaby Sol 45

    Lensbaby Sol 45

    Special Effects
    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The Lensbaby Sol 45 is an affordable art lens that draws images with a small, sharp area of focus, surrounded by blur, with adjustable blades to add texture.
    • Pros

      • Sweet spot Lensbaby effect.
      • Tilt adjusts sharp area of photo.
      • Bokeh Blades add texture to backgrounds.
      • Compact, lightweight design.
      • Compatible with multiple camera systems.
    • Cons

      • Focus ring is a little narrow.
      • Bokeh Blades effect reduced when capturing distant subjects.
    Get It Now
  • Sony a7R III

    Sony a7R III

    Enthusiasts
    4.5 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The a7R III takes Sony's proven high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera and improves upon its speed, autofocus system, and video capabilities.
    • Pros

      • Proven 42MP full-frame sensor.
      • Improved processor and autofocus system.
      • 10fps image capture with tracking.
      • Silent shooting option.
      • Tilting touch LCD.
      • Dual card slots.
      • Larger battery than a7R II.
    • Cons

      • Only one card slot supports UHS-II speeds.
      • No built-in flash.
      • Can't start video until image buffer is cleared.
      • Dense menu system.
  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

    Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

    Beginners
    4.0 Excellent

    Bottom Line:

    The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is the best-looking Instax Mini camera out there, and offers improved features compared with more basic models.
    • Pros

      • Gorgeous design.
      • Easy operation.
      • Rechargeable battery.
      • Self-timer, bulb, and double exposure options.
      • Color and monochrome film available.
    • Cons

      • Smallest of current instant film formats.
      • Doesn't support in-camera charging.
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  • Think Tank Urban Approach 15

    Think Tank Urban Approach 15

    Bottom Line:

  • FOTYRIG Hot Shoe Level Three Axis Bubble Spirit Level Camera Level Standard Shoe Mount

    FOTYRIG Hot Shoe Level Three Axis Bubble Spirit Level Camera Level Standard Shoe Mount

    Bottom Line:

  • Platypod Max The Flat Tripod Base

    Platypod Max The Flat Tripod Base

    Bottom Line:

  • CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos

    CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos

    Bottom Line:

Buying Guide: The Best Holiday Gifts for Photographers

Holiday Gift Guide

None

For more, check out our picks for the best tech gifts under $50, under $20, and our full Holiday Gift Guide.

Compare SpecsThe Best Holiday Gifts for Photographers
Our Pick
Editor's Rating
4.0 Excellent
Review
Editors' Choice
4.0 Excellent
Review
Editors' Choice
4.5 Excellent
Review
4.0 Excellent
Review
Weight
15.25.31.510.4
Viewfinder Type
EVFOptical
Video Resolution
1080p, 2.7K, 4K, 720p1080p, 4K
Type
MirrorlessAnalog, Compact
Touch Screen
Stabilization
In-BodyNone
Sensor Type
BSI CMOS
Sensor Size
Full-Frame (24 x 36mm)
Sensor Resolution
42.4
Rotors
4
Remote
Dedicated with App
Optical Stabilization
None
Mount
Sony E, Canon EF, Fujifilm X, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A
Memory Card Format
Secure Digital, Secure Digital Extended Capacity, Secure Digital High CapacityFujifilm Instax Mini
Megapixels
12
Media Format
Internal, microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
Maximum Waterproof Depth
0
Maximum ISO
102400
Live Video Feed
720p
Lens Mount
Sony E
Integrated Camera
Integrated with Gimbal
Full-Frame Equivalent (Wide)
45
EVF Resolution
3600000
Display Resolution
1440000
Dimensions
1.9 by 3.3 by 6.6 inches1.5 by 2.9 inches3.8 by 5 by 2.9 inches3.6 by 4.5 by 2.3 inches
Battery Type
Lithium IonLithium Ion
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
35

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