RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Gifts’

Best gifts for photographers in 2020

22 Nov

Best gifts for photographers in 2020

First, an acknowledgement: this holiday season is unusual. It’s been a grim year to say the least, and it might seem a little frivolous to be recommending gadgets and stocking stuffers when many people are struggling.

The counter-argument is that in these difficult times, creative pursuits are more important than ever. For many of us, photography is therapeutic – something that invigorates us when we’re feeling depleted. If we can assist you in helping the photographer in your life find a little calm in the storm that is 2020, then we’ve done our job.

So in light of all of this, most of the gifts in this guide are well under $ 100, and many of them are geared towards enabling and enriching the experience of photography, rather than just adding to the world’s landfill sites. If you’re looking for camera cufflinks – and we advise against gifting them – you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Jump to:
Outdoor enthusiasts | Indoor enthusiasts | Creatives | Travelers | Stocking stuffers

For outdoor enthusiasts

If you’re shopping for someone whose photography takes them out into the elements, you really can’t go wrong with hand warmers ($ 24 for 40 pairs). They’re a wintertime wildlife or landscape photographer’s best friend. Plus, they’ll be great for all of those chilly outdoor hangouts with your COVID pod squad.

Outdoorsy types also tend to be early risers, so it’s a good idea to make sure they’re equipped with an excellent coffee tumbler. The Yeti Rambler ($ 35) is vacuum insulated, dishwasher-safe and uses a magnetic latch for easy opening and closing.

Also consider a membership or annual pass to a nearby park or wildlife preserve. In the US, an America the Beautiful interagency pass ($ 80) is like a golden ticket – it gets you into federally-managed sites including all national parks and national forests for a year from the time of purchase. Access to some federally-owned land has been tricky this year, but hopefully 2021 will be different.

For indoor enthusiasts

It’s a safe bet that many of us will be spending a lot of time in the great indoors over the next six months. With than in mind, we’ve got some ideas for photo-centric gifts to help curb cabin fever.

This deck of photography-themed playing cards ($ 35) has a couple of tricks up its sleeve. For starters, they’re gorgeously designed. They also serve a dual purpose with photography tips and techniques printed on each card. And of course, they function as regular ol’ playing cards, which will come in handy when every jigsaw puzzle in the house has been assembled and disassembled again.

Henry Carroll’s Photographers on Photography ($ 20) is another good bet for photographers of all skill levels and disciplines. It’s a collection of images and reflections on the photo-making process from a wide range of established photographers. It’s more thought-provoking and inspiring, less a technical guide or how-to.

For the truly ambitious tinkerer, consider a Raspberry Pi computer ($ 35 and up) and interchangeable lens camera module ($ 50). A helpful companion guide ($ 14) coaches the user as they build a working camera from scratch. Python coding experience is helpful, but not absolutely necessary – just ask The Verge’s Becca Farsace. And don’t forget a lens: Raspberry Pi offers two compatible lenses to choose from ($ 30/60).

For creatives

We’ve recommended an Instax Share instant printer in our gift guides several years in a row now, and for good reason: it’s really good! You’ll find lots of cheaper non-Instax options if you go looking for an instant smartphone photo printer, but you won’t necessarily find the quality of of Fujifilm’s instant prints in the lower priced alternatives. The Instax Share SP-3 ($ 100) uses Fuji’s slightly larger, more Polaroid-esque square format film. It’s a truly delightful way to share photos.

Capturing great-looking video clips starts with stabilization. The DJI OM 4 ($ 150) is smartphone gimbal that produces amazing results right out of the box with very little setup (its predecessor, the Osmo Mobile 3 is $ 30 cheaper and also a good buy while it’s still available). The included tripod accessory will also make it possible to shoot timelapses with movement. For the photographer who’s curious about video, or just wants to try something new, it’s a great low-cost tool that works with the camera they already have in their pocket: their smartphone.

The Lensbaby Omni ($ 100) is a little sci-fi looking, but hear us out. It attaches to the front of a lens and provides adjustable, magnetic mounts that hold included pieces of glass and objects in front of the lens for creative effects. Resulting images will include dramatic flare and reflections of light in the scene, which make for interesting effects in portraits or landscapes. It’s a fun way to let loose a little more creative energy and capture familiar scenes in a different way. Be sure to purchase the right size Omni – the ‘small’ will fit most standard DSLR kit lenses.

For travelers

Fun trips to other parts of the world have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop planning or reminiscing about past trips – and that’s part of the fun. Moleskine’s travel journal ($ 30) is part planner, part memory keeper for short trips and long journeys alike. Sure, it’s a little twee in the year 2020, but sometimes it’s nice to do things with pen and paper and stop looking at screens for two seconds.

When it’s safe to hit the road again, a Tom Binh organizer ($ 30) is a great tool for packing all of the cords and chargers that keep smartphones and cameras powered. An organized carry-on is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Stocking stuffers

If it’s that little extra something you’re after, here are a few inexpensive, useful items that you can’t go wrong with. For starters, extra micro fiber cleaning cloths ($ 10 for pack of two) are always welcome in a photographer’s life, and they’re especially nifty when they fold up into their own storage pouch.

Another helpful item is this photographer’s multi-tool ($ 10), with a 5/32″ (4mm) allen wrench on one end and a flat-head screwdriver on the other. Between the two, you should be able to tighten or loosen attachments on most camera supports, cages and tripod plates. This handy double-ended tool is attached to a key ring so it’s always close by. What could be handier than that?

Finally, for the family photographer a Shutter Hugger ($ 20) is a simple-yet-genius way to coax little ones into looking at the camera. These small stuffed animals fit around a camera lens and come in four adorable varieties: monkey, giraffe, dinosaur and Dalmatian. Cute, effective and inexpensive – a true triple threat.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Best gifts for photographers in 2020

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Buying guide: The best gifts for film photographers in 2020

21 Nov

Introduction

Do you love film photography, or are you shopping for someone who does? Lucky you / them! Film photography is exploding in popularity and the folks in on the fun tend to be some the coolest cats in town: sorry, digital peeps.

Cool cats deserve cool gifts. And so we’ve combed the analog universe, searching high and low for the hottest gear to include in this guide. It’s filled with fun stuff that should please even the pickiest analog avenger, and most budgets. From funky film stocks, to home developing and digitizing solutions, these are the best film photography gifts in 2020.

Note: Gifts are listed in order from least to most expensive.

Fujifilm Neopan 100 Acros II – $ 12 a roll – A classic film stock, resurrected from the dead

Fujifilm’s beloved B&W film stock is back, baby! Discontinued in 2018, the Japanese film producer announced a new and improved Acros II in November of 2019, much to the delight of monochrome fanatics everywhere. Available in 35mm and 120 formats, Acros II offers silky smooth grain, excellent sharpness and lovely tonality; the perfect film for a nice sunny day.

It’s nostalgic, yet practical, and a film certainly worthy of a spin through any analog lovers’ camera, whether they shot the OG version or not.

See our Fujifilm Acros II sample gallery

The Solarcan – $ 20 – A cool recyclable pinhole camera

The Solarcan is a long exposure camera, which, you guessed it, is built from a can. The intended use is for documenting the path of the sun across a horizon over a long period of time – we’re talking weeks or months. Originally launched on Kickstarter back in 2017, this single-use pinhole camera is a fun project for any analog nerd also interested in astronomy. Plus, it’s recyclable!

Each Solarcan is preloaded with a piece of B&W photographic paper (Solarcan Color is coming soon) and includes instructions for use, mounting materials and a storage tube to keep it light tight until exposure time. The Solarcan is also available in a five-pack ($ 80), which we recommend for added experimentation. Note: this item ships from the United Kingdom.

Lomography Analogue Aqua camera – $ 40 – An inexpensive waterproof 35mm camera

I’m giddy with excitement just thinking about how fun Lomography’s reloadable waterproof cameras are. For folks in the Northern Hemisphere facing a dreary winter, summer swims may seem like a far-off memory. But sunny skies and COVID-free days will someday soon (hopefully) be back upon us. And when the time does come again to take the watery plunge, the film-lover in your life will have the perfect camera to document it.

The Analogue Aqua is basically one of Lomography’s $ 20 disposable cameras sandwiched into a watertight plastic case. There are two version of the camera, one with Lomo Color Negative 400 film and one with Lomochrome Purple film. But it’s worth noting, unlike a traditional ‘disposable’ camera, these ones are not sealed shut and Lomography intends for you to reload them them again and again.

Lomography Fantôme Kino B&W ISO 8 film – $ 45.50 (5-pack) – A cool and new 35mm film stock

Speaking of Lomography, another great idea for the celluloid celebrator is the gift of a new film stock to try. Lomo’s Fantôme Kino B&W ISO 8 – announced earlier this year – is not technically new, since it’s cut from German cine film stock, but it’s newly-available for stills shooters!

This incredibly-low ISO monochrome film is super contrasty and perfect for creating a film noir–style look. And for more B&W fun, we also recommend Lomography’s Babylon Kino B&W ISO 13 film. Unlike Fantôme, it offers subtle tonal changes and plenty of dynamic range. Both are only available in 35mm as of writing.

View our sample gallery: Lomo Fantôme Kino ISO 8 & Babylon Kino ISO 13

The Pixlatr – $ 55 – A better way to digitize negatives

One of the most annoying struggles faced by analog lovers is how to get high-resolution, high-quality digital versions of their negatives. One of the best non-scanning solutions is to photograph negatives using a digital camera and a macro lens. But how the heck do you hold them in place and ensure even lighting?

Thankfully our good pal and DPR’s Film Photography Talk forum moderator, Hamish Gill, invented a solution. The Pixlatr, originally launched on Kickstarter, is a modular film holder that works with most film formats (up to 4×5) and features a semi-translucent back to diffuse light. It’s a simple, versatile and effective solution for anyone who owns a macro lens, a digital camera and a tripod.

Another solution is the Nikon ES-2. It’s a little more straightforward to use than the Pixlatr – it attaches to the end of a lens – but is also nearly three times the cost ($ 145) and only works with 35mm format film.

Analogue Wonderland film subscription box – $ 65 every other month – A reoccurring 35mm film subscription box

Who doesn’t love getting a parcel filled with fun surprises in the mail on a reoccurring basis? UK-based Analog Wonderland is bringing the concept of the ‘curated subscription box’ to 35mm film lovers everywhere. Once signed up, subscribers will receive a box every other month (depending on the length of subscription). Each box contains six different rolls of 35mm film, curated from a selection of 100.

This is not only a fun way for film lovers to try new emulsions, but also a way to connect with other 35mm shooters. Each month all subscribers receive the same film stocks, and Analog Wonderland provides an online space for folks to both discuss their results and compete in friendly competitions.

Lomography HydroChrome Panoramic Camera – $ 80 – A wacky camera with a ‘water lens’

Bear with us on this one, because Lomography’s HydroChrome Panoramic camera is truly wild. Based off a mid-1800’s camera design, this inexpensive panorama camera is built around a 32mm equivalent water-filled lens. Yes, you read that correctly.

While the concept may sound gimmicky, the results are actually pretty compelling and cool. And the camera plays nice will all sorts of liquids, not just water (though we’d avoid anything sticky). For instance, simply adding food coloring, or watered-down coffee can change the results dramatically.

UN Twin Film Pocket & Rama Works Film Canister – $ 20 & $ 110 – A watertight film holder

Is the film shooter in your life also an adventure-seeker? If so, a water/light tight film holder may be the perfect gift, providing peace of mind. And we’ve got two models to choose from: one on the sensible side and one a little more swanky.

First, the sensible: The UN Twin Film Pocket is a straightforward product that will safely store two rolls of 35mm film. It’s built of plastic and features screw-down caps with rubber gaskets as well as a metal clip to attach to a camera or bag strap. These units can be a little tricky to hunt down stateside, but the product is carried by both European and Japanese distributors. That said, we’ve successfully had them sent to the USA, just plan for a little extra time in transit.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Rama Works Film Canister. Sure, it costs 5x as much as the UN Twin Film Pocket, but it is a beauty to behold: machined from a solid block of aluminum and anodized. Note: Only the 120 format version is currently available as the time of writing.

Rama Works Film Canister shown above.

Fujifilm SQ1 Instax Square camera – $ 120 – A larger format Instax Camera

Most folks are probably familiar with Fujifim’s Instax Mini format, but did you know there’s also an Instax Square format, which provides a larger image size? And the hottest new Instax Square model is the Fujifilm SQ1, which dropped earlier this year.

It’s a handsome-looking model that’s easy-to-use, comfortable and capable of excellent results. Available in three chic colors, it’s the perfect camera for documenting social outings, once we’re allowed to gather together again!

For even more Instax photography fun, we also recommend the Fujifilm Wide Instax 300 ($ 90). It’s a good bit chunkier than the SQ1, but makes use of the largest Instax format: Instax Wide. It also offers a bit more creative control than the SQ1.

Lab-Box Daylight Developing Tank – $ 160 – An easier way to develop film at home

Analog shooting and DIY often go hand-in-hand. And nothing beats the thrill of successfully developing your own images at home. But for those a little nervous to dip their toes in the unknown world of loading exposed film to reels in the dark, the Lab-Box Daylight Developing Tank is for you.

Because let’s face it, most home developing mistakes are a result of improperly loading film and/or accidentally exposing it in the process. Lab-Box removes this pain point, though there is a slight learning curve to using the device. But ultimately, once mastered, it should help speed up the workflow of any home developer while also cutting down on the number of botched rolls.

And there you have it, the best film photography gifts in 2020, sure to bring a smile to the faces of emulsive eccentrics everywhere! Happy holidays and happy shooting, from the analog nerds here at DPReview.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Buying guide: The best gifts for film photographers in 2020

Posted in Uncategorized

 

10 Great Gifts for Food Photographers Under $50

11 Dec

The post 10 Great Gifts for Food Photographers Under $ 50 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darina Kopcok.

gifts-for-food-photographers-under-50-dollars

The festive season is fast upon us. Do you have a food blogger or photographer in your life but are stuck on a gift that won’t break the bank? Luckily, food photography is one genre where prop lust is never-ending. You can buy helpful and attractive gifts for food photographers that they will love – many under $ 50 bucks.

Here are 10 ideas for gifts for food photographers that are sure to please.

gifts for food photographers

Linen napkins

Every food photographer has an arsenal of napkins in their collection, so they can be ready to create any mood in their images. Napkins and other textiles go a long way in creating a visual story, and the wrong choice can make an image feel a bit off.

This is where linen saves the day. Not only does its natural and fine texture go with virtually any setting, but it also drapes well, which can’t be said about a lot of other fabrics.

If you’ve ever tried to make a napkin look effortlessly placed, you’ll know why propping napkins is the bane of every food photographer’s existence. Linen makes this job a lot easier.

It also photographs well, because you don’t get the significant color shifts you can have when taking pictures with other fabrics.

There are a lot of great sources to buy linen online, but you can also head to a popular home retailer and pick up a few for a reasonable price. Places like Crate & Barrel sell them individually, so you don’t have to buy a pack of four, which will likely be three more than are really needed. Choose neutral colors like grey, cream, or light and navy blue.

10 Great Gifts for Food Photographers Under $ 50

French cutting boards

Whether vintage or new, there is something about a French cutting board that adds a bit of pizzaz to an image.

Food photography is all about using layers to create interest. Placing a dish on a cutting board is a great way to style an image or add a bit of context to a scene.

French cutting boards make great gifts for food photographers but they can be expensive. However, many stores like Homesense carry them at very reasonable prices.

gifts for food photographers

French Cutting Board

Cake stands

Every food photographer needs a couple of cake stands. A neutral color and on the smaller side is best.

Cake stands are useful for showing off a beautiful cake, of course, but they can also be used to prop other sweets, like stacks of cookies or even an arrangement of fruit.

A cake stand adds height and can be a prop that improves a composition without competing with the food.

To make the cake stand extra useful look for one with a detachable base.

gifts for food photographers

Glass Cake Stand

Vinyl backdrops

Vinyl backdrops created specifically for food and still life photographers have become more and more popular with photographers in recent years, as an alternative to heavy and expensive custom-made backdrops.

The selection of manufacturers selling vinyl backdrops used to be fairly poor, but now there are some new companies selling high-quality backdrops in beautiful designs.

The backdrops offered by Captured by Lucy are under $ 50 USD in 2×3 feet, and come in a variety of colors and designs that work great for food photography. They lie flat as soon as you unroll them.

Vinyl backdrops are great for containing spills or working with ice and drips.

If you want to get a bit more bang for your buck, you can try the backdrops and Ink & Elm. The quality is decent and the price more affordable, which means you can purchase a few for your budget.

Image: Vinyl Backdrops

Vinyl Backdrops

Vardagen IKEA glasses

One of the biggest challenges in propping food photography is the size of glassware these days. It’s way too big.

Scale is a very important aspect of food photography composition. In addition, objects can appear a lot larger to the camera than they actually are. You can really notice this when you shoot a scene from overhead because it flattens the depth.

As a food photographer, you don’t want your props dwarfing the star of the show – the food.

Vardegen glasses from IKEA are the perfect size for food photography. The ridges make the glass less reflective, which makes them easier to photograph, but they are translucent enough to look attractive in photos.

Image: Vinyl Backdrops

Vinyl Backdrops

Pallares Solsona carbon steel knife

Look at the foodie posts on Instagram, and you will invariably come across a carbon steel knife with a rounded wooden handle. This style of knife has become ubiquitous in the food photography world. It adds such a nice touch to a food scene without distracting from the major elements. It looks great with other modern or vintage props.

Several manufacturers make this kind of carbon steel knife. Pallares Solsona is one brand that can be bought through many sources online for a reasonable price.

gifts for food photographers

Tether Tools tethering cable

A key to capturing great food photos is to work tethered in Lightroom. This is where you hook up your camera to your computer via a USB cable so you can see a larger and more accurate rendition of your photo on the screen than you can get on your camera’s LCD screen.

This cable is called a USB 2.0 to Mini B. Tether Tools is the brand most trusted and used by pro photographers everywhere.

When searching for this type of cable, it’s important to purchase one that has gold tips, so they don’t get corroded easily.

Acacia Wood salad servers

We said that scale is an important factor in food photography. Salad servers that are small enough can be difficult to find. You don’t want them hogging up your frame and detracting from your beautiful salad.

Amazon offers some lovely acacia wood servers with your choice of gold or white handle that is small enough for food photography and looks attractive with a variety of foods and props.

Also, the wood is not too orange, which is a color that tends not to translate very nicely in photos when it comes to props.

gifts for food photographers

Pinch bowls

Can a food photographer ever have enough pinch bowls? The short answer is no. Most of us tend to have a large inventory of these in a variety of materials and colors.

Because they’re so small and perfect for displaying ingredients and seasonings, they add context to a food story and help create balanced compositions without overpowering the main subject.

Look for pinch bowls in ceramic, glass, wood or marble. Neutral colors work best, but sometimes patterned pinch bowls can look great if they are used with care. You can find pinch bowls everywhere, but the white rustic pinch bowls form Nom Living in the UK are crazy popular with food photographers and Instagrammers everywhere. They will make the perfect gift for a food photographer.

10 Great Gifts for Food Photographers Under $ 50

The Food Stylist’s Handbook

Every food photographer needs at least one resource on food styling at their fingertips. Even food photographers who work with a food stylist need to know how food behaves in front of the camera and be familiar with the tips and tricks that make food look its best.

Photographers who take on commissioned projects often have to do their own food styling, as do those who submit to stock sites.

The Food Stylist’s Handbook by Denise Vivaldo and Cindie Flannigan is an indispensable resource and a great gift for a food photographer. It not only shows you how to style specific food for the camera, but it also gives you the information on the tools you need and how to build a styling kit – something every food photographer or blogger needs.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these gifts for food photographers will solve the problem of what to buy for a special someone in your life. And, just remember, you can’t go wrong with classic props in neutral colors, and textures like linen, marble, and natural wood.

Do you have other gift ideas for food photographers that you’d like to share? Please do so in the comments section!

 

The post 10 Great Gifts for Food Photographers Under $ 50 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darina Kopcok.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on 10 Great Gifts for Food Photographers Under $50

Posted in Photography

 

7 clichéd photography gifts to avoid (and what to buy instead)

29 Nov

7 clichéd photography gifts to avoid this season

What follows is a list of seven of the most common cliched gifts likely to be received by photographers this holiday season, based on informal polling around the DPReview office.

If you’re thinking about giving that special photographer in your life one of these items, we implore you, consider our alternatives. No one needs another damn camera lens mug.

Camera lens mug or shot glass

There’s nothing worse than stumbling upon a Canon 70-200 F2.8 for a bargain price in a second-hand store only to discover it’s actually just a stupid mug. Damn you, lens mug. Damn you.

It’s a camera lens – wait, no. It’s a mug! How novel! But the thing is, every photographer on planet Earth already has one of these. And the truth is, most of them are pretty crappy when it coms to their primary function: transporting beverages and keeping them warm. And woe unto you if you leave it in your car cupholder, only to come back and find a brick through your window and your imitation 70-200mm F4L mug missing. It’s happened.

Rather then gift a piece of junk that’ll likely get pushed to the back of the cabinet or end up filled with pens, how about gifting that special photographer some nice coffee, or tea? We’re a hard-working bunch and will likely appreciate the caffeine. Better yet, throw in a decent-quality mug or vacuum thermos. We’ll think of you every time we sip.

Camera or photography-themed clothing

Do you love photography? Great, keep it to yourself! (or at least off your shirt). Also if you need a Pix 2015 Tee, just say the word. We’ve got loads.

I don’t know many photographers that feel a strong urge to walk around in clothing that advertises their profession or hobby. So kindly hold off on buying the cheesy T-shirt with the silhouette of a camera on it that says ‘I shoot people,’ or that other one that says ‘Everyone’s a photographer until…’ with an image of a mode dial set to ‘M.’ We’ll stick to dressing in all black or in geeky photo vests, thank you very much.

But seriously, rather than getting photographers cheesy apparel that’ll likely end up in the donation bin, get us a nice article of clothing, like a soft sweater, a thermal layer, or some camera-friendly gloves to keep warm this winter.

See also: Photography-themed cuff links, lapel pins, tie clips and watches.

Smartphone camera accessories

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather just reach for a Ricoh GR III than carry around the clunk-master above.

There’s a whole market for add-on accessories like lenses and grips, meant to improve the experience and/or output of your smartphone’s camera. The truth is, most photographers would rather reach for a dedicated camera than bulk out their phone. After all, the appeal of the smartphone camera is that it’s always on you because it’s pocketable.

So instead of gifting something that’ll likely get left behind, give that special photographer a smartphone accessory they’ll actually use: a decent USB power pack for charging on the go (and many can often top up the batteries in newer cameras as well). It may be the tube sock equivalent of tech gifts, but it’s an item anyone can genuinely appreciate.

Thrift store camera finds

Sure she looks pretty, but the electronics are fried, the focus ring won’t turn and there’s something strange growing in the viewfinder… not exactly the most useful gift.

Nothing beats unwrapping something like a Yashica Electro-35 and being told ‘I found this at Goodwill and thought of you’, only to find that it has a seized up focus ring and mold in the finder. Here’s the thing: When it comes to shopping for cameras on the second-hand market, knowledge is power and research is king.

While a classic fixed-lens rangefinder sure looks great, there’s a risk that it’s really just a moldy paperweight. Don’t be the person that gifts a moldy paperweight. If you’re serious about getting someone a second-hand camera, awesome! We’ve put together two lists of reliable and affordable film cameras that are easy to acquire used. Check them out here and here.

‘Inspirational’ photo books and/or how-to’s

Skip the lame photo how-to books and cheesy inspirational ones and instead opt for something that shows off a celebrated shooter’s work.

Inspiration is obviously a very important part of the creative process. However, there are a ton of lackluster supposedly inspirational photography books on the market. The same can be said for photography how-to books: there’s a lot of them out there, but many are out-of-date and / or dull.

So rather than pick any old photography-related book, I implore you to do a little research. Find out who that special someone looks up to photographically and purchase a photo book by that person. If you’re unsure who their favorite ‘tog is, put on you sleuth hat and check their Instagram ‘following’ list. Chances are they probably follow some of their favorite shooters. If you’re still unsure, go for a classic like ‘The Americans’ by the late Robert Frank or ‘Street Photographer’ a collection of images by the late Vivian Maier.

A stylish or overly-technical camera strap or camera bags

If you wouldn’t feel comfortable picking out a pair of underwear for the photographer in your life, don’t get them a bag or strap either.

Camera straps come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials. Some are woven, others are leather, rope or neoprene. Some offer quick-releases and / or neck-padding and/or length adjustments, others do not. So how do you choose the right strap this season? You don’t.

Photographers are very particular about their straps and trying to pick one out for that special someone is not unlike buying them a pair of pants – only they can tell whether the fit and feel are right. It’s worth noting camera bags and backpacks fall into a similar category of ‘definitely don’t buy unless you’re absolutely sure.’

But if you insist on purchasing a camera strap this holiday season, the Peak Design Slide offers a good balance of features, weight-capacity and price. We’re also fans of CAM-IN’s leather and rope straps.

The photographers’ work printed on something

OK, maybe we’d be happy with a Belvedere mug.

Receiving a personalized gift is nice, but generally speaking, most photographers don’t want to be gifted framed prints of their own work to hang on the wall (we’ll do that ourselves, if there’s a picture we’re particularly proud of), nor do they want their photos printed on items like a throw pillow, a blanket or a coffee mug. It’s a little crass to so blatantly show off your own pictures.

Instead, most of us would much prefer a print of someone else’s work to hang on our walls and inspire us. Legendary photo agencies like Magnum and VII often do $ 100 signed, small-sized print sales. And other famous photographers’ work like the late Ansel Adams can be found for sale directly through their estate’s official website.

In conclusion

Honestly, if you can’t think of anything else, just get us a big roll of gaffer tape.

There you have it, seven clichéd photography-related gifts to avoid giving this year and what to give instead. We hope this list inspires you to better understand that special photographer in your life and their desires. And don’t worry if you’ve given some of these gifts in the past, we all make mistakes. Maybe this year you can make up for it.

To our fellow photographers: If you’ve been on the receiving end of another lackluster photo gift that we missed, let us know in the comments. We’ll add to this article as we see fit.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on 7 clichéd photography gifts to avoid (and what to buy instead)

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Treat yourself 2019: 10 gifts for the most important photographer in your life: you

17 Nov

Treat Yourself 2019

You’ve worked hard and been good all year, it’s time to treat yourself.

Photographers are notorious for being difficult to please when it comes to gift receiving. We often have both brand-specific and/or expensive taste. So this holiday season, instead of leaving your holiday wishes up to the gift gods/friends and family, why not indulge yourself in the gear you actually want?

We’ve spent all of 2019 shooting, testing and obsessing over the latest cameras, lenses and accessories. And what follows are the items we, as the staff of DPR, most desire. For photographers, by photographers, we present Treat Yourself 2019. Happy shopping!

Peak Design Travel Tripod

Peak Design Travel Tripod | $ 350 (aluminum), $ 600 (carbon fiber) | PeakDesign.com

By far one of the hottest accessories to come out this year was the Peak Design Travel Tripod. Available in aluminum and carbon fiber, it’s quickly become our favorite tripod for on-the-go work thanks to its compact size (it breaks down smaller than the competition), high-degree of stability and well-designed, low-profile ballhead.

We obviously prefer the carbon fiber version, which is lighter and more stable than the aluminum one. But we’d still take PD’s aluminum model over just about any other travel tripod in the game. So treat yourself to the gift of stability, wherever you may go.

View our Peak Design Travel Tripod
hands-on slideshow

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII

Sony RX100 VII | $ 1300 | Sony.com

Sony got just about everything right in the RX100 VII, the ultimate do-it-all compact camera. The RX100 series has long impressed, but it wasn’t until this iteration that they really nailed down the autofocus implementation as well as the AF performance. Sony also made a series of much-needed usability improvements.

These upgrades help to better unlock the camera’s full potential, allowing users to make the most of a long, sharp, versatile zoom lens, super-fast burst shooting and class-leading stills and video quality. So treat yourself to the Swiss Army Knife of cameras.

Read our Sony RX100 VII Review conclusion

Sony TOUGH SD cards

Sony Tough Cards | $ 60 (32GB), $ 110 (64GB), $ 210 (128GB) | Sony.com

One thing we lost when the industry mostly abandoned CF cards in favor of SD cards is the structural integrity of the media. Like many photographers, I have an ever-growing pile of busted SD cards at my desk, some with missing ribs, some with cracks along their seams and others that have just disintegrated completely. Fortunately Sony has solved the issue of the fragile SD with their SF-G series TOUGH cards.

These cards are molded from one piece of composite material with no seams and no ribs around the contact points. They’re drop, crush and bend-proof far beyond that of a traditional SD card. And an IP68 dust and water-proof rating means they’re not going to let you down, even in the worst conditions. Plus they offer super-fast transfer speeds up to 299Mb/s and write speeds up to 200MB/s. Simply put, these are the most reliable cards we’ve come across. And there’s no better treat than peace of mind.

Read more about Sony’s Tough SD cards

Gnarbox 2.0 SSD

Gnarbox 2.0 SSD | $ 500 (256GB), $ 600 (512GB), $ 900 (1TB) | Gnarbox.com

Speaking of peace of mind, having reliable memory cards is only part of the battle. The journey from photos being shot, to being backed up properly is one with occasional bumps in the roads – bumps that can cause devastation.

The Gnarbox 2.0 SSD looks to smooth out some of these bumps by offering a rugged go-anywhere SSD solution meant for backing up files as soon as they’re shot, with the added ability to tag and sort images via mobile device. The Gnarbox has a built-in SD slot, USB-C connectivity and a Micro-HDMI port. It’s also weather, dust and impact-resistant. Batteries are swappable and it can even be used to charge another device. But perhaps most importantly, transfer speeds are super-fast (up to 350MB/s), plus integration with Photo Mechanic and Lightroom makes it an even more versatile tool for those on-the-go. It’ll even play nice with iPad Pro devices when connected via USB-C.

Read more about the Gnarbox 2.0

Olympus XA 35mm film rangefinder

Olympus XA | $ 65-120 (used)

We’ve long preached the values of shooting film as a photographic companion to your digital work, or vice versa. Both mediums offer benefits that will improve your photography. Seeing as this is a digital camera site, we figured most people around here don’t have analog on their mind. But let’s change that.

If you’ve never shot film, or haven’t in a while, the Olympus XA is an enjoyable and affordable entry into the 35mm medium. Released in the late 70’s, this pocketable aperture-priority rangefinder (one of the world’s smallest) offers a fixed 35mm F2.8 lens hidden behind a sliding cover. The lens is sharp, the shutter is very quiet and the camera itself is full of wacky charm, from the tiny rangefinder tab, to the big red square shutter release, to the four-bladed aperture. In short, the XA is both fun and capable, without taking itself too seriously. Just like you.

Read more about the Olympus XA and other film cameras we recommend

Leica Q2

Leica Q2 | $ 5000 | us.Leica-Camera.com

Speaking of rangefinders, what ‘Treat yourself’ list would be complete without a Leica product? Among the DPReview staff, the rangefinder-style Leica Q2 was easily one of the most lusted-after cameras of the year. And why shouldn’t it be? The combination of a seriously-sharp 28mm F1.7 lens in front of a high-res 47MP full-frame sensor in a beautifully-designed body with excellent ergonomics makes the Q2 the ‘créme de la créme’ of modern fixed-lens cameras. Plus Leica redesigned the Q2 from the inside out to add extensive weather-sealing. They also updated the EVF and improved battery life.

And if the price tag seems a bit steep, perhaps you can justify picking the Q2 up for that special someone (that’s you) knowing there will never be another lens to drool over for the camera. Owning one is an end in itself to one’s gear lust. Probably. Maybe. Whatever… treat yourself!

Read our Leica Q2 Review conclusion

DJI Mavic Mini

DJI Mavic Mini | $ 399 (drone), $ 499 (Fly More Combo) | store.DJI.com

If the idea of using a drone as a creative tool hasn’t hovered noisily to the top of your mind yet, now is the perfect time to consider aerial photography/videography. Most people think of drones as big, loud nuisances, zipping around like angry bees. But the just-announced DJI Mavic Mini is compact (palm-sized), lightweight and reasonably quiet. It’s also super easy to fly. And despite its comparably lower price tag, it offers many of the same features found in its pricier DJI siblings like an accident avoidance camera, return-home functionality and a 3-axis camera gimbal.

The camera aboard the Mini is relatively modest with a 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensor capable of JPEG-capture only and up to 2.7K/30p or 1080/60p video. But for first time fliers, it’ll easily give you just about the same image/video quality of a smartphone, with the advantage of a bird’s eye view. So go on and treat yourself to a fresh new perspective, courtesy of this tiny/fun drone.

Read our DJI Mavic Mini Review

RucPac Professional Tech Gloves

RucPac Tech Gloves | $ 40 | RucPac.com

Cold hands are a reality for many photographers, especially those passionate about landscape, wildlife and sports. Sacrificing dexterity for warmth is simply not an option when ‘the shot’ can come and go in an instant. We’ve used finger-less gloves in the past, but found they don’t keep our hands all that warm. And ordinary gloves don’t provide enough finger movement. If only there were a warm form-fitting glove with good dexterity. Oh wait, there is! RuPac’s Tech gloves.

This pair of hotties comes in two sizes with sticky rubberized grips along the palm and fingers. They’re made of a weather-resistant polyester material that’s thick enough to provide a good deal of warmth on a cold day, but not so thick that they’ll limit hand movement or tactile response. They’re not going to save your paws from an Arctic chill, but for reasonable cold, they’ll get the job done. Plus they offer touchscreen compatible material at the tips of the index fingers and thumbs. So treat yourself to some happy hands this winter.

CAM-IN camera strap

Cam-IN camera strap | $ 25-35 (depending on style) | Cam-In.dk or Amazon.com

Let’s be honest – the strap that came in the box with your camera works just fine. But if you’re looking to treat yourself to something a little more stylish yet highly-functional, look no further than Danish brand CAM-IN’s leather and rope camera straps.

These straps looks great, are made from high-quality materials and feature excellent craftsmanship. They’re also fairly affordable. Simply put, they’ll provide you camera support long into the future, while looking snazzy all along the way. What more could you ask for? Treat yourself.

‘Parks Project’ National Parks/National Geographic apparel

Parks Projects T-shirts, hoodies and hats | $ 35-70 | ParksProject.us

Photographers are not usually known as a well-dressed bunch, but all more reason to freshen up your look with some new threads. And why not support a worthy cause while doing so? Parks Project is a clothing brand that’s partnered with more than 50 non-profits to help restore and protect National Parks in the United States through donations and volunteer work. You can read more about their contributions here. As photographers, many of us have a special relationship with the outdoors: all the more reason to protect it.

Most of Parks Projects’ clothing features hip/retro designs related to specific National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and Zion. They also recently launched a super cool National Geographic collaboration. If there’s a clothing line more appropriate for photo nerds, without being cheesy, we haven’t seen it. TREAT YOURSELF.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Treat yourself 2019: 10 gifts for the most important photographer in your life: you

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Best gifts for photographers 2019: $60 and under

15 Nov

Gifts for photographers for $ 60 and less

Artisanal scented candles. At-home spa treatments. Really nice socks. They’re the kinds of things we could buy for ourselves, and they’d probably be really nice to have. But they’re just barely on the wrong side of the practical/frivolous divide, so we keep making do with mediocre socks. This, my friends, is the Gift Zone: items that have practical use, but are luxurious enough that the recipient probably wouldn’t buy them for themselves.

If you’re shopping for a photographer and are looking for something a little special, something in the Gift Zone, you’re in the right place.

Peak Design Cuff

peakdesign.com | $ 30

Wrist straps are great. Should you dangle a whole DSLR from your wrist? Definitely not. Instead, we like them for those in-between times – when you’re not actively shooting, but want your camera in hand and at the ready. A quality wrist strap provides a little more security and support in those moments.

The Peak Design Cuff does all of these things, and is definitely nicer than the wrist strap that came with the compact camera you bought in 2007. It uses the company’s Anchor Links to attach easily and securely to a camera, and a metal loop can be used to cinch the strap tighter to the wearer’s wrist.

Cecilia memory card wallet

shopcecilia.com | $ 40

If the Digital Storage Police ever busted DPReview headquarters they’d find plenty of criminal offenses, like loose memory cards tucked into dusty desk drawers and backpack pockets. There’s a better way. An SD card wallet is a small step toward better storage organization, or a nice companion to an already functional digital storage workflow. Plus, it looks fancy. Cecilia is one of our favorite camera strap makers, and its leather SD card wallet looks snazzy in black, brown or charcoal.

Anyway, please don’t call the Digital Storage Police on us. We’re serious.

Topo camera cube

topodesigns.com | $ 60

A camera cube will turn just about any larger bag into a camera bag, which is handy; sometimes you need your camera but don’t want to carry an actual camera bag. Topo’s camera cube is just right for the job – it’s durable, big enough to hold a full-frame mirrorless camera and lens, and fits like a dream inside a full-size Herschel Little America backpack. It even ships with a shoulder strap if you want to use the cube itself as a bag.

Herschel travel pouches

herschel.com | $ 25

Photographers are often also travelers, which means there’s a high probability that they stuff a lot of cords and small personal items into Ziplock bags four hours before they fly anywhere. A set of travel pouches won’t make them a more organized person, but it will conceal a mess of chargers and power adapters in an attractively-designed vessel.

Flight 001 5-in-1 Universal Travel Adapter

flight001.com | $ 35

See previous note about photographers also being travelers. The 5-in-1 adapter stacks into a neat package and includes a color-coded guide indicating which plug is used in which country. Plus, the ‘fifth’ functionality is a couple of handy USB ports, which is useful no matter where you are on the globe.

Enamel camera pin

etsy.com | $ 10-12

Enamel pins are enjoying a real resurgence in popularity these days. Pretty much any pop culture object or character has been enamel-pin-ized, so it should come as no surprise that you can find a pin that pays homage to your favorite vintage camera or film stock. We knew we could count on you, Etsy.

Photo book

$ 20-40

Books? Books! Help bolster a New Year’s Resolution to reduce screen time by providing an alternative: a coffee-table-worthy photo book. If you’re unsure of where to start, head for the classics like Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange and Vivian Maier. National Geographic is another safe bet – its curated collections rely on decades of world-class photography.

Filson 1970’s Logger Thermal Socks

filson.com | $ 32

We weren’t kidding about the really fancy socks. Would any of us spend $ 30 on a single pair of socks? Heck no. That’s why they make an ideal gift. For a photographer, getting the shot can sometimes mean getting yourself into environments that are cold, or wet, or an unpleasant combination of the two. A good wool sock is essential, and Filson’s thermal socks fit the bill.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Best gifts for photographers 2019: $60 and under

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Photography gifts for every budget: 2018 edition

22 Nov

With so many accessories, bags, lenses and so on to choose from, shopping for a photographer can be daunting. But we’re here to help: From stocking stuffers to, well, entire cameras, we’ve got you covered – at every budget.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Under $ 50

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: $ 50-250

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Over $ 250

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Photography gifts for every budget: 2018 edition

Posted in Uncategorized

 

10 photography gifts mothers actually want

06 May

10 photography gifts mothers actually want

It’s a widely acknowledged fact that mothers are superheroes who deserve to be celebrated every day of the year, which is why it’s important to get things right on the only official holiday dedicated to mom. If the mother you’re shopping for happens to be a photographer, we think she’ll be way more into one of these gifts than another set of decorative wine glass charms.

How do we know? Well, we cheated and asked a group of moms what they really wanted this Mother’s Day. With apologies to our friends in the UK where Mother’s Day has already passed (we know you got your mum something great) here are some suggestions by moms, for moms.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack
$ 260/€270 | peakdesign.com | Buy Now

Peak Design has earned a reputation for its highly functional Everyday bags. They aren’t exactly cheap, but they’ve quickly become the go-to for photographers who want a stylish daily bag that thoughtfully accommodates photo gear. The backpack comes in 20L and 30L sizes, but if a tote is more mom’s style, that’s an option too.

Tenba BYOB Camera Insert
$ 50/€35| tenba.com | Buy Now

Let’s be honest, who among us *hasn’t* carried a lens wrapped in a dish towel at the bottom of their purse? It’s not ideal, but desperate times call for desperate measures. When a dedicated camera bag isn’t right for the occasion but you still want to carry a camera or lens, there’s a much better way: the Tenba BYOB Camera Insert. It’s offered in a few different sizes and fits snuggly into a larger purse or tote and provides safe storage for a couple of lenses or a camera body.

Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI
$ 400/€500 | canon.com | Buy Now

If Mom’s a lighting genius who shoots portraits every weekend you can definitely skip this one, but if she’s a Canon shooter looking to dip a toe into flash photography then the 470EX-AI is a great option to consider. It automatically pivots and rotates to bounce light for more flattering portraits, which is a useful way for flash beginners to learn the ropes. It can also be used manually, or to automatically move between a manually selected position when switching between landscape and portrait-oriented shooting.

Fujifilm X100F
$ 1200/€1270 | fujifilm.com | Buy Now

There’s just no denying the universal appeal of the Fujifilm X100F – pretty much every photographer we know either has or wants one. It’s gorgeous, a dream to shoot with and just an all-around likeable camera. Sure, it’s a much bigger investment than a cute lens-shaped coffee mug, but if it’s the year to pull out all of the stops, we think the X100F is a winner.

Olympus TG-5
$ 400/€410 | getolympus.com | Buy Now

The list of compact cameras worth buying (rather than just using your smartphone) is dwindling every year, but the Olympus TG-5 remains a worthwhile investment thanks to its hardy weatherproofing. More and more smartphones have some level of water resistance, but that’s just a fraction of the TG-5’s rugged capabilities. Bring it to the beach, drop it in the pool, freeze it on the ski slope – it’ll keep going. It’s a life-proof camera that’ll sub in nicely when Mom wants to leave her expensive gear or smartphone out of harm’s way.

Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2
$ 147/€140 | fujifilm.com | Buy Now

The Instax Share SP-2 is a small, wireless printer that uses the ubiquitous Instax Mini Instant film. It connects to a smartphone app and produces credit card-sized prints with color and sharpness we prefer over competitors like the Polaroid Zip. In an age of Instagram likes and Facebook tags, it’s surprisingly delightful to print and share photos the old fashioned way.

Moment lenses
$ 100 (lens only) | shopmoment.com | Buy Now

Moment’s smartphone accessory lenses are regarded as some of the best you can buy. They require a proprietary case, and cases are only available for some of the latest and most popular smartphone models. The case itself is attractive though, and we’ve been fans of using the Wide lens to give ourselves extra options when we’re out shooting with just a phone.

Pulse Bluetooth Camera Remote
$ 130 | Alpinelaboratories.com | Buy Now

It’s hard to for Mom to be in the family photo if she’s always the one behind the camera. If she has a Canon or Nikon DSLR that doesn’t offer built-in Wi-Fi control via the manufacturer’s app, the Pulse Bluetooth camera remote might come in handy. It acts as a remote shutter for those all-important family portraits, and it also includes time-lapse and long exposure tools that are fun to experiment with.

Clickin Moms membership
$ 60/year | clickinmoms.com

Clickin Moms is a community that welcomes photographers of all skill levels, from beginners to working pros. Get Mom a year-long membership for $ 60 and she’ll have access to tutorials, mentors and discussion forums. Being connected to a community of like-minded photographers is an excellent way to stay inspired and keep growing as a hobbyist or professional.

Photography classes

This was the most popular response from the moms we polled on the topic of Mother’s Day gifts. There are tons of great resources online for photographers who want to learn new skills and brush up on technique, and a virtual class is easy to fit into a busy schedule. KelbyOne.com is widely regarded as an excellent source for learning Photoshop and Lightroom, and CreativeLive provides a wide range of classes for hobbyist photographers and working pros alike.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on 10 photography gifts mothers actually want

Posted in Uncategorized

 

10 simple DIY gifts for the photography lovers in your life

21 Dec

Christmas is nearly upon us, stores are overcrowded, and inventory is running low. The solution? A DIY gift that is both unique and easy to make! And thanks to the team at Cooperative of Photography (COOPH), you’ve got a ready-made tutorial that will show you how to do just that.

The video highlights 10 simple DIY gifts anyone can make for the photographers and photo lovers in their life. Projects include transforming a Rubik’s cube into a photo cube, a DIY candle holder, unique photo hanger, and lots more. Check out the full video above.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on 10 simple DIY gifts for the photography lovers in your life

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Photography gifts for every budget

19 Nov

Shopping for a photographer? Whether you are one yourself or not, chances are you could use some ideas. From stocking stuffers on up, we’ve got some photography gift suggestions for every budget.

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Under $ 50

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: $ 50-200

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Over $ 200

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Photography gifts for every budget

Posted in Uncategorized

 
« Older Entries