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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.

Jim Fisher
 & Jim Fisher Principal Writer, Cameras

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

Overview

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

  • CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos

    CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Learn More CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos Review
  • 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:

    Bottom Line:

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    Learn More FOTYRIG Hot Shoe Level Three Axis Bubble Spirit Level Camera Level Standard Shoe Mount Review
  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
    Beginners

    Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Gorgeous design.
      • Easy operation.
      • Rechargeable battery.
      • Self-timer, bulb, and double exposure options.
      • Color and monochrome film available.
      • Smallest of current instant film formats.
      • Doesn't support in-camera charging.

    Bottom Line:

    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.

    Specs & Configurations

    35mm Equivalent (Wide) 35
    Battery Type Lithium Ion
    Dimensions 3.6 by 4.5 by 2.3 inches
    Memory Card Format Fujifilm Instax Mini
    Stabilization None
    Type Analog
    Type Compact
    Viewfinder Type Optical
    Weight 10.4
    Get It Now
    Learn More Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Review Review
  • Lensbaby Sol 45
    Special Effects

    Lensbaby Sol 45

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Sweet spot Lensbaby effect.
      • Tilt adjusts sharp area of photo.
      • Bokeh Blades add texture to backgrounds.
      • Compact, lightweight design.
      • Compatible with multiple camera systems.
      • Focus ring is a little narrow.
      • Bokeh Blades effect reduced when capturing distant subjects.

    Bottom Line:

    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.

    Specs & Configurations

    Dimensions 1.5 by 2.9 inches
    Full-Frame Equivalent (Wide) 45
    Mount Canon EF
    Mount Fujifilm X
    Mount Nikon F
    Mount Pentax K
    Mount Sony A
    Mount Sony E
    Optical Stabilization None
    Weight 5.3
    Get It Now
    Learn More Lensbaby Sol 45 Review Review
  • Platypod Max The Flat Tripod Base

    Platypod Max The Flat Tripod Base

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Get It Now
    Learn More Platypod Max The Flat Tripod Base Review
  • Think Tank Urban Approach 15

    Think Tank Urban Approach 15

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Get It Now
    Learn More Think Tank Urban Approach 15 Review
  • BLACKRAPID Classic Retro (RS4) Camera Strap

    BLACKRAPID Classic Retro (RS4) Camera Strap

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Get It Now
    Learn More BLACKRAPID Classic Retro (RS4) Camera Strap Review
  • DJI Mavic Air
    Beginners

    DJI Mavic Air

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

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

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

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

    Specs & Configurations

    Dimensions 1.9 by 3.3 by 6.6 inches
    Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal
    Live Video Feed 720p
    Media Format Internal
    Media Format microSD
    Media Format microSDHC
    Media Format microSDXC
    Megapixels 12
    Remote Dedicated with App
    Rotors 4
    Video Resolution 1080p
    Video Resolution 2.7K
    Video Resolution 4K
    Video Resolution 720p
    Weight 15.2
    Get It Now
    Learn More DJI Mavic Air Review Review
  • Sony a7R III
    Enthusiasts

    Sony a7R III

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

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

    Bottom Line:

    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.

    Specs & Configurations

    Battery Type Lithium Ion
    Dimensions 3.8 by 5 by 2.9 inches
    Display Resolution 1440000
    EVF Resolution 3600000
    Lens Mount Sony E
    Maximum ISO 102400
    Maximum Waterproof Depth 0
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital Extended Capacity
    Memory Card Format Secure Digital High Capacity
    Sensor Resolution 42.4
    Sensor Size Full-Frame (24 x 36mm)
    Sensor Type BSI CMOS
    Stabilization In-Body
    Touch Screen
    Type Mirrorless
    Video Resolution 1080p
    Video Resolution 4K
    Viewfinder Type EVF
    Weight 1.5
    Get It Now
    Learn More Sony a7R III Review Review
The Best Holiday Gifts for Photographers

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Your Selections
CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos

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

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

Our Pick
CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos
CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos
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
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
Lensbaby Sol 45
Lensbaby Sol 45
Platypod Max The Flat Tripod Base
Platypod Max The Flat Tripod Base
Think Tank Urban Approach 15
Think Tank Urban Approach 15
BLACKRAPID Classic Retro (RS4) Camera Strap
BLACKRAPID Classic Retro (RS4) Camera Strap
DJI Mavic Air
DJI Mavic Air
Sony a7R III
Sony a7R III
CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos
CamLabs Camera Lens Thermos
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
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
Rating
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Beginners
Special Effects
Beginners
Enthusiasts
Beginners
Weight
10.45.315.21.510.4
Viewfinder Type
OpticalEVFOptical
Video Resolution
1080p, 2.7K, 4K, 720p1080p, 4K
Type
Analog, CompactMirrorlessAnalog, Compact
Touch Screen
Stabilization
NoneIn-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
Fujifilm Instax MiniSecure 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
3.6 by 4.5 by 2.3 inches1.5 by 2.9 inches1.9 by 3.3 by 6.6 inches3.8 by 5 by 2.9 inches3.6 by 4.5 by 2.3 inches
Battery Type
Lithium IonLithium IonLithium Ion
35mm Equivalent (Wide)
3535

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.

About Our Expert

Jim Fisher

Jim Fisher

Principal Writer, Cameras

My Experience

Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.

The Technology I Use

I use all of the major camera systems on a regular basis, swapping between Canon, Fujifilm, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon, and Sony systems. I still find time to use Leica M rangefinders and Pentax SLRs on occasion, too. I keep an iPhone 13 in my pocket for the rare occasions I'm not carrying a camera.

I'm not a brand-specific photographer. For product review photos, I swap between a Canon EOS R5 and a Sony a7R IV. I use Flashpoint and Godox TTL lights and Peak Design tripods, and I most often reach for a Think Tank or Peak Design backpack to carry equipment.

When it comes to computers, I'm an unapologetic Mac person and have been for the past 20 years. I write in Pages and use Numbers for spreadsheets. I currently swap between an Intel i9 MacBook Pro and an Apple Silicon Mac Studio for writing and use a calibrated BenQ 32.5-inch with the Studio for photo and video editing. I rely on a LaCie 6big RAID for media storage. I also keep a PC around for gaming, but please don't tell my Macs about it; they'll get jealous.

I split time between several different software apps depending on the type of editing I'm doing. For Raw image processing, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic is my standard. I pair it with a LoupeDeck CT console to supplement my keyboard and trackpad, and I lean on RNI All Films 5 presets when I want to give an image a film look. I use Apple Final Cut Pro for video editing.

My first digital camera was the Canon PowerShot Elph S200, and my first DSLR was the Pentax *ist DL. I have a soft spot for antique film gear. I still use a 1950 vintage Rolleiflex Automat TLR and love trying mid-century Leica lenses on film and digital alike. I mainly use whatever's in front of me for review for digital snaps, but I pick up either my Leica M Typ 240 or Pentax K-3 III Monochrome when I want to step away from review work. In my downtime, I enjoy bird watching, reading, video games, and both good and bad movies, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres.

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