Gift Guides For Photographers

[Photo-John]

Just in case you guys haven't noticed the promos in the right-hand column, I wanted to let you know about the two Holiday guides I've posted. The first is a digital camera guide, with compact digital cameras, digital SLRs, and lenses. Because everyone is worried about money right now, the Holiday Digital Camera Guide places the emphasis on value. I've chosen what I think are some of the best cameras and lenses for the money right now.

Holiday Digital Camera Guide >>

The other guide is intended to help people on tight budgets who need to buy gifts for photographers. It's not all about pro digital SLRs and super-telephoto lenses, right? Plus, it's the thought that counts. So every day until December 25th, I'm adding a new item to the Cheap Gifts For Photographers article. I think this is an especially useful guide, since it can be hard to think of things to buy for photographers. It's so easy to get stuck on the big dollar stuff. But there are tons of cool, inexpensive things that photographers will appreciate.

Cheap Gifts For Photographers >>

If you've got ideas for other cheap gifts for photographers, please feel free to post them as comments to the article, or post them here. You'll notice that I've credited a couple of people for their ideas.

[mjs1973]

I love looking at photography gift guides! It seems like every year there are more and more coming out on the web. I love to see what other people are thinking about and I always find things that would be nice to have that I had never thought about before.

One thing I saw Scott Kelby talking about that would fit on your "Cheap Gifts for Photographers" guide is some knee pads. Not your typical photo type gear, but something that can make an outing much more comfortable.

[megan]

I never though of knee pads! I've already forwarded the on-camera flash bounce to a friend.

One thing I always appreciate can't necessarily be reviewed on the site, but most labs have some sort of gift certificate. I still shoot film so lab gift certificates are always appreciated, but I can imagine it would also be appreciated by those who want professional enlargements of their digital files as well!

Megan

[Xia_Ke]

What, no film??? It's cheap and makes great stocking stuffers

EDIT: Just saw Megan post which reminds me, Holga's are cheap and fun :thumbsup:

[Liz]

Thanks for posting the Christmas gift ideas, John.

I would like to add that I purchased some 2gb flash memory cards for a friend's kids who are in high school and college. They carry them around on a key-chain instead of taking their laptops when they go from school to home. They use it for school work and photos.

Actually I got the PNY P-FD2GBHSP-FS 2GB Optima Pro Attache USB 2.0 Flash Drive that was $11 on a Christmas sale for $3.99 each. So I included a 2gb card also on sale for $2.99.

I also agree with Megan - I LOVE B&H gift cards! Almost more than cash - because then I HAVE to spend it for photo stuff. :thumbsup:

Liz

[Frog]

Good idea, John and probably more work than I want to think about.
Maybe add bean bags or those fancier soft camera pads for when you don't have a tripod.

[SmartWombat]

Knee pads for protecting the joints where we take a lot of low angle shots.
Better to look like a twit than have knees like mine ?

[drg]

Spudz are a great suggestion! That and any other type of lens cleaning microfiber. Seems I never have enough. One for the camera lens, one for the body, one for my eye/sunglasses!

Don't forget Rocket Blowers.

[Frog]

Hey, good one, drg! Hadn't heard of spudz before but looked them up.
Lens pens would be good too.

[SmartWombat]

PR.com branded spudz for the site next year, P-J ?
I'd buy a few

[Photo-John]

PR.com branded spudz for the site next year, P-J ?
I'd buy a few

Yes! I've been thinking about that since I first saw them. I think the time has come. I will look into it

[drg]

I'd gladly carry some pr branded SPUDZ! That would be neat!

Don't forget that spare batteries/power cells and rechargers are also a very nice gift for you favorite photographer!

[Photo-John]

What, no film??? It's cheap and makes great stocking stuffers

EDIT: Just saw Megan post which reminds me, Holga's are cheap and fun :thumbsup:

Just in case you haven't looked, check out yesterday's pick for Cheap Holiday Gifts For Photographers.

Thanks for your suggestion

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks Captain :thumbsup: Holgas are good, cheap fun. If anyone is worried about film availability of 120 film, Holga also makes 35mm versions as well

[Theodore]

Lomography makes loads of cheap and weird film cameras, and they have lots of 120 film, so the 35mm version isn't necessarily err... necessary.

[Wild Wassa]

My youngest son Geoff (a 40D user) has made a present this year for his older brother Mike (a 400D person).

Being all Canon aficianados on this thread I hope, as we all are at our home (brand loyalty rules here OK) ... no doubt the right audience is viewing. If you are looking for a personalized present still, which took Geoff only about an hour to make, and which will be a great success, I hope you enjoy this.

Geoffrey used Canon T-shirt Transfers (code TR-301) which was $24.95 over here in Oz, for 10/A4 sheets, and the T-shirt only cost whatever a T-shirt costs.

The Canon typeface which might not be exactly the same as that which Canon uses, Geoff constructed from a text programme (other options are available of course).

The finished gift. Canon advanced awesome.







Warren.

[Xia_Ke]

Lomography makes loads of cheap and weird film cameras, and they have lots of 120 film, so the 35mm version isn't necessarily err... necessary.

Yes, ordering 120 is no problem. I was thinking more for those who live in small towns like I do. If I don't want to order film online, it's 1+ hour drive to get anywhere that sells 120 film and charges $2 or so more per roll than online. Where as 35mm can be bought at most any drug store/grocery store.

[Photo-John]

I just updated the Cheap Holiday Gifts For Photographers guide. We're down to the wire here. But I think today's idea is a good one. And I actually have one more in the bag for serious last minute shoppers. I'll put it up around midnight tonight

[Wild Wassa]

Product feedback on the Canon advanced awesome T-shirt.

When Geoffrey gave Michael the T-shirt, Mike opened the christmas wrapping, held the T-shirt up for all to see and said, "At last I have a garment worthy of being married in."

One can only repeat, "A great success."

I'm going to make a post Christmas T-shirt in yellow on black that says, Nikon for when quality isn't everything,

Warren.

[Frog]

PR spudz and maybe PR tee-shirts. I'd buy a hat!

[Dylan8i]

I just saw this thread! a bit late, but something else that i always carry with me, but depending on the type of photography your in to might not be useful at all.... a water proof bag... i got mine (they have varying sizes) at a camping and outdoor store for like 20-30$ its water proof, and rolls down at the top and then snaps shut. its pretty sturdy. i had my point and shoot go through a class 3 rapid clipped to an upside down raft in one once, and came out unscathed.
i always carry it out hiking in case i get trapped in a sudden down pour... i can throw all my gear ( or the important bits) in it to keep competely dry while i hike home.