Here are some gifting tips so you can give the photographer in your life something that he or she can really use. Each of these items costs (or at least starts at) under $100, and will help photographers get better pictures or protect their valuable gear.
1. Monster Pod
Funny, it doesn’t look like a tripod! Using a patented viscoelastic morphing polymer super grip, Monster Pod tenaciously grabs hold of almost any surface and gives your camera support in unlikely places. When do you need it? Whenever you need to keep your camera steady. We wouldn’t put a DSLR on it, but Monster Pod’s fine for keeping smaller cameras still. Price: Approx. $32.
2. Professor Kobre’s Lightscoop
Help improve the quality of portraits shot when using a DSLR with it’s pop-up flash. Slip the unit onto your DSLR’s hot shoe, pop up the flash, and a mirror redirects the flash and turns it into a bounce unit. This softens overall lighting and eliminates that harsh, direct on-camera flash effect. Price: Approx. $30.(If you are tight on space in your camera bag consider the LumiQuest Soft Screen for Pop-Up DSLR Flash ($12), which folds flat, as an alternative.)
3. A camera vest
A good camera vest can be more convenient than a camera case because it holds your gear securely, and also distributes the weight evenly, preventing back problems. Things to look for when buying a vest: padded collar for extra comfort, securely closeable pockets, adjustable closures, machine washable. Another plus: it’ll keep you just a bit warmer when you need it. Domke PhoTOGS vests are available for around $65. If you’re going out on the town, the Adorama Tuxedo Vest will let you carry your stuff in style for about $70.
4. Memory Cards
With digital cameras delivering 10, 12, 14MP and higher megapixel images, the more memory you have the better. The well-prepared photographer should have plenty of extra cards, preferably with higher capacity. The price of memory cards has gone down–a 2GB card can cost as little as $9. If you use a compact digital camera, shop for the best price. If you own a high-end DSLR such as the Canon 5D or Nikon D700, look for cards with faster write speeds, such as the Sandisk Extreme or Lexar Professional high-speed series. These will let you shoot faster and donwnload images more quickly and are worth the higher cost.
5. eBay tent
Are you an eBay seller? Studies show good photos result in higher bids. Soft, even illumination is best, and eBay tents like the Interfit Photographic 24-inch Pop-Up Tent (approx. $70) surround your product with diffused, flattering lighting. Some tents, like the American Recorder Studio In A Box (Approx. $60) or the Adorama DeShadow Box (Approx. $40) even come with their own self-contained light kit to make it really easy.
6. UV and Skylight filters
If you own a DSLR, the most vulnerable part of the camera is the front of your lens. If it gets smudged or scratched, repairs can be costly. But if you keep the lenscap on all the time, you could miss photos. The solution? A UV (or Skylight) filter. This clear piece of glass screws into the front of the lens. If it gets scratched, simply replace it. They start at under $10, but a multicoated filter, which may cost a bit more, will improve image quality while a cheap filter may cause problems. Check the specs for “multicoated” before you buy.
7. Compact camera skin
They make skins for cell phones, so why not cameras? Skins may give the camera just enough protection to save it from damage when banged around. CGI International and Delkin (Snug-It)
8. Digital Picture Frame
Last year, it was one of the hot new technologies in the world of photography, and now everyone has gotten on the the digital picture frame bandwagon. For consumers this is great news because these frames with built-in flat LCD screens offer more features and better quality for lower prices than previously. Some even play videos and MP3 music files and have built-in speakers. All you need to do is load the pictures you want shown onto a memory card and slip it into a slot in the frame. Then, use a remote to select how you want the pictures displayed. Models we like include the Smartparts 7-inch frame, Jobo 10.4-inch Acrylic digital frame, and the Kodak Easyshare W820 8-inch 16:9 widescreen frame (shown).
9. Sensor cleaner products
If you own an interchangeable-lens digital SLR, dust can sneak onto your camera’s imaging sensor every time you switch lenses. Cleaning your sensor on a regular basis will save you time in Photoshop fixing the dots and blotches that can show up on a dirty sensor. A good sensor maintenance kit should include a wipe/swab kit such as the Visible Dust Mini Dry and Wet Sensor Cleaning Kit.Giottos Rocket Air Blaster (approx. $11.50; squeeze it to gently blow dust off a sensor–don’t use compressed air on a sensor, it could be damaged by the blast!).
10. Flashpoint Digital 35mm Film & Slide Scanner
When we tested the Flashpoint 35mm Film and Slide Scanner we were pleasantly surprised by its speed and ease of use. It’s a great way of getting large numbers of negatives or slides into digital form via a 5MP sensor that will deliver images that are printable up to 8×10. That’s not bad for only $75.
© 2008 Adorama Camera, Inc.
