Newsletter
If you’re looking for a new camera to buy, or some camera equipment, you’re in the right place. No matter if you’re buying a gift for yourself, or someone you know, we did our best to highlight some solid products for you.
We’ve broken down this gift guide into three main sections. The first one is dedicated to cameras, the second one to camera lenses, while the third one is focused on tripods. If you’re serious about your camera photography and videography, getting a tripod is a no-brainer. Most of you will also need to get some lenses for versatility, so… it’s only logical to include them as well.
All the products that are listed below are available via Amazon, so they should be fairly easy to get. If you already know what you’re interested in, cameras, camera lenses, or tripods, you can jump to that specific category using the links down below.
Table of Contents
Best cameras
Getting the right camera is not always easy. There are tons of options out in the market, and various different camera types that you can get. There’s also that infamous price tag that may be an issue.
Well, in order to make the experience as painless as possible, we’ve highlighted five products here. If you’re looking for the absolute best, we have recommendations for the best DSLR and compact cameras. On the other hand, if you’re looking to save up some cash, we have recommendations for budget cameras that fit in those categories.
Ultimately, if you’re not looking for your regular DSLR or a point-and-shoot camera, a rugged camera option is also listed here. Some of you probably don’t want to baby your camera, and spend a lot of time in nature, so a rugged camera may be a good choice.
| Price | Buy | |
| Fujifilm X100F | $1,099 | Amazon |
| Nikon D850 | $2,796 | Amazon |
| Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II | $439 | Amazon |
| Nikon D3500 | $499 | Amazon |
| Nikon Coolpix W300 | $386 | Amazon |
Best point-and-shoot camera: Fujifilm X100F
If you’re in the market for something portable, and yet really compelling… the Fujifilm X100F is the way to go. Before we go on, please do note that this camera cannot shoot 4K video, but that’s one of the very few downsides of this camera. If you’re shooting a lot of videos, and really need 4K resolution, this one is not for you. Everything below it (1080p at max) is a fair game, though, and the camera does a great job.
This camera comes with a 24.3-megapixel sensor, and a 35mm lens. It has a hybrid optical viewfinder, and a max burst speed of 8fps. This camera is aimed at both enthusiasts and professionals. You’ll get great image quality of the Fujifilm X100F, and the camera offers great build as well. It’ll do a great job no matter if you’re shooting JPEGs, or in RAW format.
There are smaller point-and-shoot cameras out there, for sure, but this is one of the best ones available. Do note that it’s not exactly one of the most affordable point-and-shoot offerings, though. You’ll have to hash out over $1,000 in order to get it.
Fujifilm X100F - $1,099 - Amazon
Best DSLR: Nikon D850
If you’re looking for the very best DSLR out there, the Nikon D850 is our pick. There are many great DSLR cameras available, and this one is easily amongst the best ones. Do note that it is not affordable, though, not at all. If you want the best, you’ll have to pay the price. The Nikon D850 is priced at well over $2,700 on Amazon as we speak.
This camera has a lot to offer, though. It comes with a full frame sensor, it’s a 45.7-megapixel sensor with the Nikon FX lens mount. A 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen is also a part of the package. This can be a camera for enthusiasts, but it’s aimed at professionals, that’s for sure.
This camera offers a max burst speed of 7fps, and can shoot video in 4K resolution. it’s actually quite compact considering what it offers, and compared to the competition. This is a full-fledged DLSR camera, though, so don’t expect it to fit in your pocket or anything of the sort. Pictures from this camera can get a bit noisy if you’re shooting at extremely high ISO settings, but that’s pretty much the only downside here.
Nikon D850 - $2,796.95 - Amazon
Best affordable compact camera: Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
If you’re looking for a more affordable compact camera, more affordable than Fujifilm X100F, well, here you go. The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a great choice if your budget is under $450-500. It’s not a dirt-cheap camera, but it has plenty to offer for its price tag, that’s for sure.
This camera is quite compact, and it’s extremely easy to use. On top of that, its build quality is truly great. Streamlined controls make it quite easy to use, which is a good thing for beginners. This camera cannot shoot 4K video, though, so keep that in mind. Its zoom range is also quite limited.
The device includes a 20.1-megapixel 1in sensor, which is paired with a wide-angle 28-84mm lens. It has a 3-inch LCD display on the back, and that display is touch sensitive. This is a great camera for both beginners, and those of you who already know your way around a camera.
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II + equipment - $439 - Amazon
Best entry-level DSLR: Nikon D3500
The first thought that comes to mind when I think of the Nikon D3500 is ‘great value’. If you’re looking to get one of the best affordable DSLRs out there, the Nikon D3500 is the way to go. This camera has a lot to offer, and it costs a fraction of the price of some top-of-the-line DSLRs out in the market.
The Nikon D3500 has an impressive battery life, while there are a ton of lenses available for this camera. There are two downsides to this camera, it cannot shoot 4K video, and its screen is not touch sensitive. if you can live with those two, you’ll be really happy with its performance. The camera does shoot excellent 1080p video, though, so keep that in mind.
This camera comes with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, and the Nikon F lens mount. This camera offers a great grip, and it’s a bit lighter than its predecessor as well. If you’re looking to get your first DSLR, or a first DSRL for someone you know, this is the way to go. You can get the camera, some extra lenses, and various other goodies for only $499 from Amazon.
Nikon D3500 + equipment - $499 - Amazon
Best rugged camera: Nikon Coolpix W300
If you’re spending a lot of time in nature, hiking, mountain-climbing, or something of the sort, you probably don’t want to break your expensive camera. Well, luckily for such adventurers, rugged cameras are a thing. The Nikon Coolpix W300 is actually a great choice, as it’s quite compact, and still pretty good. It is also full of rugged-type features.
This camera is waterproof up to 100 feet, and freezeproof up to 14F. On top of that, it is dustproof and shockproof. This camera shines when it comes to shooting video, in particular. So if you’re planning to shoot some videos under water, or something of the sort, this is a great camera to do it.
The Nikon Coolpix W300 features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, and can shoot video at 4K resolution. It offers 5x optical zoom, and covers ISO in a 125-6,400 range. This camera costs less than $400 on Amazon, if you’re interested.
Nikon Coolpix W300 - $386 - Amazon
Best camera lenses
There are tons of different lenses available in the market. You can get dedicated lenses for macro shots, for ultra-wide shots, for night shots, and so on. Getting a ton of different lenses for your camera is extremely expensive. That is especially true if you’re buying really high-quality lenses.
Well, in order to help you out, at least a little bit, we’ve highlighted several lenses for you to check out. The first two lenses on the list down below are highly recommended, and do come in different variants, for different OEMs. The latter two are prime lenses for specific OEMs. Each of these lenses has a role to play, and they do a great job, while you won’t have to break the bank in order to get them.
| Price | Buy | |
| Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 | $329 | Amazon |
| Tamron Auto Focus 70–300mm | $110 | Amazon |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens | $125 | Amazon |
| Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens | $176 | Amazon |
Best ultra-wide-angle lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5
If you’re in the market for an ultra-wide-angle lens, this is one of the best you can get. Sigma is one of the best lens manufacturers around, and this lens comes in versions for various different DSLRs.
A version of this lens can be attached to Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony cameras, so you’re well-covered. Make sure to buy the right variant of the lens, though. It has a focal range of 10-20mm, and it can deliver huge depth of field, which is great.
This lens provides quick focusing, while you will also get some precision settings. The lens is well-built considering it comes from Sigma. You cannot go wrong with this one, if you’re getting an ultra-wide-angle lens.
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 - $329 (for Nikon) - Amazon
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 - $329 (for Canon) - Amazon
Sigma's 10-20mm f/3.5 lens - $329 (for Sony) - Amazon
Best affordable zoom lens: Tamron Auto Focus 70–300mm
Tamron is a great zoom lens which comes in variants for a number of different camera brands. On top of everything, this lens doesn’t really cost all that much, partially because it comes from Tamron. That company may not have the brand recognition of Sony, Nikon, or Canon, but it makes great products.
This particular lens comes with a 6-year warranty, which is great. On top of that, it comes in variants compatible with Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Pentax cameras. If you do plan on buying it, make sure to select the right variant for your camera. All of the options that we’ve mentioned here are available from Amazon.
This lens comes with a built-in motor, and it focuses with great speed. It has a 70-300mm focus depth, which is great, as this can be considered to be an all-purpose lens. It’s built with LD glass, so it offers a really tight aperture. All in all, this is a great offering by Tamron.
Tamron Auto Focus 70–300mm - $110 - Amazon
Best Canon prime lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
If you own a Canon-branded DSLR, and are looking for a great prime lens, this is one of them. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is extremely versatile, and yet affordable. The best of all, it’s compatible with both full-frame and APS-C DSLR cameras.
This lens comes with a 50mm focal length, and a maximum aperture of f/1.8. It has a built-in stepping motor (STM) for smooth autofocus. Thanks to all that, this lens is really great for pretty much all scenarios.
Autofocusing will be not only smooth, but quiet as well. This lens costs only $125, which is not a bad price considering what it has to offer. If you’re interested, you can pick one up from Amazon.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens - $125 - Amazon
Best Nikon prime lens: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens
This is a Nikon alternative to the Canon prime lens we’ve mentioned earlier. This lens is more expensive than the Canon one we mentioned, but it’s still an excellent buy. If you have a Nikon camera, this is the prime lens you should get.
This lens is suitable for pretty much all shooting scenarios. It’s extremely compact, and really fast at everything it does. It is capable of providing some great-looking shots, and it’s great for both beginners and those of you who already know your way around a camera.
This lens is even great in low light, it will provide plenty of light and really sharp images. The build is great, and the lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.48 ft. That’s not exactly a plus, but this is not a macro lens after all, so it does great for a prime lens.
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens - $176 - Amazon
Best tripods
Getting the right tripod is crucial if you’re serious about your photography. There are various different tripods that you can get these days. From large multifunctional ones, to really small, travel-friendly ones.
We’ve highlighted a couple of options for you down below. Those options include both larger and smaller tripods, so simply choose which one suits you best. It is recommendable that you get both, though, as you’ll find yourself in different scenarios.
Small tripods can be really useful if you’re carrying around your point-and-shoot camera, and are traveling light. But for pretty much every other scenario, getting a full-fledged tripod is a better option. It is simply more versatile.
| Price | Buy | |
| Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2-Section Mini Tripod | $34 | Amazon |
| Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom | $34 | Amazon |
| Manfrotto 055 (Carbon Fiber) | $328 | Amazon |
| Manfrotto 190 go! | $314 | Amazon |
Best mini tripod: Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2-Section Mini Tripod
Manfrotto is one of the most renowned brands when it comes to tripods. The Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2-Section mini tripod is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a small option. This tripod comes in two different color options, black and red.
This tripod comes with adjustable legs, and leg angles, while it has a built-in ball head. If you’re looking for something small that will hold both your point-and-shot, and a DSLR, this is it.
This tripod’s head offers up to 90-degree head tilt, and it can support cameras of up to 5.5lbs. Keep that in mind when you’re buying it, because if your camera is too heavy, this tripod will not be of use. The tripod costs around $30 on Amazon, which is a great price tag for a mini tripod.
Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2-Section Mini Tripod - $34 - Best Buy
Best tripod for ultimate flexibility: Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom
If you’re looking for ultimate versatility, and are unwilling to mess around with classic tripods, this is a great solution. The Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom is a great solution when a regular tripod is of no use.
If you’re looking to get your camera to shoot under crazy angles, or something of the sort, this is the solution. You can bend this tripod’s legs any way you want, and attach it to basically any object. It is a tripod spider pretty much.
Its legs are a series of interconnected ball joints, which make its legs extremely versatile. This tripod can hold full-fledged DSLRs, as well as pretty much any point-and-shoot. As long as your camera is under 3kg (6.6lbs), you’re good to go.
Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom - $34 - Amazon
Best tripod when it comes to build quality: Manfrotto 055 (Carbon Fiber variant)
The Manfrotto 055 is a great tripod, no matter the way you look at it. The regular variant of this tripod is priced at around $180, but the Carbon Fiber model that we’re looking at here, is a bit more expensive. This tripod is priced at $328.
If you’re looking for an extremely sturdy tripod, and don’t care about how large it is, this is a great choice. This is not one of the lightest tripods around, nor one of the smallest. It weighs 2.54kg, and its max operating height is 182cm.
This tripod can hold cameras that weigh up to 9-10kg, which makes it quite versatile in that regard. It has a really speed pivot system, though it does not come with a carry bag. It is also quite large, even when folded.
Manfrotto 055 (Carbon Fiber) - $328 - Amazon
Best professional tripod: Manfrotto 190 go!
If money is no issue, and you’re just looking for a truly great tripod in general, the Manfrotto 190 Go! is a great option. This is a professional tripod with the XPRO 3-way head. It is made out of aluminum, and it has a fast operating M-lock mechanism.
It weighs 1.94kg, while its max operating weight is 159cm. This tripod can carry quite heavy cameras. Its head can withstand cameras of up to 10kg, while its legs can hold equipment up to 6kg.
There are four sections per each leg on this tripod. Despite the fact this is a professional tripod, it’s not difficult to operate, or anything of the sort. If you can afford it, this is a truly great option.