Find the perfect holiday gift for the photographer or content creator in your life from a super versatile tripod and cell phone tripod mount, to the latest GoPro!
Are you looking for the perfect gifts for the photographers and content creators in your life? If so, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of 12 amazing items that will delight any photo or video enthusiast, and make their work easier – and hopefully more fun. Whether they need the perfect camera bag, magnetic ND/CPL/UV filters, or an ultra-versatile tripod, we’ve got you covered. These photography gear gifts are suitable for beginners, professionals, and everyone in between and most of them are what we actually use to capture content in the field (well, mountains usually). Enjoy our holiday gift guide for photographers and content creators! And don’t worry, we won’t tell if you get something for yourself.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links through which I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All words and opinions are my own.
1. Bagsmart Camera Backpack: Best camera backpack under $100
Image credit: Bagsmart
After much research, I discovered the amazing Bagsmart Camera Backpack. This backpack has all the features I was looking for and is under $100! You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to find a camera backpack suitable for travel and hiking that can accommodate a tripod AND water bottle (most have no water bottle holder), and has a laptop compartment, side and front access (most bags give you one or the other), padded shoulder and hip straps (many are lacking hip straps so all the weight goes on your shoulders), and a top compartment without dividers for snacks and extra clothes. It also comes with a rain cover! Even much more expensive camera backpacks didn’t have all these features. Since getting the Bagsmart Camera Backpack in April 2023, it has been on many adventures!
This functional, fashionable, and comfortable backpack is designed to fit a DSLR or mirrorless camera, an extra lens or two, flash, accessories, laptop, tripod, and standard water bottle; while the top compartment is big enough for a down sweater, snacks, and small first aid kit. With padded, removable dividers, you can arrange and cushion your photography gear perfectly. When traveling, you can secure your gear by clipping the zippers together (or locking them together – luggage lock not included).
Available in beige, dark grey (shown above), and khaki at Amazon.
2. Peak Design Camera Capture Clip: Keeps your camera handy while hiking
Image credit: Peak Design
The Peak Design Camera Capture Clip V3 allows you to securely attach your camera to any belt, strap, or bag. It keeps your camera from swinging around, saves your neck on long walks and hikes, and allows you to take photos anytime! Simply push the quick-release button for easy access to your camera. Compatible with DSLR, mirrorless, and point and shoot cameras. The plate that screws into your camera is also Arca tripod-compatible. This camera clip has been a game changer that has made outdoor photography so much easier!
Get your Camera Clip now at Amazon.
3. Aodelan Wireless Shutter Release: Long range, easy to use
Image credit: 1) Aodelan, 2) Karen Ung
With the Aodelan Wireless Shutter Remote, you can control your camera wirelessly from up to 80 metres (262 feet) away. It supports autofocus, continuous shooting, bulb mode, and timer functions. Simply connect the receiver to your camera with the included cable, turn it on, and shoot to your heart’s content. The transmitter and receiver come pre-paired, you don’t have to download an app to make them work. Can you see me at centre left in the photo above? I used this remote to take the photo!
The Aodelan Wireless Shutter Remote is compatible with most Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Olympus cameras (make sure you buy the model for your camera brand and check the compatibility chart). All you need are 2 x AAA batteries (not included) and an extra CR2 battery (one is included). The only negative? There is no on/off button on the transmitter, so I recommend taking the battery out for storage. It works perfectly with my Nikon Z5 (Amazon Affiliate link).
Find this awesome wireless remote on Amazon.
4. Godox TT350 Mini TTL Flash: Compact and powerful
Image credit: Godox
Gain creative control over your photos with the Godox TT350 Mini TTL Flash: This compact flash made for mirrorless & DSLR cameras weighs only 200 grams and is ideal for on or off-camera lighting. Note: You’ll need the X2T TTL Wireless Flash Trigger (Amazon affiliate link) for off-camera use. Get 210 full power flashes on two AA batteries (batteries not included), with a quick recharge time of 0.1–2.2 seconds between flashes. Select automatic or manual flash coverage for 24 to 105 mm. I like that the flash has a diffuser and bounce card (to bounce light off the ceiling for a more natural look), and that this kit comes with gels!
Get the Godox TT350 Mini TTL Flash for Sony, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and Fujifilm cameras at Amazon.
5. K&F Concept Magnetic Filters: For fast filter changes on the go!
1) Image credit: K&F Concept, 2) Long exposure of Elbow Falls taken on a sunny day with the K&F Concept ND1000 (10-stop) filter (Amazon affiliate link) and Aodelan Wireless Shutter Remote (Amazon affiliate link).
Neutral density (ND) filters can enhance colors and create motion effects like streaming water and streaking clouds, while circular polarizing (CPL) filters can reduce glare and enhance colors. They are both a must have for landscape photography!
The K&F Concept Magnetic Filter Kit comes with a UV filter, ND1000 (10-stop) and CPL filter, and magnetic filter adapter ring and waterproof case. The filters are made of high-quality optical glass with 16 layers of double-sided coating (scratch resistant, water/oil/dust-resistant) and attach quickly and easily to the magnetic filter ring.
The K&F Concept Magnetic Filters are available in a range of sizes from 49 mm to 95 mm at Amazon.
5. Peak Design Slide Lite Mirrorless Camera Strap: Use as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap
Image credit: Peak Design
Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap, a lighter version of the original Slide strap, is designed for mirrorless and light DSLR cameras. It can be worn as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap and has a smooth side that glides over clothing in sling mode, and a grippy side that prevents slipping in shoulder strap mode. The strap also has a unique Anchor Link system that connects quickly and securely to your camera. Each anchor connector holds over 90 kg (200 lbs)!
Available from Amazon and Altitude Sports.
6. Zhiyun Crane M2S Gimbal for Mirrorless Cameras: For the videographer
Image credit: Zhiyun
Have you ever wished you could smooth out your footage and eliminate shaky movements when filming videos? Then you need a gimbal! The Zhiyun Crane M2S Gimbal for Mirrorless Cameras is a compact and powerful 3-axis stabilizer for your camera or phone with 360° pan, 320° tilt, and 320° roll rotation. It weighs only 549 grams, can record up to 10 hours, and has a built-in fill light (gels included), and rechargeable battery. It is perfect for vlogging, live streaming, or action shots! The gimbal can support up to 2.2 lbs and is compatible with most compact cameras, smartphones, and action cameras (see the Zhiyun Compatibility Chart before you buy). Available on Amazon.
The Zhiyun Crane M2S is a solid intermediate-level gimbal. For travel vloggers’ top pick, go for the DJI RS 3Mini 3-Axis Mirrorless Gimbal (2 kg / 4.4 lb payload) from Amazon.
7. Joby Gorillapod 3K tripod and ballhead: Compact and versatile
The Joby Gorillapod 3K Tripod is a versatile option for your camera or phone. It has bendable legs that can wrap around any surface – such as poles, branches, or rails – and has a ball head with level and grippy feet. Made of Japanese medical-grade ABS plastic, German TPE, and aluminum for strength and longevity.
I bought a Joby Gorillapod 3K in 2018 and it’s still in great shape! And did I mention it weighs only 390 grams / 0.86 lbs and can support up to 3 kg / 6.6 lbs?! It’s easy to pop in your backpack or handbag!
Buy now on Amazon.
8. Ulanzi ST-03 Metal Smart Phone Tripod Mount: Sturdy and compact
Image credit: Ulanzi
Filming and photographing yourself with your phone is easy with the Ulanzi ST-03 Metal Smart Phone Tripod Mount with Cold Shoe Mount and Arca-Style Quick Release Plate. Use this handy accessory to attach your smartphone to a tripod or monopod. It is large enough to hold the Google Pixel 6 (I know because I own that big phone) and has a cold shoe mount that can hold a microphone (Amazon Affiliate link) or light (Amazon Affiliate link). I love that this tripod mount is made of metal so it will last, and that it folds flat when not in use.
Get this strong but compact phone tripod mount at Amazon.
9. Peak Design Travel Tripod: Strong & fits in a carry-on bag!
Image credit: Peak Design
The award-winning Peak Design Travel Tripod is light, compact, and stable so it checks all the boxes! It fits in a carry-on bag (38.5 cm / 15.2″ long), is super quick to set up and take down, can accommodate up to 20 lbs, and has a ball head, Arca compatible standard plate, and built-in mobile mount for your phone! Shoot from inches above the ground to eye level (152 cm).
A tripod is an essential tool for any photographer or content creator. It can stabilize your camera or phone so you can take sharper photos (especially important for long exposures, astrophotography, low light, and wildlife photography with a large zoom lens), and comes in handy when you want to get in a group photo using the camera’s timer or a wireless shutter release (Amazon Affiliate link).
The Peak Design Travel Tripod (Aluminum) is 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs). Buy it on Amazon.
The Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber) is 1.29 kg (2.81 lbs). Find it on Amazon.
10. GoPro Hero12 Black: Legendary video quality in a small package
Image credit: GoPro
The GoPro HERO12 Black camera is the ultimate device for capturing your adventures. It shoots stunning 5.3K video, HDR video, and 27 MP photos. Footage is smooth and cinematic thanks to Emmy award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization. It is also waterproof to 10 m/33 ft (has a water-repellent lens cover too), rugged, and voice-controlled (“GoPro, start recording!”) so you can capture the moment hands-free.
The GoPro HERO12 Black action camera comes with an Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, and USB-C Cable. Available on Amazon.
Comparison shopping: The Gopro HERO11 (Amazon Affiliate link) also shoots 5.3K video and 27 MP photos and costs less than the HERO12, but doesn’t shoot HDR video and doesn’t have HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization (it has HyperSmooth 5.0). See details on Amazon.
11. Aurora Heat Hand Warmers
It can be hard to keep hands warm when shooting photos of video, so it helps to keep Aurora Heat Hand Warmers in your pockets or mittens! Made of thick, luxurious beaver fur by a women-run, certified Indigenous business in the Northwest Territories, these hand warmers are super soft and reusable. They make a big difference on cold days and feel SO good! I bring them with me every day once the temperatures are around/below 0C, and they’ve kept my hands warm at -15C.
Save 10% on your first Aurora Heat purchase with: PLAYOUTSIDE10.
12. DJI Mini 3 Drone: The best mini drone
Image credit: DJI
If you’re looking for an amazing mini drone, look no further than the DJI Mini 3 Drone. This small wonder can shoot in HDR and 4K/30fps (horizontal or true vertical shooting), 12 MP, f/1.7; has a large 1/1.3” sensor for amazing image quality; and weighs only 249 grams. With a flight time of 38 mins (51 mins with Plus Battery), 10 km range, and top speed of 57 km/hr, you can shoot incredible aerial videos. It folds up small so you can bring it everywhere, and has up to 38 km/hr wind resistance.
No registration or drone pilot certificate is required to use drones <250 grams, but like all drones, they are not permitted in certain locations. It’s illegal to use drones in the provincial and national parks without a filming permit (you could be fined up to $25,000 in the national parks!), and you definitely should never fly them over private property or around airports or fires. See Transport Canada | Flying your drone safely and legally for more information.
The DJI Mini 3 Drone is available on Amazon.
I hope this gift guide helps you find the perfect presents for the photographers and content creators in your life. Happy holidays! 🎁🎄
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7 comments
The camera clip would make it much easier to take the big camera on adventures!
It sure does! I love mine and use it all the time!
The Peak Design Slide Lite Mirrorless Camera Strap is great for freeing up your hands!
so nice, right? 🙂
I like the Aurora heat hand warmers. All the products are so neat.
they feel SO good!! i just got the kids’ hand and foot warmer set for my nephew
Great guide with a nice range of prices and interests.
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