Six Cool Gifts for Photographers
Camera Ring, Anyone?
Fun For Your Photog
Admittedly, every photographer has her or his own idea about what would make a great gift. Lenses and cameras may be a great idea, and I doubt any of us would pass up such a gift, but what if you don't have the cash right now for a piece of gear? Easy, there are plenty of fun toys we just won't buy for ourselves.
The only way I got to own and road test most of these gifts was from a generous Amazon gift card from my uncle. Except for the camera bag, I needed that. So I can carry two bridge cameras at one time. But each gift, large or small should be sure to please the photographer in your life. They are the fun little toys and trinkets we never get for ourselves because we are saving up for a filter, or a lens or what have you.
For photographers, I think as long as you are young at heart you will love this selection. From a great lens travel mug that actually works, to keychains to entertain yourself or photo subjects, there's something for everyone.
As always I took all photos for this Hub, including the introduction photo. If you wish to use a photo please give proper credit and a link back. Thanks and enjoy the gifts!
Please Note: The video was used for descriptive purposes only and is actually the video that showed me how to really pack my Lowepro the right way, so I really love it. But if you wish to have the video removed, please contact me. Unfortunately I have no videography skills at the moment, so thanks for bearing with me.
Sleek Design
Locomo Keychain Twin Lens Reflex Camera
There is something adorable about a smaller version of a bigger product, and this keychain is no exception. So cute and spunky that it looks and sounds like the love child of a twin lens reflex camera and a digital camera. I got a color at random, the black and red model, and love the design.
The twin lenses actually look realistic, and as the brief pulse of light shines through the bottom lens, it is a detail photogs should enjoy, since that is the lens that actually takes the picture. Now the flash is brief, and accompanied by a flash sound, but it could be used as a tiny flashlight if you keep the shutter button down and don't mind the light coming in pulses.
I liked the Rock and Roll logo on top, and the styling is simplistic and keeps with the twin lens reflex camera styling. Yes, I noticed it looks a lot like a Rolliecord myself. Mine I carry around in my camera bag so the Kodak doesn't get lonely, and put his little buddy beside him so he has company when he's recharging.
Yes, it was a gift for the camera. And shutterbugs hear me. I know you do. He likes it so much he demanded a photo shoot, then that his little buddy ride in his bag with him so he doesn't get bumped and broken. For other photogs, this is a cute toy for long rides and entertaining other photogs or the kids.
Size Compariosn
Cute Look-Alike
Locomo Keychain Mini Digital Single Lens Reflex DSLR Camera
This camera is almost two cute for words. Although I took a chance I lucked out and got the grey camera I wanted. (Though from some reviews it sound like grey is the only color.) But the spunky little copy of a bigger and more famous camera has so much detail in the lens barrel I actually expected it to turn. Alas, it doesn't, but that doesn't take away from the cute factor.
The back is a bit simpler, with a LCD and buttons made of black material that gives you a sense of a camera molded out of art clay, but I don't mean that in a cheap or insulting way, all the details such as a viewfinder and everything are where they should be, and this camera, about the size of the keychains we used to get our of fifty cent machines should please any photog.
Like the keychain above, the light pulses and the sound effect plays every time the shutter button is pressed. Again, not a true flashlight, but if you need to find something in your bag, entertain your photo subjects, or just to play with it is a cute addition to your camera bag. Mine is tucked into a side pocket with her Rock and Roll sister and they travel about quite well that way.
The Light
Look Like The Real Thing
Caniam Lens Travel Cup
When a holiday boon arrived from my uncle I snapped one of these lens cups up, and yes, I know there are very expensive versions out there, but for my money I like the Caniam. Most importantly it as passed my hot and cold liquids test. Where I first filled it with cold water and closed the top tab that snaps forward. Shaken vigorously only a few drops escaped.
Tilted or upside down there was a little bit of liquid, but not the stream you get from other travel mugs and it does not leak around the lid. Keep in mind the idea is to put cups in holders, but I do stupid stuff so you don't have to. Now on to the fun stuff. From other reviews I had mixed expectations.
I thought I'd get a piece of junk and I didn't. Is this lens cup a tad smaller? You bet, but at ten ounces you get a fair bit in there. And it does a great job of keeping hot beverages hot and cold ones cool. But the best part is all the detailing that was put into this mug. The AF/MF switch was so realistic I tried it, and it has other details like the lens hood, rings where they should be on an actual lens barrel and cute details like image stabilizer and Caniam Zoom Lens EF (an obvious nod to Canon) that is an impressive 24-105mm 1:4 L IS USM. In other words it is based off of a lens I found going for over six hundred dollars.
And if you saw them side by side, yes, you'd tell the difference, but at first glance it looks like your favorite photog is packing some serious Canon glass. Oh, quick tip from decades of insulated mug use. Hand wash, you don't want water seeping into the mug between the layers.
And it is not a hockey puck. Dropping it or batting it around isn't a great idea, but it stands up to normal use quite well. Care for it like a lens and you should have years of good use.
Lid Off
Trendy, Yet Classic
TdZ Retro Fashion Camera Ring
This camera ring is perfect for the photog, male or female in your life who knows the best things in life come with lenses. The simple design is accented in black enamel with a generous rhinestone for the lens. What I liked is that it has a classic camera shape. It looks like a camera should to a lot of us and you have the brand name just on the tip of your tongue.
You can make out details subtly like the shutter button the lens barrel, and the viewfinder, and I keep wanting to name the camera it is because my dad had one, but it just keeps escaping me. A Kodak, a Minolta, a Canon? It looks like a body all the SLRs had, and the DSLRs are going back to so it can be both nostalgic and trendy at the same time.
It is about size six and comfortable to wear, plus you can size it up or down as needed. Having worked with jewelry for many years in stores I will give you a tip. Pick a size and leave it there. Metal stresses each time it is moved and while repeated resizings are OK, you are stressing the metal. Luckily with the backing if the worst does happen you can just get a new ring blank of the same type at the craft store, some of the correct glue and you are golden. Yes, I did jewelry repair as well, it will work.
What I like best is that it is costume jewelry. So for a few dollars you get a fun ring any shutterbug would love, but you haven't dropped a chunk of change only to find out that after six months he doesn't like photography anymore or she has acidic skin that reduces gold to pieces. Oh, before I forget, if you tend to turn anything with copper colors or it leaves a green mark a coating of clear nail polish will protect both the ring and you.
Camera Ring
A Working Flash Drive
4 GB Canon Flash Drive
A Canon EOS 5D has never been this, well cute. A copy of the full-framed sensor DSLR this flashdrive works perfectly for storing all those little goodies photog accumulate along the way. Like edits of photos we are never going to use, but really like anyway, projects to take on the go to upload elsewhere, or anything we desire.
I love the ease of just plugging it in and dragging whatever I desire over, since it is much faster than my old method of writing this or that file to a writable DVD. This camera is also on the small size, about the size of other novelty flash drives, and although I don't have the Canon and lens in question it is loaded with details that should make any photographer smile.
I love the fact that this drive is small enough to slip into my camera bag, but you could easily tuck it into a purse or a coat pocket to take your photos or other stored goodies on the go.
Yes, It Really Is A Flash Drive
This Bag Holds Everything
Lowepro Adventura 170
I've got to admit it seems strange to include this bag here, and it took me a while to fall in love with it, but the Adventura 170 is actually everything I was looking for in a camera bag. And it is a reasonably priced bag aimed at us enthusiasts, so it does what we need it to do (protect and carry our gear) while looking pretty darn cool as well.
I am currently carrying both the Kodak Pixpro AZ651 and my old workhorse, the Kodak Easyshare DX6490 plus a lens hood, Skylight, filters, battery chargers and a whole bunch of other stuff and it isn't jammed in or broken. I like the belt loops on the back for carrying a small tripod that gets the job done, and the side pockets hold all sorts of goodies.
It is actually designed to carry a DSLR with a standard lens plus two other lenses, but I'm finding it works quite well for two bridge cameras I'd rather not be without. And the bright orange color inside is just plain fun and a lot easier to find your stuff inside.
The padding is just enough to protect from everyday bumps, and the compact size shouldn't make taking it places an issue or a hassle. Even fully loaded it distributes the weight well with the across the body strap, that you can also adjust or remove.
There is also a carry handle, two cargo pockets, and the belt loops I tucked my tripod into. Keep in mind that although this is water resistant it is not a waterproof model, but it should do a great job for most enthusiasts who want to pack for a day shoot.
It Holds Everything
Lovely Review
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