Abby's Photography & Camera Recommendations | Christmas Gift Guide
Christmas is coming! It's that time of the year when I get asked about my recommendations for cameras and photography equipment! Perks of being a professional photographer. I know a lot about photography equipment from years in the field, with experience in portrait, lifestyle, fine art, photojournalism, and wedding photography. So, here in one post, I'm sharing all of my photography-related product recommendations for all experience levels and needs of photographers. Enjoy! Please post any comments or questions in the comments below. I'm happy to help!
For 'Just for Fun' Photographers - no fancy equipment here, just having fun taking photos!
1. Camera - Nikon Coolpix A300. The A300 is a great camera for everyday adventures! It has built in wifi and Bluetooth to send photos to your smartphone, a zoom lens, and comes in silver and black. Very compact and easy to use. This is a point and shoot camera, not a DSLR, so it won't be able to do manual mode or have removable lenses. It features a high resolution sensor and many modes for portrait, sports and more. Click the photo below to see it on Amazon.
2. Camera - Nikon Coolpix B500. This camera is a bridge camera, meaning it's somewhere in between a point and shoot and a DSLR. It features a great zoom lens (non-removable), a tilting LCD (the coolest thing ever), wifi and Bluetooth, many different modes, and comes in black and red! I'm a big fan of the dark red color, even though I usually don't like red. Great camera overall! Click the photo below to see it on Amazon.
3. Film Camera - Fujifilm Instax Mini 9. I have the mini 9 and I love it! It is such a fun film camera. The mini 9 is a polaroi style camera that instantly prints mini film prints for you! It has a selfie mirror and lens attachment for selfies, film counter, different light settings, and flash. This camera is so fun for everyday photos, and is a great gift for anyone that loves taking photos! It comes in an array of colors; I have the ice blue camera (pictured) with a matching case and a pink film album, all of which are great prices on Amazon. Don't forget to buy the film! Click the photo below to see it on Amazon!
4. Bag - AmazonBasics Camera Case. This is a great multi-use camera bag for any point and shoot or bridge camera! Note: it will NOT fit a DSLR. It is small, has a shoulder strap, and fits everything you need for your small camera. And, it's an unbelievably great price! Click the photo below to view on Amazon.
5. Bag - Phetium Instax Mini 9 Case. The cutest + most protective case for mini 9! This case is soft PU leather on the outside and soft fabric on the inside so it'll keep your camera unscratched. It magnets closed, and has a film compartment on the back to protect your film prints! It comes in many different colors including brown, pink, and more. I have it in ice blue (pictured). Click the photo below to see it on Amazon.
For Beginner Photographers - photographing everyday family adventures or just starting professionally!
1. Camera - Nikon D3300. I started with this exact camera! It is a lightweight, crop sensor DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex), which means it can be used for both amateur and professional photography. Lenses can be removed and switched out as well! The D3300 is a great price for a DSLR, and is durable enough to stay with you for years to come. It takes high quality images and video, comes with a self timer, and has an option for wifi. Nikon is very user friendly, and is compatible with many accessories. The kit lenses that come with the camera are great for beginning photography as well! Click the photo below to see it on Amazon.
2. Tripod - Vivitar 57" Tripod. This is a great multi-use, extendable tripod for any camera! It fits the universal attachment to most cameras. The Vivitar tripod extends to well over my height, which is very useful. It is durable, and easy to carry. Click the photo below to see it on Amazon.
3. Bag - BagSmart Compact Shoulder Bag. A great compact bag for photographers! The BagSmart camera bag has enough room for your DSLR, an extra lens or flash, and other small items. It even comes with a rain fly and attachment for suitcases! It comes in three colors, my favorite is the grey bag (pictured). Click the photo below to see it on Amazon.
For Professional Photographers - you do this for your career and need the best!
1. Camera - Nikon D750. The D750 is a full frame DSLR that will make all of your dreams come true! I love this camera. Wifi built in, battery attachment available, and so much more. Great quality photo AND video! It features continuous shooting, back button focus, and everything else other DSLRs do, but with a full frame sensor! The D750 is the best deal for a full frame DSLR I've seen. Click the photo below to see it on Amazon.
2. Lens - Nikkor 50mm Prime Lens. Prime lenses are so amazing! I love shooting with the 50mm, or as I like to call it the 'Nifty Fifty.' Better quality images than kit lenses, and so compact. Click the photo below to see it on Amazon (FX linked, DX available).
3. Neewer Flash. I love this flash! It's so easy to use, has umbrella hookups you can add on, and multiple levels of light. Pro Tip: make sure you use all of the same brand batteries or it won't work. It tightens into the hot shoe mount as well, so it won't fall off! I bought a diffuser for pretty cheap as well for this flash and it's great. Click below to see it on Amazon.
This bag will not only hold everything you'll ever need while being ultra fashionable, but it will also have more room left! The DSLR compartment is super accessible, and the main compartment will hold your laptop, extra supplies, reflector, and more. I love having everything with me, and this bag does that! It also comes with a rain fly and detachable waist belt. It is super customize-able for when you need to fit large items in it. Click below to see it on Amazon.
5. Light Reflector - Etekcity 24" Light Reflector. This light reflector is a life saver. It comes with four reflector colors - white, metallic gold, metallic silver, and black, and includes a shade panel on the inside. All in one reflector! Also includes a case. Click below to see it on Amazon.
Video Equipment
1. Neewer Video Light. The best video light for the money! This is a great reliable on camera light, and it's not going to break the bank. Video equipment can get expensive! Click below to see it on Amazon.
2. Video Microphone. If you're videoing more than just highlights, you'll need an on camera mic. This is a great non-expensive option for starting videographers. It picks up better sound than the camera mic by far, and is very easy to use! Click below to see it on Amazon.
