Gift Guide: 10 Great Cameras for When a Smartphone Isn’t Enough

TechCrunch's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Photography Gifts

Need assistance finding the perfect gifts? TechCrunch’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide is here to help! Explore a wide range of gift ideas, and discover our other curated guides available here.

Embrace a New Passion This Holiday Season

With the approach of a second holiday season impacted by the pandemic, now is an ideal moment to encourage the exploration of a new hobby. Suggest this to family and friends as you consider gifting cameras from our photography gift selection this year.

The Advantages of Dedicated Cameras

While mobile photography has become incredibly common, it often lacks the nuanced control and superior image quality offered by dedicated cameras. Therefore, a significant camera upgrade is a thoughtful gift for anyone aiming to enhance their creative pursuits this winter.

Consider the benefits of a dedicated camera system for those seeking to move beyond smartphone limitations. The ability to change lenses, adjust settings manually, and capture higher resolution images provides a level of flexibility unmatched by mobile devices.

Photography Gift Ideas for Every Level

Our list includes options for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals alike. We’ve focused on cameras that represent innovation and value in the current market.

• Beginner-Friendly Options: These cameras prioritize ease of use and automatic settings, making them perfect for those new to photography.
• Enthusiast-Level Cameras: Offering more manual control and advanced features, these cameras cater to those looking to expand their skills.
• Professional-Grade Equipment: For the serious photographer, we’ve included high-performance cameras capable of delivering exceptional results.

Selecting the right camera depends on the recipient’s experience and aspirations. Think about their current skill level and the types of photography they enjoy or wish to explore.

GoPro Hero 10 Black

When it comes to capturing action and sports footage, GoPro remains the industry leader. The GoPro Hero 10 Black, characterized by its compact, cube-like design, is capable of documenting virtually any adventurous activity.

Excellent waterproofing is a key feature, and a comprehensive range of accessories are available to facilitate diverse shooting scenarios.

Key Features and Considerations

The GoPro Hero 10 Black represents the pinnacle of the line, boasting an enhanced processor and a marginally increased image resolution.

However, the preceding Hero 9 Black model offers significant cost savings with minimal compromise in performance. The user interface has historically been a minor drawback with GoPro cameras.

Therefore, investing in the newest iteration is likely a worthwhile decision, especially given the improvements. Older models, however, still provide substantial value for the price.

Price: $449 from Best Buy

Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing between generations. The Hero 10 Black delivers the best possible experience, while the Hero 9 Black remains a compelling option for those seeking affordability.

Sony A7C

The Sony A7C, launched in the latter part of the previous year, represents a continuation of Sony’s established history of developing groundbreaking mirrorless cameras. These cameras are often favored even by professional photographers.

This camera is a full-frame mirrorless model. Consequently, it may be more than necessary for beginners who are still learning the fundamentals of photography.

However, it serves as an ideal advancement for those who have surpassed the capabilities of an older DSLR or a more recent APS-C camera.

The A7C is marketed as an exceptionally portable choice within a category already known for its compactness.

Featuring integrated image stabilization and a high-performance sensor, the A7C avoids significant compromises in functionality.

Price: The Sony A7C is available for $1,800 at B&H. Alternatively, the Canon EOS RP can be purchased for $999 from B&H.

For individuals seeking a similarly small full-frame camera at a more accessible price point, the Canon EOS RP is a viable option.

While it doesn't include the in-body image stabilization found in more expensive models, it provides an excellent starting point for those transitioning to full-frame photography in a compact form factor.

Fujifilm X100V

Despite the absence of a new iteration this year, Fujifilm's X100V remains a remarkably compelling choice.

It delivers a professional-grade photographic experience within a compact form factor. The camera’s design incorporates physical controls reminiscent of classic cameras, contributing to its widespread appeal.

Key Features

While lacking the versatility of interchangeable lenses, the X100V provides substantial photographic capabilities.

Its pocketable size facilitates discreet street and travel photography, allowing for candid and unforced image capture.

Price: $1,400, available at Adorama.

DJI Mini 2

The DJI Mini 2 represents an ideal starting point for individuals interested in exploring drone technology. Its compact size allows for easy portability during various activities.

Despite its small form factor, the Mini 2 is equipped with a comprehensive set of features, bringing it closer in capability to DJI’s more sophisticated Mavic series.

Key Improvements

A significant upgrade is the inclusion of Ocusync 2.0, which provides a more dependable connection between the drone and its controller. Furthermore, enhancements to the motor contribute to greater stability during flight.

The ability to record video in 4K resolution is another notable benefit offered by the DJI Mini 2.

Price: $450 from DJI

Polaroid Go

While more pragmatic instant photography choices exist, the appeal of the Polaroid Go is undeniable. It’s arguably the most visually charming camera ever created, and notably the smallest instant camera to date, measuring just 4.1 inches at its widest point.

This device captures images on a scaled-down version of Polaroid’s iconic film. The film size represents a minimal reduction compared to established formats like Instax, and its compact design allows for convenient portability, even worn as a necklace.

Alternative Instant Cameras

For those seeking a unique experience, the Canon Ivy Cliq 2 presents an unconventional option. It combines a digital camera equipped with a ring light with a compact, portable photo printer.

Conversely, if a more conventional approach is preferred, Fujifilm’s Instax series provides a diverse range of instant cameras known for producing high-quality prints.

Price: Polaroid Go, $100 directly from Polaroid | Canon Ivy Cliq 2, $130 available at Best Buy| Fujifilm Instax, pricing is variable.

Logitech StreamCam

Avoid gifting a standard webcam that merely improves the appearance of work-related video conferences; this can be discouraging. Instead, consider a webcam specifically designed for content creation, ideal for aspiring Twitch streamers.

Logitech’s StreamCam delivers professional-grade video capabilities. It features advanced face-tracking technology and supports 1080p video resolution at 60 frames per second.

The integrated dual webcam design simplifies setup for beginners. This reduces the number of components needed to begin streaming quickly.

Elgato Facecam

Elgato, a leading manufacturer of streaming capture cards, has released its own dedicated webcam for creators, known as the Facecam.

While the Elgato Facecam carries a higher price point and does not include a built-in microphone, it represents a valuable investment for streamers prioritizing superior image quality.

Price: Logitech StreamCam, $160 from Logitech | Elgato Facecam, $200 from Best Buy