Top 14 Christmas photography gifts 2024

Whether you like it or not, Christmas is around the corner. As you’re reading this, Mariah Carey’s voice is likely to be ringing out across the airwaves on repeat, a minor celebrity will be on their way to your local town for the big switch-on and you’ll be thinking you should probably at least get your hair sorted for the work Christmas party. With so much excitement, it’s easy to forget about what makes Christmas so special: the act of giving.

Here at PN, we’ve spent more Christmas Eves than we care to admit frantically rushing between shops, sifting through the leftovers. That’s why we’ve put together a Christmas gift guide to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, a family member or treating yourself, all the inspiration you need is right here.

Lighting

Are you or your recipient thinking about taking the first steps in studio photography or video? A key element in that area is lighting, so why not make Christmas a little brighter with a continuous LED? 

Continuous LEDs are the perfect place to start in lighting because they allow the photographer to see how their scene looks in real time. 

While there are plenty of options out there, we reviewed the Neewer CB200C back in issue 117, finding it to be a great choice. It’s a powerful tool packed with customisation options, and all at a reasonable price.

 

Software

With most image-editing software requiring a monthly subscription, it doesn’t jump out as the ideal present. No matter how capable the programme is, receiving an ongoing financial commitment for Christmas is probably not what most people have in mind in terms of presents.

That’s where Affinity Photo comes in. This capable software is available for a one-off fee, so once you’ve paid for it, it’s yours. This puts editing software very much back on the table for gifting. 

Add to that Affinity Photo’s very comprehensive range of features – plus its entire suite of programmes spanning editing, designing and publishing – and you’re bound to make someone very happy.

Tripods

Of all the camera accessories out there, the tripod is probably one of the best known, for good reason. 

The opportunities it presents for photographers from all genres is remarkable – allowing us to use movement for creative effects, shoot in low-light conditions or capture the awesome beauty of the starry night sky. 

However, tripods need to strike the right balance between sturdiness, weight, size and looks. Following our First test in PN 113, we think the Benro Cyanbird gets it just right.

Framed prints

There’s nothing like seeing one of your own photos in print. The colour, the detail, the finish – it’s a magical experience. The best bit is you’ll be able to look at it as long as you can see. No devices, software updates or electricity needed.

Such longevity and tangibility makes a very special gift for any photographer, so why not get one of their favourite photos printed in all its glory? Better still, get it framed.

Whitewall is a processing lab that offers end-to-end services. It prints out photos and also offers a huge range of frames and photo gifts that ensure they’re presented beautifully.

Mobile mics

Do you know someone who’s constantly using their phone to make content? They could be making a travel vlog, reviewing a product or simply talking about what they’re having for lunch. Whatever it is, the sound quality of smartphone recordings leave a lot to be desired. 

Why not make their Christmas by giving them the gift of great sound? Not only will it give them the ability to make better videos, but it might just get them a few more followers too.

The Saramonic Blink 100 wireless mic system is designed for that exact purpose, linking via USB-C and providing a huge upgrade in quality.

Paper and printers

A lot goes into taking a photo – this could mean waking up at the crack of dawn, trekking for miles, displaying saint-like patience or a combination of all three. Whatever the process, getting the perfect shot is never as easy as just pressing the shutter. That’s why giving photos the permanence of print is such an important, but all-too-often overlooked step. So why not inspire someone to make more of their precious images rather than leaving them to languish in the cloud?

Perma Jet is a one-stop shop for printing at home, from its proprietary papers to top-brand printers. It’s the perfect place to start.

Filters

For landscape photographers, optical filters are an essential piece of gear that can completely transform an image. If you know someone who loves their landscapes, buying them a filter for Christmas is the gift that really does keep on giving.

A key thing to remember with optical filters – like any kind of photographic glass – is that you get what you pay for, so cheaper is rarely better. 

Kase Filters is one brand that offers a comprehensive spectrum of filter gear, giving you the option of everything from individual filters through to entire set-ups, along with bags to carry them in. The Wolverine Armour 100mm System is a PN favourite.

Photo calendars

Of all the photo gifts, there are few as good as a personalised photo calendar. It’s a gift that will continue to bring joy through the entire year. 

You can achieve this in countless ways. It could relive a particular life event or trip, offer a visual recap of the previous year or proudly display a selection of your greatest works. 

Most companies out there offer user-friendly design tools, so all you need is the photos and you’re away. Once such brand is Cewe.

Camera bags

Not only is camera gear expensive, for most of us, it can also hold great sentimental value. With this in mind, decent protection for photography gear will always be welcomed.

Photography bags vary greatly in size, style and level of protection. This is great for many reasons, but can trigger some serious choice paralysis! 

The best place to start is to ask yourself what you or the recipient will mostly use it for. If it’s day trips shooting on the street, a sling bag should suffice, but if it’s expeditions in unpredictable conditions, it would be best to go for something more hardy.

Summit Creative is a relatively new bag brand that has some great options for all applications. Check out our review of the Tenzing 50L backpack in issue 118 to get a closer look at what’s on offer.

Shotgun mics

Video is an increasingly important part of cameras. Most models these days offer high-quality video that not so long ago was reserved for professionals. However, one thing’s for sure – a video is only as good as the quality of its sound, so relying on the built-in mic is a bad idea. 

If your recipient is just getting into video as a medium, a decent-quality shotgun mic is the perfect gift. The Sennheiser MKE 200 will give your loved one the best possible start for a very reasonable price. 

Entry-level cameras

If your recipient is currently taking photos on their smartphone and would like to take their first steps in ‘real’ photography, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to get them started. 

Fujifilm offers great entry-level options, not least its most recent camera, the X-M5. The external dials on these cameras are great for beginners, and they also look cool – perfect for any self-respecting Instagrammer. What’s more, the Fujifilm line-up contains some excellent lenses and higher-level cameras too, so it’s an excellent system to buy into.

Used gear

Camera equipment can be pricey. No matter how much someone means to you, seeing the price tag on a brand-new camera can make you question whether you love them that much. Sound familiar? If so, it might be worth considering buying used. 

OK, we get it, the thought of leaving the difference between a wonderful surprise and a terrible disappointment in the hands of a dodgy seller online is a risk many of us aren’t willing to take – so use a trusted reseller. These companies have stellar reputations and even offer warranties. MPB is a prime example – you could even trade in some of old gear of your own to offset the cost.

Wireless mic systems

If you’re taking the next steps into more serious video recording – such as conducting interviews or capturing conversations with multiple speakers – a wireless microphone system is essential. 

Having the ability to record high-quality audio wirelessly makes an enormous difference to the sound quality and professionalism of a production.

The Rode Wireless Go II is an excellent place to start. It’s simple, good quality and easy to use, even for complete beginners.

Gift vouchers

If you’ve reached the end of this article and are still completely lost, there’s only one thing for it: gift vouchers. They’re nothing to be ashamed of.

Photography is an extremely subjective art form. From taste in the art itself, right down to the gear a photographer uses. When it’s something this personal, buying gifts can be quite a minefield.

The key is to buy your vouchers from a company with the widest possible choice to ensure all bases are covered. One such retailer is Wex Photo Video, where you can find all the major brands, plus much more. 

Visit our Inspiration section for more gear suggestions.