Top 5 Best Christmas Gifts for Photography Fans

Smile and say “Cheese!” These cameras and photography accessories make for the perfect Christmas gifts. Everything on this list will definitely put a smile on the face of your favorite photography fan. If you need Christmas gift advice, read this guide to see which cameras and accessories made our list of the best Christmas gifts.

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1. Nikon D5300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II AF-S DX NIKKOR Zoom Lens

Does the amateur photographer in your life need a new camera? The Nikon D5300 has a sensor that clocks in at nearly 25MP. It also has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to share images on social networking sites. The “i” button also makes it easy to access your favorite settings, rather than having to navigate through complex menus. This is a very user-friendly camera.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Available in multiple colors

Excellent menu shortcuts

Supports remote shooting

Pop-up flash

Internal GPS is great for geotagging

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Cons:

Live View mode is slow

Wi-Fi functionality is somewhat limited

Slow RAW processing

Not ideal for fast-paced action shots

User reviews note that Sigma lenses may not be compatible

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2. PowerGen External Battery Pack

Check out an unboxing and review of this battery pack in the video above.

Not every photography fan uses a “real” camera to make their art. If your giftee is more interested in posting their photos to Instagram that posting them on the wall of a gallery, this battery pack could be the perfect gift.

This PowerGen pack holds a whopping 6000mAh charge, allowing you to charge multiple phones, or recharge the average smartphone’s battery repeatedly. If you love your device but wish you had better battery life, this external battery pack is a smart buy. This accessory is a great backup in case you drain that big battery on your smartphone, which is likely if you are taking a lot of photos.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Works with multiple phones from Samsung, HTC, Motorola, LG, and more

Large capacity: 6000mAh

Available in multiple colors

Embedded Micro-USB (no need for an extra cable)

Compliant with international safety standards

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Cons:

PowerGen does have some other battery packs that have even larger capacities

Only offers 500 or so recharge cycles over the life of the battery

Power Pack only comes with a one-year limited replacement warranty

Takes at least 120 minutes to fully recharge

Doesn’t come with a dedicated wall plug charger (the USB-to-micro-USB cable can be plugged in to a computer to charge)

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3. Mobi-Lens Photography Combo Pack

Check out a review of Mobi-Lens in the video above.

Mobi-Lens is a camera accessory that works on multiple types of smartphones. The clothes pin-inspired design lets you place the lens over your existing camera lens. The combo pack includes both the Wide+Macro and Fisheye Mobi-Lens. If you want to take your smartphone’s camera to the next level, this little photography kit is a smart buy.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Universal design

Easy to install

Multiple lens types available

Comes in four bold colors

Clippable design makes it easy to store on the go

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Cons:

Some find the design ugly

Can be tricky to get aligned just right with your phone’s camera

If you have a thick case on your device, it can impact the look of your image

May not feel premium enough for serious photographers

Macro lens requires you to be quite close to the subject

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4. GoPro HERO3+: Black Edition

There have been many GoPro models over the years, but the GoPro HERO 3+ is the perfect gift for Christmas 2014. True, it is a big of a splurge, but that extra dough buys you an extra-reliable camera. Even if you’re scrapped for cash, this model is worth saving up for. The GoPro HERO3+ offers a lighter housing, improved image sharpness, better battery life, and faster built-in Wi-Fi. Plus, with an even newer GoPro out there, the price on the Hero3+ has come down a bit.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Great battery life

Lightweight design makes it a joy to lug around

Enhanced connectivity to the Wi-Fi Remote (included) and GoPro App

Arguably the most trusted name in outdoor photography

Automatically works better in low-light conditions

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Cons:

Expensive

Nice image quality, but may not be up to some exacting standards

microSD card sold separately

Depending on your settings, you can only expect one or two hours of recording time

Content playback, sharing and access to the camera’s memory card is not available on Windows Phone

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5. GoPro Head Strap Camera Mount

If you need to go hands-free, this head mount for the GoPro is great for running, cycling, parkour, and other outdoor pursuits where you need full use of your hands. One of the best features of this one-size-fits-all mount is that you can wear it directly on your head, or wrapped around a bulky helmet. Plus, you can use it on Christmas morning to record all of your household mayhem.

Buy it here.

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Pros:

Compatible with all HERO3, HERO2, and HD HERO cameras

Fits around your head, or around a helmet

Also works for underwater dives

Sturdy materials

Made by GoPro

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Cons:

Manufacturer does not recommend for use during high-impact sports

Newer model, while more expensive, has added benefit of Quick Clip

Can only be shipped within the US

Straps can be uncomfortable over long periods of usage

Too much movement with your head will impact image quality

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Considering getting someone an electronics or technology gift? Check out our Gifts section for tons of great gift recommendations, or visit our ultimate guides to the best gifts for women and best gifts for men.

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