For your favourite shutterbug, one who’ll never be caught saying ‘say cheese!’ (amateurs!), or the friend who’s willing to let your food get cold because “the camera eats first”. We’re only half-kidding, of course, because our list of gifts are sure to appease any photography enthusiast, no matter their skill level. From professionals in need of serious accessories and gear, to those re-discovering the joys of analogue photography, here’s what’s on our personal wishlists too.
LEICA Q2 REPORTER
— $9,000, available at leica-store.sg.
The Leica Q2 is one of the best compact (yet full-frame) cameras you’ll ever own; it sports a 47.3MP sensor, a versatile 28mm prime lens (with Macro function), 4K video capabilities, and a high resolution OLED electronic viewfinder. And the “Reporter” edition is the one everyone is lusting after. It’s a more discreet design that does away with the Leica “red dot” logo on the front, and comes in a special matte green finish that is scratch and abrasion-resistant. This “body armour” replaces the typical leather finish on the Q2, and is made of Kevlar, a synthetic material used in high-grade protective clothing. If you want it, I suggest you get it while it’s in stock — because it won’t be for long.
HUAWEI P50 PRO
— Price TBC. Launching soon, at huawei.com.
HUAWEI’s P-series has always been about excellence in photography, and it’s arguably the best smartphone camera system — at least according to DXOMARK. The new P50 Pro introduces a dual-matrix camera that includes a main camera matrix and superzoom camera matrix, and these work together to produce high quality photos that would please even the most discerning photographer.
DJI ACTION 2
— $779, available at Shopee.
This action camera has a modular, wearable design so you can take it everywhere. It’s dustproof, waterproof and drop-proof, making it perfect for action-packed adventures. The sensor records video in 4K/120fps and offers a super-wide 155° Field of View, but what’s really special about this camera is the ecosystem of accessories available for it; from Magnetic Lanyards and Ball-Joint Adapter Mounts to Waterproof Cases and Headbands.
PEAK DESIGN TRAVEL TRIPOD
— $969, available at Shopee.
Possibly the best — and definitely the coolest — travel tripod money can buy, this one from Peak Design is crafted from Carbon Fibre and is sturdy, strong, light and durable. Read our full review of it here.
WOTANCRAFT “PILOT” TRAVEL CAMERA BAG 7L
— USD159, available in Singapore at Riceball Photography Bookstore and Lumen.
Designed with photographers in mind, the Wotancraft travel camera bag bears a rugged look, though made with lightweight CORDURA®, a material that’s 60% thinner than traditional canvas, 50% lighter, and 10 times more durable and tear-resistant so you know their gear will be kept entirely safe. Other neat design elements include a zipper-less “seashell flap” opening for scratch-proof quick access, loop strips for optional add-on modules and pouches, a tripod strap, as well as a vintage-style brass buckle.
MINT INSTANTKON SF70 INSTANT CAMERA
— $1,329, available at mint-camera.com.
This is no ordinary instant camera; unlike the standard instant camera that controls your settings (and your photo), this camera gives the user full manual control. It’s compatible with the Fujifilm Instax Square film so this one is really for the purists. It looks like, feels like, and operates like a classic camera letting you set shutter speed, aperture and focus. Good luck.
LOMOGRAPHY SIMPLE USE REUSABLE FILM CAMERA COLOR NEGATIVE 400
— $34.90, available at shop.lomography.com.
Essentially a point-and-shoot of analogue cameras, Lomography’s reloadable camera makes it really easy for beginners to pick up film photography. For one, it comes pre-loaded with Lomography Color Negative 400 so your friend can get started right away, while there are Color Gel flash filters attached to the side of the flash that they can experiment with various hues and tints.
LOMOGRAPHY 2021 LOMOCHROME METROPOLIS 35MM ISO100-400 FILM
— $94.50 for 5 rolls, available at shop.lomography.com.
The unique chemical formulas in this film truly set it apart from anything you can find at Kodak or Fujifilm stores. Lomography describes it as punchy contrasts and muted tones with intense pops of colour.
INSTAX LINK WIDE
— $249, available at tkfoto.com.sg.
The Wide format produces some of the clearest and best quality instant photos, and now you can print out your favourite pictures from your smartphone straight onto the instax Wide film. Use the dedicated Link WIDE app to edit your photos (you can make them “richer”), to create greeting cards, or to make a collage of your photos using one of the 29 design templates available.
LENSBABY OMNI CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM
— USD99.95, available at lensbaby.com.
This rather strange-looking contraption will be right at home with a budding photographer who wants to experiment with creative in-camera effects. The system can be mounted onto most lenses, where you can then add on light-refracting crystals and other objects for some artistic, filtered shots.
STROPPA FLAT CAMERA NECK STRAP
— USD43.70, available at stroppa.pl.
Rope and leather can look this good! The durable and lightweight camera strap by Stroppa is indeed stylish, and comfortable sitting on your neck too. The neat design is available in three styles — the Flex is made from all-purpose rope which allows for both flexibility and strength, Duo is a braided design that incorporates some personality to the ropes, while Active is the toughest of the bunch, made from actual climbing rope.
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