Best Camera Gifts and Accessories 2023

If you’re shopping for camera accessories or gifts for a photographer, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve put together a list of my essential camera accessories I never leave home without. From filters to tripods, batteries to storage, there’s something for everyone here, and best of all, most of the items are priced in the affordable double-digits. Note like my other guides they’re listed by review date, not in order of preference. Oh and if you want to make prints, photobooks, calendars or other gifts, I use Photobox!

Check prices at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Best Camera Gifts and Photography Accessories

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a compact camera aimed at vloggers and content creators. Launched in November 2023 and costing around $500 or pounds, or around 600 with the useful accessory bundle, the Pocket 3 continues DJI’s cunning plan of essentially taking the camera and gimbal from a drone, but mounting them on a carrying handle instead. It’s resulted in one of the most compelling series of vlogging cameras to date, and the Pocket 3 is the best yet, tackling issues with previous models to deliver improved low light performance, more confident focusing, better tracking, and more chance for shallow depth-of-field effects, as well as providing an easy wireless microphone system and a cunning screen which can rotate not just to save space but perfectly frame horizontal or vertical videos. This is now the camera to beat if you want a pocket camera for vlogging or video content creation.

Check prices on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 at B&H, Adorama, WEX UK or Calumet.de. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Kingnovy 7in mini laptop review

The Kingnovy 7in Mini laptop turned out to be a surprisingly capable device given the size and price. The case, screen and keyboard are all way better quality than you’d expect, the internals just about fast enough to run full Windows 11 without driving you nuts, and the chance to accommodate up to 2TB of internal storage means it’s a viable option for backing up lots of photos and videos on the move. And you’re getting all this in a significantly smaller, lighter and probably cheaper package than most laptops. Of course any laptop costing from $200 or pounds isn’t going to be perfect. For me the major issues on this model are a lack of USB charging, an ineffective pointer control, modest screen resolution, and tinny speakers; plus the small battery won’t last much more than a long movie, and you’ll need to be quite close to your Wifi for the best speeds. But for me personally, none of these are deal-breakers for my target use, especially since USB C charging should be possible with a suitable adapter. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t recommend it as your primary computer or laptop unless your usage is very modest. And if you’re happy with the apps and storage on your phone and just want a more pleasant typing experience, get yourself a nice Bluetooth keyboard. But if you’re looking for one of the smallest and lightest devices that can run full Windows with plenty of storage for backing-up photos, and a way better keyboard than your phone or tablet for banging out messages, then it’s a surprisingly compelling option. Check prices at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Epson EcoTank ET-18100 review

The Epson EcoTank 18100 is an affordable entry to A3+ photo printing with the low running costs of refillable ink tanks. Epson’s stripped back the features to meet a price point, so there’s no built-in screen, no memory card slot or ethernet port, and no digital feedback on ink levels either. But with easy wireless printing from your phone or computer, I didn’t miss having additional connectivity or a built-in screen for feedback. And most importantly the six-ink engine delivered excellent quality on my test prints, especially when fed with glossy photo paper. Text-based documents on plain paper looked good too. If you mostly print black and white, you may prefer a system with additional grey ink, but I have no complaints with the monochrome results from the 18100. Meanwhile if archive lifespans are important to you, a pigment-based system may be more appropriate, but for high volume photo printing up to A3+ at home or in an office, the EcoTank 18100 is an excellent option with low running costs.

Check prices on the Epson EcoTank ET-18100 or at WEX UK. If you’re in North America, consider the Epson ET-8550 from B&H. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 review

Overall the INSTAX Mini 12 becomes the best budget INSTAX to date, especially if you’re into selfies or portraits. The print quality may be essentially the same as previous models but by reducing the flash power and adjusting the viewfinder when set to close-up mode, the 12 minimises washed-out subjects and inaccurate framing. I also like the twisting barrel which makes it easier to power-up and enter close-up mode. On the downside though, you will still suffer from over-exposures under bright daylight conditions, but the upgrades are still worth spending the extra tenner over the previous Mini 11 if you mostly photograph people. If you love the INSTAX format, there’s only two questions you need to ask yourself: first, do you want the fun and convenience of a camera or the flexibility of a printer that connects to your phone, and second, which of the three INSTAX print shapes is your favourite as each model can only use one type. Only you can decide, but I have reviews of them all here to help you and if you opt for a camera that takes the Mini format, then the latest Mini 12 becomes the best budget option.

Check prices on the INSTAX Mini 12 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama or WEX UK. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Fujifilm instax SQUARE Link review

The instax SQUARE Link completes the Link series of Bluetooth instant printers. There’s now one for each of Fujifilm’s three instax formats, and while there are differences in each of their dedicated apps, I’d say the choice mostly boils down to whether you want to make mini, square or wide prints. All three models will print any image on your phone, whether taken with the phone itself, copied from any camera, or simply downloaded. All three are also truly portable, working from any position, even handheld, and you don’t need to be gentle with the prints either, all making them perfect for events or parties. Each of the instax Link printers has their own dedicated app with exclusive features and I enjoyed the QR-code based augmented reality options of the latest Square model, although I’m not sure I’d use the messaging mode much myself. If you’d like bigger, postcard size prints at a lower cost, consider Canon’s SELPHY CP-1500, but be aware it is pickier about operation, while the battery to make it portable is an expensive optional extra. Since I’ve always been fond of the instax square format, I’m pleased to finally see an updated printer, especially since the earlier SP-3 has been discontinued and become hard to find. If it’s the right shape and prince for you, I can recommend it.

Check prices on the instax SQUARE Link at Amazon, B&H or WEX UK. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Canon SELPHY CP1500 review

Canon’s SELPHY CP1500 updates one of their most popular photo printers, making it a little quicker and easier to use, while retaining the core capability of outputting lab-quality postcard sized prints from a variety of sources including phones, computers and SD memory cards. The running costs of around 30 to 50 cents or pence per print makes it more expensive than most highstreet or online services, but like its predecessors you have the convenience of printing at home, or indeed anywhere if you buy the optional battery, although this will more than double the initial cost. The print quality is on the whole very good, roughly matching most highstreet labs and a step-up from inkjets, and the ability to easily make passport ID photos is a potential business within itself. The printer may not be as robust or truly portable like an INSTAX, but the prints are larger and cheaper. So long as you understand the limitations, I can recommend it!

Check prices on the Canon SELPHY CP1500 at B&H or WEX UK. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Fujifilm INSTAX mini Link 2 review

The INSTAX mini Link 2 is a useful portable printer for your phone that uses the popular mini instant format. Like all INSTAX printers and cameras, the paper emerges after about 15 seconds with the image gradually fading into view around 90 seconds later. No need to place the printer on a flat surface or to shake the developing print either - as soon as it pops out you can throw both into a bag or pocket and move on. The benefit of an INSTAX printer over the traditional instant cameras is you get to choose which images to print and whether to edit them first. You can also print anything in your phone, including photos copied from a bigger camera. The new Air features on the mini Link 2 are certainly fun. I enjoyed waving the printer around to paint over a live image, like a digital spray-can, even though it felt a bit awkward one-handed. The petal, bubble and sparkle effects are super cute, while the laser pen lets you light-paint with ease. Are they gimmicks aimed at getting you to buy and burn-through more media? Sure! But equally they are a lot of fun and since the printer itself is only a few pounds or dollars more than the original model, I’d recommend the Link 2 version for the novelty factor even if you intend to mostly just use the basic print function.

Check prices on the INSTAX Mini link 2 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, WEX UK or Calumet.de. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Accsoon M1 HDMI recorder review

The Accsoon M1 is certainly a handy solution for anyone who’d find an external monitor or recorder useful, but doesn’t want to stretch to the cost and weight of a dedicated model, or mess around with creating their own with cheap adapters and third-party apps. You can do it yourself cheaper if you don’t mind assembling a system and conversely if you do want to record in 4k, 10 bit, HDR, frame rates above 60p or with more robust high-bit rate codecs, then models like the Ninja V remain your best bet. The build quality also demands using the M1 with some care, but this allows it to be small and light enough that you’ll never leave it at home, and it’s especially well-matched for smaller cameras that don’t have flippy screens. So if your camera’s screen doesn’t face forward, if you’d like to record menus for a review or tutorial, or record or live stream from a nicer camera in a mobile environment, all without breaking the bank or unnecessarily weigh-down your bag, the Accsoon M1 provides an easy, convenient, light-weight and affordable solution.

Check prices on the Accsoon M1 at B&H, Adorama or Amazon. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Rode Videomic GO II review

The Rode Videomic Go II is a solid choice for anyone who wants to upgrade the audio quality of their recordings without breaking the bank, whether they’re YouTube creators, Podcasters or simply making online calls with colleagues or family. It takes the simplicity of the original Go microphone with no battery or controls to worry about, but inherits key features of the high-end NTG mic including a sliding mount and a USB port so you can connect it to a computer, tablet or phone as well as a camera. While the NTG has justifiably become one of the most popular mics for creators, its price is beyond the reach of many on tighter budgets. This is where the Videomic Go II comes in, delivering key aspects of the NTG but costing two and a half times less; it is essentially a Mini NTG, with the quality and features making it one of the best shotgun mics you can buy at a double-digit price.

Check prices on the Rode Videomic GO II at B&H, Adorama, WEX UK or Calumet.de. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Rode Wireless Go II review

The Wireless Go II makes significant upgrades over the original model. In my tests, the range is genuinely longer, the wind shields no longer fall off, while the internal recording and safety channel protect from both dropouts and saturation. Meanwhile it’s never been quicker or easier to mic-up two people for an interview, podcast or vlog. I also enjoyed the option of using a wireless mic on my computer or phone over USB C for all those Zoom and Skype meetings. Annoyingly the transmitter unit remains distractingly shiny when facing forward, and even if you reverse it behind a collar, there’s still blue status lights illuminating your neck. You’ll also need to use the Rode app to configure internal or safety recordings, and right now the unit doesn’t support true native 32-bit float recordings. But it seems churlish to complain, as the Wireless Go II already becomes one of the most flexible and compelling microphone systems around whether you’re podcasting interviews, filming pieces to camera, or simply wanting to upgrade your Zoom meetings, all without any wires to worry about. It’s no exaggeration to say I love it and I reckon most of you will too.

Check prices on the Rode Wireless Go II at B&H, Adorama or WEX. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

f-stop Guru UL backpack review

The f-stop Guru UL is the best camera backpack I’ve used and one I’d confidently buy again. I was already sold on the modular approach of the original Mountain series and while the ultra-light range may lack the same degree of robustness, I feel f-stop has successfully made weight-savings without compromise for most activities. The Guru UL is light but strong, shrugs-off all but the worst weather, comfortable to carry even for long periods, and crucially stores my camera gear securely and discreetly. The weak-point is the unprotected laptop compartment, but padding would have increased the weight even if you never used it, and you can simply employ your own padded sleeve instead. Overall the Guru UL is the best small backpack for photographers that I’ve personally used and one I can highly recommend.

Check prices on the Guru UL at the f-stop store! Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

SanDisk Extreme Pro v2 SSD review

The SanDisk Extreme Pro v2 Portable SSD is a rugged, pocket-sized drive that connects to new and old USB ports and boasts read and write speeds up to 2000 Megabyte/s. It works with Macs and PCs, as well as some phones, tablets, games consoles and even cinema cameras, but do check for compatibility. It’s compact, easily slipping into any pocket and the absence of moving parts makes it more robust and tolerant than mechanical drives. The IP-55 rating shrugs-off mild splashes, while the lightness means it can dangle from its short cable without damaging your ports - ideal for laptop workers who have to get up or move around. But it’s the speed that really impresses - when connected to common USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports rated at 10Gbit/s, such as those on modern Macs, I achieved actual data rates approaching 1000 Megabyte/s for reads and writes, making it possible to edit demanding video straight-off the drive, or copy large folders of images quickly. The Pro v2 models are actually capable of faster speeds still, up to 2000 Megabyte/s, but you’ll need a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port specifically rated at 20Gbit/s and these are rare at the time of testing. So unless you intend to get a new computer, laptop or expansion card with 20Gbit/s USB ports in the future, I’d save a little money and go for the Pro v1 drives rated at 1050 Megabyte/s. Whichever model you choose though, I strongly believe everyone needs at least one portable drive, and if you value speed, size and robustness, SanDisk’s Extreme range is a compelling proposition at a variety of speeds, sizes and prices.

Check prices on the SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD at Amazon, B&H, Adorama or WEX! Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

DJI Mini 2 Review

The DJI Mini 2 becomes arguably the most capable low-weight, low-cost drone on the market to date. If you've not already bought the earlier Mavic Mini, then this is the budget drone for you. It's the ideal entrance to the world of aerial photography or videography, and (with raw, AEB and 4K) there is very little to complain about any more. If you were thinking of upgrading from a Mavic Mini, you’ll enjoy the improvements in formats and video resolution, but be aware the batteries are different so you may be budgeting more than expected. Overall, though, this is still a better drone than you could reasonably expect for the money, and I can now imagine some experienced pilots being happy to settle for this sub-249g drone (and avoiding the registration paperwork) rather than the far more subtle improvements that spending more brings.

Check prices on the DJI Mini 2 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, WEX or Calumet.de! Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD review

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a rugged, pocket-sized drive that connects to new and old USB ports and exploits the size, speed and robustness of solid state storage. It works with Macs and PCs and is available in four models from 250GB to 2TB. It’s surprisingly compact, easily slipping into any pocket and the absence of moving parts makes it more robust and tolerant than traditional mechanical drives. The IP-55 rating allows it to shrug-off mild splashes, while the lightness means it can dangle from its short cable without damaging your ports - ideal for laptop workers who have to get up or move around. But it’s the speed that really impresses - when connected to a port that supports USB 3.1 Gen 2, like the USB-C ports on a modern Mac, it’ll achieve the quoted rates of up to 550Mbyte/s. This not only allows you to quickly backup data, but also easily free-up space to complete projects on a packed internal drive. Indeed it’s sufficiently fast for you to use it as active project storage when video editing, say to store common assets or a final render. I strongly believe everyone needs at least one portable drive, and if you value speed, size and robustness, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a perfect choice.

Check prices on the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD at Amazon, B&H or Adorama, or at Amazon.co.uk Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Rode Wireless Go review

The Rode Wireless Go brings wireless audio to mainstream video creators: smaller, lighter, cheaper and easier to use than any decent wireless system to date. Like all wireless systems, it gives you the freedom to walk around, unencumbered by cables or directional microphones and delivering the quoted 70m / 230 feet range given line-of-sight. It’s easy to use too: just switch on the units and seconds later they’re good to go with a helpful display indicating signal strength and battery life. Cleverly the clips on each unit are also the width of a coldshoe accessory, allowing you to slide them onto a camera hotshoe. But the real genius is the compact size coupled with a built-in microphone - sure you can connect your own lav mic if you prefer, but the transmitter is sufficiently compact for it to be clipped directly onto a collar. In my tests the audio quality was respectable, beating similarly-priced shotguns when used more than a couple of meters from the camera, especially outdoors. The relatively hot output means you’ll need to be careful with your camera’s audio levels when setting up and the built-in antennas mean the range is significantly reduced when you’re turned away or don’t have line-of-sight, so be warned if you have the transmitter in a back pocket. If you want the freedom to move around while you talk, not to mention greater resistance to echoey rooms or noisy exteriors, then you simply can’t beat a lav mic with a wireless connection - and the Rode Wireless Go gives it to you in a smaller, lighter and cheaper package than ever before, opening it up to a whole new audience. I can Highly Recommended it to any video creators taking their first steps into wireless audio.

Check prices on the Rode Wireless Go at B&H, Adorama or WEX!

Rode NT USB review

The Rode NT USB is a high quality USB microphone designed to capture broadcast-quality vocals or music with a simple USB connection to your computer or laptop; indeed, with the supplied pop shield, tabletop stand and long cable, you're ready to record high quality audio wherever you go. The NT USB is solidly built and fitted with a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as twin dials, one to adjust the headphone volume and the other to balance the mix between the microphone and the computer's own audio, making it ideal for calls or hangouts. The condenser design captures a broader range of frequencies than dynamic mics like the Podcaster, allowing it to deliver more precise and transparent audio, while the higher sensitivity lets you record from slightly further away too. The Podcaster may deliver more of a classic radio presenter sound as well as being better-suited to studio arm mounting, but if you need to record a broader range of sounds like singing or music, or prefer less coloured vocals, then the NT USB is the preferred (and my personal) choice.

Check prices on the Rode NT USB at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Fujifilm Instax SQ6 review

The Fujifilm Instax SQ6 is an analogue instant camera styled to look like the classic Instagram logo. It's Fujifilm's second instant camera to use the Instax Square format, but unlike the earlier digital SQ10 it employs the simpler analogue process of the popular Instax Mini series. This makes it cheaper and while the lack of a sensor and internal storage means there's no way to print duplicate images nor view them on a screen first, many fans of the analogue system prefer its ephemeral nature as each print is literally unique. In a nice upgrade over the Instax Mini 9, there's the choice of three focusing ranges (thereby increasing the chance of a sharp image) and while the exposure remains automatic, the camera now has access to range of shutter speeds allowing it to better-handle bright scenes; the SQ6 is also supplied with three coloured filters for the flash to produce special effects. Ultimately the SQ6 brings the attractive Instax Square format to a broader audience with a more affordable body, not to mention one that shares the analogue charm of the best-selling Minis with just enough frills to increase the chance of a successful print. Some of these frills may have been seen before on the Mini 90 Neo models, but for much the same body price you can now enjoy them deployed with the larger square format. Budget seekers may still seek out the cheaper Mini 9, but I reckon the SQ6 is worth the extra for its greater sophistication plus the chance to use the square format. Recommended.

Check prices on the Fujifilm Instax SQ6 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

BenQ SW271 review

The BenQ SW271 is a high-performance 27in 4k 16:9 IPS monitor, aimed at photographers and videographers who desire better colour accuracy than budget displays, but at a more affordable price than traditional pro monitors. The picture quality is excellent with a highly detailed and uniform image that can essentially display the entire Adobe RGB gamut. Colours look good out of the box, but calibration with third-party hardware ensures accuracy and the SW271 can implement the process independently of the source; the Black and White mode is also a quick way of previewing how an image will look in monochrome at the touch of a button. There's a wealth of inputs including USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort, as well as an SD slot, USB hub and a handy puck for easier navigation of the menus and colour spaces. The bezel is attractively thin, the stand substantial, and the supplied hood keeps the display free from reflections. If you don't need to view the Adobe RGB gamut or indeed don't need 4k, then there's cheaper monitors available, and if your core requirement is gaming or watching HDR video, there are alternative displays which will out-perform it. But if you desire the 4k real-estate, value colour accuracy, and can exploit the calibration, the BenQ SW271 will give you pro-performance at a more affordable price point, while also doing a fair job at movies and gaming. It comes Highly Recommended for photographers and video editors.

Check prices on the BenQ SW271 Monitor at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

WD My Passport Ultra review

Backing up your data, whether it's photos, videos, music or plain old documents, is critically important, and a crucial part of the process is transporting the backup to a different location. This is why portable drives are so useful. They can store and transport a large quantity of data quickly and easily - just one USB cable will transfer the data and power the drive, and once complete, they're small enough to slip into a jacket or even trouser pocket. Their portability also makes them great for providing more storage for laptop owners who've filled their internal drives, but aren't ready for a system upgrade quite yet. I own several WD portable drives and can highly recommend them. My personal preference is for capacity and value, so I'd go for the Elements models over the Ultras, but the prices can be so close I'd simply buy the one that represents the best value at the time of ordering. The bottom line though is to protect your data sooner rather than later. These drives are so affordable they're a no-brainer for the flexibility and peace of mind they deliver.

Check prices on the WD My Passport Ultra at Amazon, B&H, or Adorama. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Retro Cameras book review

Retro Cameras is a compact and stylish hardback that tells the story behind 100 vintage film cameras. Spanning a period of 50 years, it presents each camera with a brief but informative history, key facts and a selection of original product photos. You'll find familiar names here from Pentax, Olympus, Polaroid and Kodak, mixed in equal measure with esoterics and rarities like Mecaflex, Globuscope and Mick-a-matic. It's pitched as a guide for collectors of classic film cameras, but works equally well for camera historians not to mention anyone simply wanting a great-looking addition to their coffee table. Suffice it to say, it's a great gift for photographers who love older cameras.

Check prices on the Retro Cameras book at Amazon. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 tripod review

If you're looking for a solid and stable tripod without spending a fortune, Manfrotto's 190 series has always been a popular choice. With the latest MT190 range, Manfrotto's beefed-up the specs to become virtually identical to the earlier higher-end 055 models. While this makes them larger than before, it means all four MT190 tripods can become sufficiently tall for most photographers to use without extending the central column, while their 7kg load should accommodate most systems. Like earlier PRO models, you can lift the centre column up and angle it down by 90 degrees, allowing you to shoot straight down or at very low heights. The redesigned mechanism can be fiddly at times, but occupies less space and still locks securely. Meanwhile the new locks grip the legs more firmly and the simple modification of a spirit level on a rotating platform allows it to considerately avoid obstructing the head. The MT190 may have become more substantial, but it's more serious as a result and one of the best tripods around without spending a fortune.

Manfrotto XPRO BHQ2 ball head review

The MHXPRO-BHQ2, or XPRO for short, is Manfrotto's top ball head, designed to quickly and smoothly adjust substantial loads before locking them securely in place. Its aluminium and magnesium alloy construction allows a fairly light weight of half a kilo while supporting loads up to 10kg. The head also allows 360 degree panoramic adjustment with markings on the base and an independent lock. The main locking mechanism employs three grips with an adjustable friction control, while the quick release bracket features two spirit levels and accommodates Manfrotto's 200PL-14 plate (with one supplied). Designed to pair with Manfrotto's 190 and 055 series tripods, but compatible with any legs with a standard 3/8in thread, the XPRO ball head is one of the best serious options without spending a great deal on esoteric or luxury brands.

Check prices on the Manfrotto MHXPRO-BHQ2 at Amazon, B&H, or Adorama. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Feisol TT-15 Mark II mini tripod review

Feisol's TT-15 Mark II is my favourite table-top tripod, boasting surprising stability and strength thanks to its milled-aluminium frame, carbon fiber legs and rubber feet. Unlike some table-top tripods the legs don't extend nor does it come with a built-in head, but their absence coupled with the high-end build quality are actually the secrets of its success: rather than compromising stability by including arguably unnecessary frills, Feisol has designed a simple product that does what it does extremely well. I've successfully used the TT-15 II with compacts and mirrorless cameras of all sizes, and even semi-pro DSLRs, while shooting long exposures or filming video. Yes it's more expensive than the popular Manfrotto PIXI and the smaller Gorillapods, but having owned all of them, it's the TT-15 II that stays in my bag at all times thanks to its superior performance - plus if you're coming from the high-end, it's also roughly half the price of the RRS Pocket Pod.

Check prices on the Feisol TT15 II at Amazon, B&H, or Adorama. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

Manfrotto XPRO Geared Head review

The Manfrotto XPRO geared head is the lightest and most affordable option for those wanting to experience the joy of precision tripod photography. Like all geared heads, you can fine-tune your camera's position in three axes with a twist of the appropriate knobs, and while the gearing isn't as fine as more expensive models, it's good enough to position most systems. The maximum load of 4Kg will easily accommodate any mirrorless camera or mid-range DSLR with a decent lens in comfort. Like other geared heads, the ratio isn't designed for sweeping video pans, and anyone wanting absolute repeatability for bracketing work should look for a model with a lock; higher-end photographers will also miss an Arca dovetail or means to swap the clamp for one. But as an entry to geared-head photography, the XPRO is a triumph, offering the control beloved by macro, architectural, studio and other precision genres at an affordable price. Seasoned gear-head users might also pick one up for use with smaller legs and cameras, as it's one of the lightest options around.

Digital Retro - The Evolution and Design of the Personal…

Digital Retro is a coffee table book by Cameralabs' Editor Gordon Laing, and a great gift for geeks! It tells the story behind 44 classic computers of the Seventies and Eighties, revealing the inspiration behind each machine, it's goals, specifications and what ultimately went wrong. Each and every model was tracked down from museums and private collections to be lovingly photographed. Where possible the original designers and engineers of each system were interviewed to ensure technical and historic accuracy. Digital Retro is an essential read for anyone who owned or lusted after a computer in the Eighties. If the mere mention of Sinclair, Commodore, Atari or Acorn brings a fond tear to your eye, it's the book for you! Check prices at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book, an official Cameralabs T-shirt or mug, or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!

In Camera book - perfect photos out-of-camera

In Camera is a photography book by Cameralabs Editor, Gordon Laing. It celebrates the art of JPEG photography with 100 of his travel images, all presented out-of-camera. No filter, no Photoshop, just pure photography! Each photo is accompanied by behind the scenes details, techniques and settings. Everything you need to shoot confidently in-camera! A great gift for beginner or advanced photographers!

Buy a copy of In Camera by Gordon Laing at Amazon.

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