Every photographer can tell you that they get a lot of questions about cameras this time of year. In order to make it easier for our friends, family, and clients who are out there looking for a camera, we put together an annual list of a few cameras that will make great gifts. Whether it’s for your kid who is showing a budding interest in photography or a partner who is looking to create better online content, we have got you covered. Our 2021 Holiday Camera Buying Guide has arrived!
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Fuji Instax Mini Evo – $199
Once in a while, a camera comes along that is just a good time for anyone who wants to use it. Most people have seen or gotten their hands on one of the Fuji Instax cameras (they tend to pop up a lot at weddings and parties). The nostalgia of the instant film camera hits hard for young and old. With this new addition, the Instax Mini Evo brings you the ability to print instantly AND save a digital file in a package that has a very slick, retro look. A seasoned pro or an 8-year-old could both have a lot of fun with this little memory maker and, at $200, it’s a great gift idea for the Holidays.
Pros
- Affordable
- Prints and Digitals
- Retro look and feel
- SUPER fun
Cons
- No manual controls
- Film is fairly expensive
- Only available for pre-order
Who’s it for?
Literally anyone who likes to take pictures and have fun. So anyone.
FOR THE CONTENT CREATOR
Canon M50 mk II Content Creator kit – $799 (on sale)
The Canon M line of mirrorless cameras are a great combination of features and price. The latest in the lineup, the EOS M50 mk II is a surprisingly powerful camera in a very small package. Great image quality, performance, and surprisingly good video capabilities in a tiny package that you won’t mind taking with you everywhere. This is a fantastic camera for YouTubers, actor auditions, and travel photography. Adorama sells this in the Content Creator Kit that includes everything you need to get started with a great Holiday rebate. At $799, you would have to look hard to find these features at a better price.
Pros
- Very well featured for the price
- WiFi and Bluetooth controls
- Excellent image quality
- Great for stills as well as video
- Eye-Tracking Auto Focus
- Includes a great kit for content creators
Cons
- fewer lens options
Who’s it for?
Content creators, YouTubers, serious amateurs, or a serious photographer in search of a light and portable kit for traveling.
FOR THE SERIOUS AMATEUR - READY TO GO PRO
The FUJIFILM X-T3 – $1099 (Holiday Sale)
Fuji has become famous for making powerful and versatile cameras at a great price. Although the XT-3 is a version behind the newer X-T4, it has an incredible feature set that photographers and video creators will drool over including Fuji film presets, 4k video, and eye-tracking auto focus. It’s compact, full-featured, and has a retro look that is hugely popular among camera enthusiasts. Whether you want to create stunning 4k videos for YouTube or take your photojournalism to the streets, this camera is up for just about anything you can throw at it. Normally it’s $1500 but is currently on sale with a $500 rebate at Adorama.
Pros
- Very well featured for the price
- WiFi and Bluetooth controls
- Excellent image quality
- Great for stills as well as video
- Eye-Tracking Auto Focus
- Fujifilm presets
- 4k video (pro quality)
Cons
- no in-body image stabilization
- lenses can be expensive
Who’s it for?
Serious amateurs photographers (and some pros too!), casual and professional video creators. Although it’s small, this camera can do some professional quality, heavy lifting.
FOR THE BEGINNER
The Canon EOS T7I – $449
The Canon EOS Rebel line of cameras has been around for a long time, and there is a good reason why. They are the perfect blend of quality, features, and price. The T7I is the best offering in the lineup with it’s superb image quality, easy to use controls, size, and excellent battery life. This is the perfect camera for anyone with an interest in photography who is ready to take their photography to the next level. It works perfectly as a point and shoot with excellent automatic controls but can shift easily into partial or full manual modes when you want to hone your skills.
Pros
- Very well featured for the price
- WiFi and Bluetooth controls
- Excellent image quality
- Great for stills as well as video
- Good Battery Life
- Easy menu and control
- Includes Lens
Cons
- lack of eye-tracking focus
- no 4k video
Who’s it for?
Anyone who wants to take the step from phone photography to the real thing. This is a fantastic camera for casual use or to really buckle down and hone those photography skills. Great as a content creation camera for budding YouTubers as well.
