15 Unique Gifts for Photographers in 2025 | Holiday Gift Guide and Ideas for Photography Lovers

I can’t believe it’s already here - it’s Gift Guide time! The holidays are swiftly approaching (help!) and I don’t know about you, but I always have a seriously difficult time trying to figure out what to buy everyone in my life. But there is one thing I do know, and that’s what I would love to have gifted to me as a photographer. So, I’m hoping that imparting some of my wisdom in the photography world will help you make the perfect gift choice for the photography lover in your life! All of these gift ideas are meant for photographers but can definitely apply to videographers and artists alike. Just because they consider themselves to belong in one specific category of art doesn’t mean they couldn’t use the creative tools on this list to enhance their artwork. So, without further ado, here are 15 Unique Gifts for Photographers in 2025!

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

1. HOLGA GCFN OR DIANA F+

I will always put a Holga or a Diana F+ in a gift guide, because I think a toy camera is a perfect way to challenge the artist in your life in a cute and creative way. These cameras are funky, adorable, colorful and so much fun to use. Just remember to pick up some 120 film to go with it! I recommend Kodak Portra 400 or Kodak Gold 200 to start with. :) I have a full blog post all about the Holga GCFN here or the Diana F+ here if you want to read more about them! There is also a cute little 35 mm Holga BC camera if you know the photographer in your life prefers 35 mm.

WHERE TO BUY

HOLGA GCFN ON AMAZOn

HOLGA GCFN ON B&H PHOTO

DIANA F+ ON B&H PHOTO

2. HANDMADE CAMERA STRAP (ETSY)

There was one Christmas when my mom bought me a handmade camera strap with cats on it, and it has become my all-time favorite strap. I keep it on my Nikon FE2 camera and it just makes me smile every time I pick up my camera. It’s also such a great idea to support an artist on Etsy by buying one of their handmade camera strap like this one. Think of something your photographer friend likes, whether it’s cats, dogs, avocados, etc, and see if you have find one on Etsy!

WHERE TO BUY

EtSY HANDMADE CAMeRA STRAPS

3. HARLOWE CREATIVE ACCESSORIES

I recently learned about this company while I was in NYC at the BILD Expo with B&H Photo. This company makes so many fun and creative accessories to help inspire photographers. Personally, I’d go for the Harlowe Gobo and Lens FX Creator Kit (unique filters for creating interesting photos) or the Harlowe Mini II Bi-Color LED Light Standard Kit (a portable lighting kit that is super small and can go anywhere with you).

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo - Harlowe Gobo and Lens FX Creator Kit

B&H Photo - Harlowe Mini II Bi-Color LED Light Standard Kit

4. LIGHT PAINTING WAND

There are so many uses for a light wand. You could create shapes while using a slow shutter speed, or you can use it in the studio to create colorful lighting scenarios. Instead of buying an expensive studio light with gels to change the color, you can just use a light wand like this one that has endless color options!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

5. FILM SCANNER

It’s on my list this year to get myself a new 35 mm film scanner. I currently use an Epson Perfection V750, which is great for scanning 120 film, but I’d love to have a designated 35 mm film scanner like this one. It’s way faster and easier to manage, and takes up less space on my desk. Plus, this Kodak one lets you scan 35 mm, 120, and 110 film and slides so you can restore those old film photos your parents might have taken back in the day!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

6. POLAROID GO OR POLAROID NOW & FILM

I actually just picked up a Polaroid Now camera and I love it. It’s super simple to use and works a little better than my vintage Polaroid 600 cameras. Plus, it takes both 600 film and i-Type film (which is a little cheaper). Not to mention, it’s incredibly cute sitting up on your shelf. Every photographer should have a polaroid camera, it’s just a right of passage!

WHERE TO BUY

Polaroid Now ON AMAZON

POLAROID NOW I-TYPE FILM ON AMAZON

Polaroid Go ON AMAZON

POLAROID GO FILM ON AMAZON

POLAROID NOW GIFT SET ON POLAROID.COM

POLAROID GO GIFT SET ON POLAROID.COM

7. NEEWER RING LIGHT

I bring a ring light with me everywhere if I’m traveling for work. It’s a heck of a lot easier than carrying around a studio lighting kit, and is the perfect fill light if you’re working in a space that isn’t quite bright enough. Plus, it’s great for capturing makeup and glam looks, and creates a nice even lighting over your subject. I’ll often throw a white sheet over it to diffuse the lighting even more, especially for video. But it’s nice because you can also change the color temperature and brightness! Not to mention, they are super affordable!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H PHOTO

8. INSTANT FILM PRINTER - INSTAX MINI LINK

These days, we take so many photos on our iPhones but we never print them! This little printer is perfect because you can create little mini polaroids with photos from your iPhone. It’s perfect because the prints are great for giving to friends and family and look so cute in a scrapbook or hanging on the fridge. I print polaroids all the time because it’s just a nice way to keep the memories alive instead of letting your photos disappear on your hard drive.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H PHOTO

9. 35 MM & 120 FILM ROLLS

If the photographer in your life shoots film, then 35 mm is your safest best. But if you know for a fact that they’re into 120 film (medium format), then definitely help them out and buy a few rolls! Film is expensive for photographers to buy constantly but is a great gift! A roll of 35 mm film costs anywhere from $5-20, and 120 film is usually $8-20. You can’t go wrong with Kodak Portra 400 in 35 mm or 120, or Kodak Gold 200 in 35 mm or 120. You can also read more on my blog. I have a post about 5 Unique Films To Make Your Photos More Interesting or The Best Color Film For 35 mm Cameras.

WHERE TO BUY

Kodak Portra 400 35 mm film on Amazon

Kodak Portra 400 120 film on B&H Photo

KODAK GOLD 200 35 MM FILM ON AMAZON

KODAK GOLD 200 120 FILM ON B&H PHOTO

10. LEATHER OR VEGAN LEATHER CAMERA BAG

I just got a new camera bag last Christmas and it was a game changer. I’d been using the same ratty camera bag for over a decade, to the point that the zipper was broken and the fabric was tearing apart! There are finally some nice looking camera bags out there now. I personally love the brand Ona, but there are tons of other brands out there too, especially on Amazon. Here are a bunch that I’d recommend!

ONA THE CAPRI II CAMERA BAG IN ANTIQUE COGNAC LEATHER ON B&H PHOTO

VEGAN LEATHER CAMERA BACKPACK ON AMAZON

GILLIS LONDON GILLIS LONDON TRAFALGAR CAMERA BACKPACK

CWATCUN CANVAS CAMERA BACKPACK

CCWATCUN CAMERA BAG, RETRO CAMERA CROSSBODY CASE

JAEP CAMERA BACKPACK - WEATHER RESISTANT WAXED MEMORY CANVAS

LARGE CAPACITY PHOTOGRAPHY CANVAS CAMERA BACKPACK

VINTAGE CANVAS DSLR/SLR CAMERA BAG

11. VINTAGE CAMERA

Etsy is sort of a secret when it comes to shopping for vintage cameras. Instead of scouring through thrift stores to find a working camera, you can just browse through Etsy and find a seller that specializes in vintage cameras. I just bought a Ricoh 500GX on Etsy and I’m obsessed with it. You can check out my blog post about 10 Film Cameras I Recommend for Beginners if you’re looking for ideas. But the Canon AE-1 , Pentax K1000, Nikon FE or Nikon FE2 are great options! I always shop for vintage cameras on Etsy, KEH Camera, and eBay.

WHERE TO BUY

VINTAGE CANON AE-1 PROGRAM CAMERA ON ETSY

PENTAX K1000 ON KEH CAMERA

VINTAGE NIKON FE ON KEH CAMERA

VINTAGE NIKON FE2 ON EBAY

12. LIGHTROOM OR PHOTOSHOP SUBSCRIPTION

If the photographer in your life is just starting out, they probably haven’t officially invested in an editing program yet. Or if they have, I’m sure they’d appreciate a few extra months on their subscription that they wouldn’t have to pay for! Lightroom and Photoshop are sort of the standard for photo-editing, and are incredibly user-friendly and fun to experiment with. I’ve been using Lightroom and Photoshop together throughout my entire photography career for all of my editing!

WHERE TO BUY

LIGHTROOM ON Amazon

LIGHTROOM ON B&H Photo

PHOTOSHOP ON AMAZON

PHOTOSHOP ON B&H PHOTO

LIGHTROOM AND PHOTOSHOP PACKAGE ON AMAZON

13. PORTABLE LED PANEL

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a videographer, a portable LED panel is a great option. I’m not even a videographer and I’d love to have one of these! Sometimes the lighting just sucks and you need a little help. If the photographer in your life is a traveler, this one on Amazon is a great option because it includes a carrying case and lightweight stands. Or, if they tend to be in particularly rugged conditions, I’d recommend this kit from B&H Photo.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

14. BACKBLAZE SUBSCRIPTION

I’ve convinced pretty much everyone in my life to purchase Backblaze. It’s essentially a cloud back-up service, but it backs up your entire computer and all of your hard drives. So, I never have to worry if my client’s photos are going to disappear if my house burns down. And you’re able to access your files from anywhere. For example, if you accidentally forget to drag a folder onto your computer for editing, you can just download it from your backblaze account and keep editing!

WHERE TO BUY

Get a free 14-day trial on Backblaze!

15. NEW CAMERA!

And of course, who wouldn’t want a new camera! Depending on which brand they prefer, here are a few great options that are new this year from each brand under $2000! I also have a full blog post with more detailed camera descriptions if you’d like to read more - Top 10 Most Desired Digital Cameras of 2025 Under $2500 | The Best Mirrorless Cameras on the Market.

WHERE TO BUY

Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera with RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Nikon Z5 II WITH 24-50MM F/4-6.3 LENS

Panasonic Lumix S5 II WITH 20-60MM F/3.5-5.6 LENS

Sony A6700 WITH 18-135MM LENS

Fujifilm X100VI

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I hope this list helps you come up with a few gift ideas for the photographer or creative in your life. Or if you’re a photographer yourself, I hope this list reminds you to invest in your business and believe in yourself! I’ve been a full-time photographer since 2012 and it all started with my first Canon 5D Mark II. It truly only takes one amazing camera and one amazing artist to create a successful business.

If you’re looking for even more gift ideas, you can check out my previous gift guides here and here!

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing. Find out more here!

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

15 Best Digital Cameras for Beginner Photographers under $1500 | Top Entry-level Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm & More!

I get asked this question a LOT, and I totally get it. Most people aren’t interested in a super professional camera that costs an arm and a leg. They want a camera that they can use to capture their family vacations, their kid’s sports games, or their family get-togethers. But they also want beautiful photographs that are worthy of hanging on the wall. Yes, cell phones these days can take decently good photos, but they aren’t super great for blowing up larger and spending money on a frame. If you’re ready for an upgrade from your iPhone, this list is for you!

I included a blend of point-and-shoot cameras, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm & others. And if you’re over the big brands, I’ve included a few from Panasonic, OM System, Ricoh, and Leica. So, depending on which brand or style you prefer, hopefully this list will help guide you in the right direction. All of these cameras offer a lot for the price and tend to lean towards the more professional side of photography. But, just because they are more “professional”, doesn’t mean they aren’t approachable. There are cameras on this list that you can get as low as $400 if you’re open to buying a used camera. Buying used gear doesn’t mean you can’t get a camera in incredible condition. I always recommend buying used gear through KEH Camera or B&H Photo because they have a detailed rating system and are honest about the condition of the gear. Plus, they both have excellent customer service if you have any issues along the way. And just remember, your iPhone probably cost $1000-$1500, and with these cameras, you’re getting a LOT more bang for your buck in terms of photo quality and functionality. Plus, if you want to hang one in a photography gallery, you can do that too! :)

So, without further ado, here are the 15 Best Digital Cameras for Beginner Photographers Under $1500!

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

1. Canon 6D or 6D Mark II - DSLR

I have to start off with a Canon camera because this is my tried and true brand. I’ve been shooting with Canon since the very beginning of my photography career. At times, I’ve considered entirely switching my set-up to another brand just to try something different, but after weighing all of my options, it always comes back to Canon. It’s because they offer the best budget to quality ratio, in my opinion. There are also certain features that I’m looking for in my main cameras, like multiple exposures, affordability, and color tone. There’s something about Canon’s standard color temperature that looks natural, but with a hint of mystery. The colors are a bit darker than some of the other cameras, which is why it appeals to me. If you’re more interested in bright, saturated color tones, I’d probably recommend a Sony option. Now, keep in mind the Canon 6D or 6D Mark II is a DSLR. This means it’s quite a bit bulkier than a point-and-shoot, and you have to buy a separate lens. But, there are a handful of lenses out there that are quite small and can actually make this camera pretty easy to walk around with. I recommend the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 or f/1.8. The Canon 6D was my main camera for nearly a decade. I feel like this might surprise people because it is a more low-budget professional Canon camera. The more recent version of the camera, the 6D Mark II, sells for around $1200 but the reason it’s on this list is because you can get a gently used one for an amazing price these days. I highly recommend KEH camera, which is a company that sells used gear and is super helpful if there is ever a problem. You can also pick up a used version on eBay, just make sure you’re going through a reputable seller with good reviews, and read their description carefully. And ask the most important question, what is the shutter count on the camera? This can tell you a lot about whether the camera was used or if it’s in practically new condition.

You can read my full blog post and review about the Canon 6D here!

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON 6D

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON 6D MARK II

Amazon

B&H Photo

KEH Camera (used)

2. Canon Powershot G7X Mark II - Point-and-shoot

Yes, this camera is difficult to get your hands on these days, and usually it’s at an up charge. But keep your eyes open for a used one on KEH camera, because this tiny little point-and-shoot packs a punch. I’ve actually taken it on my last two European vacations, instead of my bulky DSLR camera. You can check out my full blog post about this camera here! And surprisingly, the auto setting works really well, particularly for landscapes or outdoor photos. If you’re using it for indoor sports or something like that, I’d recommend using the shutter priority setting. Basically, you set the shutter speed, which you’d want to be fairly fast (like 1/500th or 1/800th) so that you don’t get too much blur, and then it will automatically set the other settings. The amazing thing about this camera is that the aperture goes as wide as f/1.8. This means it can perform great in low light and can create beautiful portraits with lovely background blur. It might take some learning when it comes to using that setting, because it can become more difficult to get your subject in focus, or to not have the highlights blown out. It’s a great camera to learn on though, because it does have the option of shutter priority, aperture priority, manual and lots of others! A lot of times, people ask me what to get instead of the Canon G7X Mark II, since it’s difficult to find. I’d recommend the Sony RX 100 VII (read more about this one below), or the ZV-1, ZV-1 II or ZV-1F for lower budget options.

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON POWERSHOT G7X MARK II

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON G7X MARK III

eBay

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

3. Canon EOS RP - Mirrorless

The Canon EOS RP is a newer budget professional Canon camera, so it offers some more trendy features than the older Canon 6D Mark II. But keep in mind, when the Canon 6D Mark II first came out, it was a $2000 camera, whereas the Canon EOS RP was originally $1299. Now, you can get the Canon EOS RP for around $800, which is an amazing price for what you get. The EOS RP is a mirrorless camera, which is a more modern kind of camera than a DSLR. It also means you have to use Canon’s RF line of lenses. They are the newest line of lenses and are known to be a bit sharper than the older EF lenses. Also, because this camera is newer, it also offers better video than the Canon 6D Mark II, but it actually has the same sensor and ISO range (low-light sensitivity)! However, the 6D Mark II offers better battery life, build quality, burst shooting (important for sports action), and EF lens compatibility. These options are important for event photographers and wildlife photographers, who need longer battery life and build quality that will withstand more extreme conditions. If you’re looking for a step up from the RP, I highly recommend the Canon R8. It’s about $1400 new but it has more modern features and really competes with some of the best mirrorless cameras out there.

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON EOS RP

Amazon

B&H Photo

KEH Camera (used)

4. Canon 5D Mark IV - DSLR

This is actually my current camera, and I truly can’t believe that price you can get for a used version of this camera through KEH camera. A new 5D Mark IV costs around $2200 these days, but when it was first released, it was $3500!!! The reason these have drastically reduced in price is because of the introduction of the mirrorless cameras. Personally, I still prefer the DSLRs because I find them to be sturdier, more user-friendly and longer-lasting. My had my first Canon camera, the 5D Mark II, for 10 years and I never had an issue with it. And I definitely dropped it more times than I could count. They are truly built to last. The mirrorless cameras often have more breakable screens, more electronic functions that can glitch out more easily, and just aren’t as tried and true. I suppose we’ll find out if they stand the test of time, but you’re more likely to get a camera without issues by going with a DSLR, even if it’s used. I have the Canon EOS R, Canon’s first mirrorless camera, and I've had a ton of issues with it, mostly just functionality issues that they’ve adjusted since then, but I tend to recommend DSLR’s over mirrorless still to this day. If you can get a used 5D Mark IV for a good price, you’re competing with some incredible photographers that also use this as their main camera!

I have a full blog post and review with sample photos of the 5D Mark IV here!

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON 5D MARK IV

Amazon (new)

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

5. Nikon Z5 - Mirrorless

The Nikon Z5 is Nikon’s entry-level mirrorless camera, so if you’d prefer to go with a more modern camera than the old-school DSLR’s and Nikon is your brand, this is a great option. The Z5 is about $1100 new, but again, you can get a used one for an amazing price through KEH camera. The Z5 is super compact too, so if you don’t want to stand out too much when you’re on vacation or at your kid’s sports game, this is a perfect option. You’ll still get 4K video, a surprisingly good ISO range, and great autofocus. The standout features are really the in-body image stabilization, dual card slots, and lightweight body. While I don’t have as much experience with Nikon, they are Canon’s main arch nemesis, and have always stood the test of time. I have a 35 mm Nikon film camera, the Nikon FE2, that I’m absolutely obsessed with. They have great lens options and simply won’t let you down.

WHERE TO BUY THE NIKON Z5

Amazon

B&H Photo

KEH Camera (used)

6. Nikon D750 - DSLR

For years, this was the camera that I swear every photographer was using. It’s a DSLR similar to the Canon 5D Mark III or 6D that is sturdy, professional and reliable. Since Nikon is also shifting towards mirrorless cameras, you can get the D750 for an incredible price. Originally $2300, you can now pick up a new one for around $1700. But the reason I put it on this list is because you can get one in excellent condition from KEH camera for as low as $700. I feel like used gear always freaks people out, but that’s why I recommend KEH camera or B&H Photo for used gear. The employees know a LOT about cameras and photography and can totally help you out if there’s ever an issue.

WHERE TO BUY THE NIKON D750

B&H Photo

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

7. Sony A7 II or III - Mirrorless

The Sony A7 III is an extremely popular camera these days because it has amazing video, image quality, autofocus, battery life, dual card slots, a compact body and in-body image stabilization. A lot of people might argue it’s the best all-around camera out there these days. The great thing is, it’s only $1500 new! While that does not include a lens, you can go for a kit that includes a lens, which usually saves you a bit of money in the long run. Again, that’s why I’d check out the used options on KEH or B&H if you want the best deal. I promise you, you don’t need to be afraid of used gear! I just recommend always getting one in excellent or excellent+ condition. You basically want it to be in as new of condition as possible. The lower price point ones in “good” condition might seem appealing, but you just never know the history of the camera.

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY A7 II

eBay

KEH Camera (used)

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY A7 III

KEH Camera (used)

B&H Photo (used)

eBay

8. Sony A6700 - Mirrorless

The Sony a6700 has been on my list for a while now because it’s super compact, has amazing video, and has an excellent autofocus system. Sony has really been carving their own path in the camera industry and in my opinion, is very much challenging Canon and Nikon. I’m not mad about it though because it has made Canon and Nikon really amp up their gear and keep it relevant. I feel like they both were coasting for a while as the two main camera brands, but now they finally have some competition. The a6700 is particularly great if you’re trying to capture motion or sports, and if video is more important to you than photos. If you’re starting a YouTube channel, or are interested in capturing slo-mo, the a6700 is for you.

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY A6700

Amazon

B&H Photo

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

9. Sony RX100 VII - Point-and-shoot

If I could choose any camera off this list that I don’t already have, it would be this one. The only reason I haven’t really invested in Sony is because their cameras don’t offer multiple exposure. To most people, this feature isn’t important, so if you’re really looking for a super relevent, modern, point-and-shoot camera, this is the one. It’s $1700 new, but a used version goes for around $1500. And what’s nice about this one is that you don’t have to worry about buying a separate lens! It’s a point-and-shoot, so the lens is part of the camera and can’t be removed. You just point, and shoot! It’s perfect for family vacations, being inconspicuous at a sports event, throwing in your bag for a simple outing, or capturing beautiful group portraits at family events. It’s similar to the Canon G7X Mark II in a lot of ways, but better for capturing motion, better battery life, and an even smaller body. It’s a great option if you’re having a hard time finding a G7X Mark II.

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY RX100 VII

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

10. Fujifilm X-S20 - Mirrorless

I always describe Fujifilm cameras as a great option for the photographer who craves creative control, unique images, and a break from the norm. Fujifilm is really known for their film cameras, which is why their digital cameras are so fun. The often have fun film-simulation modes built-in, which allows you to create images that are film-like and that stand out from the traditional digital look that you find with all of the other cameras on this list. And the Fujifilm X-S20 actually has incredible video, a compact body, and lots of other great features that particularly are great for vloggers or YouTubers.

WHERE TO BUY THE FUJIFILM X-S20

Amazon

B&H Photo

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

11. Fujifilm X100V - Point-and-shoot / Rangefinder

The X100V is the sort of the point-and-shoot Fujifilm option with a fixed lens and super compact body. If you like the idea of the film simulation modes and a built-in fixed lens, then this might be a better option. The Fujifilm X100V is beloved in the film community for a lot of reasons, such as the retro-style camera body, the beautiful 23mm f/2 fixed lens and 4K video. While the X-S20 has better video, it’s not as compact or “pretty” to look at. The X-S20 is a DSLR, while this is more like a portable point-and-shoot. It’s just a fun camera to carry around and it makes you excited to take photographs. It doesn’t feel embarrassingly large or “serious”. It’s quirky and special! Because these are highly coveted, it can be difficult to get your hands on one, but KEH camera sometimes has a bargain option for around $1500. I recommend keeping your eye out and waiting for a good deal because it’s really just a classic camera to have in your collection.

WHERE TO BUY THE FUJIFILM X100V

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

12. Panasonic LUMIX LX100 II - Point-and-shoot / Mirrorless

The Panasonic LX100 II is actually pretty similar to the camera I just mentioned, the Fujifilm X100V. It’s a compact camera with a fixed lens but for a lower price. It might not be as highly sought after, but it offers a lot of the same features. The main differences are that the Panasonic LX100 II actually has a bit of zoom to the lens, which is better for travel or capturing sports. It also has better image stabilization and a smaller, lighter body. The main positive attribute of this camera is the price. You can get a used one for around $1200 (if you can find one…)! And don’t forget, this includes the lens since it’s built in! Not to mention, it’s a Leica lens, which are known for being ultra sharp. With only 17 megapixel images, the the image quality overall isn’t quite as good as a lot of cameras on this list, but the price is less stressful than investing in a full DSLR and lens set-up or an overpriced point-and-shoot like the Canon G7X Mark II. The lens is a f/1.7 to f/2.8 aperture though, which does increase the capabilities of the camera in low light.

WHERE TO BUY THE PANASONIC LUMIX LX100 II

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

13. Panasonic LUMIX S5 - Mirrorless

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that fits in more with the Canon EOS RP or Nikon Z5. This means it’s a bit bulkier, requires a separate lens purchase, and is geared more towards professional photographers. It’s on the higher end of the pricepoint spectrum, but still fits on this list if you buy it used! It’s a full-frame mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilites, in-body image stabilization, and a rugged, sturdy body. This is a pro level hybrid camera, so its great for both photo and video. It really has all of the features you need to start a photography or video career if you’re really serious about investing in your future. It’s honestly a great price for what you get and is actually lighter and smaller than most full-frame DSLRs!

WHERE TO BUY THE PANASONIC LUMIX S5

Amazon

B&H Photo

KEH Camera (used)

14. OM System OM-5 - Mirrorless

I’ve recently been doing a lot more research into the OM system cameras after my visit to the B&H Bild Expo in New York City. I was chatting with one of the associates in the OM booth and learned a lot about their brand. The OM System cameras are particularly amazing for travel because of their super durable weather-sealed design. The autofocus is great and the burst shooting goes up to 30 fps, which is incredible for nature photography and capturing things like fluttering birds wings. I’d definitely recommend this camera particularly to hikers, nature photographers and travel photographers because it has a lot of other features like a Starry Sky autofocus mode and built-in neutral density filters to help capture things like waterfalls and waves. It also has an interesting “hand-held high-res shot” that allows for images up to 50 megapixels by combining multiple shots into one.

WHERE TO BUY THE OM SYSTEM OM-5

Amazon

B&H Photo (used)

KEH Camera (used)

15. Ricoh GR III - Point-and-shoot

This one can be a bit difficult to find as well, similar to the other point-and-shoot cameras on this list. But Ricoh is a brand I’ve been getting into lately, especially with their film cameras. The Ricoh GR III is a premium point-and-shoot camera that is compact and travel-friendly, with great image stabilization and low-light performance. What makes it really stand out though is the image quality and sharpness. As a Japanese company, their attention to optics is pretty unmatched. They’ve always been known for their sharp lenses and durable camera bodies. While they don’t release as many cameras as Canon or Sony, they pay attention to detail and create cameras that are worth the wait.

WHERE TO BUY THE RICOH GR III

Amazon

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

BONUS OPTION!

16. Leica D-Lux 7 - Point-and-shoot

Point-and-shoot cameras are incredibly popular these days so I wanted to include one more that stands out to me. While the Leica D-Lux 7 has to be purchased used to fit in the $1500 price point, it does include the lens since it’s a point-and-shoot! Leica cameras in general are beautiful and stylish, with that retro old-school film camera look. While I have yet to own one because they tend to be overpriced for the specs that you get, this one is somewhat affordable and keeps up with the others in this price point. Their lenses are known for being super sharp and are made with premium materials since they are somewhat considered a “luxury” brand. If you really want a camera that feels special and great in your hands, the Leica cameras are truly beautiful. Also, if you’re looking for a gift for a photographer, no one is going to turn down a Leica!

WHERE TO BUY THE LEICA D-LUX 7

eBay (used)

KEH Camera (used)

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine