Great Gift Ideas - Gifts for Photographers

Great Gift Ideas for Photographers - I plan to continue my tradition of supplying a list of gift ideas for photographers.  This list is put together mainly of items I use, have friends that use, or items that I want to use.  I hope this list helps to put a smile on the face of the photographer in your family.  If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to email me.

1.  Panasonic FZ35 Camera. ($310-$325) -  I bought a FZ28 to supplement my SLR in January and now I seem to use it as much as my SLR.  The FZ35 is the newest version and is receiving rave reviews.  There are
several brands that offer a megazoom camera, but I prefer the Panasonic because of its image quality, ability to add lens and teleconverters, it's long battery life, and because of its lightweight.  Use this link for a complete review of the Panasonic FZ35.  Below is a link for the FZ35 on Amazon.com Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 12.1MP Digital Camera with 18x POWER Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD

2.  Memory Cards ($20-$40) - Memory cards are only a fraction of the cost they were a year ago.  As a photographer I know you can never have enough memory cards.   Before you order this gift, you need to know what kind of card to order.  There are several different types that fit different cameras.  You can order cards from Adorama or B&H Photo.

3.  Canon EOS 7D 18MP.  ($1700)  I was hesitant to put a camera this expensive on the list, but if you have someone in your family that is getting serious with photography, this is the camera I would recommend.  SLR's are considerably more expensive you still have to purchase the lenses, but in the right hands, they can take superb photos.   Amazon Link - Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD (Body Only),  B&H Photo - Canon EOS 7D 18MP, Adorama - Canon EOS 7D 18MP

4.  Tripod - When first starting out in photography I made the mistake of never using a tripod.  Now I use one for 90% of the photos I take.   Depending on the material, tripods can range from $25 to $400.   Because I often take mine on hiking trips I chose a carbon fiber tripod and couldn't be happier.   I have listed two links for tripods.  The first is the more expensive carbon fiber tripod with ball head ($149) Dolica CX620B104 61-Inch Proline Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head

5.  Adobe Software - Adobe software allows you to manipulate photos to create sharper images.   From whitening teeth, removing items from photos, making touch ups, etc, Adobe is the industry leader in photo editing.   Photoshop Elements is the first level of photo manipulation and is a great way to get started - Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 ($80), Photoshop CS4 - The most advanced photograph enhancement software.  It takes some time to learn, but is well worth the time.  Adobe Photoshop CS4 ($580)

6.  Photography Books - I have listed links to several of the photography books I have collected overtime.   Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, and 3, Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition), The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos, Bryan Peterson's Understanding Photography Field Guide: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera

7.  Gift Cards - Photographers are always needing something, camera bag, strap, cards, filters, but they are often picky about the items they use.  Often it is easier and preferred by the photographer just to get a gift card so they can pick out the item.   I have posted links to gift cards to Amazon, Adorama, and B&H Photo.  Amazon Gift Card Singles Generic Design, Adorama Gift Certificate, B&H Photo Gift Card