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Woah, woah, woah - hey stop the sleigh. Wasn't it just Halloween? There's still leaves on the trees, what do you mean I have to start holiday shopping? Procrastinators...wasn't last year's resolution to stop waiting til the last second? Don't panic! Here's a few simple tips to help you shop for the photographer with impossibly high standards.
Buying Tips -Most consumer based point and shoots are comparable in image quality. Disregard the amount of Megapixels packed into these pint-sized cameras and instead go for a camera that feels comfortable in your hands and is easiest to use. One of the best ways to be better acquainted with all these cameras is to get a demo from knowledgeable staff and try it out yourself. That’s why shopping at the Unique Super Store is a safer bet than shopping blindly online.
-For the newcoming photographer who only has a kit-zoom lens, a great stocking stuffer would be a fast, inexpensive prime lens. There are some affordable, but well built 35mm and 50mm lenses (Nikon 50mm 1.8D or Canon 50mm 1.8 II) that are great for virtually any application and are much faster than the lens that comes with a camera. although the lack of zoom might be making you say bahumbug, your photographer will soon understand why many pro’s go prime.
-If you’re tempted to spend a lot on a camera upgrade, instead think about lenses, hotshoe flash, quality tripods, bags. One doesn’t need the newest camera body to produce stellar images, but nice glass and lighting can go a long way. A wide angle lens or telephoto can give the photographer who is stuck in a rut some more creativity and furthermore, accessories are always a great gift without breaking in the bank.
To make it even easier for you, I've compiled a list of gift-worthy cameras. Those crossed out prices might not stay that way, so act fast!
Bargains: Below $200 Sony W650 $138.00 $88.00 - A slim and versatile point and shoot with quality optics and tons of other features. -16.1-megapixel -5x optical zoom -720p HD movie capture Nikon S01 $179.00 $129.00 - The smallest Coolpix to date, this extremely pocket friendly camera is as easy carry around as it is to use with it’s intuitive touch screen interface. 10.1 MP, 3x Optical Zoom, 720p HD video. Olympus TG-320 $159.00 $129.00 - The ultimate camera for those into extreme sports (or the clumsy), it’s waterproof, shockproof, dustproof AND freezeproof. 14MP, 28-102mm Equivalent Lens, 720p HD Movie Mode.
Mid-Range: $500-1000 Samsung NX1000 w/ 20-50mm $699.00 $449.00 Neat little mirrorless camera with great image quality, sharp optics for a kit lens and Wi-Fi capability so you can share your images with your phone, home network and all your social networks. 20.3 Mp Image Capture - Large (23.5 x 15.7mm) APS-C Image Sensor - Full HD 1080p Stereo Video Capture - Instant Sharing via Wi-Fi - 8.0 fps Continuous Shot - High Sensitivity 12,800 ISO
Nikon D3200 w/ 18-55mm $699.00 $599.00 - The D3200 is an affordable and well rounded DSLR suitable for both the beginner and intermediate photographer. Challenging the entry market level with it’s powerful 24.2MP CMOS sensor, this camera produces sharper, richer images throughout it’s ISO range. 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor, 3" 921K-Dot LCD, 11-Point Autofocus, HD 1080p Video
Olympus E-PL5 w/ 14-24mm $699.00 - A Compact, ultra-light interchangeable lens mirrorless camera system; The E-PL5 improves the micro four thirds line in terms of autofocus speed and ISO performance. These pen cameras produce stills that rival DSLR without having to pack heavy. 16MP Live MOS Sensor, TruePic VI Image Processor, 14-42mm f/3.5 Lens, 3.0" Flip Portrait LCD Touchscreen.
Canon Rebel T4i w/ 18-55mm $899.00 $799.00 -The T4i is one of the most powerful entry level DSLR’s available and it's a worthy upgrade for the Rebel line. This camera combines great image quality with unique control operation that utilizes full manual control and a touch screen interface. 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, 9-Point All Cross-Type AF System, 3.0" Vari-Angle Touch Screen LCD, Full HD Movie Mode with, Continuous AF, 5.0 FPS Continuous Shooting
Highend: Above $1000
Olympus OM-D E-M5 w/ 12-50mm $1,299.00 -The highly acclaimed OM-D E-M5 provides great image quality with arguably the best designed mirrorless camera to date. With a retro design, the camera’s style and rugged give the feel and comfort of a traditional film camera. 16.1Mp 4/3 Live MOS Sensor, 3.0" Tilting OLED Monitor, 200-25,600 ISO Sensitivity, 1920 x 1080 HD Video Capture
Canon 60D w/ 18-200mm $1399.00 $1299.00 -The 60D is great option for those who have outgrown the limitations of their entry level cameras. Ideal for both stills and video, this camera offers a more comfort and control than previously seen by Canon Rebels. 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor - 1920 x 1080 HD Video Capture, Vari-Angle Clear View 3.0" Flip-Out LCD, 5.3 fps Continuous Shooting
Nikon D600 w/ 24-85mm $2699.00$2499.00 -A game-changer in the full frame market, the D600 offers a powerful package at a more affordable price. This is a great option for those looking to upgrade to full frame from a D5100 or D7000 as it features a familiar shooting experience with the addition of an impressive 24.3MP sensor that performs well even at ISO’s up to 6400. 24.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor, 3.2" LCD Monitor, 1080p HD Video Capture, 5.5 fps Continuous Shooting, 39 Wide-Area AF Focus Points.