Taking fantastic quality photos and video is easier than ever with the cameras found on today's high-end smartphones. There are devices available beyond the stock smartphone shooter that meet the needs of every photographer, whether they be a professional or amateur. It's up to you to choose what suits your skills. For even more gift ideas for the holiday season, feel free to check out our extensive 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.
Lumia 950 XL
Without a doubt, the 20-megapixel rear shooter on the Lumia 950 XL is choice for those after the best Windows smartphone camera. Featuring Carl Zeiss optics, image stabilization, autofocus and triple-LED RGB flash, you're able to capture amazing quality photo and video with this device and store it on an external microSD card if the internal 32GB of storage just isn't enough. Camera features aside, the Lumia 950 XL's beautiful 5.7-inch AMOLED display will show off your shots with unmatched clarity.
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GRIPT Smartphone Grip and Tripod Adapter
Although the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL have excellent cameras every photographer knows you need a good tripod mount. Mounts for smartphones range a huge gamut with most of them being flimsy and cheap. The GRIPT Smartphone Grip and Tripod Adapter, however, falls into the high-end category and is something that will last you for years.
Featuring an all-metal construction, finger grip free holding, and 1/4-20, and 3/8 mounts for any tripod, the GRIPT is what you want this holiday. And since the mount is adjustable, it has no issues taking the larger Lumia 950 XL or smaller Lumia 950. Did we mention it also comes in black, blue, orange or red for some extra pizzaz?
GoPro HERO4 Session Starter Bundle
GoPro's new HERO 4 Session is their smallest and lightest camera yet. Not only does it capture professional quality video at up to 1440p, it can snap 8-megapixel photos with a 10FPS burst. Its durable, waterproof design is built to handle every environment without extra housing. Even for a novice the HERO 4 Session is simple to use with its one-button control. This starter bundle includes everything needed to jump right into the action: the HERO 4 Session Camera, headstrap mount with quick clip, and a 32GB MicroSDHC card.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 II
This compact and lightweight mirrorless digital camera is great for a variety of different style shots and features a 3-inch OLED display and built-in Wi-Fi for sharing your shots to your smartphone instantly. The included 14-42mm EZ lens sports a 3x optical zoom and built-in sensor cleaning. Its 16MP Live MOS sensor features a new 5-axis image stabilization system usable for both still and video shooting. This camera doesn't 4K video, topping out at 1080/60p, but its images and video still look amazing for beginner and intermediate photographers.
Case Logic Hybrid Camera Case
If you're using a respectable camera you should have a way to protect it when traveling. Sized for easy portability, this compact camera case provides a safe and efficient way to travel with your high zoom camera. With plenty of zippered storage inside and out, there's ample room for memory cards, USB cables, lens caps, batteries, your go-to lens and camera. The integrated belt loop, padded handle, and removable shoulder strap provides multiple carrying options to meet your needs. These Case Logic hybrid cases come in an assortment of sizes as well if you need extra room.
Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera (Lenses Bundle)
An excellent entry-level camera to consider for the aspiring photographer is the Nikon D3200 DSLR. Its 24-megapixel sensor produces low noise images at a high resolution using a user-friendly interface. Whether you're using raw or JPEG modes, images taken with the D3200 are of an outstanding quality for its price range. When it comes to shooting video, the dedicated record button makes it quick and simple while you capture amazing Full HD 1080p video. Nikon's Autofocus Technology packs a bunch of built-in features that manage the best shots for environment. Included with this bundle are 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses.
Joby Gorillapod Tripod
Much more flexible and versatile than the average tripod, the Gorillapod is designed to attach to cameras with a 1/4" or 3/8" tripod thread and features flexible joints that bend and rotate 360-degrees for the optimal position. This tripod is built tough and supports an overall weight of 6.6 lbs. and uses ring/foot grips that enhance its stability and grip. Adding this camera accessory to your arsenal will allow you to capture unique shots in all sorts of environments.
Sony a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Sony a7R II uses the world's first full-frame back-illuminated Exmor RCMOS 42.4MP sensor — ideal for low light situations — and features 5-axis image stabilization that's optimized for full-frame, 4K video recording. It's also Wi-Fi enabled to connect to your smartphone to sync your shots instantly. The redesigned shutter of the Sony a7R II promises to reduce vibration by 50% and allows silent shooting. Its 3-inch tilting LCD has been upgraded with a magnification of 0.78X as well.
