The KEH Holiday Gift Guide for Photographers

Finding a thoughtful, informed gift for the photographer who has everything can be challenging. This holiday season, we’re sharing the inside scoop on great pre-owned camera gear that makes the perfect present. Our comprehensive holiday gift guide for photographers breaks down everything from high-end camera bodies to affordable stocking stuffers, so keep reading for the best gifts for photographers this year!

Easy-to-use, affordable beginner gear

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or need holiday gift ideas for a loved one’s first camera, these beginner-friendly picks are perfect for someone starting their photography journey:

Canon EOS Rebel T5i

An entry-level DSLR that blends ease of use with powerful features. Equipped with an 18MP sensor, intuitive touchscreen, and full HD video recording, it’s an ideal first camera for beginners and a capable option for advanced enthusiasts. With impressive versatility, including creative filters and scene modes, it empowers new photographers to make the most of every shot while delivering solid videography capabilities.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 II

This compact and lightweight mirrorless camera is ideal for beginners. Featuring a 16MP sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, and a user-friendly interface, it delivers excellent image quality and smooth video. Its retro design, paired with modern tech, makes this camera a stylish and capable choice for those new to photography.

Nikon D7200

The Nikon D7200 is a beginner-friendly DSLR that offers more advanced features for a beginner looking to develop their skills. Its 24.2MP sensor and excellent low-light performance produce sharp, vibrant images, while built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing your photos simple.

Pentax K1000

If you’re looking for a timeless film camera, the Pentax K1000 is perfect for beginners wanting to dive into analog photography. Known for its simplicity and durability, this fully manual 35mm camera is easy to use while teaching photography fundamentals. Its classic design and straightforward controls make it a favorite for students and first-time film photographers.

Canon AE-1

The Canon AE-1 is an iconic 35mm film camera, perfect for someone seeking an accessible entry-level camera to help them learn photography fundamentals. With manual and automatic exposure modes, it offers flexibility for new users while delivering sharp, high-quality images. The AE-1’s robust design and easy-to-understand controls make it an enduring favorite for analog photography enthusiasts.

Top-notch gear for professionals

Shopping for a photography pro can be daunting, but these top-notch camera bodies will have even the most particular photographer crack a smile:

Sony a7R V

A top-tier mirrorless camera that combines high resolution with cutting-edge technology. It features a remarkable 61MP full-frame sensor and advanced autofocus capabilities, delivering stunning image quality and detail. With its exceptional dynamic range and 8K video recording, the a7R V is perfect for professionals seeking versatility in both photography and videography in a compact, portable design.

Mamiya RZ67 Professional II

The Mamiya RZ67 Professional II is a medium format film camera known for its exceptional image quality and versatility. Featuring a modular design, interchangeable lenses, and a rotating back, it provides creative flexibility for professional photographers. With its large 6×7 cm format, the RZ67 captures stunning detail and

Nikon Z8

This professional mirrorless camera boasts a 45.7MP full-frame sensor, delivering outstanding image quality and low-light performance. With advanced video capabilities, including 8K recording and a robust autofocus system with subject tracking, it’s designed for versatility across various shooting scenarios. Its weather-sealed body and ergonomic design make it ideal for professionals who require durability and comfort during long shoots.

Contax 645

If a premier medium-format camera is on your wishlist, look no further. This camera was designed for professional photographers who demand superior image quality and ease of use. Its 645 format allows for impressive detail and depth, while the renowned Carl Zeiss lenses deliver stunning sharpness and color rendition. The ergonomic design and intuitive controls make it a pleasure to shoot, making it an excellent choice for wedding, portrait, and fine-art photography.

Canon 1D Mark III

This is a powerhouse DSLR designed for professional photographers requiring advanced speed and precision. With its 10.1MP sensor, advanced autofocus system, and continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second, the Canon 1D Mark III excels in fast-paced environments such as sports and wildlife photography. Its rugged, weather-sealed body ensures durability in challenging conditions, making it a reliable choice for professionals on the go.

Vintage collectibles, unique curiosities, and rare accessories

If you’re in the market for something more niche and unique, we’ve got some exciting used camera gifts that will serve as both a fun challenge and a guaranteed conversation starter:

Polaroid SX-70

Have some fun with this instant film camera, known for its foldable design and vintage charm. It was the first camera to feature integral instant film, making photography more accessible. With manual focus capabilities, a unique aesthetic, and an SLR design, the Pentax SX-70 is perfect for someone who wants a fun, easy way to capture memories.

Hasselblad 903 SWC Medium Format

The Hasselblad 903 SWC is a legendary medium format camera designed for photographers who crave uncompromising image quality and an ultra-wide perspective. Featuring a fixed Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens, this camera captures sharp, distortion-free images with remarkable depth and clarity—ideal for architecture, landscapes, and fine art. 

Pentax Wooden Hand Grip for Pentax 67

The Pentax Wooden Hand Grip for the Pentax 67 adds comfort and stability to shooting with this iconic medium format camera. Designed to fit seamlessly with the Pentax 67, this wooden grip provides a sturdy and ergonomic hold, making it easier to handle during long shoots or when using heavier lenses. It’s a stylish and practical accessory that enhances the usability of the Pentax 67 system.

Photographer stocking stuffers

Sometimes, it’s the smaller gifts that have the biggest impact. Fill their stockings with photography accessories gifts they’ll love without breaking the bank: 

Lomography Potsdam Kino 120 ISO 100 Black & White Negative Film (1 Roll)

Go old school with this gorgeous black and white film from Lomography. This fine-grain black-and-white negative film delivers stunning contrast and sharpness. With an ISO 100 rating, it’s ideal for daylight shooting or controlled lighting environments, offering rich tonal range and classic cinematic aesthetics. Perfect for medium format photographers seeking a timeless black-and-white look.

Peak Design Everyday 20L Backpack v2

The Peak Design Everyday 20L Backpack v2 is a versatile and stylish camera bag designed for the traveling photographer. With customizable interior dividers, it provides ample space to organize camera gear, lenses, and accessories while keeping them protected. The weatherproof ash gray exterior and ergonomic design make it comfortable for all-day carry, while it’s expandable storage and quick-access pockets ensure convenience on the go.

 WANDRD PRVKE Lite Backpack

This sleek, minimalist camera bag was designed for photographers who value both form and function. With weather-resistant materials, dedicated camera compartments, and padded protection, it’s perfect for carrying a mirrorless camera setup or essential gear. Compact and lightweight, the PRVKE Lite is ideal for everyday use or travel, combining style and durability in a compact, black design.

Lenses under $500

Round out their kit with powerful lenses that pack a punch without spending a fortune:

Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM EF-Mount Lens {58}

This lens offers fast performance and stunning sharpness, making it a favorite for portraits, street photography, and low-light shooting. With its wide f/1.4 aperture, it creates a beautiful background blur (bokeh) and excels in capturing crisp images even in challenging lighting conditions. The Ultrasonic Motor (USM) ensures quick and quiet autofocus, while the compact, lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for everyday use.

Sigma 15-30mm F/3.5-4.5 Aspherical D IF DG EX Autofocus Lens For Nikon {Gel}

The perfect wide angle lens, designed for Nikon cameras. It’s ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior photography, offering sharp, distortion-free images. The lens features aspherical elements to reduce aberrations, and its Internal Focusing (IF) design ensures fast, accurate autofocus. Whether you’re capturing sweeping vistas or tight spaces, this lens delivers impressive performance and image quality.

Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G PZ OSS Autofocus APS-C Lens for E-Mount

The Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G PZ OSS is a versatile zoom lens for APS-C E-mount cameras. Its broad focal range is ideal for everything from wide-angle landscapes to portrait photography. The constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, while Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization keeps shots sharp, even in low light. The Power Zoom (PZ) functionality makes it perfect for videographers seeking smooth, controlled zooming.

Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR Fujinon Lens for APS-C Format X-Mount

The Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is a versatile all-in-one zoom lens designed for X-Mount APS-C cameras. With its constant f/4 aperture and 5-stop Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), this lens delivers sharp images across the entire zoom range, from wide-angle to telephoto. Its weather-resistant (WR) construction makes it perfect for travel and outdoor shooting, providing durability in challenging conditions.

Panasonic 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Power O.I.S. (MFT)

This lens offers a versatile wide-angle to short telephoto range, ideal for everyday shooting. Its Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) ensures sharp images in low light, while the weather-sealed construction makes it durable for various conditions. Perfect for landscapes, portraits, and travel, this compact lens delivers clear, vivid images with minimal distortion across the zoom range.

Olympus M.Zuiko 14-150mm II

The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-150mm II is a super-zoom lens designed for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras, offering a wide focal range suitable for everything from wide-angle shots to telephoto zooms. Its compact, lightweight design makes it great for travel, while the weather-sealed construction ensures durability in various shooting conditions. The Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) autofocus system provides quiet, fast focusing for both video and stills.

Nikon 18-105mm VR

The Nikon 18-105mm VR is a versatile zoom lens for APS-C DSLR cameras. Ideal for everyday photography, this lens covers a wide focal range, from wide-angle to medium telephoto. It features Vibration Reduction (VR) for stable, blur-free images, even in low light, and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for sharp, high-contrast images. It’s perfect for photographers looking for an affordable all-in-one lens solution.

Gift cards

If you still aren’t sure what to get the photographer in your life, surprise them with a KEH Gift Card! Gift amounts range from $25-$500, so you can support their passion with flexibility and confidence. The recipient can use their Gift Card on KEH.com to make product purchases; on the payment page, they simply have to enter the Gift Card code received via email. They can also use more than one Gift Card can be used for a single purchase, so it’s no problem if you want to give more than $500 to shop affordable camera gifts.

KEH-certified™ pre-owned camera gear

Since 1979, our goal has been to create a circular camera economy focusing on cost accessibility and waste-conscious commerce. With over 300 years of combined experience, our experts appraise, renew, and grade camera gear, and then we back it with a 180-day warranty. Shop KEH-certified™ pre-owned camera gear today and gift with confidence!