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Do you have negatives or slides in your closet from the days before smartphones? I know I do, and I haven’t gotten around to tackling the task of transferring them into digital format. The PictoScanner makes that job easy, as you use your smartphone’s camera to ‘scan’ the backlit film and slides. Easy, right?
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A DIY Pinhole Camera Kit? Yes, please. Did you know that Astronomer Gemma Frisus de Radio constructed the first pinhole camera to examine the solar eclipse of 1544? That was a long time ago, and to this day some photographers still prefer pinhole cameras to get a vintage, moody look for their shots. Maybe try it out by putting together this kit and taking some photos, you know, with actual film? It could be fun!
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This DIY Digital Camera is about as simple as it can get. A lightweight transparent case lets you see exactly how it works, which is a plus for those with curious minds. And, it only has two switches: an on/off button (also serves as the shutter clicker) and a selection switch for different photo effects (Normal, Black & White, Sepia and Blue). A fisheye and wide-angle lense are included.
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If you are a photographer (amateurs count), or know someone fond of taking photographs, then you may want to take a look at these camera straps. They feature quick release clips and smart little pockets for SD memory cards. Maybe add to your ‘buy later’ folder, if you don’t end up getting one as a gift? You can buy the set together, $160.00, or individually.
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Remember the Impossible Project’s I-1 Analog Instant Camera, the camera system that uses the original Polaroid® format from way back when? It may be a gift consideration for those that have been extremely nice. It comes with an accompanying I-1 App, which lets you control aperture and shutter speed. Autofocus and ring flash (eight LED’s plus it counts how many photos are left on the film) makes anyone’s photo skills shine, and there will be an actual instant photo to show off, give away, or frame. Oh, and, of course, images can be uploaded to social channels via the app as well. Hip, hip, hooray!
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In the days of digital everything, it’s pretty fun to mess around with instant cameras, don’t you think? Lomography has a new Instant Automat Camera over on Kickstarter and it packs all the punches you’d want. Auto adjustment on shutter speed, aperture, and flash output means you can take cool shots quick and easy. There’s a few creative features for a little more photo magic. Of course, seeing your images develop right before your eyes is the best part- a printed photo is sooo much better than a digital one buried in your photo stream, right? Back the project over at Kickstarter, or visit Lomography.
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Talk about a great gift- you can’t go wrong with the Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera. Why? Because who doesn’t like taking instant photos? It blends nostalgia with updated digital technology, and is small enough to take with you wherever you’re going this holiday season. You (or the recipient) will have fun with it, no doubt about it.
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Do you remember the ONDU Pinhole Camera we posted back in 2013? If you were even a tiny bit interested, you might be happy to know that ONDU has expanded their offerings, and this time there are new features and many different sizes. Pretty exciting for anyone who’s remotely interested in photography, right? Each camera is made from locally harvested and FSC certified walnut and maple wood with several fine details that improve the pinhole photography process. Take a look at their video below or on Kickstarter.
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How do you keep someone busy? Give them a DIY Konstructor Camera. It’s a 35mm SLR camera, and you put it together yourself, thereby learning the mechanics of analog photography. There’s a top-down viewfinder, a multiple exposure function, a “bulb” function for long exposures, and a detachable 50mm f/10 lens. It’s appropriate for ages 12 and up, so consider it as a gift for a niece/nephew or a curios co-worker.
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Cool! It’s a $40 cardboard projector, and it’s just the thing for getting those movies from your smartphone onto the wall. Photos and videos being shown to the office or at a family gathering just got a whole lot easier, though, do be realistic with your expectations- it is made from cardboard, after all. It’ll be easy to move around, as it’s light, compact and portable, and fits phones up to a maximum size of 3.2 x 5.7 inches.
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What will make your photos better? A tripod, of course. No more shaky pics or blurriness, hooray. The Convertible Roadtrip Tripod will show off its features the more you use it. Lightweight aluminum means it’s easy to carry along and, with a few quick twists, you can convert it into a monopod for quick shots. Oh, and for those of you that care, there’s also a bubble level, a bullhead, a center column hook for stabilizing weights, and a carrying case.
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Build a fully functional digital camera! While the Bigshot Camera would be enormously effective in any learning environment, you might also benefit from understanding how science makes capturing images possible. There’s three different lens settings, three fields of view, a flash, a lithium polymer (rechargable) battery, and a hand crank for back up power. Just follow the instructions and in no time you’ll be clicking away. If you do buy one for yourself, also consider buying one for someone else (kid or adult) that would enjoy assembling and using the camera, as $89 is a small price to pay for this sort of knowledge.
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Remember the Lytro? This little camera is pretty special; you can focus each picture after you take it. The Lytro Light Field Camera (a.k.a. the first generation) captures the entire light field, allowing you to pick foreground/middle/background, whichever you prefer, by simply clicking on the area you want to focus on. Take a look at their living pictures to get the idea. Now priced at $199-$249. (Also, if you’re more serious about your photography, you’ll want to take a look at the Lytro Illum).
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This small little camera cube wants to be in your hands, on your helmet, or attached to any moving thing to record the action around you. At less than 1.5 inches cubed, the Polaroid Cube is water resistant and shockproof, so you’ll find it easy to take photos or record videos in all sorts of situations. A magnet on the bottom helps it stay put; plus, there’s a variety of mounts available as well to suit your activity.
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It’s a very tiny projector for your Instagram photos. If you can’t quite talk yet because you’re thinking of all the possibilities for perfect gifts and future special moments to be captured, it’s understandable. Let’s just admit that the Projecteo is adorable and amazing and, if you use Instagram, you’ve pretty much got no choice but to try it out. $34.98 with free worldwide shipping.
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