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Finding a present for a photographer can be tough. Most photo equipment is out of the usual gift-giving price range. You want to get something they will really cherish and appreciate but you can't afford to break the bank.
Don't despair - great gifts abound! Here are a few of BetterPhoto.com's favorite picks, starting with the more expensive items - the cameras.
All of these special gifts are bound to be loved by photographers searching for improvement, inspiration, support, or help with expressing their art.
First off... A Fun, Affordable Starter SLR Camera
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Pentax ZX-50
A good single lens reflex camera to learn the art of photography, this Pentax ZX-50 kit includes everything needed to get going - 28-80mm Zoom Lens, batteries, strap, bag, and warranty. It is a good, solid camera - with tons of creative potential - and one of the least expensive routes into the world of professional SLR cameras.
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Favorite Single Lens Reflex
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Canon EOS Elan II Camera Kit
We talk in hushed whispers around here about the Canon Elan; to speak out loud the words "Ultra Sonic Motor" is close to sacrilege. The EOS Elan II features full creative control, super fast focusing abilities, and excellent, beautiful picture quality. This great camera is the perfect gift for anyone really getting interested in unfurling their wings for flight in the world of creative photography.
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Cool Spy Camera
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Minox ECX Subminiature Spy Camera
How much fun can one have with photography? Find out with this gem. Minox is famous for its tiny film format (which has been around about as long as 35mm) and the tiny, elegant cameras that use it. About the size of cigarette lighter, this model even includes a snap-on flash. The Minox ECX defines fun with photography.
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Friend at Their Side
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Bogen Jr. Tripod
Nothing can get as close and dearly loved to a photographer as a good, sturdy tripod. Bogen is well known throughout the professional circles as a favorite. Most professional tripods require you to match up various parts to build the perfect unit. On the other hand, most tripods in this price range do not last and barely do the job. This Jr. Tripod package from Bogen, though, makes it easy to get a complete package without sacrificing quality.
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Film
Photographers can never get enough film!
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For the 35mm Artist - Fuji Velvia
When this film first came out, the photography world was stunned as Kodachrome finally - after 25 years - stepped down as the reigning champion of film. Velvia is so deep and saturated in color it forces anyone to do a double-take. Even boring pictures are made exciting with this film. 9 out 10 photo editors - the people who pick the shots that sell - are drawn to Velvia.
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For the Point & Shooter - Kodak Royal Gold 400
Everyone knows the quality of Kodak. The Royal Gold maintains their untarnished image by providing photographers with a film that accurately captures all colors. From skin tones to scenics, Royal Gold renders it beautifully. Great for anyone who you think might be more interested in prints in an album or on the wall than slides in a shoe box.
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Advantix APS 200 Film - The Rage!
The APS - Advanced Photo System - has been fully accepted and adopted by the consumer market. For for good reason; cameras like the Elph and the Nikon Pronea make photography fun and easy for those who don't have the time to become the next Ansel Adams. This film format allows easy pop-in loading, a convenience index print from which to select reprints, and the ability to shoot photos with three different sizes and shapes. From panoramic to the standard size, photos in this format are fun!
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Something Different - Kodak Tech Pan Black & White Film
Are you secret Santa for a budding artist? Or perhaps your gift recipient is a student just beginning to enjoy the world of Photo I and Photo II. Then this beautiful film for black and white negatives and prints will be a wonderful present. Alternatively, there is even a cool black & white slide film available nowadays.
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Curling Up to a Good Book
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For the Wildlife Photographer: Eye to Eye, by Frans Lanting
This gorgeous coffee-table style book inspires photographer, animal-lover, and gift-giver alike. The images transcend mere animal "head shots" as he clearly develops a relationship with each of his subjects. Highly recommended!
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For the Beginner:
Absolute Beginners Guide to Taking Great Photos
Your photographer friend is bound to enjoy this fun and friendly book.
Filled with info on everything from camera selection to pro tricks of the trade, this is one book for budding photographers that is worth is weight in gold.
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There you have it - the best gifts for any photographer!
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