Gift Guide: 10 great cameras for when a smartphone lens just isn’t enough

As we enter the second holiday season that is a pandemic There's never a better moment to plunge headlong into a new passion. That's the message you need to say to the people you care about when you give them a camera that we have listed on our list of photography gifts ideas for this year.

Mobile photography is everywhere but it's not able to compete with the precision and control that are offered with some of the more creative cameras available So don't be afraid to suggest an upgrade to a DSLR to anyone on your holiday wish list looking to be more creative this winter.

GoPro Hero 10 Black

For sports and action, GoPro still leads the pack. The small cube-like GoPro Hero 10 Black can capture any thrilling adventure you think of and accomplish, thanks to great waterproofing and a variety of accessories that can help you achieve it.

It's the GoPro Hero 10 Black is the best of the bunch with a more powerful processor and slightly better image resolution, however the earlier model Hero 9 Black will save you money, but with little sacrifice. The sluggish user interface has always been one of the biggest drawbacks for shooting using an GoPro it's likely that you won't be unhappy about getting the most recent and best, even though older models offer good price.

Pricing: $449 from Best Buy

Sony A7C

The camera was released late last year. Sony's A7C continues the solid history of the company of creating innovative cameras that even professional photographers would appreciate. It's the Sony A7C is a full-frame mirrorless camera, meaning it's not the best choice for a beginner photographer who is just trying to figure out how to use it but it's a great upgrade for those who have been pushing the boundaries of an older DSLR or an APS-C camera. The A7C claims to be an ultra-portable choice in a class that already has a high-level of portability and comes with in-body image stabilization as well as an outstanding sensor that's a big improvement over the A7C does not require any significant sacrifices.

If you're seeking the same compact full-frame camera for a less expensive cost The Canon EOS RP is worth having a take a look. It's not equipped with the in-body stabilization offered by its higher-end competitors but it's a good starting point for anyone who wants to move into full-frame photography in small size.

Pricing:Sony A7C, $1,800 from B&H | Canon EOS RP, $999 from B&H

Fujifilm X100V

There's no new model available this year but Fujifilm's X100V remains a fantastic alternative for a pocket-sized professional camera. With tactile features that take you to the past in photography. It's not a surprise that Fujifilm's tiny camera is able to entice so many users. It doesn't come with interchangeable lenses at the cost however, you get a highly capable camera that fits into pockets and makes non-intrusive travel and street photography easy.

Cost: $1,400 from Adorama

DJI Mini 2

For those who love drones The DJI Mini 2 is a ideal, well-rounded and well-designed entry point. Small enough to be carried around on trips, yet packed with features that make it worth the investment The Mini 2 brings DJI's smaller model closer to the more powerful Mavic line. The Mini 2's introduction of Ocusync 2.0 will result in an improved connection and an upgraded motor that is more stable throughout all platforms. the 4K video does not hurt as well.

Cost: $450 from DJI

Go with Polaroid

There are certainly more instant-photography options on the market Have you looked at this camera? It's possibly the cutest camera (device?) ever created The Polaroid Go is probably the most compact instant camera to date, measuring 4.1 inches across the widest side. It's a miniature version of Polaroid's iconic film that's not too much than a size difference from something similar to the well-known Instax format. It's also a neck-piece, so you could even wear it on your neck.

If you're looking to be strange in a different manner you can go with you should consider the Canon Ivy Cliq 2 is an unusual option that combines the ring light-equipped digital camera with a small compact, pocket-sized printer. If you're looking to become less bizarre Fujifilm's Instax line provides a variety of amazing cameras that can be used in a snap with stunning prints.

Cost: Polaroid Go, $100 from Polaroid | Canon Ivy Cliq 2 $150 at Best Buy | Fujifilm Instax The price is different

Logitech StreamCam

Don't gift someone a camera that only makes their Zoom meetings appear better it's sad. Do give the aspiring Twitch celebrity in your life a camera that was designed with creators of content in mind. Logitech's StreamCam produces professional-quality video, with face-tracking technology and 1080p video quality at 60 frames/second. For those who are just starting out with streaming and want to start up quick, the two built-in webcams means there's just one concern to be concerned about.

The streaming capture card maker Elgato has launched their own webcam for creators that's called the Facecam. Elgato's model is more expensive and doesn't include the built-in microphone However, if you have someone you know is becoming more serious about image quality, it's worth checking out.