15 Unique Gifts for Photographers in 2026 | Holiday Gift Guide and Ideas for Photography Lovers

B&H Photo (used)

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON 6D MARK II

B&H Photo (used)

2. Canon Powershot G7X Mark II - Point-and-shoot

Yes, this camera is difficult to get your hands on these days, and usually it’s at an up charge. But keep your eyes open for a used one on KEH camera, because this tiny little point-and-shoot packs a punch. I’ve actually taken it on my last two European vacations, instead of my bulky DSLR camera. You can check out my full blog post about this camera here! And surprisingly, the auto setting works really well, particularly for landscapes or outdoor photos. If you’re using it for indoor sports or something like that, I’d recommend using the shutter priority setting. Basically, you set the shutter speed, which you’d want to be fairly fast (like 1/500th or 1/800th) so that you don’t get too much blur, and then it will automatically set the other settings. The amazing thing about this camera is that the aperture goes as wide as f/1.8. This means it can perform great in low light and can create beautiful portraits with lovely background blur. It might take some learning when it comes to using that setting, because it can become more difficult to get your subject in focus, or to not have the highlights blown out. It’s a great camera to learn on though, because it does have the option of shutter priority, aperture priority, manual and lots of others! A lot of times, people ask me what to get instead of the Canon G7X Mark II, since it’s difficult to find. I’d recommend the Sony RX 100 VII (read more about this one below), or the Sony ZV-1, ZV-1 II or ZV-1F for lower budget options. There’s also a newer version of this camera, the G7X Mark III, which may be easier to find but isn’t quite as coveted. The autofocus is known to be a bit less reliable. However, you might be able to find it for a better price than the G7X Mark II!

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON POWERSHOT G7X MARK II

Check eBay Listings

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON G7X MARK III

Check eBay Listings

3. Canon EOS RP - Mirrorless

The Canon EOS RP is a newer budget professional Canon camera, so it offers some more trendy features than the older Canon 6D Mark II. But keep in mind, when the Canon 6D Mark II first came out, it was a $2000 camera, whereas the Canon EOS RP was originally $1299. Now, you can get the Canon EOS RP for around $1000, which is an amazing price for what you get. The EOS RP is a mirrorless camera, which is a more modern kind of camera than a DSLR. It also means you have to use Canon’s RF line of lenses. They are the newest line of lenses and are known to be a bit sharper than the older EF lenses. Also, because this camera is newer, it also offers better video than the Canon 6D Mark II, but it actually has the same sensor and ISO range (low-light sensitivity)! However, the 6D Mark II offers better battery life, build quality, burst shooting (important for sports action), and EF lens compatibility. These options are important for event photographers and wildlife photographers, who need longer battery life and build quality that will withstand more extreme conditions. If you’re looking for a step up from the RP, I highly recommend the Canon R8. It’s about $1500 new but it has more modern features and really competes with some of the best mirrorless cameras out there.

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON EOS RP

B&H Photo

4. Canon 5D Mark IV - DSLR

This is actually my current camera, and I truly can’t believe that price you can get for a used version of this camera through KEH camera. A new 5D Mark IV costs around $2000 these days, but when it was first released, it was $3500!!! The reason these have drastically reduced in price is because of the introduction of the mirrorless cameras. Personally, I still prefer the DSLRs because I find them to be sturdier, more user-friendly and longer-lasting. My had my first Canon camera, the 5D Mark II, for 10 years and I never had an issue with it. And I definitely dropped it more times than I could count. They are truly built to last. The mirrorless cameras often have more breakable screens, more electronic functions that can glitch out more easily, and just aren’t as tried and true. I suppose we’ll find out if they stand the test of time, but you’re more likely to get a camera without issues by going with a DSLR, even if it’s used. I have the Canon EOS R, Canon’s first mirrorless camera, and I've had a ton of issues with it, mostly just functionality issues that they’ve adjusted since then, but I tend to recommend DSLR’s over mirrorless still to this day. If you can get a used 5D Mark IV for a good price, you’re competing with some incredible photographers that also use this as their main camera!

The Sony A7 III is an extremely popular camera these days because it has amazing video, image quality, autofocus, battery life, dual card slots, a compact body and in-body image stabilization. A lot of people might argue it’s the best all-around camera out there these days. The great thing is, it’s only $1500 new! While that does not include a lens, you can go for a kit that includes a lens, which usually saves you a bit of money in the long run. Again, that’s why I’d check out the used options on KEH or B&H if you want the best deal. I promise you, you don’t need to be afraid of used gear! I just recommend always getting one in excellent or excellent+ condition. You basically want it to be in as new of condition as possible. The lower price point ones in “good” condition might seem appealing, but you just never know the history of the camera.

WHERE TO BUY THE SONY A7 II

Check eBay Listings

16. Leica D-Lux 7 - Point-and-shoot

Point-and-shoot cameras are incredibly popular these days so I wanted to include one more that stands out to me. While the Leica D-Lux 7 has to be purchased used to fit in the $1500 price point, it does include the lens since it’s a point-and-shoot! Leica cameras in general are beautiful and stylish, with that retro old-school film camera look. While I have yet to own one because they tend to be overpriced for the specs that you get, this one is somewhat affordable and keeps up with the others in this price point. Their lenses are known for being super sharp and are made with premium materials since they are somewhat considered a “luxury” brand. If you really want a camera that feels special and great in your hands, the Leica cameras are truly beautiful. Also, if you’re looking for a gift for a photographer, no one is going to turn down a Leica!

WHERE TO BUY THE LEICA D-LUX 7

Check eBay Listings (used)

B&H Photo (used)

If you’re on the hunt for something a bit more pro-level and are working on growing your photography business, I highly recommend checking out my blog post, The Top 10 Most Desired Digital Cameras of 2026 under $2500.

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

Top 10 Most Desired Digital Cameras of 2026 Under $2500 | The Best Mirrorless Cameras on the Market

June 9, 2025

You guys know I’m a Canon girlie through and through, but that doesn’t mean I don’t spend my days pining over other brands and wondering what it would be like. When it comes to digital photography Canon tends to be my brand of choice, but there are quite a few cameras out there, especially mirrorless ones, that have caught my eye lately. I know that it can be completely overwhelming once you start to realize just how many cameras and brands there are out there, but I’m hoping this guide will help you narrow down your options!

When it was time for me to upgrade my main camera set-up from the Canon EOS R and 6D, I spent days researching and comparing all of the different options out there in my price point. Did I want to completely switch brands, sell all of my lenses, and start fresh? Was there a brand out there that would showcase my personal style better? A part of me wanted just to try something new and inspire myself in an exciting way. Shooting with new gear is a great way to prevent burnout, especially when photography is your full-time job, like mine. I shoot both film and digital photography, so I use lots of different brands when it comes to film cameras. You can read more about a few of my favorites here! It’s just the digital cameras that I tend to stick with Canon because I have found that the color tones and features work best with my personal style. It’s been 14 years since I first started my business and I’ve used Canon cameras for my digital work the entire time. In the end though, after spending days researching, I did end up sticking with Canon (surprise, surprise)! However, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t struggle to make that decision. It really just depends on your needs as an artist!

Photography is my passion, my obsession and my true love. My hope is that my knowledge and love for photography can help you in your hunt for the perfect camera. Last year, I even went to the Bild Expo with B&H in New York City and learned so much about what’s going on in the photography industry today. While it seems like there’s a lot going on and there are a ton of options, there are definitely a handful of cameras that stand out from the rest, and I can’t wait to share that with you! So without further ado, here are the Top 10 Most Desired Digital Cameras of 2026 Under $2500 - The Best Mirrorless Cameras on the Market.

1. CANON EOS R6 MARK II OR MARK III

I can’t help but start off with this camera, because, yes, it’s Canon. I sit at home, hoping and praying that a Canon R6 Mark III (the more expensive and newer version of the camera) will fall out of the sky and into my lap. I currently shoot with the Canon 5D Mark IV (yes, that’s the one that I went with after all was said and done!) as my main camera, and the Canon EOS R as my backup camera. But I recently invested in the Canon RF 28-70 f/2 L USM lens ( I have a full blog post about this lens here) and the EOS R just isn’t up to par with what this lens is capable of. Not to mention, the 5D Mark IV can’t even use the new RF lenses! It’s actually about time for me to upgrade my camera set-up again, so my plan is to go with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II or Canon EOS R6 Mark III this year. Hopefully I can make that happen! One of the main reasons I want one of these cameras is for the in-body stabilization. The RF 28-70 f/2 lens does not have image stabilization so it would greatly improve my low-light images at weddings and events. The R6 Mark II and III have dual card slots, which is really important when doing client work. It’s always a risk going into a shoot with only one memory card. What I love about the Canon mirrorless cameras and the newer line of RF lenses is how incredibly sharp they are. I feel as though they are finally competing with Nikon and Sony when it comes to sharpness. The R6 Mark II has a full-frame sensor, 4K video at 60 fps, amazingly fast autofocus, long battery life, 24.2 MP images, a flip-out screen, and excellent low-light performance (ISO 100-102,400 expandable up to 204,800). Overall though, the main reason I love Canon so much is because of the natural film-like quality and beauty of the images. I find them to be moody, cinematic, and unique when compared to other brands. Canon definitely has their own “look”, which is why I’ve found it hard to switch to other brands. Another reason I love Canon is because I don’t find their cameras to be overpriced. For $2000, the R6 Mark II really is the best bang for your buck out of this list. If you’re able to spring for the Canon EOS R6 Mark III though, that is truly my dream camera. It has a 35.2 MP sensor and up to 7K video, plus a ton of other amazing features. It falls just outside of the $2500 pricepoint at $2799 but that is really the camera to get right now if you can swing it. You can find it on B&H Photo here.

I actually go to test out the Canon R6 Mark III recently and I have a full blog post here if you want to read more about it and see some sample photos!

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON R6 MARK II

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

2. SONY A7 IV

Sony is really good at almost getting me to convert. I recently got to try out the Sony A7 IV and posted a video on my YouTube channel here! Their cameras have excellent video, superbly sharp images, incredible full-frame sensors and super fast, reliable autofocus. The Sony A7 IV is a highly desired camera, especially for videographers who dabble in photography. The sensor is 33 MP full-frame which definitely beats out the other cameras on this list in that category. I also love how small the Sony cameras and lenses are because I definitely get tired of lugging Canon’s giant gear around. When it comes to video especially, smaller gear is important because you want your video to be smooth and stable. It’s very difficult to hold a Canon camera steady for a long period of time because they are so dang heavy. The only reason I didn’t switch to Sony is because of a deal-breaker for me - it doesn’t have an in-camera multiple exposure feature. For a lot of people, this is not an issue, but multiple exposures are a huge part of my photography style. Some other features of this camera include 4K video at 60 fps, in-body stabilization, and ISO 100-51200. I’d highly recommend this camera for videographers who want the possibility of stunning images as well. Sony truly produces amazingly sharp photos and video. For around $2500, it’s one of the more expensive cameras in this group, but Sony does not disappoint. I feel like Nikon and Canon used to dominate the industry, but Sony has definitely made it’s way up the ladder and is battling for that top spot.

I also have a full blog post about the Sony A7 IV here, so if you’re looking for more information about this camera specifically, make sure to give it a read!

WHERE TO BUY

3. NIKON Z6 MARK III

Oh, Nikon. They are pretty much Canon’s main long-time rival and evil twin sister. Though, there’s really nothing evil about them, it’s just how I like to think of it. :) It’s funny when I’m shooting at a wedding and someone is carrying a Nikon camera and says, “Oh, I see you shoot Canon,” and you immediately sense the competition. It’s ridiculous, but it’s just the way it is! I have a Nikon film camera, the Nikon FE2, that I’m absolutely obsessed with and take with me everywhere. I definitely have an affinity for Nikon’s old film cameras because they have super sharp old-school lenses. The Nikon Z6 Mark III is majorly competing with Sony right now when it comes to video, with this camera capable of 6K video up to 60 fps. It has a “partially stacked” 24.5 MP sensor, which allows for faster autofocus, file reading, and higher frame rates for video. This camera is known as sort of a “flagship” camera, one of the first of it’s kind in this category. It’s sort of hard to deny this camera, but for me it ultimately comes down to the images and the overall color tone, considering photography is my main “thing”. But if you are equal parts photographer and videographer, I’d go for this camera, for sure. It’s also an incredible deal for the price. This camera packs a punch and has a lot of fun creative options built into the camera, like a Rich Tone portrait mode and skin-softening. If I had started off with Nikon and that was my shtick, I’d be freaking out over this camera. For around $2100, I truly can’t believe how affordable this camera is for what you get.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

4. PANASONIC LUMIX S5 II

I’m not sure why this camera keeps calling my name, but I’m desperate to have one on my shelf at some point. When I was deciding whether to upgrade to the Canon 5D Mark IV or entirely switch my gear over to a different brand, something about the Panasonic Lumix cameras caught my eye. I was looking at the Lumix S1 at the time, but the short battery life ultimately turned me off from it. But the Panasonic Lumix S5 II has definitely improved upon that, and more! This camera boasts a 24 MP full-frame sensor, phase-detect AF (for the first time with their Lumix line), highly regarded in-body image stabilization and up to 6K video at 30 fps. The main reason I’m drawn to this camera is the in-body image stabilization because it’s known to be one of the best. Plus, this camera is more affordable than some of the other options at ~$1700. I also just love the look of it and find it to be much more attractive than Nikon cameras… sorry…