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16 Best Photography Gadgets in 2024 (Updated)

Christopher Bryan-Smith
Last updated: 21/10/202410 min read
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Photography gadgets can be great add-ons to your camera system. Some of these gizmos work alongside your camera system or smartphone device, while others are fantastic photography devices all on their own. With such a wide range of camera gadgets, it isn’t easy to pick a favorite.

The Lensbaby Sol 45 is the our favorite photography gadget. Blurring the edges of your image, it gives your images a cool, distinct look. They’re fun and easy to use. 

But if that’s not the gadget for you, we have a whole article full of the best photography gadgets. We have everything from storage devices to lighting equipment. Each gadget will improve your life as a photographer. 

[short_roundup products=”99001,40647,40656″ title=”Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Photography Gadgets” tag=”eproundupshort-20″]

 

What is the Best Photography Gadget?

The best photography gadget is helpful, convenient, and fun. It should aid you in your photography work, offering a solution to a problem or a new way of doing something. Or sometimes, a photography gadget adds an extra level of fun to your practice. 

We’re not talking about photography accessories like lens filters or camera backpacks. These gadgets add a little more to your kit bag, making you better equipped for the life of a modern photographer.

Our list includes electronic gadgets like hard drives and card readers. You’ll also find items more closely associated with photography, like the Lensbaby and the ring light. 

Here’s a quick rundown of all the best photography gadgets and why we like them. We look at each gadget in more detail in the following section. 

[product_roundup2 price=”no” tag=”eprounduptable-20″ id=”44137″ column_title=”Gadget”]

16 Best Photography Gadgets

Now we’ll look at each photography gadget in more detail. You’ll be able to find exactly what you need to improve your photography workflow. 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eplonghighlight-20″ title=”1. Lensbaby Sol 45″ product=”99001″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Selective focus lens; Key Features: 8.5º tilt range, 46mm filter thread; Best For: Photographers looking for practical effects to spice up their images”][/highlight]

The Lensbaby Sol 45 is a selective focus lens. It gives you one circular area of your image that’s perfectly in focus, while the rest has a soft bokeh blur. The results look magical, and you don’t need to add any additional effect in post-production. 

This model is compatible with Canon EF cameras, both APS-C and full frame. One issue is that it has a fixed aperture of f/3.5, so you have to adjust the other exposure settings to get a correct exposure. 

You can tilt the front of the lens up to 8.5º in all directions. This allows you to control the focus point so you can focus on any part of your scene. It also has two bokeh blades that enhance the bokeh effect, giving you subtle lines and textures. 

Every photographer should try a selective focus lens. They’re a great photography gadget for creative photographers. 

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”2. JOBY GorillaPod 5K” product=”40647″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Bendy-leg Tripod; Key Features: Multi-jointed legs, ball head, rubber feet; Best For: Mounting in unusual situations”][/highlight]

The Joby Gorillapod 5K is small, portable, and weighs less than a traditional tripod. So it’s easier to place inside your bag.

The versatility of this tripod is something any photographer can benefit from using. You can wrap it around objects, making stabilizing your camera anywhere easy.

Although small, it can hold devices weighing up to 5 kg (11 lbs.). Yes, your heavy DSLR can sit on it safely. The Gorillapod 5K tripod is perfect for shooting photos and videos.

Read our article on mini tabletop tripods if you want more options like this one.

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”3. Loupedeck+ Photo and Video Editing Console” product=”40656″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Editing console; Key Features: Ergonomic design, customizable controls, supports all major editing software; Best For: Pro-level photo editing”][/highlight]

The Loupedeck+ is a photo and video editing console. It’s compatible with several photo editing software. This includes Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Camera Raw, After Effects or Audition, and Aurora HDR.

This photography gadget is perfect for professional photographers and beginner users. It’s easy to set up, and you can begin editing your shots immediately.

If you feel like it, you can customize a lot of its features. Try the suggested combinations and experiment with them to see what fits your workflow the best.

All photo editors will love this gadget as it makes editing photos fast and fun. If you feel that post-processing takes too much time, this photo editing gadget is well worth the price!

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”4. NEEWER Ring Light Kit” product=”38932″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Ring light with tripod; Key Features: Adjustable tripod, carry case, shutter remote; Best For: Taking selfies or recording blogs”][/highlight]

The NEEWER Ring Light Kit is the perfect gadget if you create content for social media. It gives you perfectly even illumination, so you don’t get any harsh shadows on your face. Your eyes will glisten, which makes your selfies and vlogs stand out on any social media platform. 

There’s a dimming range from 1 – 100%, allowing you to change the intensity to suit the mood. And you have ring covers that change the color temperature, giving you even more creative control. 

The tripod is adjustable so you can find the perfect height. It also comes with a stand for cameras or smartphones, and there’s a wireless remote so you can pose away from the camera. 

You can see more of the best ring lights in our dedicated article. 

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”5. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD” product=”37246″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Portable Hard Drive; Key Features: 1 TB storage, 1050MB/s read, 1000MB/ write, IP65 water and dust resistant; Best For: Anyone who needs portable digital storage”][/highlight]

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is the best portable hard drive for photographers. This model has 1 TB of storage, but they also offers models with 500 MB, 2 TB, and 4 TB. That’s a lot of storage in a device that fits in any decent backpack. 

With 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/ write speeds, data transfers are quick and painless. You won’t be sitting around waiting for your image files to move from one device to another. 

It’s also incredibly robust for an electronic gadget. It has drop protection of up to three meters. And it’s IP65 water and dust resistant. You can take this device practically anywhere. The carabiner loop is another useful features, allowing you to secure it to your person or backpack. 

See more of the best external hard drives in our full blog post. 

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”6. QTshine Portable Power Bank” product=”36837″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Portable Power Bank; Key Features: 26800mAh of power, two USB ports; Best For: Photographers who need to power up on the go”][/highlight]

The QTshine Portable Power Bank has become the type of gadget every photographer needs. Mirrorless cameras have incredible features, but the battery life can be short. Thanks to USB charging and a portable power bank like this one, you can charge up whenever and wherever you need to. 

It’s a compact device that almost fits in your pocket. It also has a max power capacity of 26800mAh, which is more than enough to charge your mirrorless camera a few times over. 

Two USB ports allow you to charge more than one device at a time. That means you can charge your phone and your camera on a train, a plane, or in the middle of nowhere. 

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”7. Anker USB SD Card Reader” product=”29167″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: USB SD card reader; Key Features: SD and MicroSD slots; Best For: Quick image transfers from camera to computer”][/highlight]

The Anker USB SD Card Reader is a must-have gadget for photographers. It’s small, affordable, and incredibly useful.

With an SD and MicroSD slot, you can quickly transfer image files from your camera to your computer. And you can do it anywhere, as the device doesn’t need any additional power. 

It’s compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac laptops and desktops. 

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”8. DJI RS 2 3-Axis Camera Gimbal” product=”41877″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Camera gimbal stabilizer; Key Features: 3-axis stabilization, 4.5 kg max load capacity, colo LCD display; Best For: Recording smooth footage with a camera”][/highlight]

As more and more photographers migrate to videography, gadgets like the DJI RS 2 3-Axis Camera Gimbal are becoming more popular. 

It’s a video stabilizer that gives you incredible smooth footage. It more convenient than a tripod, as it allows you to move freely and shoot from hand. Sophisticated algorithms give you intelligent stabilization, helping you produce pro-level video footage. 

It’s a strong piece of equipment, holding any camera up to 4.5 kg. That’s enough for most full frame mirrorless cameras. It also has tripod legs, so it can stand freely if you need it to. 

We have a full article on the best camera gimbals if you want more options. 

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”9. Lume Cube RGB LED Light Panel” product=”49522″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: LED light panel; Key Features: Red, green, and blue light, mounts on to camera; Best For: Photographers and videographers in need of constant illumination”][/highlight]

The Lume Cube RGB LED Light Panel offers consistent light, which is less harsh and variable than a flashgun. You can perfectly expose your images without having to do loads of test shots first. 

With white, green, red, and blue light options, you get plenty of creative freedom. It also has brightness control and strobe options. 

You easily control the light panel using the LCD screen on the back. And you can mount the panel direction onto your camera using the hot shoe. It’s also battery powered, so there are no frustrating cables when it’s in operation. 

We have more LED light panels in this link. 

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”10. Wolverine Titan Digital Converter” product=”99004″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Film scanners and digitizer; Key Features: Scans film strips and slides, color screen; Best For: Digitizing film negatives and slides”][/highlight]

Film photography is back in fashion, but developing, printing, and scanning costs are astronomical. That’s why investing in a gadget like the Wolverine Titan Digital Converter can save film photographers in the long run. 

It’s simple and easy to use, which is good news for tech-shy users. You also don’t need any additional software to scan or view the photos. And once scanned, it’s easy to transfer the files to a computer using the USB connection.

You also have a HDMI port that allows you to view the images on a monitor or TV.

Taking only three seconds to scan one image, it’s a fast an easy way to digitize all your old photos. 

Check out our article on all the best film scanners right here. 

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”11. Wacom Intuos Wireless Drawing Tablet” product=”99010″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Digital drawing pad; Key Features: USB connection, compatible with all software and computers, wireless pen; Best For: Retouching photos or digital drawing”][/highlight]

The Wacom Intuos drawing tablet is perfect for any digital art software. If you’re a photographer, you will use it mostly for retouching your photos. But it’s also perfect for any drawing, even animations.

This gadget can make your workflow much faster and easier. Working with a tablet and pen is easier and more precise than working with a mouse or touchpad.

Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry with you. The pen doesn’t need to be charged, so you can use it anywhere you would use your computer.

You can use the drawing pad with a computer or a laptop. It’s compatible with all kinds of editing software or apps.

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”12. YongNuo YN360 III LED Video Light” product=”40672″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: LED Strip Light; Key Features: 10 lighting modes, RGB color lights; Best For: Photographers looking for a versatile and portable lighting solution”][/highlight]

This Yongnuo LED light is a versatile light source that can be used in various fields of photography. It’s portable and light. So it can be handheld in any situation. Its lighting mode and brightness can be adjusted easily thanks to its remote with a touchpad.

It provides the full spectrum of RGB colors that can easily be modified through the mobile app. You can also adjust the color temperature from 3200k to 5600k.

Plus, the YN360 III Pro lets you simulate 10 supplementary lighting effects, like sunrise, police vehicles, or lightning.

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”13. NEEWER Light Reflector” product=”28996″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Light Reflector; Key Features: Five different reflective surfaces; Best For: Manipulating natural light”][/highlight]

The NEEWER 5-in-1 Light Reflector is an essential gadget for any photographer shooting portraits, product, food, or fashion photography. 

The wide reflective surface allows you to manipulate natural light, meaning you don’t have to lug heavy lighting gear around with you. It’s a lightweight and affordable lighting solution that gives pro results. 

You also have a choice of five different reflective surfaces, each giving you a different quality of light. That adds to the versatility, making it a must-have photography gadget. 

Click this link for more photography light reflectors. 

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”14. Pivo Pod 360 Tracking Phone Holder” product=”44434″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Tracking phone holder; Key Features: 360º rotation, wireless remote; Best For: Recording yourself doing activities”][/highlight]

Not everyone has a friend with the patience to capture your perfect skateboarding move. Or maybe you can’t afford to pay a professional photographer to take your best moves as an athlete.

The Pivo Pod steps into that gap and tracks you as you zoom across the urban landscape or go through the motions. Its AI technology tracks your face and body for dynamic shots or 360 videos.

This photography gadget can sit on its own on a level surface. Or you can attach it with the standard 1/4-inch screw to a tripod or other mount.

Its app gives you complete control over the functions. And you’re not limited to action shots. The gradual-rotation feature enhances time-lapse photos and video.

The Pivo Pod tracker is compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones. And it’s the perfect companion for active vloggers, social media influencers, or fitness trainers.

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”15. Datacolor SpyderX Pro” product=”36277″ extra=”Type of Gadget: Monitor color calibrator; Key Features: Easy to use, before and after comparison tools; Best For: Making precise adjustments to your monitor”][/highlight]

This is not the type of photographer gadget you might go crazy about. But it’s a really useful one. The Datacolor SpyderX Pro is for calibrating your monitor. This is crucial for photo editing and printing.

You can spend hours editing and still have weird image coloring when you look at them on a monitor or as a print. This gadget can help you achieve color precision within a minute or two.

Its lens-based color engine provides color accuracy. The SpyderX Pro also features room-light monitoring and automatic profile changing. You don’t have to be an expert because this photography gadget is intuitive with single-click calibration.

 

[highlight type=”long” price=”no” tag=”eprounduplong-20″ title=”16. Peak Design Rain and Dust Cover” product=”40632″ fields=”general.brand” extra=”Type of Gadget: Rain and dust camera cover; Key Features: Taped seams, three sizes available; Best For: Shooting outdoors in bad conditions”][/highlight]

The Peak Design Black Shell Rain Cover is a clever camera accessory. It’s especially useful if you love shooting outside. Weather won’t stop you from taking photos anymore.

It fits in your camera bag or pocket easily. So you can grab it and put it on your camera in no time. It’s made of weatherproof stretch fabric. And it’s seams are taped to resist rain, snow, dust, and abrasion.

It’s available in three sizes. So they fit almost any DSLR or mirrorless camera body with any lens type. Also, Peak Design offers a lifetime warranty on this product!

 

Conclusion: The Best Photography Gadgets

As you can see, the best photography gadgets can be anything from funky tripods to editing consoles. These can make your photography work more fun or your workflow faster. There is something for everyone. And they all make excellent photography gifts for family and friends.

Of course, this list is far from complete. You can find an endless number of gadgets on the market. But make sure to only buy products you will use and love.

The Lensbaby Sol 45 is our top photography gadget. It’s a simple piece of kit that gives you incredible visual effects. But we also love the GorillaPod and the Loupedeck+ console. In fact, we recommend all the gadgets on this list. 

[short_roundup products=”99001,40647,40656″ title=”Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Photography Gadgets” tag=”eproundupshort-20″]