Top Gadgets for Amateur Photographers
Great photography is becoming increasingly accessible to the average person with no professional training. With 13 megapixel cameras beginning to be installed as standard on mobile phones, and the prices of good digital SLRs being reduced all the time, getting the perfect shot is becoming easier than ever before. In addition to the increased functionality built into modern cameras, making it so much easier for an amateur to produce something brilliant, there are also a plethora of gadgets that can help photographers tremendously.
Here are just some of the latest items that will make light work of creating artistic and professional looking pictures.
Smart Phone Camera Grips
They can’t replace professional quality digital SLRs, but for those of us that own 8-13 megapixel cameras on our smart phones, it seems unnecessary to carry another point and shoot device for taking pictures. The problem, of course, is that smart phone cameras are not all that easy to use. They are difficult to grip and reaching the shutter button while you are trying to hold the camera steady is a challenging task. The brand new Snappgrip is the perfect solution. Simply apply the phone case, snap the grip into place, and you will be able to control your smart phone camera through Bluetooth and a photography app. The grip also allows you to attach a tripod to your camera phone for even better low light shots.
Other gadgets that perform a similar function include the LiveAction camera grip for the iPhone from Belkin. Interestingly, the similar ‘iShuttr’, was not successfully funded having been released on Kickstarter in 2011, so it remains to be seen how well this gadget performs. However, the item is available to preorder on Amazon now with a current release date of 25th March 2013.
Lenses
The grip is not the only gadget that you can use help you improve the capabilities of your phone camera. There are also various different attachable lenses that allow you to zoom and take wide angle, fish eye or macro shots. The 3 in 1 clip on lens from Olloclip is a great iPhone accessory that allows you to do all of the latter three, as does the Photojojo Phone Lens Series.
Tripods
The tripod is one of the photographer’s essential tools. Creative shots need a steady hand, and with slow shutter speeds and low lighting, it can be impossible to get the shot holding the camera yourself. The Joby GorillaPod allows you to ditch bulky and expensive tripods in favour of a nippy device with flexible legs that you can wrap around just about anything for a secure hold. This handy device is inexpensive and widely available; and can transform your pictures from blurred snaps into professional standard images.
Instant Prints
Despite high quality screens with large screen resolutions that reproduce accurate colours, it is still sometimes difficult to see whether you have captured your image as intended. The solution is the portable instant printer that you can carry with you and that connects straight to your smart phone, enabling you to simply print your pictures on the go. These are great gadgets for budding wedding photographers.
Shutter Remotes
In order to get the perfect exposure, or simply just achieve as sharp an image as possible, a useful accessory is the shutter remote. They are available for most digital cameras and smart phones, in wired and wireless varieties. Macro photography in particular can benefit from a remote as it allows you to keep the camera stable. Some of the advanced features include a time-lapse mode, timers for long exposure shooting and single or continuous drive modes.
Video Gadgets
For some fun and creative videos, the Swivl is the perfect gadget. It enables you to effectively turn your phone into a camera crew that follows around moving objects, such as your child or pet, filming their every move.
There are innovations being released daily that can improve a photographer’s ability to get great shots, without having to pay for expensive professional photography equipment. However, the vital component in producing these shots still rests with the person operating the camera, and their creative ability.
Featured Image: CC Attribution - Image Source – woodleywonderworks on Flikr
Article by Rita Rova
Rita Rova is a keen photography gadget lover and blogs about her passion for www.LoveMyVouchers.co.uk, the coupon code website that lists all the latest discounts for leading technology stores.
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