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The Very Best Photography Gear Right Now

The Very Best Photography Gear Right Now

By Eimear Lynch , Eimear Lynch and Jason Chen and Jason Chen

October 28, 2016

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Credit: Sunny Au8ust/Unsplash

The definition of photography has vastly expanded in a way that the forefathers of photography would have never imagined. Giant leaps from camera obscuras and bulky large format cameras to a point-and-shoot we have arrived with the all you can see 360s, mirrorless, in your pockets and with you at all times gear. This guide to gear is more expansive as the world embraces new definitions and technologies. Bringing us all closer to seeing exactly how the photographer sees - whether that’s with a camera phone or a 360-degree video camera the gear here will allow us to share more of our journey no matter where we are or what the light is like. Read on to find the perfect gear for any situation and how you can step up your capturing game.

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Action Video Cameras

Credit: Courtesy of GoPro

Want to film while schussing down a double-black-diamond? Look for models that keep the image stable during camera movement; daredevil videographers will want slow-motion capabilities and ultra-tough bodies.

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GoPro HERO4

Credit: Courtesy of GoPro

It’s the gold standard for its ultra-high-definition resolution, super-smooth slo-mo video, and ability to shoot in low light and up to 131 feet underwater.

To buy: target.com; $350.

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Ricoh WG-M2

Credit: Courtesy of Ricoh

You can drop, step on, freeze, and submerge (down to 65 feet) this durable and slickly designed camera, which shoots 4K video and has built-in Wi-Fi.

To buy: walmart.com; $307.

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VTech Kidizoom Action Cam

Credit: Courtesy of VTech

This unit is hardy, waterproof, and easy to use—perfect if your kid’s an Evel Knievel. Plus it comes with cool filters and accessories to strap it to a bike or skateboard.

To buy: amazon.com; $36.

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360-Degree Cameras

Credit: Courtesy of GoPro

These are the cameras that make virtual reality possible, by shooting with multiple lenses simultaneously in a full 360 degrees, then stitching the images together into one seamless shot. (Watch the footage on a headset like Oculus Rift for a fully immersive experience, or watch and share it on YouTube and Facebook.)

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GoPro Omni

Credit: Courtesy of GoPro

Designed for professional-level VR, the action-cam pioneer’s top-end equipment captures 360-degree video on what’s essentially six GoPros attached to one spherical frame. It automatically syncs up the timing and settings, which results in seamless footage you don’t have to edit together manually.

To buy: gopro.com; $5,000.

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Orah 4i

Credit: Courtesy of Orah

Until recently, 1080-pixel resolution was the standard. But the Orah 4i, which integrates four cameras into one handheld device, can capture footage at four times that clarity and has four built-in microphones that record immersive sound. Instead of the usual memory cards, it connects with a single wire to its “stitcher,” for seamless playback.

To buy: orah.co; $2,195.

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Ricoh Theta

Credit: Courtesy of Ricoh

The most accessible to the most people, this camera has two wide-angle lenses that can join video and images together at a super-speedy 30 frames per second (Avatar was filmed at 24 fps). You can live-stream and edit footage on your iPhone using Ricoh’s Theta+ Video app; or get even better results using Adobe Premiere on your desktop.

To buy: amazon.com; $347.

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Instant Cameras

Credit: Angela Auclair/Getty Images

Your eighties-era self may not believe it, but instant cameras are back. Not much has changed: the camera exposes an image and prints it on self-contained photo paper. Which doesn’t make for amazing image quality, but that’s not the point—nostalgia is.

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Fujifilm Instax Mini 8

Credit: Courtesy of Fujifilm

This was the company’s biggest seller last year, thanks to its small size, light weight (less than a pound), and candy colors. One drawback is that the selfie lens is sold separately.

To buy: bestbuy.com; $60.

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Impossible I-1

Credit: Courtesy of The Impossible Project

After buying Polaroid’s German factory, the Impossible Project released this camera modeled on a classic Polaroid, but improved with a lens surrounded by an LED light ring that creates brighter photos.

To buy: amazon.com; $299.

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Mirrorless Cameras

Credit: Michal Krakowiak/Getty Images

One of the fastest-growing segments of the industry, mirrorless cameras beam the image straight to an LCD screen instead of bouncing it off a mirror to a viewfinder, as a DSLR does. This means the camera body is smaller, with nearly the same resolution and the ability to fit an array of lenses. The main difference from a DSLR is that most mirrorless cameras lack a manual focus option (a disadvantage for serious photographers).

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Sony Alpha a7R II

Credit: Courtesy of Sony

It has many features associated with high-end DSLRs, including 42.4mp resolution, good stabilization for video, and high light sensitivity.

To buy: bestbuy.com; $3,200, body only.

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Fujifilm X-T1

Credit: Sam Kaplan

The superfast focus makes it hard to take a blurry shot, and the 16mp sensor is virtually as sharp as most DSLRs.

To buy: bestbuy.com; $1,300, including one lens.

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Pro DSLRs

Credit: Noah Feldman/Unsplash

DSLRs (digital single-lens reflex cameras) replicate the multilayer, multicolor technology of an old-fashioned pro 35 mm film camera—but with a digital imaging sensor. Today’s DSLRs can have resolutions as high as 50 megapixels (about 25 times that of your standard phone camera), but anything over 20 is a good level. They’re generally sold without lenses.

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Nikon D500

Credit: Courtesy of Nikon

A lower-priced alternative to the pro-favorite D5, the D500 offers the same 20.9mp resolution, 4K video, and touch-screen controls in a smaller package—for about $4,500 less.

To buy: amazon.com; from $1,996.

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Canon EOS Rebel T6i

Credit: Courtesy of Canon

All the DSLRs from the Rebel line perform well—and they’re generally less bulky than much of the competition—but the T6i stands out for its 24.2mp sensor, built-in Wi-Fi, and speedy focus.

To buy: amazon.com; from $749.

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Smart Phones

Credit: Artur Debat/Getty Images

If you’re a traveler who shoots only with a smartphone, you’re not necessarily missing out. Most phone cameras now have at least 1920 x 1080 resolution (sufficient for everything except enlarging to poster size) and 4K video (better than you can upload to YouTube).

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Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Credit: Courtesy of Samsung

This new model is lightning-fast and takes bright, sharp pictures—even in dim light—thanks to a wide aperture, dual-pixel autofocus, and a resolution of 534ppi. It’s also water-resistant, shoots RAW image files, and has expandable storage up to 256GB.

To buy: target.com; $800.

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iPhone 7 Plus

Credit: Courtesy of Apple

Apple’s newest large-format iPhone has a dual-lens camera that allows for better, clearer zooming and for manipulating depth of field, à la a DSLR. Like its little brother, the iPhone 7, it can also shoot ultra-hi-res RAW images. And it’s water-resistant.

To buy: apple.com; from $769.

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Camera Bags

Credit: Iswanto Arif/Unsplash

Every great camera needs a worthy case. The latest ones offer good looks and smart solutions for today’s equipment.

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Ona

Credit: Courtesy of Ona

With enough room to fit an 11-inch laptop, a DSLR camera, and two lenses, this is the satchel for the serious traveling shutterbug. The double straps make it comfortable to carry, and the water- resistant waxed-canvas exterior keeps everything clean and dry.

To buy: onabags.com; $279.

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Killspencer

Credit: Courtesy of Killspencer

This update on a traditional camera case is made with leather inside and out, a cross-body strap, and industrial hardware that stands up to heavy use. It has slots for a camera, lens, and accessories; other interior organizers like lens bags are available.

To buy: killspencer.com; $750.

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Mark Cross

Credit: Courtesy of Mark Cross

A luxe bag that strikes the right balance between style and function: the hard-sided case—curved to sit perfectly on the hip—keeps equipment safe and organized. Saffiano leather, sleek hardware, a playful key chain, and a top handle keep you on-trend.

To buy: modaoperandi.com; $2,495.

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Lo & Sons

Credit: Courtesy of Lo & Sons

The purse that became a camera case: what looks from the outside like a discreet leather handbag contains internal compartments that house a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a small lens, cords, and memory cards, along with your keys, wallet, and phone.

To buy: loandsons.com; $300.

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Add-Ons

Credit: iStockphoto/Getty Images

Whether you use a phone or a Leica, the right accessories can make your shot a keeper (and the envy of Instagram).

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Rocket Blaster

Credit: Courtesy of Giottos

Stop blowing onto your lens—the way to clean it is with this simple, syringe-like device with a one-way valve that shoots out clean air.

To buy: amazon.com; $10.

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Canon Pixma MG7720 Printer

Credit: Courtesy of Canon

Wirelessly beam images from the cloud to this printer/scanner that handles both 4 x 6 and 8 x 10 paper.

To buy: amazon.com; $106.

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Joby GorillaPod

Credit: Sam Kaplan

Already a design classic, the legs of this multi-jointed stand twist into any position. Comes in DSLR- and phone-friendly models.

To buy: amazon.com; from $19.

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Zeiss Lens Cleaning Wipes

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

You’ll want to keep your 360-degree HD video camera spotless. These will erase all grease and grime.

To buy: amazon.com; $14 for 200.

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Phone Accessories

Credit: Courtesy of Moment

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Moment Lenses

Credit: Courtesy of Moment

Three lenses (sold individually) that clip over your phone’s lens let you zoom, go wide-angle, or get super close—so you can get the Cinque Terre at sunset or that butterfly on a branch.

To buy: momentlens.co; $100.

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LuMee Glowing Selfie Case

Credit: Courtesy of LuMee

Let’s be honest: the front-facing cameras of most phones barely pass muster, especially in low-light conditions. To make selfies pop, get a case that lights your shots.

To buy: amazon.com; from $41.

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The Very Best Photography Gear Right Now

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Action Video Cameras

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GoPro HERO4

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Ricoh WG-M2

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VTech Kidizoom Action Cam

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360-Degree Cameras

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GoPro Omni

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Orah 4i

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Ricoh Theta

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Instant Cameras

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Fujifilm Instax Mini 8

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Impossible I-1

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Mirrorless Cameras

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Sony Alpha a7R II

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Fujifilm X-T1

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Pro DSLRs

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Nikon D500

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Canon EOS Rebel T6i

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Smart Phones

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Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

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iPhone 7 Plus

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Camera Bags

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Ona

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Killspencer

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Mark Cross

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Lo & Sons

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Add-Ons

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