From TikTok to Instagram Reels, YouTube videos, podcasts, and web content, it seems like everyone is a content creator nowadays. A great gift for someone who loves to be in front of a camera or mic is tech to enhance the process and output. We have you covered in this gift guide.
Updated on December 7, 2024
DJI Mic Mini Wireless Mic
Perfect for those just starting out in content creation, the DJI Mic Mini is an ultralight, compact, wireless microphone that boasts ultra-long battery life and a stable transmission. Weighing 10g, you can clip it on a shirt, attach it to clothing with magnets, or wear it on a lanyard. With two-level noise canceling technology, content creators can record in loud environments like crowded halls or at outdoor events. Basic mode is ideal for quiet indoor settings, reducing fan, air conditioning, and reverb noises while preserving vocal clarity; while the Strong level cuts ambient noise and focuses on vocals in noisy settings. DJI Mic Mini’s windscreens also significantly lower wind noise. You can record omnidirectional sound, pairing with two transmitters at once to record from multiple sources. With dual channel recording (Mono and Stereo), creators can separate the audio from the two transmitters, or combine it into a single track. The DJI Mimo App offers a safety track, recording at a volume six dB lower than the main track, providing a fail-safe for audio issues like clipping and distortion. Audio can be transmitted up to 400 metres. For capturing longer-form content like podcasts or livestreams, a fully charged DJI Mic Mini case provides 48 hours of extended use and can one hour of use after a quick five-minute charge. The receiver and transmitter are fully charged in approximately 100 and 90 minutes. Also, the transmitter will automatically enter sleep mode when it doesn’t detect a signal from the receiver, saving power and alleviating the need to keep powering the mic on and off. The charging case conveniently keeps all items together, neatly storing two transmitters, one receiver, mobile phone adapters, and windscreens. It can connect directly with the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver, as well as smartphones via Bluetooth and a camera via the cable audio cable. Creators can also connect the DJI Fly app to the DJI Neo drone and DJI Mic Mini via Bluetooth to record audio and overlay it with their aerial footage. It comes in two package options with accessories for US$89 and US$169 or buy it separately for US$59 for the mic in black or white and US$49 for the charging case.
Panasonic Technics SL-1300G Hi-Fi Turntable
Perfect for DJs who create music and music mixes either recorded or live, the Technics SL-1300G hi-fi turntable just launched this past September and comes equipped with ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) motor control technology that combines with the iron-coreless motor to provide an enjoyable listening experience. The iron-coreless double rotor/single stator motor provides improved rotational smoothness while the coil mounting circuit board of the motor now comes with a new reinforcement with leads to a further reduction of the mechanical vibrations caused during rotation. The larger platter consists of three layers. Aluminum die-cast builds the fundament for high rigidity. A top layer of 2mm-thick brass, thoroughly fixed to the die-cast platter, further eliminates vibrations and adds an extra portion of touch and feel. Finally, heavy wight rubber underneath the platter dampens even tiny remaining vibrations, resulting in pure tracking of vinyl records for high signal precision, says the company. The two-layered bottom chassis made of aluminium die-cast and BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound) is a rock-solid fundament that enables high resistance against vibrations. The high-sensitivity S-shaped aluminium tonearm with high-precision bearings enables high initial motion sensitivity. Available starting this month, it’s US$3,3300.
Ugee UT3 Drawing Pad
If their method of content creation is sketching, like creating animations or anime, the ugee UT3 drawing pad might be a cool gift. It has a 14.25-inch, 3:2 screen with 2,400 x 1,600 resolution and comes in a NanoMatte finish designed to feel like paper. Certificated by TÜV Rheinland, UT3 offers low blue light and anti-glare. It ships with the U-Pencil, which is tailored specifically for drawing. It affords 4,096-level pressure sensitivity, 20ms latency, ±0.5mm accuracy, and 10g initial activation force to allow for precise and nuanced strokes, from both slight touches and firmer presses. Measuring just 6.95mm thin, it comes loaded with a 6nm 8-core CPU with dual microphones and four speakers. Thus, you can use it for other activities as well, like reading, gaming, binge-watching, noting, and documenting. It has 8GB RAM for easy multitasking and 256GB storage for storing content.
PNY Pro Elite V3 Flash Drive
Great for storing a back-up of content and footage, the PNY Pro Elite V3 is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive that affords extreme speeds of up to 1,000MB/s read and up to 800MB/s write, with storage capacities ranging from 256GB to 1TB. That’s 265 times faster than standard USB 2.0 flash drives, says PNY. It’s designed for content creators, professionals, designers, and gamers who need to store, access, and transfer critical, high-density files such as movies, professional high-resolution photos, video gaming data, and full HD and 4K videos. Housed in a sturdy black metal housing, the case includes a key loop for added portability and an easy-to-use sliding cap that protects the USB connector when retracted inside the metal housing. Pro Elite V3 is compatible with most USB 3.2 Gen 2 enabled desktop and laptop computers, and backwards compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. Get them for US$36 (256GB), US$60 (512GB), and US$105 ($1TB).
JBL Quantum Stream Studio
The JBL Quantum Stream Studio microphone is a perfect accessory for a podcaster or someone who loves to stream video game play. Switch among four pick-up patterns based on whether it’s just you talking or others as well: cardioid is for when you’re alone, bi-directional (for you and an interview subject), stereo (for two co-hosts sitting side-by-side or recording a musical instrument), or omnidirectional (for more than two people). When streaming a game, you can ensure the audio is balanced between your commentary and audio from the game itself. Leverage the JBL QuantumEdge PC software to adjust EQ, apply noise reduction, and customize the mic’s cool RGB lighting. With features like tap-to-mute, real-time RGB VU meter that shows volume levels, and voice monitoring from 3.5mm connected headphones, it has everything you need. At $230, it’s a steal, too.
Sennheiser Profile Wireless Two-Channel Wireless All-in-One Microphone System
Sennheiser describes its new Profile Wireless two-channel, 2.4Ghz wireless all-in-one microphone system as a creator’s audio multi-tool, making it simple to capture high-quality audio to accompany videos or for podcasts. It connects to mobile phones, cameras, or computers, and can be used as a clip-on mic, handheld mic or table-top microphone, depending on the situation. The rugged, multifunctional charging bar stores and charges the key components of the system and doubles as a handheld or desktop mic. It holds a two-channel mini-receiver with an OLED touch display, two pre-paired clip-on microphones that automatically connect to the receiver, a 3.5 mm jack coiled cable for camera use, USB-C to USB-C charging cable, magnetic clips for attaching the mics to delicate clothing, adaptors for connecting the receiver to mobile phones or a camera cold shoe mount, as well as windshields for the clip-on mics and the charging bar. Each clip-on microphone has 16GB memory for internal recording, a comfortable safety net. When the creator activates Backup Recording Mode, internal recording will be automatically turned on if the wireless signal should become too weak. Finally, there’s Safety Channel Mode that outputs and records backup audio at a lower volume to help protect against clipping. It’s shipping as early as Q4 2024, possibly not until Q1 2025, but hopefully it will be available in time for Christmas. Price is MAP US$299.
ShiftCam iPhone 16 Accessories
Help them with content creation using various ShiftCam accessories, designed specifically for iPhone 16 series phone. There’s the Camera Case for the iPhone 16, made from 100% eco-friendly materials. Available in both clear and fabric, the latter can be cleaned in the dishwasher or rinsed under the tap. The case features ShiftCam’s S Mount system with a secure twist-and-lock attachment that works with ShiftCam lenses. Using magnetic strength, it’s fully compatible with MagSafe technology. It accommodates the new camera control button of the iPhone 16 with a precise cutout, ensuring full and unrestricted access to this button. Engineered for durability, the slim case offers two-metre drop protection, tested to meet MIL-STD 810H standards.
ShiftCam SnapSeries Ultimate Portable Studio
Another fun accessory from ShiftCam that content creators will love is the SnapSeries Ultimate Portable Studio, a modular ecosystem featuring nine interchangeable pieces that snap together, allowing creators to fully customize their setup. At its core is the SnapGrip Pro, which includes Qi2 magnetic wireless charging for power on the go. There’s also the SnapStudio Light, a compact yet powerful alternative to traditional ring lights, and the SnapPocket Light, which provides the right amount of illumination for subtle lighting needs. For versatile shooting angles, the SnapStand Mini stands eight inches tall, offering portability and durability, while the SnapStand Selfie extends from 10 inches to 2.5 feet, perfect for first-person content on the move. The SnapStand Max stretches from 1.5 feet to six feet, featuring a foldable head and strong magnetic snap for easy setup. Additionally, the SnapSeries includes the SnapShoe accessories mount and Snap SSD, making it an all-in-one vlogging solution for creators. Get one, two, maybe the whole kit and kaboodle if you know they love to shoot TikTok videos or Instagram Reels.
Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 Lightweight Prime Lens
The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 is a lightweight prime lens with a wide and bright f/1.4 aperture. This affordable lens is compact enough to take anywhere, while offering a versatile and classic focal length that’s ideal for portraits, landscapes, street snaps, travel, still life, and more. The large f/1.4 aperture of this lens affords the ability to create images and video with three-dimensional emphasis and naturally soft backgrounds. The lens is engineered with a dedicated focus ring and customizable control ring. The close minimum focus distance lets users get as near as 14.5 inches from the subject, which is great for flowers, still life, and food photography. The nine-blade diaphragm helps to create a natural, circular bokeh for a pleasing out of focus area. Focus breathing is effectively suppressed to minimize the shift of the angle of view when adjusting the focus. Near Silent operation is offered for video production, with a click-less control ring and near silent lens drive thanks to the use of STM motors. The lens is also weather sealed and designed with careful consideration for dust- and drip-resistant performance. MSRP $679.95.
DJI Neo Compact Drone
The DJI Neo is a lightweight (135 grams) compact drone that’s fully controllable without a remote, launches and lands on the palm, and is ideal for vloggers. It features AI subject tracking, QuickShots, and offers 4K ultra-stabilized video with a flight time of up to 18 minutes both indoors or outside. Full-coverage propeller guards provide a safe experience when recording. Snap 12MP stills with its 1/2-inch image sensor or using DJI’s powerful stabilization algorithms to produce 4K UHD stabilized videos straight out of the camera at 4K/30fps. Once done, the drone will return to your palm. Neo’s AI algorithms have been created to follow the subject within the frame while you’re doing things like cycling, skateboarding, or hiking. Additional creativity can be achieved by taking advantage of Neo’s QuickShots, which has six intelligent shooting modes, offering a range of different recording angles. In Dronie mode, the drone flies backward and ascends, with the camera locked on the subject, and records a video. Choose Circle to make the drone circle around the subject. With Rocket, the drone ascends with the camera pointing downward; while with Spotlight, the drone rotates while keeping the object of interest within the frame. Helix causes the drone to ascend and spiral around the subject. Finally, there’s Boomerang whereby the drone flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away from its starting point and descending as it flies back. The aircraft’s starting point forms one end of the oval’s long axis, while the other end is at the subject’s opposite side from the starting point. If desired, pair it with the DJI Fly app, remote controllers, RC Motion, DJI Goggles, and even voice operated. A Wi-Fi connection to smartphones enables Neo to be controlled using virtual joysticks on the DJI Fly app interface with a control range of up to 50 meters. The app also allows the tracking angle and distance to be set, giving extra freedom to shoot from afar or up close.
Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 Wide-Angle Prime Lens
The Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 wide-angle prime lens is compatible with Z mount full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. The fast, versatile lens offers a natural angle of view, popular among street and portrait photographers, with the creative freedom provided by a bright maximum aperture of f/1.4. Enjoy soft bokeh and three-dimensional rendering at wide apertures. Its versatile 35mm focal length and short minimum focus distance of 10.6 inches also makes it ideal for capturing a wide variety of scenes and subjects, including landscapes, street photography, portraits and photos of flowers and pets, and more. As a great “carry everywhere” lens for day-to-day shooting, it weighs just 14.6 oz. and measures only 3.4 inches in length. Stopping down the aperture when photographing landscapes realizes improved sharpness, says Nikon. The use of a stepping motor (STM) for autofocus ensures fast and quiet autofocus for both stills and video. The clickless control ring allows you to easily control key exposure settings including aperture, ISO sensitivity, and exposure compensation. With suppressed focus breathing, the advanced optical design means the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4’s focal length stays consistent during focusing, which is ideal when recording video. The lens is dust and drip-resistant, with seals throughout the design that help prevent dust and water droplets from entering the lens. MSRP of $820.
Kensington 5-Inch Ring Light Video Conferencing Kit
Available for just $30, anyone who makes their own social media videos, does livestreaming, or participates in a lot of video calls and meetings will love adding this ring light set to their set-up. It’s portable so you can use it both at home and on the go, improving lighting to always look your best and get great footage. It delivers up to 350 lumens of brightness along with five colour settings and 10 levels of brightness. The light comes with a pivoting tripod desktop mount and rotating device clip for mounting to monitors, smartphones, and tablets. It’s an all-in-one solution for any content creator.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Handheld Camera
I reviewed this dreamy little handheld camera earlier this year, including taking it along with me to CES 2024 where I used it to record all my videos. I have also used the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for social videos whereby I record footage then edit it using the Lightcut app, which works seamlessly with the camera. Anyone who creates content, whether for his social channels, YouTube, personal projects, or more, will absolutely love this camera. The pocket-sized gimbal camera has a rotatable OLED touchscreen so you can record in both portrait and landscape mode. There are tons of modes, like product showcase while live streaming when connected to your smartphone via the app. I’d suggest spending the extra $200 for the Creator Combo. At $899, it includes accessories they’ll use, including a handle, mic transmitter, windscreen, mic clip magnet, battery handle, mini tripod, wide-angle lens, and convenient carrying bag. I can’t imagine recording live videos with anything else.
Fujifilm X-M5 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Fujifilm X-M5 mirrorless digital camera is designed for content creators who want a lightweight and powerful device for both still and moving imagery. Available in silver and black, it features symmetrically placed dials on the top of the camera, including Fujifilm’s proprietary Film Simulation Mode Dial. There are 20 Film Simulations, with the eight most popular selections featured directly on the dial, and spaces also reserved for three additional favourites programmed by the user. In AUTO mode, the camera automatically recognizes and applies the optimal settings for the scene. This allows even first-time digital camera users to easily create high-quality stills and videos. The camera features the subject detection autofocus, developed with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, in addition to the existing Face / Eye AF. AI is used to add the ability to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones. The latest AF predictive algorithm provides high tracking performance for moving subjects and high precision AF in low-contrast environments. For the first time in Fujifilm’s digital camera lineup, three built-in microphones are included in X-M5. You can choose from four microphone configuration options: surround, front, back, or front and back, depending on the situation. The camera is also the first X Series camera to feature a steady-state noise reduction function, which reduces noise that continues to ring at a certain frequency, such as air conditioning noise. Vlog mode allows you to change content creation conditions intuitively via selections on the camera’s LCD. Improvements in the number and placement of icons make video recording intuitive, says Fujifilm. In addition, X-M5’s new “9:16 short movie mode” allows you to create vertical videos. New bit rates of 8 Mbps and 25 Mbps have been added to the “Media Recording Settings” when creating video content. These options reduce the transfer time to external devices such as smartphones and improve the time required to upload video directly to social media. The silver version is available November 2024 for $1,080 or you’ll have to wait until April 2025 if you want the black finish. A kit consisting of camera along with a Fujinon XC15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens is $1,200.
Apple iPad mini Tablet
The new iPad mini is powered by the A17 Pro chip, supports Apple Pencil Pro, and works with all the latest Apple Intelligence features. The ultraportable iPad mini, which comes in Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Grey, has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and faster CPU, GPS, and Neural Engine when compared to the previous generation iPad mini. Of course, there’s also the addition of Apple Intelligence, and it works with Apple Pencil Pro. The tablet has a 12MP wide back camera that supports Smart HDR and boasts all-day battery life as well as iPadOS 18 and all the features and benefits that come with it. It starts at 128GB storage as well, which is double that of the previous generation’s entry model. The starting price is $679 for the Wi-Fi model and $879 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model and comes in 256GB and 512GB configurations as well as the entry 128GB edition. Go ahead and pick up a Smart Folio in Charcoal Grey, Light Violet, Denim, or Sage for $75 as well.
Apple Mac mini M4 Pro Computer
For more intense content creation needs, consider the Apple Mac mini with the M4 Pro chip, which also includes all the latest Apple Intelligence features. Employing a miniscule 5 by 5-inch chassis, which is less than half the size of the previous generation version, the star of the show is the M4 Pro chip. There are front and back ports, and for the first time, Thunderbolt 5 for faster data transfer speeds (three ports on the back). It has two USB-C front-facing ports that support USB 3 and an audio jack with support for high-impedance headphones. It comes standard with Gigabit Ethernet, configurable up to 10Gb Ethernet for faster networking speeds, and an HDMI port for easy connection to a TV or HDMI display without an adapter. You get support for up to three 6K displays at 60Hz for a total of over 60 million pixels. It’s a massive delta in price over the version with the standard M4 chip at a starting price of $1,899, but for content creators who are looking to handle major projects, like video editing and photography, it’s worth the investment.
Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII Studio Headphones
For those who work in studio environments, beyerdynamic’s second generation version of its closed-back DT 1770 Pro MKII studio headphones (the DT 1990 is an open-back design if you prefer) adds a newly developed dynamic Tesla.45 driver. As studio reference headphones, they boast a new impedance of 30 ohms and are adaptable to a wide range of playback devices, says beyerdynamic, without compromising sound quality. At the heart is the Tesla.45 driver, which was developed and manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Heilbronn. Its advanced diaphragm cuts distortion and sharpens response, preventing ear-fatigue during long sessions and offering clearer sound compared to its predecessor. The membrane is made of high-performance PEEK polymer that delivers deep, precise bass, claims the company, while a lighter voice coil made of aluminum-coated copper wire refines the treble. The closed-back design of these ‘phones make them ideal for recording, monitoring, and editing, offering a lively sound profile with powerful, deep bass. Compared to the previous model, the frequency response is smoother on the upper mids and higher frequencies are more balanced, making it a versatile tool for studio setups. The closed-back design also effectively suppresses background noise and reduces microphone bleed, making them ideal for focused work. (The DT 1990 Pro MKII, meanwhile, are best for mixing, mastering, and editing). The flexible spring steel headband, made from a combination of memory foam and durable leatherette, features a fontanelle recess to prevent pressure and discomfort from forming at the top of the head. It features fully replaceable headbands and earpads and comes with a three-metre detachable cable and five-metre spiral cable along with a hard case for protection during travel. USB-C cables are available separately for music creators looking to connect directly to laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more. US$600.
Final Cut Pro Software
Most Mac users swear by Final Cut Pro for all their video editing needs. Optimized for Apple Silicon, the idea is to help you go from the beginning of a project to post-production in a breeze. Edit videos, audio, motion graphics, work with your timelines, shift things around, and easily navigate around the content to get the perfect result. The latest updates allow you to enhance light and colour, create smooth slo-mo videos, use advanced search and filtering, have better control over effects, and more. The best part? It’s just $7/mo. or $70 for the year for iPad. If you need it for a Mac, it’ll cost more at $400 for Mac 10.8. But hey, maybe those amazing videos will turn into a fruitful career if it isn’t already!