Everyone has that one cinematographer friend who is obsessed with all things film related. There are a ton of fantastic gift options for these film buffs, but sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint the perfect present for them. That’s why this list contains 15 of the greatest gift options for cinematographers.
Cinephile: A Card GameCinematographers are huge fans of the business, and they tend to know all the odd facts about cinema. That’s what makes Cinephile: A Card Game an amazing gift for cinematographers. This card-based party game is a well-crafted mix of sleek design, pop culture, and film. It features 150 different cards, and multiple ways to play, so you’ll never get bored! This fantastic gift will surely delight film nerds, movie geeks, cinematographers & cinephiles and give them many hours of fun.
WiFi Bluetooth ProjectorLet me just state the obvious: cinematographers love movies! To be more specific, they love watching movies, which makes this WiFi Bluetooth Projector a excellent gift. The amazing thing about this specific projector is its wifi and bluetooth compatibility. You don’t have to worry about any extra adapters or dongles! It also features 4K resolution, along with a zoom function for adaptable screen size. Let's face it, any cinematographer or budding cinematographer is going to thank you so much when you give them this projector.
My Cinema LightboxThis cinema lightbox is bright and dazzling, and perfectly fits the cinematographer aesthetic! It features changeable letters, numbers, and characters, and comes with built in letter storage in the back of the box. It has three different modes; a classic white mode, a gradual color changing mode, and a freeze on any color option. It can be powered through either batteries or USB connection. Whether an aspiring or seasoned film professional, every cinematographer needs more light and glamour in their life. This fun and aesthetic gift is the perfect option to brighten the smile of any cinematographer!
The American CinemaThe American Cinema has been called “the Citizen Kane of film criticism”. It is a history of American film in the form of a lively guide to the work of two hundred film directors! It also includes a chronology of the most important American films. This is formatted in an alphabetical list of over 6000 films with their directors and years of release. It is considered one of the most influential books ever written on the subject. The detail and knowledge in this book makes it a great gift for anyone with an intense interest in film!
Smartphone Video KitCinematographers love to film, so why not grant them the ability to do what they love from the comfort of their home? The Andoer Smartphone Video Kit comes with a tripod, LED light, microphone, and selfie stick for filming, vlogging, etc. The LED light has a rechargeable battery and multiple brightness levels to choose from. The microphone fits smartphones and cameras, and picks up clear sound while blocking out wind and background noise. The phone holder is adjustable, so it works with a variety of models. This handy toolkit includes all the tools they will need to take high quality videos to capture life's moments with a smartphone.
Neewer Camera Shoulder RigMore filming equipment can never hurt a devoted cinematographer! The Neewer camera shoulder rig is designed to comfortably mount a camera onto your shoulder to keep it steady while filming. It adds stability while shooting for an extending period of time to help create crystal clear videos. It’s compatible with DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, and camcorders. It features dual hand rips, and an easy mounting process for any camera. The matte box also has top and side flags to block unwanted light and reduce lens flare. A good camera shoulder rig is essential for any cinematographer as they're used to holding the camera steady while filming, it's vital they have one that is solid and reliable.
Rise of the FilmtrepreneurMany cinematographers dream of creating their own films, but this goal sometimes seems impossible. In Rise of the Filmtrepreneur, author Alex Ferrari breaks down how to actually make money with your film projects and shows you how to turn your indie film into a profitable business. He uses case studies to examine successes and failures, and uses that knowledge to create a step by step method to turn filmmaking into a profitable career. Students of cinematography, professionals who want to refine their skills, or simply anyone who enjoys all different kinds of movies will find this book interesting and helpful.
Unpaid Movie Critic TshirtCinematographers will love to get this funny cinema joke t-shirt. The joke reads “Unpaid Movie Critic”, with a unique design featuring popcorn, tickets, a film reel, and a clapperboard. It comes in 10 different sizes and 3 different sizes. This funny gift will be loved by any cinematographer!
Movo Universal Video MicrophoneCinematographers are sure to have a camera that they know and love, but many of them may not have their own microphone! Having a microphone will enable them to make their own films and videos without needing another person on set. It comes with a shock mount and windscreen, and works with nearly all cameras and smartphones. It’s constructed with durable aluminum, and is designed to work without batteries. On top of all that, it also includes a free one year warranty!
Wireless Bluetooth HeadphonesA huge part of cinematography and filmmaking is editing. A cinematographer wanting to make their own films will need the appropriate equipment for editing. It has over 40 hours of playtime, 8 different color options, and a microphone. It’s compatible with any device with bluetooth capabilities. It’s great for long periods of use, because it has soft memory protein earmuffs.
Wes Anderson: The Iconic Filmmaker and his WorkWes Anderson is widely accepted as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, and any cinematographer is sure to be familiar with his work. This book is loaded with rich imagery and detailed analysis of his incredible films. It’s the first book to feature all of Wes Anderson’s movies in a single volume. Acclaimed film journalist Ian Nathan provides an intelligent and thoughtful examination of the work of one of contemporary film’s greatest visionaries. It has 198 ratings and 5 stars on Amazon.
Big Potato the Blockbuster GameThis game brings back the golden era of video rentals with a movie game for teenagers and adults alike. Cinematographers will love using this game to reminisce about the classic experience of renting a movie at Blockbuster. It will also challenge their film knowledge with difficult trivia from 200 different movies, along with head to head competitions with other players. It contains 260 cads, 1 electronic timer, 1 game board, 1 Blockbuster sign, and full instructions.
Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Video Camera CamcorderThis Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Video Camera Camcorder will make a great backup/travel camera for cinematographers. It’s compact and has great quality. It even comes with a remote control to operate it from any direction within 60 feet! It has multiple capabilities, including live streaming to various social media platforms, remote control using a cellphone app, night vision, and audio recording. The handheld stabilizer and lens hood also contribute to a flawless video recording experience. Whether for vlogging or filmmaking, this 4K Panasonic camera is a great gift for the creative cinematographer. It will help your favorite cinematographer continue to be creative and have fun with their camera.
DH10 Upgrade Gimbal Extension PoleThis DH10 extension pole will literally take a cinematographer’s work to the next level. It’s designed to safely elevate a video camera to access more angles of filming. It’s lightweight but strong, and is compatible with nearly all common video camera models. It features an easy extension bar and a high quality carbon fiber body, and is only .38 pounds in weight. The extension pole can either be held, or can be mounted onto a tripod or slider for more variety. This fantastic extension pole is useful gift that a cinematographer could use to make his or her job easier.
Neewer Studio KitThe ability to effectively film at home will open up all sorts of possibilities for a cinematographer. The Neewer studio kit has tons of equipment included. It has light stands, umbrellas, a greenscreen, various support systems, and many more items designed to make filming from home a breeze. The white translucent umbrellas can soften, broaden, and diffuse the light output of any tungsten or studio flash source. The softbox can be directly connected to light bulbs, fluorescent lamps, and other light sources. This unique cinematography gift is perfect for the camera crew member in your life.
