Focusing on Gifts for Photographers on the Go

The new crop of camera gear includes great gifts for amateurs and pros alike--or a way to reward yourself for a year well done. Many items are available in stores. Prices do not include shipping.

Little camera that can: Point-and-shoot cameras with fixed lenses keep getting better. Pentax’s IQZoom 160 Date tops most on the market with its astonishing range of 38mm wide angle to 160mm telephoto. That’s all in a tiny 5-inch-by-3-inch body, weighing just 13 ounces with battery (not included) and film installed. Among the bells and whistles are a dial system that lets you choose several flash modes, including fill flash and red-eye reduction; landscape-, spot- and multi-exposure modes for special effects; a macro mode for close-ups; a panorama mode that lets you switch between regular-size and wide panorama shots on a single roll of print film; and a timer for getting yourself into the picture. A day-date function that stamps the year-month-day or day-hour-minute on prints or slides can be turned on or off.

Pentax IQZoom 160 Date lists for $560, but is less at discounters. For a nearby store, call (800) 877-0155.

Handy hip bag: For the serious amateur photographer, a roomy camera bag is essential. But many are unwieldy, especially when hiking or shooting city sights all day. Lowepro has introduced one of its lightest models yet, but with plenty of room for a slew of equipment. The Off Trail 2 is a holster-style belt pack (the most comfortable way to carry camera gear) with a detachable shoulder strap and two removable side-mounted lens cases that can double as water-bottle carriers. Cut deep to fit even the largest SLR camera with a long lens attached, the bag has an outside mesh pocket and zippered compartments inside and out. A thick back pad adds comfort.

Lowepro Off Trail 2 camera bag is $96 at camera stores. For a nearby store, call (800) 800-5693.

Blocking X-rays: For those concerned that the new generation of powerful airport security X-ray scanners may fog some types of film--whether in checked baggage or passed through carry-on scanners--hand-checking film is an option in the United States, but not elsewhere. Sima, maker of lead film shield pouches, says it has tested its most X-ray-resistant Super FilmShield pouch (which holds 22 rolls) against the harshest airport scanners and determined that 50- to 400-ISO films (the most common) come through safely if transported in two layers of the bags--one inside another. The company has also introduced a huge 18-foot-by-20 1/2-inch roll of Super FilmShield that can be cut to size and wrapped around a big batch of film canisters.

Sima Super FilmShield is $19.95; Super FilmShield Roll is $149.95. For a store, call (800) 345-7462.

Do-it-all zoom: Nikon usually is the last to follow camera trends, taking its time perfecting its entry into any new market. Finally, the company has introduced its much-awaited 28-200mm lens, a small gem that covers a very wide focal range and that may be all the lens necessary for most amateurs and some professionals. Measuring 4 1/2 inches by 3 inches and weighing 20 ounces, the Nikkor AF 28-200mm 3.5-5/6D is not a fast lens, making it risky for very low light and high-speed action. But for most situations it works beautifully. It comes with a bayonet hood for shielding out sun rays from the side.

Nikon 28-200mm AF zoom lists for $775, but is much less at discount camera stores. For a nearby store, call (800) 645-6687.

Quiet stalker: Even with a long telephoto lens, sometimes you need to creep up close for a wildlife shot. Safari Stalkers are flannel over-boots with fleece soles that muffle the crunch of your footfall. They slip on over a shoe or boot and fasten with Velcro closures, making you sound like something soft and furry instead of the big galumph that you are.

Safari Stalker boot wraps are $24.95 from Crooked Horn Outfitters. Call toll-free at (877) 722-5872.

Gear & Gadgets appears monthly.