Starter photography gear can make the difference between a shot of a lifetime, and one that leaves you feeling underwhelmed. New photography gear must be purchased in 2021, as photographers look for consistent ways to improve in their craft.
Don’t get me wrong, it takes the proper eye, feel, and heart from a photographer to get the perfect shot. But it helps immensely, especially for beginner photographers, to have gear to help you out.
After the craziness that was 2020, photographers deserve some exciting new gadgets to create with in 2021. So with the year just starting and rumors of new releases spreading quickly, we’ve rounded up examples of new photography gear we can’t wait to check out in 2021.
GoPro Hero10
The GoPro is the standard in the action camera category and, certainly, this new release will only further solidify this status. GoPro Hero 10, next in the GoPro Hero range, is set to release in September 2021.
While little specifics are known about this new gadget, we’re expecting further improvements of 4K recording. Users have also speculated that the new camera will be slightly bigger and will come in a brightly colored version so it’s easier to find when dropped outdoors.
Cheaper Leica M film camera
Leica cameras are to this day extremely desirable. The brand’s 35mm film cameras are iconic and basically last forever. The only downside, still, is the extremely steep price point – its classic M-A mechanical film camera is currently priced at $5,200.
Now, some reports have said there might be a new cheaper Leica M film camera released in 2021. Note that while this model will be more affordable than other Leica models, it’s likely to still be in the higher price range in the market as a whole. Leica has yet to confirm or deny these release rumors.
The Sony A7 IV
The A7 IV is an exciting upgrade to Sony’s popular A7 line. According to first impressions, the camera is similar to A7R3 but with an upgrade. This new version has quicker autofocus than its predecessor.
The A7R4 will also likely be able to shoot better 4K video and have an improved sensor. The camera is expected to be released midway through 2021 with an estimated price of $2500. It is a perfect piece of starter photography gear.
Nikon Z8
Reports say Nikon is releasing the next model in its Z-series later in 2021. This high-resolution, full-frame mirrorless camera is rumored to feature 6k video and the twin memory card slot we saw in the Z7.
The camera is also likely to have something called the “high-resolution mode,” which allows users to take 240-megapixel photos. Price and specs aren’t available just yet, but are expected to be announced soon.
iPhone 13
iPhone photographers can also anticipate exciting releases in 2021. The iPhone 13 is expected to be released end of 2021. iPhone 12 Pro Max already saw massive improvements to the camera, so we expect to see even more changes to the camera specs of the new iPhone.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the rear camera might be in for a full overhaul with a periscope camera which could potentially allow up to 10x optical zoom.
According to sources, we can expect improvements to the phone’s lens capabilities. The ultrawide lens is going to be bumped to an f/1.8, six-element lens from the current f/2.4, five-element lens. The iPhone 13 could be the simplest, and still most optimal, purchase of starter photography gear for you this year.
Sony Airpeak drone
Sony’s drone series was announced in November of 2020 and is set to release in the first half of 2021. The drone’s technology is centered around 3R’s: reality, real-time, and remote.
The cryptic first promo video, which was dropped earlier in 2020 feels more like game console than a camera system. The 15-second teaser didn’t provide much if any, concrete information.
Specs aren’t available yet, but Sony did release a video in which it shows the camera in action. This second teaser video dropped on January 11 and highlighted Sony’s focus on professional videographers.
The company said it wants professional input for the further development of this new drone line. While the camera is targeted for professional photography and video production, we expect it to be available for more casual/amateur consumers in the future as well.
Let’s hope the done lives up to its mission statement: “we will transform the realm of the sky into an endless creative space from an unprecedented free perspective.”
What to keep in mind when buying new photography gear in 2021
One thing is certain: with these upcoming releases, 2021 is set to be a year of innovation and dazzling creativity.
Beginner photographers may feel overwhelmed by the industry. They may even feel jaded by the complicated new photography equipment released in 2021.
But remember starter photographers: everyone starts somewhere, and the great majority start at the bottom. Hone in on your talents, buy the best new photography gear in 2021 that you can afford, and always think outside of the box for how to get the perfect shot.
At the end of the day, there is only one you. Use your photographic eye to capture something different.