It’s that time of year again, when retailers compete for pre-holiday spending with some tempting offers across a range of great products. Whether you’re just beginning your creative journey or looking to upgrade the tools you already rely on, with prices dropping across a wide range of gear, now is the perfect opportunity to pick up what you need for less.
Photography, videography, and other digital art forms can be expensive for hobbyists and for professionals. The constant cycle of upgrading and updating gear can quickly deplete your funds and profits. Staying current isn’t always easy, but the timing of your equipment purchases can make a significant difference, helping you save money without compromising on quality. Browsing through various retailers for a variety of equipment, there are some great deals to be had, which is good timing for anyone looking to upgrade or expand their tools.
Black Friday used to be a one-day bonanza with a reputation for crowds and chaos outside retail premises, crowding through the doors and fighting over TVs and other tech to get a slice of the best bargains. Nowadays, you can participate in Black Friday from your computer or phone, with deals lasting through the weekend thanks to Cyber Monday, and many retailers keep offers open until the end of November. If you’re thinking of treating yourself or even securing some gifts ahead of the festive season, here are some great buys that are currently available at the time of writing.
Camera and Lens Upgrades
Panasonic Lumix S9
Panasonic truly nailed the balance with the Lumix S9, delivering a full frame camera that remains incredibly lightweight and compact, making it a perfect choice for creators who are constantly on the move. Its portability doesn’t come at the expense of performance, giving you pro-level image quality in a body that’s easy to carry anywhere. With a generous 20% discount that amounts to $300 off the list price, this deal becomes an especially appealing opportunity for anyone looking to elevate their photography without adding bulk to their bag.
Panasonic Lumix S24-105mm f/4 Macro Lens
If you’re looking to pair an all-rounder lens with the Lumix S9, look no further than the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro lens. A versatile wide angle to short-telephoto lens, this zoom lens also boasts a 1:2 maximum magnification ratio and 11.8" minimum focusing distance to suit working with close-up subjects. With $200 off, the current price on this lens is $1,197.99.
Storage
Your digital creations are much more valuable than the equipment they are made on, and therefore, there is nothing more important than reliable digital storage. Depending on the volume you are creating, I have found two great options with savings this month.
Samsung 4TB T9 Portable SSD
The Samsung 4TB T9 Portable SSD is a powerful yet compact storage solution designed to keep up with even the most demanding workflows. With fast read speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, it delivers quick access to large files, smooth editing, and seamless backups wherever you go. Its compact, durable design makes it easy to slip into your laptop bag, ensuring your important projects are always within reach. Reliable, efficient, and built for creators, the T9 lets you edit, store, and manage your data with total confidence.
TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS 4-Bay
Powered by a high-performance CPU and DDR5 memory, this is unmatched power in a 4-bay NAS. The TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS 4-Bay is equipped to ensure superior performance. Key specs include:
- Intel Core i5-1235U 10-core, 12-thread processor (up to 4.4 GHz)
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics (up to 1.2 GHz)
- 8 GB DDR5 4,800 MHz memory
- Two 10 GbE Ethernet ports
- Dual M.2 NVMe slots for hyper caching
- Linear writes up to 2,090 MB/s
- 4K read/write speeds up to 400 MB/s
This exceptional performance makes it ideal for smooth handling of image and video workflows. There’s no better time to invest, with 30% off the usual $899 price tag, now available for $629.99.
Gimbal
Zhiyun Cinepeeper Smooth 5E
For smooth BTS footage and for content creators, a gimbal is a must, and the Zhiyun CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E features a three-axis stabilization system and an integrated fill light for stable, professional-looking footage. With gesture control and app-based tracking features, this gimbal is a great all-rounder. It can currently be picked up for $89, which is a steal compared to the usual $149 price tag.
Sound
Maono DM40 Pro Wireless Microphone
For serious streamers and podcasters, the Maono DM40 Pro Wireless Microphone is a game-changer for content creators on the move. With up to 40 hours of battery life, reliable performance, broadcast-quality sound, and even AI voice changing if you want it, this Black Friday deal at $59.99 represents 33% off the RRP of $79.99.
Lighting
Profoto D2 500w Monolight
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to invest in luxury lighting, now is the time. With holiday savings of over $1,000, the Profoto D2 500Ws AirTTL Monolight, hailed as the world’s fastest, becomes an especially compelling upgrade for any creative professional. This compact yet incredibly powerful light delivers exceptional performance, giving you the speed, precision, and consistency needed to elevate every shoot.
Printing
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
For digital artists and photographers, you will know that your creations never feel more meaningful than when you see them come to life on paper. While we often experience our images digitally—first through a camera’s preview screen and later on an editing monitor—there’s something uniquely satisfying about holding a physical print of your work. It’s a reminder of why you create, and a powerful way to share your vision with others. More people should print their photos, and if you’re serious about selling your artwork, this Black Friday deal is especially worth your attention.
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 13" Wireless Printer offers professional-grade output, rich color accuracy, and exceptional detail, giving you the tools to produce gallery-worthy prints right from your own workspace. With a saving of $172 off the usual $971 price tag, the cost of the printer could be paid off after selling a few handfuls of images.
Portable Power
Cuktech 20 Power Bank
I own the Cuktech 15 Ultra Pro power bank, which is already an impressive performer, but the Cuktech 20 Power Bank takes things up a notch. With even greater power output at 25,000 mAh and enhanced capabilities, this TSA-approved power bank is built for anyone who needs fast, reliable charging on the go. The current discount makes it an outstanding value, offering top-tier performance at a price that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a power bank that delivers, this deal is absolutely worth considering.
Whatever you decide to purchase this Black Friday, make sure it’s something that can help to further your creativity, increase your revenue, or safeguard your digital archive. The real winners on days like this are the retailers, unless you make your purchases meaningful. Happy shopping!
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