Over the holiday season, I outlined a few gadgets that content creators would love as gifts. At the Consumer Electronic Show (CES 2025), in Las Vegas, several companies launched new devices that will appeal to those who create content. Whether it’s for social media Reels on Instagram, a YouTube channel, TikTok, or a personal or business website, all these new content creation devices will be welcome additions to your set-up.
ShiftCam PLANCK: For Storing Content
This portable SSD weighs just 10 grams and is smaller than a credit card, yet content creators will get read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s. To put this in perspective, you would be able to transfer a massive 200GB file in about three minutes. Naturally, this makes it ideal for those who work with ProRes content and need plenty of storage and fast transfer speeds. It’s designed to work safely in the field with drop-proof protection, IP65 water resistance, and convenient USB-C connectivity. Following the Kickstarter campaign, the official launch date is expected to be Spring 2025. While you can use this SSD with all types of gear, it works seamlessly with other ShiftCam SnapSeries components, including the new SnapStudio Light that affords studio-quality illumination, adjustable temperature and brightness, and MagSafe compatibility. Available in 1TB and 2TB versions, pricing will be US$189 and US$299, respectively.
Belkin Stage Creator Bundle: For Social Video Recording
Ideal for those who create social videos at home or on the go, like product unboxings, the Belkin Stage Creator Bundle includes virtually everything you need to get started or upgrade your set-up. It has a durable tripod that can be raised to up to 1.7 metres in height, a magnetic phone mount with a ball joint so you can adjust the angle, a set of clip-on magnetic microphones with a transmission range of up to 100 metres, and a six-inch USB-C cable. Set for release in May 2025 with pricing TBA, it affords up to 5.5 hours per charge.
Belkin Stage PowerGrip: For On-The-Go Creators
Those who tend to record most of their content on the go will appreciate the Belkin Stage PowerGrip, which is both a high-capacity power bank and an ergonomic phone grip. Plus, it can triply function as a phone stand. Scheduled for release in May 2025 with pricing TBA, it is a massive 10,000mAh battery that can recharge your premium smartphone multiple times over. It works with both USB-C via the retractable USB-C charging cable and supports 7.5W magnetic wireless charging, which is admittedly slow but will provide that extra boost you need to get the last few minutes of footage or last few shots. An integrated LED screen shows battery percentage while a small loop can be used to thread a camera strap.
DJI Mic Mini: For Improved Audio
Get better audio with your content thanks to this compact, wireless microphone that affords stable transmission and long battery life. It can conveniently clip to a shirt, attach to clothing with magnets, or be worn on a lanyard. Two-level noise canceling technology makes it great for filming in louder environments, and the included windscreens lower wind noise. Pair one mic with two transmitters to record from multiple sources at once. You can record in mono or stereo, using the DJI Mimo app to adjust audio as you want it. Get up to 48 hours of extended use per charge and another hour after just a quick five-minute recharge. It comes with a neat charging case that stores two transmitters, a receiver, mobile phone adapters, and windscreens. It can connect to certain DJI cameras without a receiver or to smartphones via Bluetooth (cameras via the camera audio cable). It comes in different packages starting at US$169.
DJI Flip All-in-One Vlog Camera Drone: For Aerial Content Capture
Also from DJI is the DJI Flip all-in-one vlog camera drone, which has foldable propeller guards to ensure safe flight in various locations. A wonderful option for beginner pilots, it’s compact and captures 48MP photos and 4K videos, which is perfect for aerial photography and close-up portraits. Leverage features like automatic braking, AI subject tracking, and six intelligent shooting modes: Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang. With MasterShots, it can perform camera movements, shoot multiple clips, and edit them with music, cuts, and effects to help with content creation. It can fly for up to 31 minutes per charge and can be operated with the DJI RC-N3 or RC 2 remote controllers, DJI Fly app, or voice control. Get it for US$439 or US$639 with the DJI RC 2 remote controller.
Insta360 Flow 2 Smartphone Stabilizer: For Adventure Recording
Adventurers will love the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, an AI-powered gimbal that you can use with your iPhone to capture content on the go. It affords extended Apple DockKit integration and Deep Track 4.0 AI tracking, along with Active Zoom Tracking (for zooming up to 15x while tracking a moving subject) and Multi-Person Tracking. Record photo, cinematic, or even slow-motion content without needing additional software. Novices will appreciate features like Pro Framing Grid, which helps guide framing and composition so you get the best footage possible. The system features a strong tripod with Free Tilt Mode for getting things like crane shots, tilt shots, and crane and tilt combinations. With 360° Infinite Pan Tracking, you can rotate continuously for fast-paced sports, live events, or creative transitions. There’s a mirror on the body for better selfie shots and footage. With Teleprompter Mode, integrate scripts right into the filming or livestream workflow. It can even be controlled remotely using a second phone or Apple Watch to do things like adjust angles, start/stop recording, and manage tracking. It starts at US$160.
PNY Pro Elite V3 Flash Drive: For Archiving Content
Archive projects, raw footage, and more on a few of the PNY Pro Elite V3 flash drives as a primary or even secondary back-up method. With speeds that are purportedly 265 times faster than standard USB 2.0, it’s perfect for transferring and storing high-density files like movies, high-resolution photos, and more. It comes in a metal black housing with a key loop if you want to take it with you. Compatible with most USB 3.2 Gen 2 desktop and laptop computers, it’s also backwards compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. One 256GB drive is US$36, a 512GB is US$60, or get the 1TB drive for US$105.
Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo Hybrid Instant Camera: For Creative Print Projects
Content creation isn’t just about digital content. If you love making printed projects, from scrapbooks to collages, the Fujifilm Instax Wide Evo hybrid instant camera is a fun device that will yield tiny prints. Print wide-format images on Instax Wide instant film (sold separately) right from the camera itself, as well as from an iOS or Android smartphone using the free Instax Wide Evo smartphone app. You can apply 10 lens effects and 10 film effects to create unique images, along with five film styles. There’s a 3.5-inch LCD on the back managing editing, printing, and image setting adjustments. Add a microSD card to store more images than just the 45 that can fit in the camera’s internal memory. There’s even a selfie mirror to get better selfies. Print up to 100 images per charge. The camera is $480 in Canada and you can get a case for $70 and instant film for $18 per pack starting in February 2025.
Content creation is growing, becoming a cultural thing for the new generation. With the right tools in your arsenal, you can make better, more engaging content, whether it’s for a hobby or business, and to help amass more followers.
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