This year’s Black Friday offers substantial savings on cameras, accessories, and photo printing services. Whether you’re an action sports enthusiast, a 360° video creator, or simply want to capture life’s moments in analog style, there are deals worth considering. The market is competitive, but some products stand out for both price and performance.
GoPro Dominates the Action Camera Scene
GoPro didn’t release a new flagship model this year, making last year’s Hero 13 Black the prime target for Black Friday discounts. This camera introduced a game-changing interchangeable lens system – allowing users to switch between Macro, Ultra Wide, and Anamorphic lenses. The automatic lens detection simplifies settings adjustments, making it ideal for fast-paced shooting.
The Hero 13 Black retains GoPro’s industry-leading Hypersmooth stabilization and seamless integration with the Quik app. However, battery life remains a consideration; an extra battery is recommended. Despite the emergence of competitors like DJI’s Action 6 (with its variable aperture), GoPro’s proven reliability and established ecosystem make it a solid choice. Concerns over potential DJI import bans further solidify GoPro’s position.
Key Deal: GoPro Hero 13 Black on sale, plus bundled GoPro Premium subscription.
360° Capture: GoPro Max 2 Leads the Way
For immersive 360° video, the GoPro Max 2 is currently discounted by $100. Its dual 14 mm lenses, paired with larger 1/2.3-inch sensors, deliver true 8K footage – outperforming competitors with lower sensor utilization. Support for 10-bit color in Log profiles provides superior editing flexibility.
Why it matters: 360° cameras are increasingly used for virtual tours, immersive experiences, and unique action footage. The Max 2’s superior sensor technology ensures higher-quality results compared to cheaper alternatives.
Fun and Retro: Instant Cameras & Printing Services
Beyond action and 360°, Black Friday offers deals on Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 99, a modern instant camera with manual controls for exposure and creative effects. The ability to simulate light leaks adds a nostalgic touch.
For printing: Mpix is offering 30% off its high-quality Kodak Endura prints. Shutterfly has a sitewide 50% off sale, ideal for calendars and photo books. Printique, known for professional-grade results, is also discounted.
Why it matters: Physical prints provide a tangible reminder of memories. These services offer a convenient way to bring digital images into the real world.
Accessories to Enhance Your Setup
Several essential accessories are also on sale:
- GoPro Dual Battery Charger: $77 (was $90)
- Samsung Pro Plus 256 GB microSD Card: $27 (was $32)
- GoPro Media Mod: $79 (was $100)
Conclusion: Black Friday presents an opportune moment to upgrade your camera gear or explore new creative avenues. GoPro remains the dominant force in action cameras, while Fujifilm delivers retro charm with its Instax line. High-quality printing services like Mpix and Printique offer a lasting way to preserve memories.
