Nikon Introduces Z5 II Trade-in Trade-up Program

2026-01-09T08:00:00-06:00

For those who’ve been waiting for the perfect time to upgrade since the Nikon Z5 II’s release nine months ago, that moment has arrived! Nikon has announced a brand-new trade-in program exclusively for the purchase of a Z5 II. You can trade in any operable camera to McBain between January 9th and 29th and receive a $200 bonus on top of the trade-in value.

Upgrading to the Nikon Z5 II is super easy:

Trade-in: Trade in any working camera to a McBain location for an appraisal (please allow up to 5 business days for appraisal).
Trade-up: Once the appraisal is complete, you get the value of your qualified gear, plus the $200 bonus credit put towards your purchase of a Nikon Z5 II body or kit.

This offer is available in-store only. Visit your nearest McBain location to get your upgrade started.

†McBain Camera Inc. will determine the trade-in amount in its sole discretion; trade-in amount may vary according to the condition and age of the trade-in. To be eligible for a trade-in amount, the consumer purchaser must trade in one operating camera to McBain Camera Inc. for each new Nikon Z5II body or Kit purchased. Trade-in amounts are not cash equivalents, may not be redeemed for cash, and are available only for the purchase of a new Nikon Z5II body or Kit. Trade-in amounts are cancelled and forfeited if the Nikon Z5II body or Kit is returned for any reason or cause whatsoever. Trade-in camera must be surrendered at the time of trade-in (physical receipt by McBain Camera Inc.). Visit https://www.mcbaincamera.com/tradeins for their full trade-in program policy.

McBain's 2025 Photography Gift Guide

2025-12-12T15:32:40-06:00

Christmas Day rapidly approaches, and we’re here to make holiday shopping fun and stress-free with our 2025 Photography Gift Guide. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover from unique cameras to must-have accessories, so let's get right to it!

Fujifilm X-half

We kick off the list with Fujifilm's digital love letter to film photography, the X half. Even a film purist will appreciate the lengths Fujifilm has gone to make them feel right at home holding this cute little compact. The X half’s Film Camera Mode transports you into a virtual film experience with a set number of exposures from your choice of 26 filmstock simulations (Velvia all the way!) and, most importantly, no live preview.

Of course, it wouldn’t be called the X half if you couldn’t revel in a little half-frame fun. Take a shot, pull back the camera’s *wink* film winder to create 2-in-1 diptychs! We had a blast creating all kinds of side-by-side mashups while testing the X half, so we guarantee Christmas morning magic.

The X half is on sale at McBain for $859.99 until Dec. 31, 2025.

» Fujifilm X half Compact Camera

DJI OSMO Pocket 3

For the run-and-gun creators out there looking to achieve smooth-motion videos, ready to go live immediately, there are few out-of-the-box solutions as good as the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Its stunning 1” CMOS sensor rests within a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer, providing steady, low noise footage in a device compact enough to be discreet when filming out in public.

The OSMO makes for a jaw-dropping gift at just $579.99, sure to inspire limitless creative adventures.

» DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Gimbal Camera

Fujifilm INSTAX Cameras & Film

It’s been a couple of paragraphs since we talked about Fujifilm, so let’s talk about our next holiday hero, Fujifilm INSTAX. Instant cameras are the best place for kids to start their photography journey. The instant, tactile results introduce a world of possibilities, letting you witness in real time their imaginations take off into the stratosphere. After just a few photowalks, my daughter is already taking better photos than I can.

Best of all, the INSTAX family of cameras come in all shapes, sizes and price points. The Mini 12, for example, is a great starter camera to put under the tree ($89.99 until Jan. 2, 2026) or take the leap into something with a retro aesthetic in the Mini EVO ($229.99 until Jan. 2, 2026).

» Shop Fujifilm INSTAX Cameras at McBain

Film Photography

We’ve talked a lot about film already, so let’s do it some more! Film photographers might seem intimidating to shop for, but the truth is, we’re an experimental bunch happy to play with whatever we get. Stuff our stockings with Kodak Porta, Ilford or Flicfilm, and we’re going to have a pretty dang good time.

If you’re buying for first-timers, we recommend the Yashica MF-1Y ($61.99 until Dec. 31), equipped with an optical viewfinder, fixed 31mm lens and a built-in flash, everything a burgeoning film photographer needs. Single-use cameras are also good holiday fun, starting at just $26.99.

» Shop Film at McBain
» Yashica MF-1Y 2022 35mm Film Camera with Film

Bags, Cases & Straps

Now that we have a bunch of cameras unwrapped, we’re going to need something to put them all in, right? For backpacks, WANDRD’s PRVKE series has always been a particular favourite of ours. Its reliable weather-resistant fabric, zippers and quick-draw side access make it an ideal companion for adventuring photographers. While this is our 2025 Gift Guide, version 3 of the PRVKE backpacks make the list because they are clearing out at a hot price, starting at $269.99.
» WANDRD PRVKE V3 Backpacks

Turning to bags, Peak Design’s Everyday Sling hits the list for its versatility. It can be worn cross-body or at the waist, offering quick access to your camera wherever you go. Along with being an excellent camera bag, the Everyday Sling can also quickly convert into a commuter bag for the very occasional trips when your camera isn’t needed.
» Peak Design Everyday Slings

When the camera is out of the bag, a good, comfortable and stylish strap makes for a great gift. Peak Design’s Cuff Wrist Strap ($54.99) is a popular choice for compacts, while the unbeatably durable Fab F8 Rope Strap ($64.99 until Jan. 8, 2026) is one of the best-looking straps on the market. But if fashion and comfort are the priority, nothing can top My Fave Scarf Camera Strap ($64.99)

» Peak Design Cuff Wrist Straps
» Fab F8 Rope Straps
» My Fave Scarf Camera Strap

Organization

Organizers may not be the sexiest of Christmas gifts, but like a new pair of socks in your stocking, they’re always appreciated. Tech pouches like the Lowepro Gearup (up to 50% off until Dec. 31) not only keep your accessories and cables safe but also prevent them from cluttering your pack.
» Shop Lowepro Gearup Pouches

Keeping your memory cards in order can also be a challenge, which is why we highly recommend WANDRD’s Memory Card Case ($49.99), featuring 8 pockets for SD cards and 2 slots for SSDs.
» WANDRD Memory Card Case

Finally, let’s make sure all those newly gifted electronics don’t have cords flopping every which way. We carry four packs of the Nite Ize 3” Gear Ties ($6.49) that your friends and family will appreciate well beyond Christmas Day.
» Nite Ize 3” Gear Ties

Memory

Like organizers, memory doesn’t make for the most exciting gift, no matter how useful it is. However, we felt it was important to mention because we expect memory costs to increase in 2026. In the long run, putting memory under the tree will make your friends and family very happy.

As it happens, Sony’s rugged and reliable Tough series of SDXC cards are currently on sale until Jan. 1, 2026, starting at $91.99 for 128GB. Their Tough CFexpress cards are also discounted, starting at $239.99 for 80GB.
» Shop Memory Cards at McBain

How about a card reader to go along with it? We use the Optex USB-C and USB 3.0 SD & MicroSD Card Reader around the office, and it is fantastic. Compact, convenient and speedy.
» Optex USB-C and USB 3.0 SD & MicroSD Card Reader

Power Banks & Adapters

All this camera gear is really thirsty for electricity, making battery banks and power adapters an easy gift for any photographer. I took the Ultralink Noir 8-in-1 Portable Charger ($99.99) on my trip out east this past summer and loved it. Packs up easily, had all the ports we needed to keep everything charged, and now it's our living room powerbar.

We also recommend Ultralink’s All-in-One Universal Travel Adapter ($29.99) for the well-travelled on your list.
» Shop Ultralink at McBain

For remote shoots, the Toughtested Solar Battery Bank offers 10,000 mAh capacity to keep your devices going, a built-in solar panel for emergency power, and doubles as a 550 lumen flashlight.
» Toughtested LED10 Pocket 10,000MAH Solar Power Bank

Stocking Stuffers

Hey, you made it to the end. Thanks for reading! Hopefully, we’ve inspired you with some great ideas and have made your Christmas shopping a little easier. We’ll send you off now with a few fun stocking stuffers guaranteed to surprise and delight.

SmallRig x Film Riot 7-in-1 Folding Wrench Set - $41.99
Convenient tool to assemble and disassemble camera rigs, or simply to get little jobs done around the house.

Kodak Retro Film Cases - Starting at $34.99
Keeps film rolls organized in style.

TTArtisan Mini LED Film Cassette Light - $15.99
Cute, kitchy and attaches to your camera shoe.

Joby HandyPod 2 Kit with GripTight 360 Phone Mount - $49.99
Compact and versatile support system designed for lightweight cameras and mobile devices.

Looking for more ideas? Why not explore our expansive collection of previously owned camera gear?

McBain Blog