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Canada has officially revealed the two athletes who will carry the nation’s flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The honour goes to freestyle skiing icons MikaĆ«l Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson, two of the country’s most decorated Winter Olympians.
The announcement was widely expected, with both athletes enjoying remarkable Olympic careers spanning more than a decade. According to CBC Olympics, “They will march with their freestyle skiing and snowboard teammates in Livigno, with the parade of nations also being held in Milan’s San Siro Stadium and the mountain clusters of Cortina and Predazzo simultaneously in the most spread out Games in Olympic history.” The unique format means the Opening Ceremony will take place across several venues, making Milano Cortina 2026 unlike any Winter Olympics before it.
Marielle Thompson celebrates her ski cross victory in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, with the traditional Swiss cowbell trophy. | Image: Supplied / Alpine Canada
For MikaĆ«l Kingsbury, the honour adds another important moment to an amazing career. The 33-year-old is known as the best moguls skier ever and one of the most successful freestyle skiers in the sport’s history. He won silver medals at Sochi 2014 and Beijing 2022, before winning gold at PyeongChang 2018. Milano Cortina 2026 is expected to be his last Olympic Games, making the chance to lead Team Canada even more special.
Marielle Thompson has had an equally impressive Olympic career over the last three Winter Games. The 33-year-old won gold in the women’s ski cross at Sochi 2014 and added a silver medal at Beijing 2022. Although she just missed winning a medal at PyeongChang 2018, her performance was even more impressive, as she competed only 4 months after surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL, showing the strength and determination that have shaped her career.
MikaĆ«l Kingsbury celebrates his silver medal in the men’s moguls event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, holding the official Games mascot. | Image: Canadian Olympic Committee
Reflecting on being selected as one of Canada’s flag bearers, Thompson said, “Being asked to carry the Canadian flag is one of the highest honours in my Olympic journey. There are so many amazing athletes to select from, so to be chosen is really kind of unbelievable, but just very special. MikaĆ«l and I have been to each Olympics together, and we’re the same age, so we’ve kind of come up together in this sport. I think we’ve definitely got some camaraderie, and it’s very cool to be sharing this honour together.”
With two Olympic champions leading the delegation, Team Canada will enter Milano Cortina 2026 represented by athletes who have consistently delivered on the world’s biggest stage. Their shared experience, success and leadership make them fitting choices to carry the Maple Leaf as Canada begins another Winter Olympic campaign.
Fans won’t have to wait long to watch the historic moment unfold. Live coverage of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. PT / 1:30 p.m. ET and will be available on CBC, CBC Gem, CBC News Network, Sportsnet and TSN.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform.Ā ā born from Eliasā desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission.Ā Learn more.Ā Want to know how we test products?Ā Click hereĀ for more details.
Finding a photographer as a gift is like trying to capture the perfect shotāmiss it, and it just feels⦠off. They already have a camera, a lens or three, and probably more memory cards than they can count. What truly excites them is something that sparks inspiration, makes their craft easier, or adds a fresh layer of magic to their process. Golden hour on a quiet mountain top, the soft hum of the city at night, the rush of capturing a fleeting moment in perfect focusāphotographers live for these scenes, and the right gift can help them chase them even better.
From gear that keeps them shooting comfortably to clever tools that boost their creativity, this guide is filled with finds that fit smoothly into their journey. Each item is made to make them smile, shoot more, and tell their stories in new waysābecause the best gifts for photographers donāt just end up in their bag, they end up in their memories.
1. Nikon Z6 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z6 III is the type of camera that makes photographers feel unstoppable. Its 24.5MP full-frame sensor, combined with the powerful EXPEED 7 processor, delivers razor-sharp detail and vibrant colours straight from the camera. The ISO range of 100ā64,000 (expandable) allows you to confidently shoot in everything from golden hour to near darkness, while the 273-point hybrid autofocus system locks onto your subject with precisionāeven when theyāre on the move.
For content creators who operate in both photography and videography, this camera is ideal. It can record 6K/60p RAW internally for cinematic projects and provides 4K/120p for ultra-smooth slow motion, making even the smallest details stand out. The fully articulating 3.2-inch LCD screen and bright electronic viewfinder allow you to compose from any angle, whether youāre on the ground or holding the camera high above the crowd.
Durability remains a key strength. The Z6 III features 5-axis in-body image stabilization for steady handheld shots, dual card slots for backup, and a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body that can withstand rain, dust, and the occasional travel mishap. Itās a professionalās workhorse hidden in a sleek, travel-friendly package thatās ready to capture
Price: USD $2,499.95 (Body Only)
Why Itās Great: A quick, adaptable, and low-light-capable beast designed for photographers and videographers who demand top-tier performance.
2. Panasonic Lumix S5 II Full Frame Mirrorless For Vloggers
For the photographer whoās equally comfortable behind the video timeline or the viewfinder, the Lumix S5 II is a game-changer. This full-frame mirrorless camera features a 24.2MP sensor, advanced phase-detection autofocus, and 6K video recording thatās smooth enough to keep your audience distracted from buffering. The dual native ISO offers excellent low-light performance, and its compact size makes it travel-friendly without sacrificing professional features.
Vloggers will love the fully articulating touchscreen, built-in image stabilization for smooth handheld shots, and crisp audio that saves them from lugging around extra gear. Itās ideal for filming epic travel diaries, creating behind-the-scenes content, or cinematic B-roll. This is the kind of camera that transforms āgood enoughā into āwow, did you shoot that?ā
Price: USD $1,999 (Body Only)
Why Itās Great: A powerhouse for both cinematic video and stunning stills, designed with creators in mind.
Why Itās Great: A first-person-view drone that turns every flight into an adrenaline-fueled cinematic adventure.
If youāre looking to buy a drone for someone who loves capturing stunning shots from the edge of an ocean cliff or weaving through the mist of a tropical jungle waterfall, the DJI Avata 2 is the choice. Compact, agile, and designed for immersive FPV (first-person view) flying, it puts them right in the pilotās seat with the DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 controller. The 1/1.3-inch sensor records 4K/60fps video with rich detail and vibrant colours, while RockSteady and HorizonSteady stabilization keep footage smooth even during daring manoeuvres.
With up to 23 minutes of flight time, enhanced obstacle sensing, and a lightweight design ideal for travel, the Avata 2 enables creators to explore new storytelling horizons. From gliding over turquoise coastlines to weaving through rainforest canopies, it offers an exhilarating experience as memorable as the footage it records.
For creators who love capturing life on the go but dislike shaky footage, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is a pocket-sized game-changer. Insert a smartphone and let its advanced stabilization, powered by ActiveTrack 7.0, keep every movement smooth and every subject in focus. Creative modes like DynamicZoom and SpinShot make cinematic effects easy, while the lightweight, foldable design means itās ready for action anywhere. With up to 10 hours of battery life, itās ideal for travel vlogs, street reels, or behind-the-scenes contentādelivering professional results without the bulk of a full rig.
Price: USD $149.00
Why Itās Great: A smartphone gimbal that turns casual videos into buttery-smooth, cinematic moments.
For the photographer whose āstudioā is a mountain ridge, desert trail, or snow-covered slope, the Shimoda Action X50 v2 Starter Kit is a game-changer. Designed to withstand the elements, it features weather-resistant materials, a versatile roll-top for extra storage, and quick side and rear access so gear is always within reach. The included Core Unit keeps camera bodies and lenses protected and organised, while the adjustable harness ensures all-day comfort on long treks. From hiking through alpine trails to chasing sunrise at a remote beach, this bag is built to keep up with any adventure without sacrificing style or functionality.
Price: USD $429
SKU: 520-139
Why Itās Great: A rugged, adventure-ready camera backpack built for the wild.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 demonstrates that great creative power can fit into a small package, featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing stunning 4K/120fps video and sharp 20MP stills within a device just over five inches tall. Its three-axis stabilization keeps footage smooth, the rotatable touchscreen simplifies framing, and fast autofocus guarantees clear results even with moving subjects. With ActiveTrack 6.0, wireless mic support, up to 166 minutes of battery life, and a travel-friendly design, itās the ideal pocket-sized companion for turning everyday moments into cinematic memories.
Price: USD $799
Why Itās Great: A 4K handheld camera that slips into your pocket but shoots like a pro rig.
For the thrill-seeker who wants every heart-pounding moment on record, the GoPro Hero12 Black is an absolute powerhouse. It shoots crisp 5.3K video and 27MP photos, with HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization keeping footage steady even in the wildest actionāsurfing at sunrise, mountain biking down rocky trails, or skydiving over stunning landscapes. Waterproof up to 33 feet without housing, equipped with voice control, and offering longer battery life than earlier models, itās a compact device thatās always ready for the next adventure.
Price: USD $369
Why Itās Great: An action camera designed to capture the most extreme moments in stunning detail.
Constructed from durable aluminium, the Manfrotto 190 MT190XPRO4 provides stable support and features quick power-lock levers for rapid setup. Its 90° centre column allows you to switch from vertical to horizontal in seconds, making it perfect for overhead shots and unique angles. Compact, dependable, and ready for any location, itās a tripod that works as hard as the photographer behind it.
Price: USD $299.99
Why Itās Great: A sturdy, versatile tripod for creative shooting.
9. Xenvo Pro Lens Kit with LED Light and Travel Case
The Xenvo Pro Lens Kit is ideal for mobile photographers seeking sharper images and more creative opportunities without bulky equipment. It features a wide-angle lens for expansive landscapes, a macro lens for detailed close-ups, and a rechargeable LED light for optimal lighting at any time. Stored in a travel case, it offers a simple upgrade for smartphone users aiming for professional results on the move.
Price: USD $40
Why Itās Great: Transforms any smartphone into a compact photography powerhouse.
The Samsung T7 Shield is a portable storage device that meets demanding photography workflows. With lightning-fast read/write speeds up to 1,050MB/s, it simplifies transferring large RAW files or 4K video. Its sturdy, water- and dust-resistant design means it can handle shoots in the studio or outdoors, while fitting neatly in a pocket.
Price: USD $135 (1TB)
Why Itās Great: A rugged, high-speed SSD built for creators on the move.
The Ilford XP2 Super Single Use Camera is a throwback to the charm of film photography. Pre-loaded with black-and-white film, it captures timeless, high-contrast shots with that authentic film grain that digital filters canāt quite replicate. Lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for events or travel, it offers a fun way for photographers to slow down and shoot with purpose.
Price: USD $70
Why Itās Great: A simple, retro-inspired way to capture memories on film.
The Canon EOS R5 is more than just a cameraāitās a creative powerhouse that any photographer would love to unbox. With its 45MP full-frame sensor, it provides stunning image quality, capturing every detail, texture, and tone with accuracy. The advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system keeps subjects sharply in focus, whether itās a fast-paced sporting event, a candid portrait, or wildlife on the move. This is a gift that instantly boosts someoneās photography to a professional level.
For filmmakers and hybrid shooters, itās equally impressive. The capacity to record 8K RAW video and 4K/120p slow motion unlocks opportunities usually limited to high-budget productions. Built-in 5-axis image stabilization guarantees smooth, steady footage without the need for heavy equipment, making it an ideal tool for both polished commercial projects and creative passion endeavours. Itās the kind of gift that doesnāt just inspireā it opens up new ways of storytelling.
Encased in a weatherproof magnesium alloy body, the EOS R5 is designed to excel in studios, city streets, and natural landscapes. Giving this camera is like handing a photographer the keys to unlimited creative potential ā itās not just gear, itās the ultimate upgrade for their craft.
Price: USD $2,999 (Body Only)
Why Itās Great: A professional mirrorless camera that sets the standard for modern photography and video.
The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 proves that great things come in small packages. Its ultra-slim and lightweight design makes this āpancakeā lens easy to carry in any camera bagāor even a pocketāmaking it ideal for photographers who want quality without the bulk. The wide f/2.8 aperture produces beautifully blurred backgrounds and sharp low-light images, while the 24mm focal length is perfect for everything from street photography to landscapes.
As a gift, itās a no-brainer for Canon APS-C shooters. It transforms everyday photography with sharp, vibrant images and sparks creativity thanks to its natural field of view. Affordable yet capable of professional-grade results, itās the kind of present that impresses by how much it elevates a photographerās work. Giving someone this lens is like giving them a new perspectiveāliterally.
Price: USD $158
Why Itās Great: A compact, versatile prime lens that makes a huge impact without taking up space.
The DJI RS 4 Pro is a gift that instantly enhances any filmmakerās toolkit. Designed for professional cameras, it provides reliable 3-axis stabilization, turning even the most difficult handheld shots into smooth, steady sequences. With a payload capacity of up to 4.5 kg (10 lbs), it easily supports heavy rigs, making it ideal for everything from weddings and travel films to high-end commercial projects.
Its intelligent featuresāsuch as ActiveTrack Pro for accurate subject tracking, fine-tuned balance adjustments, and customisable shooting modesāgive creators the control they need to master complex shots. Paired with its lightweight carbon fibre build and extended battery life, itās a gimbal that can handle long, ambitious shooting days. As a gift, itās not just gearāitās the key to creating footage that looks like it was filmed on a Hollywood set.
Price: USD $869.00
Why Itās Great: A professional gimbal that transforms handheld footage into smooth, cinematic gold.
The Insta360 GO 3 is the perfect gift that makes any creatorās eyes light up. Weighing just 35g, this compact powerhouse can be mounted almost anywhereāon a cap, bike, pet collar, or even in hard-to-reach cornersāproviding photographers and videographers with perspectives theyāve never had before. It captures sharp 2.7K video with FlowState stabilization for smooth, buttery results, no matter how intense the action becomes.
Its magnetic mounting system, flip touchscreen Action Pod, and waterproof design make it just as suitable for a day at the beach as for capturing an epic mountain bike ride. For creators who love experimenting with fresh, dynamic shots, the GO 3 isnāt just another cameraāitās a pocket-sized storytelling device that unlocks angles and ideas bigger gear canāt match.
Price: USD $399.99
Why Itās Great: A thumb-sized action camera that captures lifeās moments from impossible angles.
The SmallRig Folding Tool Set may not be flashy, but itās an essential for anyone working with camera gear. Filled with basics like hex keys, a flathead, and a Phillips screwdriver, itās ideal for tightening tripod plates, adjusting rigs, or making quick fixes on the go. Its compact folding design fits easily into any camera bag, making it the kind of affordable, practical gift that often saves the day more times than you can count.
Price: USD $21
Why Itās Great: A budget-friendly multitool designed for photographers and filmmakers.
First published in 1958, The Americans is a cultural landmark in photography, featuring 83 black-and-white images Robert Frank captured while travelling across the United States. His raw, unpolished approach broke away from the polished perfection of the era, offering a candid look at American life that inspired generations of photographers. As a gift, itās both a source of creative inspiration and a piece of photographic history, reminding photographers that the most powerful images tell stories that stay with you long after the shutter clicks.
Price: Around USD $34
Why Itās Great: A timeless photography book that shaped how we see America through a lens.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform.Ā ā born from Eliasā desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.