CREATING

Cracking gadgets for crafting beautiful things

Okay, it’s prohibitively priced (and looks like a cheese grater), but that’s not the point: if you want a creative workstation with the muscle to do anything and everything without missing a beat, Apple’s exquisitely designed and supremely capable powerhouse is it. It’s upgradeable, too, which is a big bonus.

From $9,999, apple.com/au

Making a highly compelling argument for the continued existence of DSLRs in an increasingly mirrorless world, this is a weighty and highly capable camera with a whole lot of exciting functionality inside – not least of which is its full-frame 4K shooting, which helps make the most of your lenses.

$1,550, canon.com.au

Taking compactness to the extreme, the Max is GoPro without the compromise. While the Hero 8 Black is a marginally better choice if you’re looking for resolution, this does 360 shooting, has a rear screen, stabilises incredibly, ingeniously levels horizons, and doesn’t skimp on the shooting modes.

$699, gopro.com

Resurrecting the classic Wavestation synth of old with a fresh 21st-century twist, this compact 37-key keyboard, which runs four sequenced sound layers at once along with a host of filters and effects, is all about offering up new options for sound exploration.

$1,125, korg.com

Though Netgear very much pushes the Meural Canvas II’s ability to pull from a 30,000 strong collection of artworks (with a subscription), we’d say the gorgeous digital frame is the perfect showcase for your own creations, whether they be family photographs or personal masterpieces.

From $1,100, netgear.com.au

What is a musical instrument? Artiphon’s Orba, just out of its Kickstarter phase, redefines the rules. Tap it, tilt it, move it around, and your hand motions are translated into sound through its integrated synth. It’s just as capable as a MIDI controller, too.

$TBC, artiphon.com

7 WACOM ONE CREATIVE PEN DISPLAY

Bringing pen-on-screen art down to the hobbyist price point, Wacom’s 13.3” One tablet can detect 4,096 levels of sensitivity, 60 degrees of pen tilt, and even connects to some Android phones. However you want to express your creativity, it’s a perfect choice. $599, wacom.com

8 LEICA SL2

Taking the foundation of the Panasonic Lumix S1R and coating it in a thick, delicious layer of Leica finery and precision, the SL2 is a truly incredible mirrorless snapper. Super fast, great at keeping out stray light, and perfect for video – although you’ll need a fat wallet. $9,849, leica-camera.com

9 BOOX NOTE 2

Powerful, extendable, and packed to the rafters with battery life, the Android 9.0-toting Note 2 is a solid 10.3” e-ink alternative to pen and paper. Great for sketching, PDF wrangling, reading, or even (in a pinch) using as a second monitor via its USB 3 connection. $940, boox.com

10 SONY RX100 VII

For pro-level photography in a pocket package, look no further than Sony’s sleeper, which can autofocus in just 0.02 seconds and track the eyes not just of humans but of animals too. A properly smart camera, with a fast sensor and a remarkably flexible 24200mm Zeiss zoom lens. $1,649, sony.com.au