Photo & Video - Other

Best UK Stores for Photo & Video Accessories: Downlights, Connectors & Studio Gear

Why the “other” gear matters for photographers and videographers

If you’re a photographer or videographer, you already know the obvious: cameras and lenses are crucial. But the gear tagged as “other” — Downlights, networked connectors, mounts, grips, and small studio bits — quietly makes or breaks a shoot. These items are the unsung workhorses that turn a good idea into a reliable result, whether you’re doing product photography, streaming, or setting up a compact studio in a spare room. Think of them as the fasteners of your creative house: the wrong screw can make the whole thing wobble.

Downlights and why they’re useful in a studio setup

Downlights are compact, often recessed fixtures that give you focused light in a tidy package. They’re great for ambient room light, creating rim light from above, or providing continuous illumination without the bulk of softboxes. Unlike big studio parabolic reflectors, downlights slip into ceilings and offer a clean, low-profile aesthetic — perfect when you’re converting a home office into a studio without wanting a visual eyesore.

When to choose downlights over traditional studio lights

Pick downlights when you want integrated, unobtrusive lighting that stays out of the frame. They work especially well for product photography, tabletop videography, or as accent lights for background separation. They’re not always the best for key light if you need very soft, directional output, but they shine as part of a layered lighting plan.

Featured product: Hamilton G2 Bc 1g Rj45 Ca T5e Unshielded Qg

The Hamilton G2 BC 1G RJ45 CA T5e Unshielded QG sounds like a mouthful because it’s a specific component aimed at robust installations. In simple terms, it’s an unshielded RJ45 network jack rated for CAT5e wiring, often used for data and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) runs. For studios that use networked lighting controls or PoE LED drivers to power and control downlights, a reliable connector like this makes the difference between flicker-free lights and a tangle of intermittent problems. It’s a small part, but it’s essential when you’re running control lines through ceilings and walls.

Top UK stores to buy photo & video “other” gear

When you need those niche items — the bracket that fits your rig, a recessed downlight fitting, or a high-quality network keystone jack — the right store saves time and headache. Here are trusted UK retailers that cover a broad range of photo, video and studio needs.

Wex Photo Video

Wex Photo Video has long been a go-to for pros and serious hobbyists across the UK. They stock everything from camera bodies and lenses to lighting modifiers and studio accessories. If you’re after specialist items like LED downlight kits or PoE lighting controllers, Wex often lists professional-grade options alongside sensible bundles for small studios. Their product descriptions and customer reviews can help you match the right connector or fitting for your ceiling depth.

Jessops

Jessops blends high-street accessibility with an online range that includes lighting stands, compact lights, and studio fittings. They’re a good starting place if you want a hands-on shopping experience at one of their stores or an easy online checkout. You’ll find reliable basics and brand-name accessories that fit into both amateur and pro setups.

Park Cameras

Park Cameras focuses heavily on photographer needs and stocks a wide selection of studio kit and accessories. Their lighting section includes continuous lights and specialist fittings, and they’re useful when you need a particular part — like a recessed fixture or a specific mounting plate — fast. Park Cameras also often has knowledgeable staff ready to advise on compatibility.

London Camera Exchange and MPB (used gear specialists)

If budget matters, used-gear specialists such as London Camera Exchange and MPB are goldmines. They regularly offer gently used lighting panels, stands, and studio hardware at steep savings. Buying used can open doors: you might afford a bigger LED panel or a better lighting controller for the price of a new entry-level light. Just check condition notes and photos carefully; with used network connectors or recessed fittings, ensure the contacts and threads are clean and rust-free.

Currys PC World

While Currys is known for consumer electronics, it’s also useful for practical studio gear: stands, power distribution units, basic LED lighting and network cabling. If you need off-the-shelf cable, PoE injectors, or a general-purpose LED downlight for ambient background lighting, Currys can offer a quick, approachable option.

Amazon UK and eBay UK

These marketplaces provide unmatched breadth. You’ll find niche parts like the Hamilton RJ45 components, specialized downlight trims, and imported studio hardware. Use seller ratings and buyer reviews to filter quality. Marketplaces are best when you know the exact spec you need and want to compare multiple suppliers for the best price.

How to choose the right store for your project

Choosing a store is about more than price. Match the retailer to the task: go to specialist camera retailers for photographic lighting knowledge, use electrical wholesalers for recessed fittings and parts, and shop used specialists when budget is tight. Verify return and warranty terms before you buy, especially for electrical items where safety and compatibility are critical.

Check specs, not just photos

Don’t buy based on appearance alone. For lighting and connectors, detail matters: bezel size in inches, cut-out diameter in inches, cable length in feet, and PoE power ratings. Double-check whether a quoted downlight fits the ceiling thickness you have and whether an RJ45 module matches your keystone plates and patch panel.

Practical tips for shopping downlights and connectors

Installing downlights in a studio is as much about measuring as it is about picking the right lamp. Measure your ceiling depth in inches, confirm the fixture’s cut-out is smaller than your joist spacing in feet, and plan cable runs in feet so you can estimate how much Cat5e or Cat6 cable you’ll need. If you intend to use PoE to run lights or control systems, calculate total wattage and make sure your PoE switches or injectors supply enough power per port.

Consider heat, clearance, and insulation

Even modern LED downlights produce some heat. Ensure there’s enough clearance above the ceiling — a few inches can matter — and check whether fixtures are rated for use with insulation if yours is an attic conversion. Failure to account for heat can shrink the lifespan of your lights and create avoidable maintenance work.

Accessories that make a studio feel professional

Beyond lights and connectors, a handful of small accessories lift your setup from functional to professional. Heavy-duty cable ties, properly rated power distribution strips, gaffer tape in 1- to 2-inch widths, studio clamps, and sandbags all play outsize roles in day-to-day reliability. Mounting plates and keystone-style faceplates help keep your RJ45 and power connections tidy and serviceable.

Why cable management matters

Loose cables are trip hazards and signal-interference risks. Use cable raceways, conduit where appropriate, and color-coded ties in inches to organize runs. Label both ends of each data cable in inches of distance from patch points to speed troubleshooting. Good cable management saves time and reduces the chance of a shoot-halting accident.

Sustainable and budget-friendly buying strategies

You don’t need to buy everything new to build a reliable studio. Look for gently used LED panels, second-hand stands, and refurbished control hardware. Many pro shops refurbish items to like-new condition and back them with short warranties. Buying better-quality used gear often outperforms cheap new alternatives in longevity and performance.

Mix-and-match smartly

Combine a couple of higher-end items — a robust LED key light and a good-quality control system — with budget-friendly accessories. Spend on the items that affect image quality directly, such as light color accuracy and diffusion, and economize on non-image-impacting pieces like basic clamps or sandbags. This hybrid approach stretches your budget without sacrificing results.

Common questions pros ask before buying “other” gear

Pros want reliability and predictability. They ask: Can a PoE system handle my LED array? Will that downlight flicker with adjustable dimmers? Does the keystone RJ45 jack meet my bandwidth needs? The answers usually come down to specs; check wattage, dimming protocol, and cable category — Cat5e is common and suffices for many lighting control needs, but Cat6 offers better headroom for long runs in feet and future upgrades.

Planning for growth

If you plan to expand your setup, buy a little extra capacity now. Run a few extra feet of cable, or choose a switch with a couple of spare PoE ports. It’s cheaper to leave spare capacity measured in feet than to rip out finished ceilings later to add a single connection.

Final checklist before you place an order

Before you hit purchase, walk through a quick checklist: measure the space in feet and inches, confirm cut-out sizes in inches, check compatibility of RJ45 modules and keystone plates, verify PoE wattage per port in watts, and ensure you’ve accounted for heat clearance. This short routine prevents the “one missing part” scenario that stalls projects for days.

With the right combination of specialist retailers, used-gear options, and marketplaces, you can build a compact, professional studio that stays tidy, reliable, and future-proof. Start with a clear plan, measure everything in inches and feet, and use trusted UK stores to fill in the details.

Conclusion

Small, specialized kit — the “other” items like downlights, keystone RJ45 connectors, and studio accessories — are crucial to a smooth photo and video workflow. Whether you shop at Wex Photo Video, Park Cameras, Jessops, MPB, or broader marketplaces like Amazon UK and eBay UK, prioritize compatibility, measurements in inches and feet, and build quality. With the right parts and a little planning, your studio will be more efficient, safer, and better lit for the creative work you want to do.