Cameras

5 most important announcements from Photokina 2016

Published

September 21, 2016

Marvin Velasco

Photokina happens only once every two years, so you can imagine how big it is for camera brands who want to show off their latest products. For reference, the event in 2014 introduced two DSLR cameras still widely used today: the full-frame Nikon D750 and the high-performance Canon EOS 7D Mark II. There’s a lot to cover this year, so here’s a compilation of the biggest announcements made at Photokina 2016, in no particular order.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5

Although it’s still under development with no release date or expected price, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5 is one of the biggest hits at the show because of its 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. That’s amazing for a camera with a relatively small Four Thirds image sensor, and it follows up on the already great GH4 that was released almost two years ago.

There’s also a “6K Photo” mode, but it’s probably not what you think it is. All it can do is extract 18-megapixel stills from burst shots or 8-megapixel photos from the aforementioned 4K footage, which is still quite impressive for such a compact interchangeable-lens camera. The GH5 should be in stores by early 2017.

Fujifilm GFX 50S

Medium format cameras are a rarity at consumer shows, so it’s nice to see Fujifilm take a crack at it with the GFX 50S. Despite its bland looks, there’s a 51.4-megapixel sensor that’s 1.7 times bigger than a full-frame DSLR’s waiting inside, as well as a brand-spanking new G lens mount system. It’s really light for its kind too, with a mirrorless body that weighs only 800g.

The GFX 50S is going to be crazy expensive, but for early adopters, the selection of lenses is quite good for a fresh system. There’ll be six to choose from, consisting of one 32-64mm f/4 lens and prime lenses spanning 23mm f/4 to 120mm f/4. Rest assured, this is a medium format camera you’d love to have both in a studio and outside your house.

Sony A99 II

Sony has had enormous success with its full-frame mirrorless A7 series of cameras, making the A99 II announcement a bit of a surprise. If you’re not familiar with the A99 lineup, we can’t blame you; the latest is a full-frame SLT camera just like its predecessor, meaning it uses a translucent mirror instead of a slapping one like in every SLR. Sony continues to believe there’s a market for this, but it comes at a hefty price.

For $3200 (body only), you get a 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, continuous shooting at 12 frames per second, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization. The A99 II will be out in November, which is a long four years after the release of the original A99. Time will tell how well an SLT will be received in this day and age.

GoPro Karma

While it wasn’t technically unveiled at Photokina — GoPro made its announcement simultaneously in the US — the Karma is the most fascinating drone to come out this week. It’s designed to be foldable for easy storage during trips, and is compatible with the Hero 4 and new Hero 5 series.

The package comes with a gamepad-like Karma controller for flying the drone, a Karma grip for smooth handheld shooting on its 3-axis stabilization, and a Karma case for traveling convenience. It’s a fantastic deal when you consider the $799 price tag for the whole set. GoPro also claims that it’s beginner-friendly, so it may be a sweet investment for newbies of flying drones.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Just like the Panasonic Lumix GH5, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is still under development and doesn’t have a release window or price yet. What we do know is that it’ll be Olympus’ best mirrorless camera once it’s released. Fast shooting speeds at high resolutions is its strong suit.

With autofocus active, the new E-M1 can shoot 18 frames per second at full resolution; if you’re using manual focus, an amazing 60 shots per second can be achieved, as if you’re shooting a video but with high-resolution photos. Inside, there’s a 20.4-megapixel image sensor capable of 4K movie recording — a first for Olympus. Overall, this shooter is really good at pushing pixels quickly.

Honorable mentions

It’s no surprise that Photokina 2016 has been absolutely packed with big announcements. Aside from the main highlights, SanDisk also announced its 1TB SDXC card, which probably has more storage than your laptop and tablet combined. As mentioned earlier, GoPro also has a new pair of action cameras in the Hero 5 Black and Hero 5 Session. Lastly, there’s the Leica-lookalike Yi M1 mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera from Xiaoyi, but it won’t be available outside of China for now.

If you’re interested in any of the listed gadgets, let us know in the comments below, and we’ll work on more coverage for them in future articles.

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Related Topics:Fujifilm GoPro Olympus Panasonic Photokina 2016 Sony

Cameras

Fujifilm Philippines kicks off nationwide Photo and Video Walk 2025

Fujifilm is bringing together photographers and videographers across 32 cities for its biggest creative walk yet!

Published

September 29, 2025

GadgetMatch

Fujifilm Philippines is inviting photographers and videographers to lace up and bring out their cameras on October 5, as the Nationwide Photo and Video Walk 2025 (NPVW 2025) unfolds across 32 cities from Luzon to Mindanao.

The highly anticipated event is open to creatives of all skill levels, giving everyone the chance to frame their cities’ stories through their lenses.

A nationwide celebration of moments

Anchored on Fujifilm’s global mission of “giving our world more smiles,” the walk is both a creative outlet and a celebration of community pride. Each participating city will host its own walk, beginning with a short talk before participants set off at 7:30 AM to capture scenes that matter to them.

To keep the spirit alive, Fujifilm is also collaborating with local cafés nationwide. The first 50 participants wearing the official NPVW t-shirt in each partnered café will be treated to a complimentary cup of coffee.

Prizes that inspire

Beyond the joy of documenting stories, participants have the chance to win exciting prizes. Three winners in the Open to All Photo category — one each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao — will take home a Fujifilm X-E5 camera with an XF23mm F2.8 kit lens.

Dedicated Fujifilm users are also in for a treat. One winner of the Fujifilm-exclusive Photo category will receive a Fujifilm X-T5 with an XF16-80mm kit lens, while one winner of the Fujifilm-exclusive Video category will get the powerful Fujifilm X-H2S paired with an XF23mm F1.4 II lens.

A community guided by experts

This year’s walk will be guided by 61 industry leaders and mentors, including last year’s winners like Rey Ann Llaguno, Justin Varela, Javes Molles, and Joshua Bughao.

Their presence ensures that budding talents can learn, be inspired, and grow while they shoot.

How to join

Registration is open until September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Those who sign up will receive an official event kit, including the NPVW 2025 shirt and exclusive Fujifilm merchandise.

From Manila to Zamboanga, Baguio to Borongan, this event is a call to celebrate creativity, pride, and connection. One morning, 32 cities, countless stories waiting to be told. Join by clicking through this link.

Cameras

The GoPro MAX2 is Insta360 X5’s tiny yet mighty rival

And DJI Osmo 360’s closest counterpart

Published

September 25, 2025

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

GoPro is always known for their action-packed HERO cameras.

But, if you’ve been wondering when the brand is going to release Insta360 X5‘s direct contender, the time has finally come.

The GoPro MAX2 has just arrived — which is a much-needed refresh since its first iteration way back in 2019.

On paper though, it’s closer competitor is none other than DJI’s Osmo 360.

And as coincidental as it seems, the MAX2 launches the same day as DJI’s Osmo Nano — also a contender to Insta360’s GO 3S.

MAX’d Out

After almost six years of nothing, GoPro went all out with MAX2’s host of upgrades.

First and foremost, its 360-degree video recording maxes out at 8K/30fps with 10-Bit LOG support. Insta360 X5 only has 8-bit color depth alongside its proprietary i-Log Encoding.

Max video bit rate of the MAX2 caps at 120Mbps (versus 180Mbps) but 300Mbps is achievable through GoPro Labs together with GP-Log with LUT Encoding.

360-degree slo-mo is also possible at 4K/100fps. Higher resolution 5.6K/60fps shooting is doable as well, but at the expense of the lesser 2x slo-mo capability.

Although GoPro’s shiny new model has a wider aperture of f/1.8 (versus Insta360 X5’s f/2.0), it has a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor size (versus 1/1.28 inches).

The MAX2 can even shoot wider than wide POVs with the Max HyperView digital lens. This delivers 180-degree 4K/60 clips. That’s alongside four (4) other digital lenses: Linear, wide, ultra-wide, and Max SuperView.

GoPro won’t miss out its stabilization prowess with Max HyperSmooth that promises maximum smoothness even in the roughest conditions. 360 Horizon Lock is also there to keep all your shots leveled — regardless if you’re spinning, flipping, or even chasing your pets (or kids).

If you’re concerned about picture-perfect moments, it can capture 29MP 360-degree shots plus 12MP through a single lens. That’s lesser though compared to X5’s 72MP + 18MP combo.

Other features are found on both: ISO 6400 sensitivity limit in videos, H.265 video compression, RAW image support, three color profiles (Standard, Vibrant, Flat), 6-mic array, stereo audio recording, microSD support, and USB-C charging.

DJI Osmo 360 – Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

On paper, at the very least, DJI Osmo 360 exceeded the limits in certain aspects: 4K/120fps support (single-lens), up to ISO 51,200 sensitivity, 120MP 360-degree photos, , built-in 128GB storage, faster USB-C 3.1 transfers. Best of all? Its massive pair of 1-inch image sensors.

Compact Companion

With dimensions (WxHxD) of just 64 x 69.7 x 48.7mm, the GoPro MAX2’s squarish body is obviously smaller than the elongated form of the Insta360 X5.

Still, the Osmo 360 is smaller and lighter at 185 grams (versus MAX2’s 195g or X5’s 200g).

Albeit, that means it has a smaller 1960mAh battery capacity. But, coined from the term “Enduro”, it’s able to resist operating temperatures between -10 to 35 degrees Celsius (or 50 to 95-degrees Fahrenheit).

Touchscreen display is a tad bigger at 1.82-inch over MAX’s 1.67 inches. However, Osmo 360 is more operable with its tad larger 2.0-inch screen size.

Although GoPro claims it’s the “toughest” 360-degree camera, it’s only capable of withstanding below 16ft. (or 5m) underwater. The Osmo can go deeper down to 33ft. (10m) while nowhere near X5’s 49 ft. (15m) claim.

While GoPro tells the lenses are made from a super-strong optical glass, they’re still user-replaceable just in case one gets cracked — pretty much like its Insta360 counterpart.

All in all, the MAX2 offers significant upgrades over its predecessor — larger image sensor, bigger battery, better hardware and software feats.

Most of all, going past its 6K recording limits (or 5.6K when stitched).

Quik and Easy

GoPro also has a host of in-app capabilities post recording.

Aside from the built-in Subject + Object Tracking, it will be easier to track, focus, and edit your videos through GoPro’s Quik app along with these tools:

Reframing
MotionFrame
Keyframes
CameraFX

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Having the ability to shoot 360-degree isn’t limited to POVs and Selfies, the MAX2 can also shoot videos meant for both TikTok / Instagram Reels (vertical) and YouTube (horizontal) without the hassle of stopping and switching in-between.

Other creative capabilities by GoPro are present as well:

360 Night Effects (Star Trails, Light Painting, Vehicle Light Trails)
Time Lapse + Night Lapse
Max TimeWarp
Scheduled Capture
Timecode Sync

Lastly, recording audio with an external wireless device through Bluetooth is possible. Whether that’s an AirPods, any type of TWS earbuds, or other wireless mics, it will be more than helpful for interviews.

You can also control your MAX2 remotely via voice commands.

Pricing and Availability

The GoPro MAX2 launches for US$ 499.99 / EUR 519.99 / GBP 449.99 / SG$ 700.00. That’s quite cheaper than Insta360 and DJI’s latest offerings.

Early MAX2 buyers will also get a FREE 1-year GoPro Premium Subscription with unlimited cloud storage, damaged lens replacement, and as much as 50% off of official mounts (through its magnetic latch) and accessories — including the 4ft. (1.2m) and 9ft. (2.7m) Extension Poles.

It will then be renewed yearly at US$ / EUR / GBP 49.99 or SG$ 68.98.

Cameras

DJI unveils the Osmo Nano

This tiny camera makes it possible to live in the moment and still capture it all.

Published

September 24, 2025

MJ Jucutan

Life looks better when your hands are free. That’s the promise of DJI’s new Osmo Nano, a wearable action camera that doesn’t just record your adventures, but also becomes part of them.

Weighing only 52 grams and small enough to clip on a cap or headband, the Osmo Nano is built to capture whatever you’re doing without making you feel like you’re carrying a camera at all.

It’s waterproof up to 10 meters, and it can handle rain, sweat, and splashes when paired with its Multifunctional Vision Dock.

Don’t let the size fool you. The 1/1.3-inch sensor is the kind you’d expect in bigger gear, bringing crisp detail and impressive low-light performance to a camera that fits in your pocket.

Video shoots up to 4K/60fps, with a slow-motion option at 120fps, so you can replay your best moments with cinematic flair.

Add in 13.5 stops of dynamic range, a 143° ultra-wide lens, and 10-bit D-Log M color, and you’ve got creative flexibility you usually only get from pro rigs. DJI also adds its signature stabilization tricks: HorizonBalancing to keep your horizon level and RockSteady 3.0 to smooth out every capture.

The dock that does it all

The Osmo Nano doesn’t travel alone. Its Multifunctional Vision Dock doubles as a display, remote control, charger, and file-transfer hub.

Pop the camera in, and it charges up to 80% in 20 minutes. Fully docked, you can record for up to 200 minutes. It even has a microSD slot and high-speed transfers up to 600MB/s.

Also, a camera this discreet still cares about how you sound. Dual microphones capture clear stereo audio, while OsmoAudio Direct Connection lets you pair DJI’s wireless mics directly, no receiver needed.

Furthermore, shooting is simplified. For instance, gesture controls let you nod to start recording. Then, there’s an auto-recording interval that film for you.

You can also switch easily between horizontal and vertical formats, save clips from before you hit record, and play with slow-mo and night modes.

Price, availability

The DJI Osmo Nano is out today in two versions: 64GB and 128GB. Each versions are bundled with the Vision Dock, magnetic hat clip, lanyard, protective case, PD fast-charging cable, and magnetic ball-joint adapter. Accessories like ND filters and lens covers are also available.

Pricing starts at EUR 279 for the 64GB model, and EUR 309 for the 128GB. In the Philippines, it retails for PhP 15,990 for the 64GB model, and PhP 18,390 for the 128GB model.