Cameras

5 reasons to choose a dedicated camera over a smartphone

Published

November 13, 2017

Marvin Velasco

Smartphones have spoiled us. They’re with us wherever we go, are always connected, and best of all, have cameras that constantly get smarter. And yet, dedicated cameras still have their distinct advantages — at least five to be exact.

Interchangeable lenses add a whole new dimension

Let’s get to the biggest advantage first: DSLR and mirrorless cameras are able to accept a ton of compatible lenses that can change the way you shoot. Lock in a fish-eye lens for super-wide photos, insert a telephoto lens to focus on faraway subjects, or go for a do-it-all setup with a zoom lens.

If you’re loyal to one brand, mount adapters allow you to use lenses from other manufacturers; Canon glass can function on a Sony camera and you can even use old film-era lenses on modern-day shooters. Ever-improving optics mean you’ll never be let down by your aging camera body, which also means that…

A dedicated camera has unmatched image quality

Combining high-quality lenses with a dedicated camera’s large image sensor — along with all the accessories you can attach through its ports — guarantees quality that can outperform a smartphone’s setup in most situations. Phones may have quick post-processing for instant Instagram uploads, but only a real camera can be taken to the studio and function with all the lights.

While smartphones have comparable pictures to those of true cameras in daylight, it’s when the sun sets that the difference is more apparent. A dedicated camera can handle higher ISO sensitivities for brighter photos in the dark and reduce noise to comfortable levels.

Full manual control equals greater creative control

All those buttons and dials around a real camera are put to good use when fiddling around with settings. Although you can easily use touch controls on a smartphone to adjust virtually anything, reaching for physical buttons doesn’t need a pair of eyes to input accurately.

Anyone who’s used something like the Sony A9 shown above knows how steep the learning curve can be at first, but practice and doing your research can eventually get you to pro levels through time. There’s nothing like turning a dial to adjust exposure or flipping a switch to change shooting modes without looking.

Dedicated cameras can keep up with any subject

The most frustrating aspect of shooting with smartphones is not being able to keep track a fast-moving subject. And even if you do get a lock-on, a simple camera phone doesn’t have a quick-enough shutter to capture the moment without motion blur, especially when light is scarce.

We were able to take the full-resolution photos above using the Sony A9’s burst rate of 20 frames per second. That’s nearly the speed at which films are shot — minus the motion blur! Having a sports photography-centric camera also means the focus points will stay on your desired target.

A viewfinder is invaluable at times

Another weakness pure smartphone photographers have to deal with is potentially being held back by the touchscreen. Depending on the size of the display and user-friendliness of the interface, navigating through menus can be cumbersome when you’re rushing to get a shot off on time.

Having an optical or electronic viewfinder guarantees you’ll achieve the perfect framing for your shots even under direct sunlight or in dim environments. Combined with the manual dials, you can adjust exposure settings while looking through the viewfinder, giving you full control over compositions.

[irp posts=”19448″ name=”Sony RX0 is currently the most powerful ultra-compact camera”]

Cameras

Insta360 GO 3S gets retro makeover

Tiny camera, vintage vibes

Published

May 14, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition is bringing a touch of nostalgia to its tiny POV camera lineup.

The company has announced the new Retro Bundle Edition for the GO 3S, combining the wearable 4K camera with accessories and software features inspired by classic film photography.

At the center of the bundle is the Retro Viewfinder. It transforms the tiny camera into a handheld shooter with a waist-level framing experience reminiscent of vintage film cameras. Instead of relying on a screen, users can compose shots through the optical finder for a more deliberate shooting style. The viewfinder also includes a built-in selfie mirror.

The bundle also includes a Battery Pack that extends recording time to up to 76 minutes while supporting charging during recording. An NFC Custom Skin allows quick access to the Insta360 app by tapping a smartphone against it.

Other accessories include a wearable strap and the Magnet Pendant for hands-free POV capture.

To match the retro-inspired hardware, Insta360 is also adding exclusive film-style filters including Negative Film, Positive Film, and Sticker Filter. Five additional built-in color profiles are also included: NC, CC, GR-F, Mono, and Vintage Vacation.

Despite the nostalgic styling, the GO 3S keeps its modern action camera features. The 39g camera can shoot 4K video with FlowState Stabilization, supports QuickCapture, and is waterproof up to 10 meters.

Price and availability

The Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition is now available in Canvas White and Classic Red color options. Pricing starts at US$249.99 for the 64GB version and US$269.99 for the 128GB model.

@gadgetmatchWarm vibes, slow jams, Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition time. #insta360 #retro #tinycamera

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Accessories

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features

Better Android lens support

Published

April 23, 2026

GadgetMatch

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Excerpt: Better Android lens support

Insta360 has released a major spring update for its Flow 2 series handheld gimbals, bringing wider Android compatibility and new features for iPhone users.

The update focuses on improving how the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro work across different devices. It expands support for flagship Android phones while adding new shooting tools for iOS, making hands-free, stabilized video easier to capture without extra gear.

Android finally gets full lens access

One of the biggest changes is native multi-lens support on Android. When paired with the Insta360 app, the Flow 2 series can now access ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on supported devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, vivo, OPPO, and more.

This means users can shoot at full resolution using their phone’s native cameras, whether capturing wide landscapes or zoomed-in details. The update brings Android performance closer to what iPhone users have been getting, especially in more dynamic shooting scenarios like concerts, sports, and vlogging.

The improved lens access also works with features like Widescreen Mode, helping users create smoother, more cinematic footage with better framing flexibility.

Faster 360 panoramas for quick sharing

The Flow 2 series continues to stand out with its ability to capture full 360-degree panoramas. With the new 360 Panorama 2.0, stitching is now 50% faster, producing results in about 20 seconds.

Users can capture everything in one go, then choose their preferred framing afterward. The feature also supports interactive sharing via links, letting viewers pan and explore the image on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Creative templates such as Tiny Planet are also available for quick edits, making it easier to turn panoramic shots into shareable content.

Dual View adds more angles in one take

Dual View Mode introduces multi-angle recording without the need for additional cameras. It allows simultaneous recording using the front and rear cameras, or even dual rear lenses, producing three clips in a single take.

This is useful for creators who want to capture reactions alongside the main shot or experiment with different focal lengths at once. Combined with AI tracking, the feature keeps subjects centered while adding more variety to footage.

Apple Watch control for hands-free shooting

For iPhone users, the update adds Apple Watch control, turning the watch into a remote for the gimbal.

Users can start or stop recording, adjust settings, switch modes, and even control zoom using the Digital Crown. This allows for better control during solo shoots, especially when the phone is mounted on the gimbal at a distance.

Smarter tracking and remote control tools

The update also improves several AI-powered features across the Flow 2 series.

AI Tracker now works across more Android apps, enabling subject tracking during video calls, livestreams, or hands-free recording. Multi-person tracking keeps groups in frame, while Active Zoom Tracking allows up to 15x zoom while maintaining focus on moving subjects.

There’s also a new smartphone remote control feature, which lets users operate the gimbal using a second phone. This adds flexibility for more complex shooting setups without interrupting the shot.

Availability

The update is available now through the Insta360 app and the official website. Compatibility may vary depending on the smartphone model.

Cameras

The Fujifilm instax mini 13 is your new, favorite plus-one!

Say goodbye to awkward “who’s taking the photo?” debates with the camera that puts you at the center of the frame.

Published

April 23, 2026

MJ Jucutan

We’ve all been there: you’re at the center of a perfect moment — a sunset rooftop toast or a reunion with your best friends — and you’re stuck behind the screen trying to get the lighting right.

Fujifilm’s new instax mini 13 is here to let you stop worrying about the “how” and start living the “now”.

The first thing you’ll notice is the glow-up. The mini 13 swaps the tech-heavy look for a soft, sculpted aesthetic that feels like a dream in your hand. It comes in five candy-colored hues: Dreamy Purple, Frost Blue, Candy Pink, Lagoon Green, and Clay White.

The biggest flex is you can finally be in the shot. The new dual timers (2 or 10 seconds) mean no more awkward “who’s taking the photo?” debates.

Just prop it up with the included angle adjustment accessory, set the timer, and join the frame.

The tech inside is just as intuitive. A simple twist of the lens powers it on or shifts it into Close-Up Mode, while the Parallax Correction ensures your centered shots actually stay centered.