Cameras

The art of expressing love

Capture and remember it with the Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 99

Published

June 25, 2024

MJ Jucutan

There’s something charming about capturing a raw, candid moment. It’s like a slice of a story that only you know of. In that frozen point in time, you’re free — to feel, to laugh, to love, and to live.

It’s probably why a lot of people still fall in love with instant cameras. There’s something poignant about holding a tangible memory.

There’s beauty in uncertainty; of not knowing whether your picture will turn out great. But whether the photos are good or bad, it captures the raw emotions that no good camera can ever replace. Because in that particular moment, there was nothing but love.

We never go out of style

I’m in my late twenties and I still adore having an instant camera. I don’t think I’ll ever grow out of it; I’ll always have a soft spot for instant cameras.

You push a button, and you get a photo that has an emotional value. It’s fun, simple, and easy. It has something real.

When I held the Fujifilm INSTAX mini 99 for the first time, my heart was giddy. It evoked a feeling of love, laughter, and warmth. The leather-like matte texture made me want to caress it, as if it’s my beau’s hands. It’s just so comfortable to hold.

INSTAX cameras always give an impression of a tool made to capture and remember your favorite moments. I always feel the same whenever I get to hold one. It simply never goes out of style.

Capture it, remember it

For over a month, I used the INSTAX mini 99 and brought it with me during my travel in Taiwan, and dates with my best friends. Even with an impressive smartphone camera on hand, I opted to go a bit offline and capture only the highlight of my trips.

Most instant cameras are point-and-shoot, but the mini 99 changes it up a notch. It inherited the functions of its predecessor, the mini 90, such as Landscape, Macro, Indoor, and Sports mode.

There’s also a 10-second Self-Timer for group shots, along with Bulb and Double Exposure modes that allow for more freedom in taking photographs.

However, the cream of the crop were its dials that control the Color Effect and Brightness, and the button that activates the Vignette Mode.

My favorite Color Effects are Natural, Light Leak, and Faded Green, making it a bit dark to get that nostalgic vibe. I didn’t like the other filters such as Warm Tone, Light Blue, Soft Magenta, and Sepia since those aren’t the aesthetic I usually go for.

But then again, the mini 99 offers a lot of ways to experiment to get a picture-perfect memory. Both old and new features allowed the photographer in me to play.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to perfecting your craft of making new memories, and handing them out as a way to express your love.

Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you

I’ve always loved sharing my INSTAX films to the people I love. Most people would say that instant films get expensive as a hobby, but what is money if it means giving and receiving all your love languages?

Think about this. You spend quality time with people close to your heart. Then, you take a magnificent photograph of them; in the most candid way possible. There’s plenty of skinship when you need to be closer when taking a tight shot.

Once the photos are printed, the memories you took can be considered a gift. Regardless of the outcome of the photos, you’ll always get compliments and appreciation for the film and moments shared.

Whether it’s in the mountainside of New Taipei City, a lunch date at Din Tai Fung, or a quick catch-up at Starbucks Coffee — the mini 99 allowed me to take photos of core memories that my loved ones will always remember. Most of our prints made their way into their walls, notebooks, phone cases, and even inside our wallets.

A slice of memory may be my best way of expressing my love, and I will never be shy in giving it. Life is short, let’s make it sweet.

One last souvenir from my trip to your shores

The Fujifim INSTAX mini 99 isn’t just a tool to help remember your moments; it’s an art of expressing your love and affection. Through this instant camera, you can capture raw emotions, candid moments, and memories that are worth holding on to.

The combination of analog technology and instant printing makes it worth having, even in the most mundane times. It deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

The Fujifilm INSTAX mini 99 retails for PhP 12,499. It is available in Fujifilm’s online flagship stores and authorized stores in the Philippines.

Related Topics:Fujifilm Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Instax Instax Mini 99 specials

Cameras

DJI’s Inspire 3 Basic Package make 8K aerial filmmaking more accessible

A streamlined kit for independent filmmakers!

Published

March 16, 2026

MJ Jucutan

DJI has officially introduced the Inspire 3 Basic Package, a streamlined kit designed to lower the barrier of entry for professional aerial cinematography.

Since its debut in 2023, the Inspire 3 has established itself as the primary choice for studio film and television productions.

This new package provides a cost-effective path for independent filmmakers to integrate 8K aerial imaging into their workflow or for production houses to scale their existing fleet.

Cinema-grade performance in a portable form factor

The Inspire 3 remains a revolutionary all-in-one drone, built to handle the rigorous demands of high-end sets.

At the core of the package is the Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, which features dual native ISO and more than 14 stops of dynamic range.

These specifications translate to high-fidelity footage that retains authentic colors and accurate skin tones, even when filming in challenging urban environments or varying lighting conditions.

By utilizing the DJI Cinema Color System (DCCS) and the O3 Pro transmission system, the drone acts as a reliable partner in movement, ensuring that technical performance supports the creative vision without the need for overly complex setups.

Essential tools for modern production

The Basic Package is curated to include the core hardware necessary for professional use while allowing for modular expansion. The kit features:

The Inspire 3 Aircraft and Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera
Four TB51 Intelligent Batteries to support extended shooting schedules
Specialized storage solutions, including the Inspire 3 Trolley Case and Gimbal Camera Case

Filmmakers who require the full ecosystem can still purchase key peripherals separately, such as the RC Plus remote controller, allowing the gear to grow alongside their specific project needs.

Price, availability

The DJI Inspire 3 Basic Package is available starting today through authorized retailers and the official DJI store. The package retails for PhP 615,049.

This release reinforces the philosophy that while technology provides the tools, the focus remains on the life and stories captured through the lens.

Cameras

Osmo Pocket 4 makes a surprising appearance in public

Is the built-in light real?

Published

February 19, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 might be the most popular camera in recent history. The tiny action camera constantly sells out, thanks to creators and would-be vloggers. Because of the current generation’s popularity, everyone is looking forward to the next-generation Osmo Pocket 4. Though it’s still unannounced, the new camera has suddenly made a surprising appearance out in the wild.

The leak shockingly comes from an authorized DJI retailer in Kuala Lumpur. Supposedly, a customer entered the store with what they claimed was an Osmo Pocket 4. The store, DronesKaki, even shot a now-deleted video of the unannounced camera, rescued by New Camera.

Based solely on the short video, the Osmo Pocket 4 looks and feels very familiar to those who’ve already used the Pocket 3. The three-axis gimbal system still keeps shots in place for taking videos while on the move. The 2-inch rotating screen looks identical to the current one, especially because of intuitive settings and controls.

However, the biggest standout is the built-in LED light sitting atop the camera. Despite how convenient and easy to use it is, the Pocket 3 doesn’t exactly shine in low-light conditions, prompting users to always bring an external flash. If the leak is true, the Osmo Pocket 4 cures this issue to some extent. (Built-in flashes aren’t usually standout solutions, but they can work in a pinch.)

Still, take the leak with a grain of salt. Though the store could have deleted the video because of a request from DJI, they could have also deleted it because it’s not the Osmo Pocket 4. At this point, we won’t know, but current rumors speculate that the camera is launching soon.

Cameras

Canon PhotoMarathon returns, introduces video, open categories

Happening on April 18 in BGC, Taguig

Published

February 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Canon PhotoMarathon is officially returning this year and is introducing more categories for enthusiasts to join in.

The 2026 edition, the 19th in the Philippines, will happen on April 18 at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City.

For the first time, Canon is opening the competition to non-Canon users. Even those with just smartphones can register. The brand has also added a video category.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the contest categories and their corresponding prizes:

Main Category (Photo)

Open to Canon users only
Prize: Canon EOS R6 Mark III with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

Open Category (Photo)

Open to all camera brands
Prize: Canon EOS R8 with 24-50mm

Video Category

Open to all camera brands
Canon Prize winner: Canon EOS R50 V
Non-Canon Prize winner: Canon Powershot V1

The full mechanics will be announced on the day of the competition itself to make it even more challenging for those taking part.

To join, simply download the Canon PH Delightful app, create an account, go to the Events tab and select the Canon PhotoMarathon banner. Registration is already open.

To build up hype for the upcoming event, Canon will host photowalks, school tours, and regional tours leading up to the PhotoMarathon.

These are designed to engage photographers at every skill level. Admission is free and open to all digital camera users.