Cameras

Begin again, on film

On my birthday and on a Wednesday, with the instax mini 41

Published

July 28, 2025

MJ Jucutan

I didn’t think I’d be printing memories this year.

Since February, I stopped writing from my heart. Stopped making anything at all. A relationship that lasted two and a half years ended, quietly and painfully. And the silence that followed swallowed up the parts of me that used to reach for joy.

He was in all of my instax stories. Always in the frame, or just out of it. So, when he left, I tucked the cameras away too. Until now.

This birthday, I didn’t plan anything big. A hair spa, a massage, and maybe a bit of reflection. But something else unfolded instead. A joy that found its way back. And in the middle of that reset, the instax mini 41 helped me hold onto the moments I didn’t expect to love.

A camera that didn’t ask for attention

The instax mini 41 is dressed in vintage black with sleek silver trims. Classic, like something I used to love. But it has a pop of orange now. A new detail. A little boldness. Maybe that’s what I needed too.

It’s easy to use. Just twist the lens to turn it on, and twist again for Close-up Mode. There’s a small mirror beside the lens, so you can frame yourself without overthinking. Parallax correction keeps your selfies aligned.

It doesn’t overcomplicate anything. It simply lets you show up in the photo and in the moment. And that day, I did.

Light that doesn’t miss you

Between warm restaurant lights and the pale glow of the mall, the instax mini 41 adjusted with grace.

Its Automatic Light Adjustment balanced flash and shadow, giving each print that signature soft, dreamy finish I’ve always loved from instax.

Even when I didn’t think I’d want to keep the memory, I clicked the shutter. And then I did want to keep it.

Prints that feel like progress

There are photos I keep returning to. My smile, which was unguarded and unplanned. The kind I thought I’d forgotten how to make.

There’s one from dinner with my closest friends. Grateful, full, a little spontaneous. Another from a date where we had plenty of quality time. We watched a movie premiere that got rescheduled. He took me home in the rain.

Looking at the prints, I realized they weren’t grand and posed, but they’re mine. I dated each one and slipped them into the back of my journal. Not because I was trying to replace what I lost, but because I wanted to remember what I found: that I could still feel joy.

That I’m still here, heart open, hands steady, and learning to love the moment again.

So… is the instax mini 41 your GadgetMatch?

If you’re in a season of starting over — or gently letting someone new into your frame — the instax mini 41 might be your GadgetMatch.

It’s classic, easy to use, and beautifully unintrusive. It’s a camera that doesn’t demand a moment but honors the one choose to keep.

And if you’re not quite ready to write the next chapter, that’s okay. Sometimes all you need is a Wednesday to begin again, a little black camera, and a maybe that makes you smile again and walks you home in the rain.

The Fujifilm instax mini 41 retails for PhP 6,599. It’s available in Fujifilm authorized dealers.

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.