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

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.