Cameras

3 reasons why you don’t need an expensive action camera

Especially if you’re not a professional

Published

October 8, 2018

MJ Jucutan

Every guy out there wants to have an expensive action camera. It’s like a status symbol for adventurers and travelers alike.

Yes, action cameras are a great addition to your gear when traveling, but it’s not essential — not unless you’re into epic and picture-worthy adventures.

If you’re a traveler — like me — who’s fond of doing physical activities like hiking, surfing, trail running, and riding ATVs, let me tell you frankly: You don’t need an expensive action camera. Here are some reasons why.

1. You’ll need mounts and other accessories

If you think an action camera is the only thing you need for your adventures, you’re wrong. Accessories are just as important as your camera. How are you going to capture that epic ATV ride without a mount on your helmet or chest?

Most action cameras don’t bundle mounts and other accessories in the package, so your purchase can potentially become even more expensive.

2. You’re not a content creator

Okay, let’s face the truth: You’re not a content creator in need of high-end equipment. Even worse: You’re bound to break or lose your camera while practicing more daring shoots. Yes, they’re marketed as unbreakable, but accidents happen in most outdoor situations.

I recently went on a hike during a rainy month, and while the weather was unpredictable and the slopes proved to be dangerous, I managed to take videos during the times I felt it was safe to record. Times like these are what make me appreciate having a camera that doesn’t cost a fortune, because at the end of the day, I’d drop these gadgets to make sure I survive during accidents.

If you want to capture your adventures and share them to the world, you’re better off with a more affordable action camera. Be practical!

3. You’re not always on an adventure

We buy action cameras because we want to capture moments that our smartphones or point-and-shoot cameras can’t take. However, if you seldom go outdoors and participate in daring activities, you don’t need to shell out US$ 400 worth of equipment.

The rise of action cameras means we have a lot of options to choose from for all kinds of budgets. Being as practical and money-savvy as I am, I’ll always choose a gadget that has excellent value for money. One that I enjoy is the Apeman Action Camera A80, which is a solid budget offering.

The Apeman Action Camera A80

This action camera shoots 4K at 25fps, 2K at 30fps, or 1080p at 60fps. It also shoots 20-megapixel photos and smooth videos at a wide angle of 170 degrees.

The A80 has a built-in 2-inch HD LCD (which I didn’t bother using) and comes with built-in Wi-Fi so you can view, share, and edit your footage once you connect the camera through the CamKing app on your smartphone.

It also comes with a case to protect your camera from scratches, dents, and dust. It’s waterproof and can be submerged up to 30 meters deep, perfect for water sports like swimming and surfing.

Other features include time-lapse recording, loop recording, and support for 64GB microSD cards. Best of all, this action camera also comes in a bundled kit of mounts and accessories, with two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries that can record up to 120 minutes.

Apeman’s Action Camera A80 is pretty convincing and offers excellent value for its price of US$ 69 with mounts and accessories.

What’s the best action camera for you?

Of course, we’ll always opt for higher-end cameras because we want the best photos and videos to show off, but if you think having an expensive action camera guarantees stunning output, well, you’re wrong again. It’s always the person behind the camera creating the magic.

Honestly, an expensive camera isn’t worth the money if it’s left to accumulate dust while there’s no action in your life. Sometimes, we want the best of the best, but all we need is what’s practical to capture all our experiences, whenever those may be.

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.