Cameras

Fujifilm Instax SQ10 review

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In a time when cameras are getting smaller and every scene becomes a digital image at a tap on a smartphone screen, are prints still relevant?

Fujifilm’s Instax SQ10 aims to prove that they are. Following the wide success enjoyed by previous Instax models as the cutest niche product for print enthusiasts and go-to girlfriend gift of the past millennium, the brand tries its hand at a digital/analog camera hybrid.

The newest Instax is a serious-looking thing

The Fujifilm Instax SQ10

Unlike the cutesy, colorful Instax cameras of the past, the SQ10 comes in a very serious black with a clean silver finish.

Everything is square including the film

Instax photos displayed

This new film is being used for the first time on the SQ10. It’s bigger than Instax Mini’s prints but smaller than Instax Wide’s.

It’s a beautiful display of symmetry

Details of the Fujifilm Instax SQ10

Everything from the double shutters found on both sides of the camera, to the center flash, to buttons on the rear, are designed to be completely balanced. I must admit, although the camera packs more weight than I expected, it feels really good in my hands.

And of course, it prints on film!

Fujifilm Instax SQ10 printing a photo out

The defining feature of any Instax camera: its analog film printing.

But now, there are choices

Fujifilm Instax SQ10 has built in editing features

The unique thing about the SQ10 is that despite developing captured images on film, the camera itself is digital. Unlike Instax predecessors that were wholly mechanical, this particular model captures photographs the same way your smartphone does. Even without printing, your photos may be safely stored in a microSD card. This camera does not have Bluetooth capabilities and, consequently, you’d have to physically plug in the memory card to another device to copy or post the digital photos online. Not a problem, really, because a cuter post would be a photo of the printed Instax itself.

Additionally, this means that a simple switch will allow you to edit photos on this camera before printing — which includes filters, vignette, and exposure. It’s basically Instagram fun transferred to a camera for printing.

There’s a learning curve, though

Mistakes I made with the Instax SQ10

Yep, wasted film ?

There is an extra layer of navigating through the camera menu when you edit before printing. That, added to the unfamiliar way the buttons are arranged, can get a little confusing — especially if you’ve never used an Instax before. Unlike using Bluetooth photo printers and digital camera printers, this camera’s controls don’t feel as intuitive to digital natives used to tapping away on touchscreens.

Back of the SQ10 where the film is loaded and an empty film case

Back of the SQ10 where the film is loaded and an empty film case

Then, there’s the film which, as we 90s kids know, may be overexposed and ruined with one wrong move. I don’t expect young millennial SnapChatters to get this concept right off the bat, and honestly, it can get tricky. Even aware of film’s fickle nature, I managed to waste a couple of shots.

Once you get the hang of it though, it gets fairly easy and there’s nowhere to go but… out, to take more pictures!

Is this your GadgetMatch?

Girl holding Fujifilm Instax SQ10

Get the Instax SQ10 if you’re a sentimental, nostalgic fool who likes preserving moments, all the while being a perfectionist when it comes to #feedgoals and photography. (I say fool in the most loving way.)

One big mistake when considering getting this camera is measuring it up against digital cameras in the market. Granted, it may be a digital camera, it’s still on a league of its own. The SQ10 is Fuji’s first attempt at a hybrid, and it seems like it’s going in a pretty good direction.

Photo samples from Fujifilm Instax SQ10

There’s one thing that stops me from getting this camera, however: the very steep price. Unlike the Instax cameras of the past, this particular model isn’t so friendly to your pockets. The SQ10 retails for a whopping US$ 280, and a pack of 10 film exposures will cost you US$ 17 in the US. In the Philippines, it’s priced at PhP 14,999 for the SQ10 and PhP 550 for a box of film. Indian pricing is at INR 22,999 for the SQ10 and INR 699 for film.

SEE ALSO: HP Sprocket Review: The smallest instant printer

[irp posts=”17533″ name=”Polaroid Snap Touch Review: Print photos with a digital camera”]

 

Cameras

New Insta360 X4 delivers 8K 360 videos

Welcome to the 8K 360 era

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Insta360 X4

Insta360 is redefining what action cameras are capable of with the introduction of the Insta360 X4. Insta360’s latest offering allows users to film 8K resolution 360-degree videos. In addition, it can record slow-motion 4K videos at up to 120fps.

As expected, the X4 retains Insta360’s “shoot first, point later” ability and invisible selfie stick effect. Moreover, it doubles as a traditional action camera with “flat” captures in Single-Lens mode at up to 4K at 60fps.

The Insta360 X4 is available for US$ 499.99/ PhP 30,990 on the official Insta360 store, Amazon, and other retailers.

Incredible third-person views at 8K

The 8K at 30fps resolution is the highest setting for a 360-degree action camera yet. With such high resolution, users can expect detailed and sharp videos even after reframing, or choosing which specific angle to include in the capture.

For slow-motion, users can now film 4K videos at 100fps for cinematic shots slowed down four times. Furthermore, the highest resolution for a 60fps 360-degree video is upgraded to 5.7K. You may also use the X4 to take stills, as it is capable of 72MP 360-degree photos.

Two cameras in one

Aside from its default 360-degree capturing mode, users may utilize the Insta360 X4 as a regular wide-angle camera. They may shoot a first-person POV video with Single-Lens mode from a chest-mounted position. “Regular” means not having the fish eye-looking effect from the 360-degree mode and having ordinary, flat-looking images instead.

Under the Single-Lens mode, users will be able to record 4K videos at 60fps with an ultra-wide 170-degree field of view. This can be upgraded even more with MaxView while retaining 4K resolution at 30fps. Meanwhile, Me Mode, which erases the selfie stick, can film 4K at up to 120fps.

There are also upgrades on the X4’s creative shooting modes. Bullet Time can now shoot slow-mos at 5.7K at 120fps, or even 3K at an astounding 240fps. Hyperlapse videos, meanwhile, can be recorded in 8K quality.

Action specialist

A 5nm AI chip powers the Insta360 X4, along with a smart control system with Voice and Gesture Control features, and a host of AI-powered shooting and editing features.

The action camera comes with a 2.5-inch Corning Gorila Glass touchscreen for on-the-go use. Users may adjust the settings or choose the desired mode more easily.

The X4’s 2,290mAh battery allows for up to a 135-minute run time (at 5.7K@30fps). This is an impressive 67% longer battery life than its predecessor, the X3.

Moreover, the device is waterproof at up to 164 feet for diving, and cold-weather resistant at up to -20 degrees Celsius.

AI-powered editing

The X4 also harnesses the power of AI. Using the Insta360 app, users may simply move their phone or use the virtual joystick to point the camera. AI Edit, on the other hand, lets Insta360’s entire algorithm do the work for the reframing process. This improved algorithm has better subject detection, helping users save time. Users may also get creative with Shot Lab and Motion ND filters.

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Cameras

Fujifilm announces X100VI, limited-edition model

The first X100 camera with in-body image stabilization

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Fujifilm X100VI

Fujifilm has launched its latest compact digital camera: The Fujifilm X100VI. The sixth generation model introduces a handful of firsts for an X100 series camera.

The X100VI boasts of a new 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and is powered by an X-Processor 5 engine. These work together to allow more light than any prior X100 camera.

For the first time, the camera offers in-body image stabilization with up to 6.0 stops. Filming at up to 6.2K 30p has also been made possible.

High performance

In addition to more light absorption, the X100VI features ISO 125, which was only available as an extension in previous models. Its tracking AF function also ensures high-quality content especially for filming.

The camera comes with 20 film simulation modes, including the new “REALA ACE” mode for a diverse range of distinctive tones. This particular mode offers faithful color reproduction and high-contrast tonality which is suitable for various subjects and situations.

Moreover, the X100VI supports Frame.io Camera to Cloud without the need for additional accessories. Users will only need to wirelessly connect to the internet to automatically upload photos and videos. This speeds up the process from shooting to final editing.

Better operability

The X100VI also has an “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder” function. With this, users will be able to switch between the optical (OVF) and electronic (EVF) viewfinders. The EVF itself is equipped with a high-resolution OLED panel with about 3.69 million dots.

Meanwhile, the “Electronic Range Finder” (ERF) allows a small EVF to be simultaneously displayed on the OVF. This permits the photographer to capture the subject in the OVF while magnifying the in-focus area in the small EVF.

Functional design

The Fujifilm X100VI retains the compact and lightweight look of its previous iterations. As with its predecessors, the latest model’s body uses aluminum for the top and bottom surfaces.

It has also adopted the X100V’s ultra-thin tilt LCD monitor design. The shape of the grip, on the other hand, has been fine-tuned to ensure a better feel. The positions of the buttons on the back have also been moved.

Limited edition X100VI

In addition to its release, a limited edition X100VI model will be made available to celebrate Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary. Only 1,934 units of the limited edition model will be available worldwide.

These numbered X100VI units are packaged in a special box that includes a special strap, soft release button, and history cards.

The camera body is engraved with the founding logo in 1934, along with a unique serial number.

In the Philippines, The Limited edition X100VI will retail for PhP 130,990. Meanwhile, the standard edition is priced at PhP 103,990.

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Accessories

DJI Mic 2 Philippine price, availability revealed

Ultimate pocket-sized pro audio solution

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The DJI Mic 2 finally has a local price for Philippine customers. DJI’s latest addition to its content-creating tools is priced at PhP 19,000.

It is available in both black and white and can be purchased at DJI authorized retail stores and online via Lazada and Shopee.

The DJI Mic 2 was officially announced last month via a livestream event as a device built for content creators. A follow-up to the DJI Mic, the company’s first wireless microphone offering, this new version features a slightly updated design and more functionalities.

It retains the 1.1-inch OLED touchscreen display from its predecessor, but the LED light has been moved to the side. The white color option is also an addition for customers.

The microphone is capable of clearer audio recording at 48kHz 24-bit audio and 32-bit float quality. It also supports a higher acoustic overload point at up to 120dB.

As for its noise-cancelling capabilities, the DJI Mic 2 allows users to record and have noise from as close as a meter away filtered, without the need for further editing.

With its own charging case, the mic has an 18-hour battery life overall. Each transmitter and receiver lasts six hours.

@gadgetmatch

What’s a mic that every creator needs? It’s the DJI Mic 2 🫶 #DJI #DJIMic #Creator #contentcreatortips

♬ Vlog ・ Stylish city pop(1275391) – orino

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