Cameras

Fujifilm X-A5 review: The perfect camera to up your social media game

Yep, I did an #OOTD challenge

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When the Fujifilm X-A5 was announced, I was beyond excited.

You see, I own and shoot with a pink X-A3 for my stuff outside of work and my personal vlogging.

Still from boyfriend’s vlog. That’s me shooting with the XA-3!

And sure, the fact that it was a pretty bright pink was part of what convinced me to get the X-A3, but it’s not just the color that drew me to this shooter. I wanted a small camera that I could bring on trips without being too bulky, something my frail arms could actually hold up for times I do decide to vlog. My non-negotiable was that “flippity screen” (yes, folks, I made that term up), the camera screen that flips upwards so you can see yourself as you shoot or record.

So, when the XA-5 came out, I was curious to see what improvements this new mirrorless camera had.

Quick specs

If you’ve already noticed by now, this will not be your typical camera review. For the benefit of those looking for camera specs, I’ll list them here, but know that this would probably be the last I mention them in this whole piece. This review will revolve around my experience with the X-A5 in the context of my needs when it comes to cameras.

Here’s a photo of me with the X-A5 for those of you who, like me, get bored with specs 😅

The Fujifilm X-A5 is a mirrorless camera — this means it’s lighter and more compact than DSLRs. It’s equipped with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C image sensor and is capable of reaching ISO 12800 (which may mean good things for low-light shots). It’s also the first X series camera with phase detection which means that this device will focus twice as fast as previous cameras, like my X-A3. The body comes bundled with an XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens and it has a built-in internal flash.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s move on.

Looks matter

In true Fujifilm fashion, this camera looks like a pretty Instagrammable itself. The body has clean matte aluminum-silver details that extend to the buttons and the back. The body itself is textured and comes in black, brown, or pink. Of course, I pushed for the pink one.

The pink on this camera is a little brownish. My X-A3 was a brighter pink.

Button placements are about the same: On/Off toggle with the shutter button, mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and a function key up top, and the usual buttons like menu, video record, playback, and other shortcuts are on the back of the camera. The display is also a touchscreen for easier navigation. Basically, if you’ve used an X series Fujifilm camera before, you’ll know where everything is. 

This camera, dubbed Fujifilm’s smallest mirrorless camera, is light and it fits my hands perfectly. Although, I’d have to admit: There isn’t much of a size difference between the X-A5 and my trusty X-A3, save for the X-A3’s bigger kit lens.

The thing is, there’s no way I’m lugging around a big camera on vacation trips and the X-A5 (as well as my old X-A3) is a size that I find acceptable — it’s not as bulky and it’s small enough to fit in my bag with everything else I decide to bring around on trips.

Pointing and shooting

Fujifilm is a beloved brand in photography and it comes as no surprise that this camera can capture stunning pictures. I mean look at these sample shots…

Like, look at them! They can be stock photos!

The hot cocoa looks super delicious!

The color and the blur is on point

Although I know my camera basics, I am not the best in shooting or handling cameras, mine or otherwise. The X-A5 was amazingly easy to use, especially since I’m already familiar with the past model. Honestly, I’ve had my share of crappy photos but these samples actually impressed me. Low-light photos, however, are a different story. Like many devices on the market now, you don’t exactly get the best photos when lighting conditions aren’t ideal.

The X-A3, my previous camera, only had Wi-Fi connectivity which means that it could only transfer photos when my phone is connected to the camera’s Wi-Fi. This process was a little cumbersome as that connection gets cut when you switch back to an actual network to get on the internet. That is now a problem of the past. The XA-5 is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity so that mean transferring photos from camera to your phone is so easy — you can even do it automatically and while connected to the internet through Wi-Fi.

Also, tourist selfies can go from this:

Shoutout to the photobomb couple at the back!

To this:

I’m controlling the camera with the phone in my hand through the Fujifilm remote app

Yep, connecting the camera to the app allows you to take photos and videos remotely. This means you don’t need another person to take your photos; you can control everything with your phone.

#OOTD Challenge!

Now, I generally suck at #OOTDs and posed travel content in general but I felt it was time for a challenge. I’d seen a lot of Instagram influencers tout their Fujifilm cameras so I wondered: Could I take the same photos with this thing?

Since I was traveling with the boyfriend when I was testing out this camera, I enlisted his help and had him be my token Instagram Boyfriend — ah the things we do for work!

I stood at random picturesque spots in Hong Kong and did the best travel/wanderlust/OOTD poses I could muster (which always translated to me looking up, for some reason). Since I’m not so big on editing, I only used the VSCO app on my phone to slightly adjust these photos and add a filter. Again, transferring photos to my phone for editing (and eventual posting) was a breeze because of connectivity functions. The results are as follows:

Needless to say, I was pretty happy with the pics, despite my awkward and repetitive posing. Expect these shots to be on my Instagram feed soon.

Videos and vlogging

One of the big things I use my camera for is vlogging. The fact that this thing is light is a big plus for me because it’s the weight my frail arm can handle as I hold out the camera to shoot myself. I mean, I have no idea how people actually shoot video with those humongous vlogging rigs, but that’s not a problem with the X-A5.

Although I’ve shot vlogs with this camera, my main gripe with this thing is that there’s no movie mode on it. This makes it a little hard to preview settings on the screen for shooting video — a problem I’ve grappled with on my X-A3 as well. The camera is capable of recording in 4K, which is literally bigger videos, but the camera display lags too much on that setting so I’d suggest sticking to a lower resolution like 1080p.

What’s great though is that there’s a touch-to-focus feature on video now, something only previously found on the photo mode. The X-A5 is also equipped with an audio port so you can now improve your vlog audio with an external mic.

Is the Fujifilm X-A5 your GadgetMatch?

Obviously, there are bigger, badder, and more expensive cameras out there that do a whole lot that this dainty thing can’t. But, that’s not the point (and those cameras are probably not pink). This shooter is designed for a certain demographic: those, like me, who want a simple, easy-to-use device in a light, compact, and stylish body. It’s not the best camera out there and at its price point, that would be pretty impossible. Nonetheless, it’s a camera that I really enjoy using.

If you’re like me and you’re looking for a more compact camera for IG photos and social media posts with great phone and app integration, you should consider the X-A5. It’s a great camera for beginners and enthusiasts who are just wetting their toes in the pool of content creation.

The Fujifilm retails for US$ 599 in the US and PhP 34,990 in the Philippines.

SEE ALSO: Fujifilm X-A5 is brand’s smallest and lightest mirrorless camera

Cameras

AKASO officially lands in the Philippines

Teaming up with Siklab Spark Corporation to bring its signature 360° creativity and affordable gear.

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Global action camera brand AKASO is taking its next big leap into the Philippines.

The brand officially named Siklab Spark Corporation as its exclusive local distributor, marking a major milestone in AKASO’s regional expansion and strengthening its commitment to creators and adventurers across the country.

Since 2010, AKASO has built a loyal following around the world by offering high-quality, performance-driven action cameras at prices that make creativity accessible to everyone.

Today, the brand has sold more than 7 million units in over 200 countries, capturing everything from everyday adventures to once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Built for creators who “Let Life Run”

Guided by its philosophy of “Let Life Run,” AKASO designs cameras for what it calls the Passionate Hobbyist, or those who love documenting life, not just the extremes.

The Philippines, home to a vibrant creator community and an ever-growing travel culture, is a natural fit for the brand’s expansion. Through its partnership with Siklab Spark Corporation, AKASO aims to establish nationwide availability, strengthen its online presence, and bring community-driven events to life.

Step into 360° creativity with the AKASO 360

Leading the charge is the AKASO 360, a compact, weatherproof, and lightweight action camera designed to capture every angle of life in stunning detail.

The AKASO 360 records 5.7K 360° videos for up to 120 minutes and captures 72MP photos with impressive clarity.

It features dual lenses, stereo microphones with wind-noise reduction, and AI subject tracking to keep every shot smooth and focused.

Advanced users can enjoy DNG8 RAW mode for flexible editing, while casual creators will love its simple workflow via the AKASO360 App and Studio software.

Available now with launch promos and giveaways

The AKASO 360 is now officially available in the Philippines through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. To celebrate its launch, AKASO is offering exclusive discounts and vouchers until October 21.

The AKASO 360 Standard Bundle is available for PhP 13,988 (SRP PhP 15,988), with additional voucher discounts bringing prices down to as low as PhP 11,888 on Shopee, PhP 12,288 on TikTok, and PhP 12,188 on Lazada.

Other bestsellers are also on sale:

  • AKASO V50 X (PhP 6,988 SRP): from PhP 5,258 on Shopee, PhP 5,299.20 on TikTok, and PhP 5,688 on Lazada
  • AKASO EK7000 (PhP 4,988 SRP): from PhP 3,769.20 on TikTok, PhP 3,790.40 on Shopee, and PhP 4,608 on Lazada

To make the launch even more exciting, AKASO is giving away three EK7000 units worth PhP 4,988 each.

Fans can join by following AKASO on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok by October 20, with winners announced on October 21 at 8 PM.

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Cameras

DJI Osmo Nano review

Fits perfectly into a life that never stays still

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I’ve never been the kind of person who stays still for long.

My calendar looks more like a puzzle than a plan. Airports, races, trails, test drives, repeat.

Somewhere between boarding gates and finish lines, I try to squeeze in meetings, shoots, and the occasional night out.

For years, I’ve carried cameras that promised to keep up. They all said the same thing: lightweight, smart.

Yet they always ended up feeling like one more thing to hold. They’re more of a reminder that I was documenting life instead of living it.

Then the DJI Osmo Nano arrived, right before a flight to Hong Kong. I slipped it into my backpack without much thought.

Somewhere between the terminals of Hong Kong, the beaches of Shenzhen, the streets of Zhengzhou, and the mountain roads of Baguio, this tiny camera became part of my everyday life.

Hanging from a lanyard or docked on a dashboard, it was always ready. It’s strange how something so small can change the way you move through the world.

I stopped worrying about framing the perfect shot and started focusing on feeling the moment.

Made for people on the move

At 52 grams, the Osmo Nano is incredibly light yet feels substantial. It’s the kind of confidence that comes from precision engineering.

The matte finish resists fingerprints and the occasional drop of sweat. Simply put, it’s designed for motion.

Then there’s the protective case. If there were an award for most underrated accessory, this would win it.

I accidentally dropped the Nano from a floor up and braced for heartbreak, but when I picked it up, both the body and the lens were flawless.

With or without a case, it also looks elegant. It doesn’t scream “camera.” You can clip it on your shirt or cap, and no one gives you a second look.

You can film without disrupting the mood, which gives the footage a sense of authenticity that’s hard to replicate.

A full system in your pocket

The Osmo Nano alone is impressive, but pair it with the Multifunctional Vision Dock and it becomes a complete ecosystem.

I brought it everywhere. In Shenzhen, it sat on the sand while I ran barefoot by the water. In Zhengzhou, it helped me capture temples and tourist sites that looked almost cinematic.

The dock acts like your all-in-one creative base: a power bank, tripod, remote control, and transfer hub built into one piece of aluminum.

It charges the camera to 80% in just 20 minutes, records for up to 200 minutes, and transfers data up to 600MB/s through its microSD slot.

It even doubles as a display for previewing or reviewing clips, which is a rare convenience in a setup this small.

Together, the Nano and the dock feel like the definition of portable professionalism: a setup that fits in your pocket yet never feels like a compromise. It’s everything you need, minus the baggage.

The creative hub

What ties it all together is the DJI Mimo app. It’s the command center that turns the Osmo Nano into an extension of your creative workflow.

Footage syncs automatically, though I wish it keeps the connection longer, as the device kept disconnecting from the app time and time again.

Through the app, you can trim, color-grade, and export straight from your phone. Whether at an airport lounge, a café, or even the backseat of a car, editing feels effortless as long as you don’t use the One-Tap Edit feature.

I don’t know how to put it, but using AI to pick the ‘best’ frames doesn’t sit well with me after trying it and seeing its output.

While the frames it picked were ideal, composition-wise, it doesn’t have the emotions needed when producing a video.

 

@gadgetmatch We’ve taken the DJI Osmo Nano in the wild and here are our sample clips. Full review on gadgetmatch.com 🫶🏼 #DJIOsmoNano #DJI #foryou ♬ som original – 𒆜|𝑹𝑵𝑩𝑨𝑺𝑺444🇧🇷-_-

Nevertheless, I particularly love how it adapts to my workflow. Syncing large files and previewing high-res clips happens with minimal lag.

For creators who thrive on momentum, that speed is priceless.

Race tracks and road trips

I’ve always believed that motion tells better stories than stillness, that the way a car turns a corner says as much as the driver’s expression.

When I tested cars at the BYD Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit, the Osmo Nano was mounted on the Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount.

Through rough corners and high-speed bursts, the videos stayed unshaken thanks to RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonBalancing.

The footage looked like something out of a commercial. The 143° ultra-wide lens captured more story.

The only drawback was how the Nano tended to overheat during off-road and race track sessions, even after a firmware update.

Even when we were indoors at the BYD Di-Space Museum — a controlled, air-conditioned environment — I had to limit recordings to 2.7K or 1080p instead of 4K to keep recording.

Later, I brought it to Baguio City, driving through pine-covered streets with the Ford Territory Hybrid.

The colors shifted with the light, from deep morning blues to warm golds by afternoon, and the Nano handled it all gracefully. It balanced light and shadow without flattening the details.

In moments where I could lose a shot quickly, I preferred setting color to Auto rather than using D-Log. Though I’m a creative director by profession, I don’t believe in using D-Log unless you can color grade perfectly.

Most creators who insist on it miss the point. It takes away the beauty of capturing things as they are. The Nano’s color quality is good enough to make every frame look polished and accessible.

Never missing a step

Of course, no camera review feels complete until I’ve taken it to the trail.

During BGY BYG’s OCR Simulation at Bridgetowne Obstacle Park, I used the Magnetic Headband and Lanyard, swapping between them as I watched participants go through obstacles.

I wanted to see how the Nano handled rain and movement, and it didn’t just survive. It performed well.

Thanks to the 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, it captured athletes at dusk with the SuperNight mode assisting in low light. The image quality was good, though not exceptional.

 

 

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Due to its fixed ultra-wide field of view, versatility remains limited. It doesn’t have a zoom lens, so I had to move closer to the athletes to frame their movements.

Then came the 32km trail run to Sitio Malasya in Rodriguez, Rizal. The terrain was brutal (as usual) and yet the Nano stayed locked in. I held it by hand without the dock, and the footage I captured became one of my favorites.

It’s rare for an action camera to feel emotional, but the Nano somehow made the footage feel alive.

During the run, the audio also impressed me. The built-in microphones captured ambient sound and reduced wind effectively. For those with DJI Mics, pairing is seamless and doesn’t require receivers.

Maybe next time, I can record a Trail Talks podcast so we don’t get bored running longer distances?

 

 

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At the end of Sitio Malasya is a raging river, where we stopped to eat and rest. When it drizzled mid-run, I kept recording without worry.

The Nano handled rain and splashes without fogging or glitching. I didn’t feel anxious bringing it into the unpredictable courses of my life.

Running back to the jump-off point, I realized the DJI Osmo Nano isn’t just a piece of technology. It’s an adventure companion that understands the tempo of your life.

Unlocking its full potential

Like any performer, the Osmo Nano shines brighter with the right supporting cast.

The ND Filter Set is a must for bright outdoor scenes, adding that polished, cinematic tone. The Magnetic Headband is perfect for hands-free capture during workouts or races.

For flexible angles, the Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount is my second favorite.

My personal favorite is the Glass Lens Cover. It’s the reason my lens still looks brand new after that dramatic drop.

Out of the box, though, the DJI Osmo Nano already comes prepared with the camera, Magnetic Lanyard, Multifunctional Vision Dock, Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount, Protective Case, Magnetic Hat Clip, and a USB-C 3.1 cable.

It’s a complete kit that gets you shooting right away. And once you see how capable it is, you’ll want to expand your setup anyway.

Is the DJI Osmo Nano your GadgetMatch?

The DJI Osmo Nano represents freedom. It’s made for people who live on the go, who don’t have time for complex setups but still want cinematic results.

I’ve always believed that the best camera is the one that never slows you down, and the Osmo Nano fits that perfectly. For an athlete and storyteller like me, it’s a Super Swipe.

Even if you’re not living life on the move, it’s still a Swipe Right, especially considering how complete the package is for its price: PhP 15,990 for the 64GB model and PhP 18,390 for the 128GB model.

Think of the stories you’ll tell once you bring it on your next trip. This is why it earns the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

Of course, it’s not flawless. If you expect the same performance, image quality, or versatility of the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Pocket 3, or even its competitor, the Insta360 Go, you might need to temper your expectations.

But as a new device, the Osmo Nano is promising. So promising that five automotive journalists I was with in Zhengzhou bought one on the spot after seeing mine in action.

If that’s not convincing enough, I don’t know what is. Because right now, as most people see it, the DJI Osmo Nano deserves a spot in your camera arsenal, and perhaps, a place in the story of your life on the move.

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Fujifilm Philippines kicks off nationwide Photo and Video Walk 2025

Fujifilm is bringing together photographers and videographers across 32 cities for its biggest creative walk yet!

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Fujifilm Philippines is inviting photographers and videographers to lace up and bring out their cameras on October 5, as the Nationwide Photo and Video Walk 2025 (NPVW 2025) unfolds across 32 cities from Luzon to Mindanao.

The highly anticipated event is open to creatives of all skill levels, giving everyone the chance to frame their cities’ stories through their lenses.

A nationwide celebration of moments

Anchored on Fujifilm’s global mission of “giving our world more smiles,” the walk is both a creative outlet and a celebration of community pride. Each participating city will host its own walk, beginning with a short talk before participants set off at 7:30 AM to capture scenes that matter to them.

To keep the spirit alive, Fujifilm is also collaborating with local cafés nationwide. The first 50 participants wearing the official NPVW t-shirt in each partnered café will be treated to a complimentary cup of coffee.

Prizes that inspire

Beyond the joy of documenting stories, participants have the chance to win exciting prizes. Three winners in the Open to All Photo category — one each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao — will take home a Fujifilm X-E5 camera with an XF23mm F2.8 kit lens.

Dedicated Fujifilm users are also in for a treat. One winner of the Fujifilm-exclusive Photo category will receive a Fujifilm X-T5 with an XF16-80mm kit lens, while one winner of the Fujifilm-exclusive Video category will get the powerful Fujifilm X-H2S paired with an XF23mm F1.4 II lens.

A community guided by experts

This year’s walk will be guided by 61 industry leaders and mentors, including last year’s winners like Rey Ann Llaguno, Justin Varela, Javes Molles, and Joshua Bughao.

Their presence ensures that budding talents can learn, be inspired, and grow while they shoot.

How to join

Registration is open until September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Those who sign up will receive an official event kit, including the NPVW 2025 shirt and exclusive Fujifilm merchandise.

From Manila to Zamboanga, Baguio to Borongan, this event is a call to celebrate creativity, pride, and connection. One morning, 32 cities, countless stories waiting to be told. Join by clicking through this link.

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