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

DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Pearl White now available globally

Pearl White joins DJI’s lineup

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DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Pearl White

DJI has announced the global availability of the Osmo Pocket 4P Pearl White, a new color option for its dual-lens gimbal camera. The new edition retains the camera’s 1-inch CMOS sensor, 17 stops of dynamic range, 10-bit HDR video recording, and dual-lens system.

The Pearl White finish uses mica-infused pearlescent pigments and a multilayer spray coating that creates subtle changes in appearance under different lighting conditions. DJI designed the new colorway for creators who want a camera that complements lifestyle photography, travel vlogging, and everyday video production.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Pearl White features

The Osmo Pocket 4P Pearl White features two lenses with different focal lengths. Its primary 20mm wide-angle lens has a 1-inch CMOS sensor and an f/2.0 aperture. It supports video recording at up to 4K at 240 frames per second, with LOFIC technology helping preserve highlight and shadow details in challenging lighting conditions.

The camera also supports up to 17 stops of dynamic range and a 10-bit D-Log 2 color profile. These features give creators greater flexibility when adjusting colors, exposure, and contrast during post-production.

For portraits and tighter compositions, the 60mm medium-telephoto lens has an f/1.8 aperture and supports 3x optical zoom and up to 12x zoom. The camera combines both lenses with gimbal stabilization in a compact body weighing approximately 230 grams.

Other creative features include:

  • Slow-motion video: Record up to 4K at 240fps for slow-motion footage.
  • High-resolution photos: Capture still images at up to 37 megapixels.
  • 4K Live Photos: Record 1.5-second clips alongside photos.
  • ActiveTrack 8.0: Track subjects such as people, vehicles, and pets.
  • Fast file transfers: USB 3.1 support enables transfer speeds of up to 800MB/s.
  • Extended battery life: Record for up to 210 minutes on a single charge.
  • Fast charging: Reach 80% battery capacity in as little as 18 minutes.
  • Automatic iOS transfers: Transfer newly captured footage to compatible iOS devices after powering off the camera.

Automatic media transfer works best with an iPhone 16 series device or later running iOS 26.4.1 or above, provided the camera battery is above 15%.

The camera also supports HDR 10-bit video recording for footage with a wider range of colors and greater flexibility during editing.

Compatible with DJI Osmo accessories

The Osmo Pocket 4P Pearl White works with DJI’s existing Osmo accessory ecosystem. Compatible accessories include the Osmo Pocket 4 Fill Light, ND and polarizing filters, wide-angle lens adapters, battery handle, and OsmoAudio microphones.

These accessories are sold separately, allowing creators to customize their setup for different shooting scenarios.

DJI Care Refresh coverage

DJI Care Refresh is available for the Osmo Pocket 4P Pearl White. The protection plan covers accidental damage, including collisions and water damage, through a replacement service for an additional fee.

The one-year plan includes up to two replacements, while the two-year plan includes up to four replacements. Other benefits include official warranty coverage, international warranty service, and free shipping, subject to DJI’s terms and conditions.

Pricing and availability

The DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Pearl White is now available globally. The Standard Combo is priced at £529 in the UK and €599 in Europe.

For more information, visit the official DJI Osmo Pocket 4P website.

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Accessories

Fujifilm’s new instax Pal 2 and Link WIDE 2 make room for more creative memories

A new pocket camera and a collage-making printer join the instax family.

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Seeing a memory take shape beyond your screen changes how it feels. A favorite photo becomes a print you can tuck into a journal or pin beside your desk, and the everyday moments you capture get a little more room to live.

That was the spirit of Fujifilm’s instax Playhou2e launch in Makati, where visual artist Jill Arteche brought her signature illustrations into the event space.

Her artwork surrounded the latest additions to the instax family, the instax Pal 2 and instax Link WIDE 2. Both devices treat photography as a form of personal expression, from the snapshots you take throughout the day to the printed memories you want to keep close.

A pocket-sized camera that goes wherever you do

The original instax Pal made the case for carrying a camera without a full-sized setup. Its successor, the instax Pal 2, builds on that with a refreshed design and improved image quality.

The palm-sized camera is built for everyday adventures and can capture angles that are awkward to get with a smartphone. Its compact body also makes it easy to bring along if you like documenting your day as it happens.

Fujifilm gave the Pal 2 a semi-matte finish. A new monitor on top lets you review shots right after you take them, and the added viewfinder, control dial, and lever give it a more tactile feel to shoot with.

The specs have moved up, too. The Pal 2 captures 10-megapixel images, double the original’s five megapixels, and its internal storage holds up to 100 images compared with 50 before. A separately sold microSD card adds more room.

The creative options are where the Pal 2 gets playful. It offers 30 effects, so you can give images different moods without editing each one from scratch. Its instax Animation mode strings up to 10 consecutive shots into a flipbook-style animated video.

Transferring your photos is straightforward. The Pal 2 supports wireless Bluetooth transfers, and a USB Type-C connection offers faster transfers to compatible smartphones. From there, you can edit the images and post them to social media or keep them in your camera roll.

Because the Pal 2 is part of the instax ecosystem, its digital photos can also be printed on instant film through compatible instax printers. That means you can shoot first and decide later which moments deserve a physical copy.

Turning your camera roll into something worth keeping

Taking photos is only half the fun. The other half is deciding what to do with the hundreds of images that pile up on our phones.

The instax Link WIDE 2 is Fujifilm’s answer for anyone who collects travel photos or documents celebrations. As the brand’s WIDE-format smartphone printer, it prints at twice the image area of the instax mini format, which leaves more space for group photos and landscapes.

Its biggest new feature is Photo Mixer, which builds scrapbook-style collages from multiple images you pick in the dedicated app. Instead of printing a single photo, you can combine highlights from a trip or a gathering into one larger keepsake.

The app suggests layouts based on your chosen photos and adjusts image sizes, angles, text placement, and fonts to keep the design cohesive. You can then add your own text and stamps. A cutout function identifies people and objects in your photos so you can layer them into the collage.

With Photo Mixer, printing becomes part of the creative process, and your camera roll turns into material for building a visual record of an experience in a single print.

The Link WIDE 2 also gets a design refresh, with two-tone finishes in Duo Beige and Duo Blue. The light and dark surfaces give it a polished look on a shelf or desk, and an illuminated instax logo glows while it prints.

Connectivity has expanded, too. Beyond smartphones and tablets, the printer works with PCs, Fujifilm X Series cameras, and the instax Pal 2, so digital artwork and other compatible images can become physical prints.

A more personal way to keep your memories

The instax Pal 2 and Link WIDE 2 share the idea that photography is a way to express yourself. The Pal 2 makes it easy to capture moments as they happen, and the Link WIDE 2 gives those images a place in the physical world.

Jill Arteche’s artwork at the launch backed that idea up. Her illustrations filled the space with personality and showed how photos and art can make an environment feel more personal. The event also made a case for revisiting and reinterpreting the images we collect.

Taking a photo takes seconds, and printing one can make the memory feel more special. The instax Pal 2 and Link WIDE 2 bring that into everyday life and give your snapshots room for creativity, from the moment you press the shutter to the moment you find a place for the print.


In the Philippines, the Fujifilm instax Pal 2 retails for PhP 10,599, while the Fujifilm instax Link WIDE 2 is priced at PhP 10,999. Both devices are now available on Fujifilm’s authorized stores and retailers nationwide.

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Cameras

Sony introduces its 1st Fisheye Zoom G Lens

Broad range for landscapes, architecture, sports, and video production

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Sony has just launched its first fisheye zoom G Lens for full-frame Alpha E-mount cameras: the Sony FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G. It will be available from late September for an SRP of US$ 1,599.99 / SG$ 2,049.

The 8 mm to 14 mm zoom focal range covers a broad set of fisheye perspectives in one compact lens.

At 8 mm, the lens shoots circular fisheye with a 180-degree angle of view projected as a circular image on a full-frame sensor.

Meanwhile, at 14 mm, it shoots diagonal fisheye across the full frame with a 180-degree diagonal angle of view.

Users can match the angle of view and composition to the subject and creative intent, across various scenarios like landscapes, architecture, sports, and more.

An optical design with ED (extra-low dispersion) glass and aspherical elements suppresses chromatic and other aberrations across the image area.

This enables high resolution throughout the zoom range with fast and precise autofocus and Linear Response MF. All these while suppressing focus breathing and operating quietly for movie production.

Controls include a focus mode switch, zoom lock switch, and an aperture ring with switchable click stops.

A minimum focusing distance of 0.15 meters and maximum magnification of 0.22x at the telephoto end also allow close-up fisheye perspectives both for stills and movies.

The Sony FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G measures about 63.1 mm in maximum diameter and 82.8 mm in length.

It weights about 314 grams, giving it mobility for handheld, gimbal, and rig-based shooting. It is also dust and moisture-resistant with a fluorine coating on the front.

In addition, users can opt for a dual-lens configuration with the VENCE Extension System Mini.

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