Cameras
Half a frame, full of feeling
A week with the Fujifilm X-Half showed me love, loss, and light
They say healing isn’t linear. I say healing is made of light, color, and fleeting moments that feel like film. That’s what the Fujifilm X half (X-HF1) captured for me.
I was staying in Shangri-La Mactan for a week — not to escape, but to find something again. Myself, maybe. Or at least what was left of me after a heartbreak that still hurt to name.
I needed quiet and distance. I needed something to hold without shattering in my hands. Picking up the X half didn’t feel like pressure, but an invitation.
To see things differently. To remember that beauty still exists in between the ache.
Nostalgia, reimagined
There’s something incredibly comforting about the X half. Inspired by the FUJICA Half from the ’60s, this little camera — only 240g — feels like a whisper of the past. It’s compact enough to slip into a small tote or hang from your wrist without weighing you down.
I loved its vintage look, especially the Charcoal Silver finish that reminded me of my grandpa’s old film camera (which he never let me borrow).
There’s a tactile satisfaction to the Frame Advance Lever. It feels nostalgic yet new. Pulling it was meditative, like turning a page you’re not yet ready to close.
Somehow, the X half didn’t ask for big moments. It just waited. For a laugh over breakfast, for sunlight breaking through white curtains.
A different way to see the world
Built around a 3:4 aspect ratio, the photos are in vertical orientation. It felt strange at first, like writing with your non-dominant hand. But quickly, it made sense.
Vertical compositions made everyday scenes feel like they were made for storytelling — ready to be posted online, yet coated in the softness of film. I took portraits, my feet in the sand, coconut drinks in hand, and the mundane beauty of life by the beach.
This format mirrored how I was seeing the world: upright, trying to stay steady, reaching toward something more.
There’s also a 2-in-1 feature where you take two vertical shots, and the camera stitches them together.
It can be two photos, or a photo and a video. At first, I just had an inkling to try it. But the more I used it, the more it felt like journaling with light.
The scenes evolved beyond being just two frames. They became a feeling — two moments bottled up into one photograph. When mixed with a video, it felt like seeing the story behind the photo you took. It felt alive.
Finding warmth in a frame
Cebu, for all its postcard beauty, became even more alive through the filters on this camera.
I used Light Leak the most — not just as an effect, but as an emotional layer. It gave my photos the kind of softness that matched the state of my heart: fragile, hopeful.
My photos looked like little accidents, a reminder that everything doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
Switching to Film Simulation modes felt like flipping through old love letters written in different inks.
I spent a lot of time on Nostalgia Neg. and Classic Neg. to match how I was feeling. That’s the beauty of having options: you choose what reflects your mood, right after capturing something real.
When I reviewed the photos I took, I caught myself smiling. They were nowhere near perfect, but they felt real. I was surrounded by people — from close friends to strangers — with comfort in the air. I captured a lot of candid moments, people’s laughter bouncing off bottles of beer, completely unaware of the camera.
Seeing those photos, I told myself: this is what healing looks like. You don’t have to be alone to be whole.
There is peace in not knowing
Halfway through the trip, I turned on Film Camera Mode. It disables the LCD screen, teaching you patience. You take a shot, and then you wait. No previews, no retakes, no deleting.
You wait until you finish 36, 54, or 72 shots before seeing anything. It’s a reminder that some things take time to develop like trust, love, and healing.
Then, you move forward by pulling the Frame Advance Lever, like how life pushes you on, whether you’re ready or not.
It reminded me of the magic of not knowing. Of surrendering to peace. Sometimes, you just have to trust that what comes next will surprise you. No obsessing over the perfect shot, just capturing the moment for what it was.
When I finally transferred the photos to the X half app, it felt like opening a letter from a past version of myself. Sometimes shaky, sometimes bold — but always trying.
The app’s minimalist look made it easy to organize photos and create collages. I even printed one with the instax mini Link 3. I made contact sheets and framed some moments, and I didn’t delete any of them.
Because even the blurred ones told the truth: I was there, I laughed, and I healed, little by little.
Candid, compact, and completely mine
The 32mm f/2.8 lens and 1-inch sensor captured Cebu’s warmth in full detail. It’s not a loud camera. It doesn’t demand to be noticed. But it sees you — and everything around you — with a tenderness that surprised me.
I watched my friends grow more comfortable as the days went on. I took portraits when they weren’t looking, and every shot became a secret I got to keep. That’s what made it special. Even the most mundane things looked like poetry through this camera.
I held a lot of things that week, trying not to break: emotions, expectations, silence. But in between, this tiny camera held me. It made me slow down. It reminded me that every small thing can be worth remembering.
There’s joy in anticipation, in imperfection, in capturing something just for yourself. There’s still beauty to be made — and I can still make it, even in the middle of healing.
Is the Fujifilm X half your GadgetMatch?
The Fujifilm X half is a modern reinterpretation of the classic half-frame camera: compact, creative, and intuitive.
With its vertical-first 3:4 sensor, 32mm f/2.8 fixed lens, and an optical viewfinder, it makes slice-of-life photography simple, expressive, and deeply personal.
Film Camera Mode and the Frame Advance Lever simulate the feel of analog shooting, while built-in Film Simulations, Light Leak, and Halation effects allow you to create artistic, memory-soaked photos straight out of camera.
Seamless app integration, collage tools, and Instax printing support make it easy to relive and share your moments that are raw, romantic, and real.
If you’ve ever longed for a camera that sees the quiet beauty of your life and turns it into something lasting, the X half might just be it.
The Fujifilm X half retails for PhP 44,990. It’s available at official Fujifilm stores and authorized dealers.
Cameras
DJI Osmo Action 6 review: An adventurer’s best friend
This might be the best action camera yet?
My life as an athlete with a love for adventure often throws me into days that move faster than I can track.
One moment I am at the gym before sunrise, convincing myself that today I will stretch properly. Next, I am sprinting through airports or packing for a weekend race that I definitely did not plan for (but signed up for anyway because that is who I am).
When the DJI Osmo Action 6 entered my life, it felt like finding a piece of gear that immediately understood the mess I willingly put myself through.
I have always wanted a camera that could move with me (and survive me), preferably without making me feel guilty every time I jump off something or run through something.
I wanted a camera that did not need pampering. Something that would not make me pause my life so I could “protect the gear.”
Then suddenly, there it was. I had an entire month with the Osmo Action 6, and it almost felt like the universe handed me something that finally matched my pace. It followed me through unexpected moments that felt too good not to capture.
Made for those who ~really~ move
The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to hold the Osmo Action 6. It felt secure even when my hands were wet or drenched in sweat from training, as if it wasn’t bothered at all that I was already exhausted at 7 a.m.
Most of its controls are placed so intuitively that it felt like the camera was gently guiding me, saying, “Don’t overthink it. Just press this. Go live your life.”
The user interface was so straightforward that even people who have never touched an action camera would know what to do.
The screen reacts quickly and the settings are easy to reach. Its layout feels like it was made for people who move first and think later.
It removes every excuse to miss a moment because you were too busy trying to understand how the device works.
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Out of the box, the Osmo Action 6 gives you everything you need: a 1.5m extension rod, three Extreme Battery Plus units inside a multifunctional battery case, two locking screws, a curved adhesive base, a USB-C 3.1 cable, and two Dual-Direction Quick Release Adapter Mounts.
Depending on your lifestyle, accessories like the floating handle, the dual direction mini extension rod (which doubles as a tripod), the 360-degree wrist strap, and the hanging neck mount all serve one purpose: keep you hands-free so you can focus on living your story.
Inside a race course
During the Spartan Race’s Asia-Pacific Championship in Alviera, Porac, Pampanga, I joined the open category simply because I wanted to film my moments inside the course.
I could never join the Age Group Championship wearing a red band only to slow down for content. My competitive self would revolt.
I have always raced in the front pack with elite athletes and seasoned racers. Content creation is a blessing until you’re in a race and your pride says absolutely not.
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So my friend (also an elite athlete) and I became last-minute racers thanks to Mang Inasal Philippines. We joined the Sprint Category, which covers 5 kilometers with 20 obstacles (plus three extra because championship vibes).
Armed with only the Osmo Action 6 on a dual direction mini extension rod, I climbed walls and nets, carried sandbags, passed through hanging obstacles, and ran under an open trail where the sun genuinely felt personal.
Alviera is hot. We call it Hellviera for a reason. Yet the camera kept going despite direct sunlight and constant movements.
I dialed the resolution down to 2.7K because long 4K recording will always test thermal limits. Even then, it stayed reliable.
Like a scene straight out of an adventure documentary
The stabilization was genuinely magical. The frame stayed clean and level even when my hands were doing a million different things, like swinging my arms, gripping nets, adjusting grip, and bracing for impact.
Whether you choose RockSteady or HorizonSteady, your running sequences will look cinematic and documentary-level.
When we climbed or jumped, the shots had that adventure-film energy. There were no jitter or weird warping. No “Sorry, can you do that again?” moments.
We did not need retakes, and we did not need to check footage mid-race. The Osmo Action 6 kept up with the pace of an endurance athlete.
The built-in microphones even picked up our voices clearly. Pair it with DJI’s wireless mic and you get clean commentary that feels like the behind-the-scenes of your own sports film.
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Calm moment underwater
One of the most meaningful moments came when I lent the Osmo Action 6 to GadgetMatch’s Account Manager and Resident Host, Noela Amparo-Oro, for her birthday.
She wanted to celebrate by freediving, which honestly feels like the most poetic thing you can do for yourself. So I handed her the camera and said, “Go live your birthday moment. Capture it.”
Action cameras deserve to see actual action, not city sidewalks pretending to be adventures.
Noela had fun descending into the clear blue water. The footage she brought back made my heart stop for a moment. It was surreal. Like she had slipped into another world and returned with proof that it existed.
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I have seen plenty of underwater clips from action cameras that turned murky or desaturated, requiring heavy color adjustments. The Osmo Action 6 did not do that. Underwater, it preserved colors beautifully.
The details of her movements; the subtle shimmer of light across her skin; and the calm flow of bubbles. Everything was captured with clarity that felt emotional.
The Osmo Action 6 handled depth and shifting light with ease. Watching the clips felt like I had been there beside her, suspended underwater.
Even Noela could not believe the footage. And the fact that the camera does not need an underwater case up to 20 meters makes the experience feel even more freeing.
A picture quality to love
The Osmo Action 6 uses a large 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensor that lets in more light, allowing underwater clips to remain balanced and detailed even in low-light environments.
With 10-bit color support, gradients in the water and sky looked vivid. The variable aperture paired with the sensor gives you the flexibility to shoot under harsh sunlight or underwater without losing depth or mood.
Exposure transitions also felt natural, and the highlights stayed controlled while the shadows held detail. The Osmo Action 6 preserved the emotional tone of each scene without flattening the story.
As James Rusameekae from Physical: Asia said, it is simply “Wow!”
Is the DJI Osmo Action 6 your GadgetMatch?
The DJI Osmo Action 6 excelled in every environment I threw it into. Water, low light, heat, fast movement, and unpredictable conditions? It handled everything with ease.
I collected footage filled with emotion and energy, and everything remained steady and sharp.
The clips felt complete even before editing, like they were already telling a story. (I uploaded some of them straight to my Instagram Story!)
If you live an active life and thrive outdoors, the Osmo Action 6 will meet your needs. You will appreciate how quick it is to use, and you will love the size, durability, and picture quality.
It feels like the kind of gadget you bond with, which makes it a Swipe Right!
Anyone who wants a companion for adventures will find comfort in the Osmo Action 6. For me, it is a Super Swipe.
With the experience I had, and the ease it brings to my life whenever I am out and about, PhP 24,390 for the Standard Combo feels like an investment in moments that matter.
The DJI Osmo Action 6 deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.
If you do not live an active lifestyle, the Osmo Pocket Series or Osmo Nano might suit you better since it is built for city travelers. But if you want to look adventurous — and you have the budget — who am I to stop you?
The DJI Osmo Action 6 retails for PhP 29,990 for the Adventure Combo, giving you all the accessories you may or may not need.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark III has officially been launched in the Philippines. The full-frame CMOS camera is the latest addition to the Canon EOS R mirrorless line, and is officially priced at PhP 164,998 in the market (body only).
Customers can get it with these two lens for a corresponding bundle price as well:
- With RF24-105mm IS STM: PhP 186,998
- With RF24-105mm L IS USM: PhP 244,998
The regular bundle includes a CF Express Type B Card while the preorder bundle includes an LP-E6P battery. Preorder period is from December 1 to 31.
In addition, the new RF45mm F1.2 STM lens has also been revealed. It brings exceptional bokeh and a 72mm full-frame equivalent crop factor for PhP 25,298.
Uncompromised storytelling
The EOS R6 Mark III features a higher 32.5-megapixel resolution compared to the usual 24.1MP resolution. This, alongside improved speed, performance, and reliability, allows for uncompromised storytelling.
A standout feature is the camera’s 3:2 Open Gate 7K 30p RAW recording, the first of its kind. This provides greater flexibility for reframing. Creators can source videos with horizontal, vertical, cinematic, and more aspect ratios from the same footage.
For stills, the camera can capture up to 150 shots at 40fps on high-speed continuous shooting mode (electronic shutter).
And despite the higher processing load, it maintains the same high-speed continuous shooting rate. That’s up to 40 fps on electronic shutter and up to 12 fps on mechanical or electronic first-curtain shutter.
In addition, the camera features a user-friendly pre-continuous shooting feature. Before the shutter button is fully pressed, up to 20 continuous shots can be recorded in any still format.
This ensures no moment is missed, especially in scenarios like weddings or sports where there retakes aren’t an option.
More specs, details, and features about the new camera here: Canon announces EOS R6 Mark III camera, RF45mm f/1.2 STM lens
GoPro has officially unveiled three new offerings for filmmakers and creators: the MAX2 360 camera, LIT HERO miniature lifestyle camera, and Fluid Pro AI gimbal.
The MAX2 is priced at US$ 499.99 while the Drone-Like Aerial Bundle which includes a carbon fiber extension pole and protective case retails for US$ 649.99.
On the other hand, the pocket-sized LIT HERO retails for US$ 269.99. Several bundles are also available starting at US$ 332.99. Lastly, the Fluid Pro AI gimbal sells for US$ 299.99.
MAX2: True 8K 360 camera
The MAX2 360 camera is easy to use, and features twist-and-go replaceable lenses made from durable, water-repelling optical glass.
The camera can capture up to 8K 360 video. That’s 21% more resolution than the competition for superior detail and sharpness.
Such quality is combined with the MAX2’s 10-Bit Color to enable the most professional-looking 360 content.
Users can also shoot in GP-Log to maximize dynamic range, details, and post-production flexibility.
In addition, for audio quality, there are six industry-leading microphones for 360 audio, along with improved Bluetooth functionality, 360 stereo audio, and advanced wind noise reduction.
For stills, users will also get 29MP 360 photos for a high resolution should they need to crop, zoom, and reframe via the GoPro Quik App.
Speaking of post-processing, the Quik App offers AI-powered tools. GoPro subscribers also enjoy unlimited cloud-storage.
LIT HERO: Capture whatever, whenever
The ultra-compact LIT HERO lifestyle camera features a built-in light, enabling users to capture photos and videos under various scenarios with a retro vibes look.
The camera can capture up to 4K resolution at 60fps. Creators can also film at 2x slo-mo for different uses.
There is also an optional 4:3 aspect ratio from which creators can get cropped vertical clips for social posts.
Built with GoPro durability, the LIT HERO comes with a rugged and waterproof design at up to 16 feet (five meters).
On a single charge, the camera can record continuously for over 100 minutes at its highest video setting.
Fluid AI Pro gimbal: For all creators
Lastly, the Fluid Pro AI gimbal is designed for GoPro cameras, smartphones, and even point-and-shoot cameras weighing up to 400 grams.
Designed to meet the needs of today’s creators, the AI Subject Tracking gimbal features a 3-axis gimbal with interchangeable mounts.
The tracker can lock onto a person’s face or body and automatically track them in frame with precision. This tracker can also face either forward or back.
The gimbal even comes with an integrated fill light should you need to balance the light in shots.
The Fluid Pro AI lasts up to 18 hours in one go, and can even double as a power bank.
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