Cameras

I took the GoPro HERO13 Black on a 36KM trail run

Here’s how this action camera became my unexpected companion

Published

November 29, 2024

MJ Jucutan

I’ve been running for over two years now, but let’s just say the marathon was never really on my radar—until 2025, that is.

I impulsively signed up for a race, but before I even toe the line on the road, I dove headfirst into something much more intense: an ultra-marathon. And yes, it’s a trail run. Why? Because why not?

Now that I’m about to face my first ultra, I needed a little push to get more serious about my training. So, every weekend, I pushed myself to run a 36km trail with a brutal 2200m elevation gain. Just to prepare.

In one of those runs, I thought, why not bring the new GoPro HERO13 Black along for the ride?

Let me tell you—this little action camera became my trail companion in ways I didn’t expect.

The early morning struggle

I’m the type of runner who loves solitude, especially on the trail. I don’t usually carry a camera. I’ve always preferred to just lose myself in the run, my thoughts, and my surroundings.

But I was running solo that day, and I figured the GoPro would be a fun way to document my adventure. I didn’t think about the extra weight at first—until I had to carry it around on a monopod while also lugging a hydration pack and snacks.

It was 4 a.m. when I started, and I didn’t even think about recording. For the first two and a half hours, the GoPro just sat in my hand. The weight didn’t help my already tired legs (sore from the dreaded leg day before), and I couldn’t quite figure out where to stash it.

When the sun finally began to rise, I started recording. And honestly? I was starting to wonder if the battery would even make it to the end.

Fun fact: I didn’t charge the GoPro HERO13 Black all the way. I started with just 78%… and let’s just say I was a little concerned about it running out before I reached the finish line.

Fear, but make it dramatic: 16KM In

By the time I hit the 16km mark, I found myself in a remote place I’d never been: Sitio Malasya. It’s a small enclave, miles from civilization, after a pretty intense river crossing.

The only thing I could hear was the sound of my footsteps and the rushing river. It was quiet. Too quiet. And the whole situation? It was a little… eerie.

@hemjaye And I made it, 36KM trail run without injuries. My hamstrings are tired but my legs are still fresh, able to still drive going back home. My love for trail running just got even stronger. 💕 #trailrunning #trailrun #fyp #foryou #fypシ #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – Jomar.Escandor

I found myself recording with the GoPro HERO13 Black, almost as if I was documenting my last moments on earth (dramatic, I know). I mean, who really gets that deep into the trail with no one around?

My overactive imagination kicked in, and I convinced myself that if something went wrong, the GoPro would be my only witness. I even had the weird thought that my loved ones could see the footage.

Looking back, I can’t say why I was thinking so darkly. All I had to do was retrace my steps. But in the moment, the river’s current was stronger than my legs, and for a second, I wasn’t sure I’d make it back. (Spoiler alert: I did. Clearly.)

But that moment? It made me appreciate the value of having the GoPro to record not just the fun, scenic parts of the run, but the whole experience—the highs, the lows, and all the in-betweens.

Trail running + 4K footage = New obsession?

I was a little worried that the GoPro HERO13 Black would give up on me mid-run, but nope, it held up.

I realized that most of the time, you don’t really want to be recording every single step because you’re, well, running. But when I stopped to hydrate or take in the views, the GoPro captured some beautiful 4K footage.

Every moment—whether I was resting or charging up a hill—was documented in a way that made it feel like I was starring in my own adventure movie.

My only complaint? The camera gets hot during long runs. But, to be fair, it wasn’t as bad as when I used the GoPro HERO12 for a canyoneering trip in Cebu, where it practically overheated.

Despite that, the GoPro HERO13 Black’s stabilization system blew me away. It captured every twist, turn, and jump along the trail without shaking or blur.

For someone like me who doesn’t always run in a straight line (hello, off-trail shortcuts), the GoPro made it all look smooth.

And the HDR support? Let’s just say your footage will look Instagram-ready with minimal effort. The hybrid log-gamma (HLG) HDR video feature means the colors pop, and the contrast is sharp, as if you’re seeing things straight from the eye.

If you love to experiment with color grading, you’re in for a treat. Every clip you take on the trail can easily turn into something that feels like a movie.

Is the GoPro HERO13 Black your GadgetMatch?

By the end of my long trail run, I had a real moment with the GoPro HERO13 Black. I used to be skeptical about carrying cameras on long runs.

But after experiencing the stabilization, the HDR quality, and the ability to document every fun (and dramatic) moment, I’ve come around.

So, is the GoPro HERO13 Black your GadgetMatch? Here’s the rundown:

Swipe right if you’re all about smooth footage, creative shots, and need an action camera that can keep up with long, demanding trail runs. With its interchangeable lens system, ND filters, and accessories, it’s built for the adventure-loving content creator.

Swipe left if you prefer to shoot indoors or in low light. The HERO13 Black doesn’t handle those situations well—you’ll want to wait for the sun to come up if you’re capturing your outdoor adventures, where it truly shines.

For me, the GoPro HERO13 Black isn’t just an accessory; it’s a worthwhile companion. If you’re ready to capture your trail adventures with all the beauty, chaos, and sweat involved, it’s totally worth it.

Accessories

Fujifilm Philippines introduces instax Mini Evo Cinema, Mini Link+

It’s time to enter your film+ era and hold onto your favorite moments

Published

March 30, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The digital scroll is fine, but Fujifilm Philippines is making a strong case for the tangible.

For a weekend, the Open House World in Makati transformed into a nostalgic playground for the “In Our Film+ Era” pop-up.

The mission was simple: proving that memories feel better when you can actually hold them.

The stars of the show were the new instax Mini Evo Cinema and the instax Mini Link+, two gadgets designed for the artsy geek who wants their life to look as good on paper as it does on a Pinterest board.

Retro meets technology

The instax Mini Evo Cinema, priced at PhP 22,599, is a total vibe-shifter. With its 10 Eras Dial effects, you can toggle through a hundred different creative combinations.

Then there is the instax Mini Link+ for PhP 8,999, built for the maximalists who refuse to let their best shots die in the camera roll.

This smartphone printer adds AR effects and custom designs, turning digital snapshots into high-aesthetic physical keepsakes.

As Masahiro Uehara, President of FUJIFILM Philippines, put it, the goal is to reimagine how people connect with their memories by blending innovation with raw emotion.

More than just a photo op

The weekend functioned as a masterclass in creativity rather than just a product demo.

On the first day, filmmaker Elyandre Dagli showed the crowd how the Mini Evo works as a powerhouse for documentation and storytelling.

The energy continued the next day with Nica Cosio, who led a session on rubber stamp carving and journaling. Cosio showed how the Mini Link+ bridges the gap between digital tech and old-school scrapbooking.

Artists like Soleil Ignacio, Bryan Sochayseng, and Jill Arteche also dropped by to share how these tools fit into their professional creative workflows, proving that “instant” doesn’t have to mean disposable.

Ready to enter your Film+ era?

If you missed the pop-up, you haven’t missed the tech. The instax Mini Evo Cinema and instax Mini Link+ are officially hitting authorized FUJIFILM dealers nationwide right now.

It’s time to stop scrolling and start collecting.

For the latest updates, you can follow Team Instax on Facebook and Instagram.

Cameras

DJI’s Inspire 3 Basic Package make 8K aerial filmmaking more accessible

A streamlined kit for independent filmmakers!

Published

March 16, 2026

MJ Jucutan

DJI has officially introduced the Inspire 3 Basic Package, a streamlined kit designed to lower the barrier of entry for professional aerial cinematography.

Since its debut in 2023, the Inspire 3 has established itself as the primary choice for studio film and television productions.

This new package provides a cost-effective path for independent filmmakers to integrate 8K aerial imaging into their workflow or for production houses to scale their existing fleet.

Cinema-grade performance in a portable form factor

The Inspire 3 remains a revolutionary all-in-one drone, built to handle the rigorous demands of high-end sets.

At the core of the package is the Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, which features dual native ISO and more than 14 stops of dynamic range.

These specifications translate to high-fidelity footage that retains authentic colors and accurate skin tones, even when filming in challenging urban environments or varying lighting conditions.

By utilizing the DJI Cinema Color System (DCCS) and the O3 Pro transmission system, the drone acts as a reliable partner in movement, ensuring that technical performance supports the creative vision without the need for overly complex setups.

Essential tools for modern production

The Basic Package is curated to include the core hardware necessary for professional use while allowing for modular expansion. The kit features:

The Inspire 3 Aircraft and Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera
Four TB51 Intelligent Batteries to support extended shooting schedules
Specialized storage solutions, including the Inspire 3 Trolley Case and Gimbal Camera Case

Filmmakers who require the full ecosystem can still purchase key peripherals separately, such as the RC Plus remote controller, allowing the gear to grow alongside their specific project needs.

Price, availability

The DJI Inspire 3 Basic Package is available starting today through authorized retailers and the official DJI store. The package retails for PhP 615,049.

This release reinforces the philosophy that while technology provides the tools, the focus remains on the life and stories captured through the lens.

Cameras

Osmo Pocket 4 makes a surprising appearance in public

Is the built-in light real?

Published

February 19, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 might be the most popular camera in recent history. The tiny action camera constantly sells out, thanks to creators and would-be vloggers. Because of the current generation’s popularity, everyone is looking forward to the next-generation Osmo Pocket 4. Though it’s still unannounced, the new camera has suddenly made a surprising appearance out in the wild.

The leak shockingly comes from an authorized DJI retailer in Kuala Lumpur. Supposedly, a customer entered the store with what they claimed was an Osmo Pocket 4. The store, DronesKaki, even shot a now-deleted video of the unannounced camera, rescued by New Camera.

Based solely on the short video, the Osmo Pocket 4 looks and feels very familiar to those who’ve already used the Pocket 3. The three-axis gimbal system still keeps shots in place for taking videos while on the move. The 2-inch rotating screen looks identical to the current one, especially because of intuitive settings and controls.

However, the biggest standout is the built-in LED light sitting atop the camera. Despite how convenient and easy to use it is, the Pocket 3 doesn’t exactly shine in low-light conditions, prompting users to always bring an external flash. If the leak is true, the Osmo Pocket 4 cures this issue to some extent. (Built-in flashes aren’t usually standout solutions, but they can work in a pinch.)

Still, take the leak with a grain of salt. Though the store could have deleted the video because of a request from DJI, they could have also deleted it because it’s not the Osmo Pocket 4. At this point, we won’t know, but current rumors speculate that the camera is launching soon.