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.

Cameras

Insta360 GO 3S gets retro makeover

Tiny camera, vintage vibes

Published

May 14, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition is bringing a touch of nostalgia to its tiny POV camera lineup.

The company has announced the new Retro Bundle Edition for the GO 3S, combining the wearable 4K camera with accessories and software features inspired by classic film photography.

At the center of the bundle is the Retro Viewfinder. It transforms the tiny camera into a handheld shooter with a waist-level framing experience reminiscent of vintage film cameras. Instead of relying on a screen, users can compose shots through the optical finder for a more deliberate shooting style. The viewfinder also includes a built-in selfie mirror.

The bundle also includes a Battery Pack that extends recording time to up to 76 minutes while supporting charging during recording. An NFC Custom Skin allows quick access to the Insta360 app by tapping a smartphone against it.

Other accessories include a wearable strap and the Magnet Pendant for hands-free POV capture.

To match the retro-inspired hardware, Insta360 is also adding exclusive film-style filters including Negative Film, Positive Film, and Sticker Filter. Five additional built-in color profiles are also included: NC, CC, GR-F, Mono, and Vintage Vacation.

Despite the nostalgic styling, the GO 3S keeps its modern action camera features. The 39g camera can shoot 4K video with FlowState Stabilization, supports QuickCapture, and is waterproof up to 10 meters.

Price and availability

The Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition is now available in Canvas White and Classic Red color options. Pricing starts at US$249.99 for the 64GB version and US$269.99 for the 128GB model.

@gadgetmatchWarm vibes, slow jams, Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition time. #insta360 #retro #tinycamera

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Accessories

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features

Better Android lens support

Published

April 23, 2026

GadgetMatch

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Excerpt: Better Android lens support

Insta360 has released a major spring update for its Flow 2 series handheld gimbals, bringing wider Android compatibility and new features for iPhone users.

The update focuses on improving how the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro work across different devices. It expands support for flagship Android phones while adding new shooting tools for iOS, making hands-free, stabilized video easier to capture without extra gear.

Android finally gets full lens access

One of the biggest changes is native multi-lens support on Android. When paired with the Insta360 app, the Flow 2 series can now access ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on supported devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, vivo, OPPO, and more.

This means users can shoot at full resolution using their phone’s native cameras, whether capturing wide landscapes or zoomed-in details. The update brings Android performance closer to what iPhone users have been getting, especially in more dynamic shooting scenarios like concerts, sports, and vlogging.

The improved lens access also works with features like Widescreen Mode, helping users create smoother, more cinematic footage with better framing flexibility.

Faster 360 panoramas for quick sharing

The Flow 2 series continues to stand out with its ability to capture full 360-degree panoramas. With the new 360 Panorama 2.0, stitching is now 50% faster, producing results in about 20 seconds.

Users can capture everything in one go, then choose their preferred framing afterward. The feature also supports interactive sharing via links, letting viewers pan and explore the image on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Creative templates such as Tiny Planet are also available for quick edits, making it easier to turn panoramic shots into shareable content.

Dual View adds more angles in one take

Dual View Mode introduces multi-angle recording without the need for additional cameras. It allows simultaneous recording using the front and rear cameras, or even dual rear lenses, producing three clips in a single take.

This is useful for creators who want to capture reactions alongside the main shot or experiment with different focal lengths at once. Combined with AI tracking, the feature keeps subjects centered while adding more variety to footage.

Apple Watch control for hands-free shooting

For iPhone users, the update adds Apple Watch control, turning the watch into a remote for the gimbal.

Users can start or stop recording, adjust settings, switch modes, and even control zoom using the Digital Crown. This allows for better control during solo shoots, especially when the phone is mounted on the gimbal at a distance.

Smarter tracking and remote control tools

The update also improves several AI-powered features across the Flow 2 series.

AI Tracker now works across more Android apps, enabling subject tracking during video calls, livestreams, or hands-free recording. Multi-person tracking keeps groups in frame, while Active Zoom Tracking allows up to 15x zoom while maintaining focus on moving subjects.

There’s also a new smartphone remote control feature, which lets users operate the gimbal using a second phone. This adds flexibility for more complex shooting setups without interrupting the shot.

Availability

The update is available now through the Insta360 app and the official website. Compatibility may vary depending on the smartphone model.

Cameras

The Fujifilm instax mini 13 is your new, favorite plus-one!

Say goodbye to awkward “who’s taking the photo?” debates with the camera that puts you at the center of the frame.

Published

April 23, 2026

MJ Jucutan

We’ve all been there: you’re at the center of a perfect moment — a sunset rooftop toast or a reunion with your best friends — and you’re stuck behind the screen trying to get the lighting right.

Fujifilm’s new instax mini 13 is here to let you stop worrying about the “how” and start living the “now”.

The first thing you’ll notice is the glow-up. The mini 13 swaps the tech-heavy look for a soft, sculpted aesthetic that feels like a dream in your hand. It comes in five candy-colored hues: Dreamy Purple, Frost Blue, Candy Pink, Lagoon Green, and Clay White.

The biggest flex is you can finally be in the shot. The new dual timers (2 or 10 seconds) mean no more awkward “who’s taking the photo?” debates.

Just prop it up with the included angle adjustment accessory, set the timer, and join the frame.

The tech inside is just as intuitive. A simple twist of the lens powers it on or shifts it into Close-Up Mode, while the Parallax Correction ensures your centered shots actually stay centered.