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

These Polaroid x Pokémon cameras are just the cutest things

There are three cameras and a set of custom film.

Published

August 20, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Nothing will ever stop us from desiring everything Pokémon-related. Now, the world’s most popular series of critters and creatures is lending its adorable appeal to the world of Polaroids. To celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, Polaroid is releasing a trio of cameras themed after the catchable monsters.

Let’s start with the smaller two. Making two-thirds of the trio, a couple of Polaroid Go Generation 3 cameras will don two iconic Pokémon: Pikachu and Sylveon. Though both models are technically identical to their non-themed siblings, their stylings are well worth the price. The Pikachu Edition, for one, has a yellow body and a strap shaped to look like the Pokémon’s tail. Meanwhile, the Sylveon Edition’s strap looks just like the Pokémon’s ribbons.

If you want a bigger one, Polaroid is also selling a Polaroid Now Camera Generation 3 – Pokémon Edition. Rather than focusing on a single character, the edition comes with the iconic red, white, and black of the franchise. The shutter button looks like a Poké Ball too. Specs-wise, the Now has a bigger lens (and a two-lens autofocus system) compared to the Go models.

Now, a Polaroid kit is incomplete without a set of film. Alongside the themed cameras, Polaroid is releasing a series of themed frames. The two Go models will have custom frames stylized after the two Pokémon. Meanwhile, the Now Camera will get more options. All of which will have numbered dark slides so you can, like the game, catch ‘em all.

Coming out on October 5, the two Go cameras will sell for US$ 100, and the Now Camera will sell for US$ 140. A double pack of the Go Color Film will go for US$ 25, and a single pack of Color i-Type Film goes for US$ 23.

Cameras

Insta360 X6 brings 8K 360 capture, AI-powered editing

Sharper 360 footage, longer battery life, and an AI that edits your clips while you charge?!

Published

August 13, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Fresh off its global release, Insta360 brings its latest entry in the X series, the Insta360 X6, to the Philippines.

Upgraded imaging for every moment

The headline upgrade lands straight in the image sensor. Dual custom Sony 1/1.1-inch square sensors power the Insta360 X6, delivering a full 1-inch equivalent 360 imaging experience.

This hardware update brings noticeably sharper detail and stronger low-light performance compared to older X Series cameras. It shoots up to native 8K at 50fps with 10-bit color and native in-camera Dolby Vision, giving creators maximum flexibility during post-production.

Beyond the larger sensor, the X6 functions as three cameras in one: a full 360 shooter, a subject-tracking camera, and a single-lens action camera. You can capture everything around you now and pick your angle later. Alternatively, you can pull flat 4K footage through InstaFrame 2.0 or switch to single-lens mode for a traditional action cam experience.

Battery life sees a major boost as well. The new 2600mAh Xtreme Battery offers up to 140 minutes of continuous 8K30fps recording. Meanwhile, a Star-Ridge cooling system keeps the camera cool during longer 8K sessions. You also get 64GB of built-in storage (47GB usable), allowing you to start shooting immediately without a microSD card on hand.

For anyone building out a rig, the X6 supports over 100 accessories. It easily adapts to travel, motorcycle rides, cycling, diving, and other high-action pursuits.

Intelligent AI editing

Software plays an equally big role in this launch. Insta360 introduces PanoMind, its first AI model built specifically for 360 footage. Instead of analyzing a flat frame, PanoMind reads full spherical scenes.

Through AI Director, the X6 reviews your footage while charging, generates highlight edits on its own, and sends them directly to the Insta360 app. This feature saves you from spending hours scrubbing through raw clips for key moments.

If you want more say in the final cut, Auto Edit 2.0 turns single or multiple clips into finished videos, handling framing, camera movement, cuts, music, and transitions automatically. For deeper workflows, the X6 still supports I-Log, 10-bit recording, Insta360 Studio, and Insta360+ cloud editing tools.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The Insta360 X6 is now available in the Philippines through authorized retailers and official online channels.

The Standard Bundle costs PhP 45,390 and includes the X6 camera, a USB-C cable, a protective pouch, and a lens cloth.

Meanwhile, the Essentials Bundle costs PhP 49,990. It adds an extra Xtreme Battery, a 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick, a lens cap, and a Fast Charge Case on top of the base package.

Insta360 Philippines is also expanding its retail footprint across key cities while hosting hands-on community workshops tailored for travel, riding, cycling, and filmmaking enthusiasts.

Cameras

Sony launches FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS telephoto zoom lens

Super telephoto zoom lens for hobbyists

Published

August 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

Sony has launched the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS super telephoto zoom lens tailored for hobbyists and for a competitive price.

The compact and lightweight lens (approx. 654 grams) is meant for 35mm full-frame Alpha E-mount cameras, making it easy to carry to capture subjects that are difficult to appraoch.

This includes birds, sports scenes, and more. Landscape photography unique to super-telephoto lenses can also be enjoyed by making use of the compression effect. This makes the distance between nearby subjects and distant background elements appear closer together.

When used with a teleconverter, users can double the distance they can capture, with the lens supporting focal lengths of up to 800mm or up to 1,200m in APS-C mode.

With the latest optical design incorporating two ED glass elements and two aspherical elements, excellent image quality is achieved across the entire zoom range. These elements reduce chromatic and other aberrations for clear rendering.

Subject shooting can stand out as well in a natural and soft bokeh, with the lens’ 9-blade circular aperture. This makes the lens also ideal for close-up photography of flowers, insects, and other nearby objects.

In addition, the lens features a linear motor drive for fast, precise, and quiet AF performance to help capture moving objects. The lens also supports high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to approximately 120 frames per second when used with the Alpha 9 III.

Built-in optical image stabilization also supports handheld shooting in the super-telephoto range, suppressing camera shake. Users can also utilize the camera body’s Active Mode image stabilization and coordinate image stabilization control.

In Singapore, the Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS will be available by the end of August for SG$ 1,099.