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Moments: Liwliwa, Zambales

Beach breaks are good for your health!

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Moments: Liwliwa, Zambales

Whenever life throws me a curveball, I make it a point to book a weekend by the beach. As far as my personal experience goes, the answer to most problems is a quick beach fix. Even in films, we’ve seen how basking under sunlight and hearing the sound of the ocean can improve our well-being.

Luckily, the Philippines is a country where beaches and islands are just a few hours away be it via bus, car, ferry, or plane. So one sunny weekend before the country went on lockdown, I went to a beach break where surfers and beach rabbits can de-stress from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

If you’re considering going on beach vacations at some point in your lives, here are some reasons why:

Elevate your mood

ICYDK, being exposed to sunlight can help boost our mood since it increases the release of  Serotonin — a feel-good hormone in our brain which helps us feel calm and happier. But before you soak some sunshine, make sure you apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays!

Relax your brains

City life is bustling and crowded; there’s so much going on. When near any body of water, particularly the ocean, our minds start to relax and ease from its soothing sounds. It’s easy for our brain to process, which allows us to go into a meditative state allowing your mind to breathe, just like it would during a yoga session or mindfulness exercise.

De-stress by doing nothing

We’re all busy with jam-packed schedules, why not let yourself recuperate by doing nothing? Not all beach trips have to be filled with tight itineraries; that’s a fun way to ruin a weekend break. Sometimes, all you need is to nap and leave your phone behind while under a big, beach umbrella, listening to the ocean’s lull. In my friend’s case, it’s read a book while lying on a hammock.

Anything blue won’t make you feel blue

Unlike the common blues, the blue sky we see when we’re at the beach doesn’t make us feel down. Unbeknownst to many, colors have a big impact on our mood. This is true especially for blue, which has a calming and relaxing effect. It’s a restorative color that rejuvenates your heart, mind, body, and soul just by looking at it.

Sand helps with fitness

Working out is one of our favorite activities on the beach, whether it’s mastering yoga positions, running through dunes early in the morning, or playing volleyball during sunset. Our bodies work harder just by stepping on sand because the soft surface requires greater force. However, the sand also absorbs the energy exerted, which guarantees low-impact on any strenuous activity we do.

Taking beach breaks on a beach break

If you’re new to the jargon, beach breaks are surfable waves breaking onto a beach. It’s different from Point Breaks, which produces long, perfect waves you can ride.

Both beach breaks and point breaks are mostly found near surf towns. In the Philippines, there are three accessible surfing spots when you come from Manila: San Felipe in Zambales, San Juan in La Union, and Baler in Aurora.

Taking a beach break on a surfing spot with lots of beach breaks can do wonders for your well-being. It has everything you need: the sun, the sand, the blue sky, and the sound of crashing waves.

Wherever your next ride would be, always arm yourself with a compact camera to document your adventures, and have your friends tag along. Moments are best enjoyed when you have companions.

 

Video was taken using Sony RX100 VII at Kapitan’s Liwa Surf Resort, San Felipe, Zambales


Moments is a travel video series that aims to show that anyone, using any device — whether a DSLR or an inexpensive smartphone — can capture life’s moments and make something beautiful out of it.

Cameras

Fujifilm X100VI to finally make PH debut

At FUJIKINA MNL 2024, Bonifacio High Street

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Fujifilm X100VI

The highly-anticipated Fujifilm X100VI will make its Philippine debut at the FUJIKINA MNL 2024 Camera Fest in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. The event is free and open to the public and will be held from April 27 to 28. To register, click this link: FUJIKINA MNL

Celebrity Khalil Ramos will grace the local launch of the Fujifilm X100VI on the second day. Announced a few months ago, the X100VI uses a new 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and is powered by an X-Processor 5 engine. These work together to allow more light absorption. The brand’s latest X100 series offering also features in-body image stabilization for the first time in the series. Moreover, the camera can film up to 6.2K at 30fps.

ALSO READ: Fujifilm announces X100VI, limited-edition model

Aside from the X100VI’s release, FUJIKINA 2024 also allows visitors to engage in various activities. First, there’s the Photo Walk event that lets enthusiasts explore Bonifacio High Street at night and capture its vibrant atmosphere. Participants may event get the chance to win a Fujifilm X-T30 II with their best shots.

Next, Fujifilm’s X-Series and GFX cameras will also be on display, free for passersby to test and feel. There are also three shooting studios for guests to capture memories: the Selfie & Pet, Travel, and Smile studios. And for regular Fujifilm camera users, the event will also offer free servicing.

Furthermore, there are two major photo exhibits throughout High Street, showcasing the best images from the Fujifilm community. Lastly, Fujifilm users may also pre-register for an exclusive XPPH Night here.

You may check the full schedule below.

April 27 – Amphitheater

10:00 a.m. onwards:

  • Touch and Try
  • Express Service
  • XPPH Print Market

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.:

  • Opening program
  • Workshops

7:00 p.m. onwards:

  • Photo Walk
  • Contest

April 28 – Amphitheater

10:00 a.m. onwards:

  • Touch and Try
  • Express Service
  • XPPH Print Market

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.:

  • X100VI launch

7:00 p.m. onwards:

  • XPPH Night

April 27 and 28 – C1 Park

10:00 a.m. onwards:

  • Fujifilm Interactive Studios (Portrait & Pet, Wanderlust, Project Smile)
  • Film Simulation Exhibit

April 27 and 28 – South Street

10:00 a.m. onwards:

  • Nationwide Photo and Video Walk 2023 Exhibit
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Cameras

New Insta360 X4 delivers 8K 360 videos

Welcome to the 8K 360 era

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Insta360 X4

Insta360 is redefining what action cameras are capable of with the introduction of the Insta360 X4. Insta360’s latest offering allows users to film 8K resolution 360-degree videos. In addition, it can record slow-motion 4K videos at up to 120fps.

As expected, the X4 retains Insta360’s “shoot first, point later” ability and invisible selfie stick effect. Moreover, it doubles as a traditional action camera with “flat” captures in Single-Lens mode at up to 4K at 60fps.

The Insta360 X4 is available for US$ 499.99/ PhP 30,990 on the official Insta360 store, Amazon, and other retailers.

Incredible third-person views at 8K

The 8K at 30fps resolution is the highest setting for a 360-degree action camera yet. With such high resolution, users can expect detailed and sharp videos even after reframing, or choosing which specific angle to include in the capture.

For slow-motion, users can now film 4K videos at 100fps for cinematic shots slowed down four times. Furthermore, the highest resolution for a 60fps 360-degree video is upgraded to 5.7K. You may also use the X4 to take stills, as it is capable of 72MP 360-degree photos.

Two cameras in one

Aside from its default 360-degree capturing mode, users may utilize the Insta360 X4 as a regular wide-angle camera. They may shoot a first-person POV video with Single-Lens mode from a chest-mounted position. “Regular” means not having the fish eye-looking effect from the 360-degree mode and having ordinary, flat-looking images instead.

Under the Single-Lens mode, users will be able to record 4K videos at 60fps with an ultra-wide 170-degree field of view. This can be upgraded even more with MaxView while retaining 4K resolution at 30fps. Meanwhile, Me Mode, which erases the selfie stick, can film 4K at up to 120fps.

There are also upgrades on the X4’s creative shooting modes. Bullet Time can now shoot slow-mos at 5.7K at 120fps, or even 3K at an astounding 240fps. Hyperlapse videos, meanwhile, can be recorded in 8K quality.

Action specialist

A 5nm AI chip powers the Insta360 X4, along with a smart control system with Voice and Gesture Control features, and a host of AI-powered shooting and editing features.

The action camera comes with a 2.5-inch Corning Gorila Glass touchscreen for on-the-go use. Users may adjust the settings or choose the desired mode more easily.

The X4’s 2,290mAh battery allows for up to a 135-minute run time (at 5.7K@30fps). This is an impressive 67% longer battery life than its predecessor, the X3.

Moreover, the device is waterproof at up to 164 feet for diving, and cold-weather resistant at up to -20 degrees Celsius.

AI-powered editing

The X4 also harnesses the power of AI. Using the Insta360 app, users may simply move their phone or use the virtual joystick to point the camera. AI Edit, on the other hand, lets Insta360’s entire algorithm do the work for the reframing process. This improved algorithm has better subject detection, helping users save time. Users may also get creative with Shot Lab and Motion ND filters.

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Cameras

Fujifilm announces X100VI, limited-edition model

The first X100 camera with in-body image stabilization

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Fujifilm X100VI

Fujifilm has launched its latest compact digital camera: The Fujifilm X100VI. The sixth generation model introduces a handful of firsts for an X100 series camera.

The X100VI boasts of a new 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and is powered by an X-Processor 5 engine. These work together to allow more light than any prior X100 camera.

For the first time, the camera offers in-body image stabilization with up to 6.0 stops. Filming at up to 6.2K 30p has also been made possible.

High performance

In addition to more light absorption, the X100VI features ISO 125, which was only available as an extension in previous models. Its tracking AF function also ensures high-quality content especially for filming.

The camera comes with 20 film simulation modes, including the new “REALA ACE” mode for a diverse range of distinctive tones. This particular mode offers faithful color reproduction and high-contrast tonality which is suitable for various subjects and situations.

Moreover, the X100VI supports Frame.io Camera to Cloud without the need for additional accessories. Users will only need to wirelessly connect to the internet to automatically upload photos and videos. This speeds up the process from shooting to final editing.

Better operability

The X100VI also has an “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder” function. With this, users will be able to switch between the optical (OVF) and electronic (EVF) viewfinders. The EVF itself is equipped with a high-resolution OLED panel with about 3.69 million dots.

Meanwhile, the “Electronic Range Finder” (ERF) allows a small EVF to be simultaneously displayed on the OVF. This permits the photographer to capture the subject in the OVF while magnifying the in-focus area in the small EVF.

Functional design

The Fujifilm X100VI retains the compact and lightweight look of its previous iterations. As with its predecessors, the latest model’s body uses aluminum for the top and bottom surfaces.

It has also adopted the X100V’s ultra-thin tilt LCD monitor design. The shape of the grip, on the other hand, has been fine-tuned to ensure a better feel. The positions of the buttons on the back have also been moved.

Limited edition X100VI

In addition to its release, a limited edition X100VI model will be made available to celebrate Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary. Only 1,934 units of the limited edition model will be available worldwide.

These numbered X100VI units are packaged in a special box that includes a special strap, soft release button, and history cards.

The camera body is engraved with the founding logo in 1934, along with a unique serial number.

In the Philippines, The Limited edition X100VI will retail for PhP 130,990. Meanwhile, the standard edition is priced at PhP 103,990.

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