Cameras

myFirst Insta Wi: For the love of labels, prints, and photographs

Here’s a camera and printer in one!

Published

September 29, 2021

MJ Jucutan

Kids nowadays are neck-deep into technology — smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, television, and other forms of tech in our day-to-day lives.

Being the legal guardian of my seven-year-old niece is tough, especially since my work involves the latest devices in the consumer technology industry. She has access to all the newest and coolest gadgets in the market more than her peers.

What worries me is that I’ll have a hard time encouraging her to be more present, disconnect, and have fun offline. So when Oaxis Singapore reached out for their Kickstarter campaign, I was ecstatic. An instant camera and printer in one could be the solution to my woes.

A bit of history

Before we dive in, let’s have a bit of a background about myFirst. It’s a kids technology brand under Oaxis, founded by a team of super dads who aim to bridge the gap between tech and the toys we used to love.

There are a lot of issues that almost every parent has when it comes to gadgets. These include security in using technology and against online risks, being a factor in a child’s learning process, possible addiction, and safety from hazardous materials. This is what myFirst has been trying to address ever since they launched the myFirst Camera. And it continues to do so with the newest Insta Wi.

So, what is this Insta Wi?

The Insta Wi is myFirst’s newest camera — an all-in-one device that lets you take photos and videos, and print pictures and labels.

It comes in an adorable, familiar shape with a yummy yellow colorway. Seems familiar? The color follows after the Pantone Color of the Year 2021.

It has little ears where you can hook some straps so you can bring the device wherever you go without worry.

On its front, you can find its 16-megapixel rear camera together with the printer.

Moving to its sides, the right part has a mouthpiece and a slot for the micro-USB port and memory card, covered by a yellow silicone flap.

The other side comes with its speaker grilles.

On the back, you can find its selfie camera above the 2.4-inch IPS LCD screen, surrounded by plenty of buttons for navigating the device and doing its function.

It also comes with a dock that doubles as its protective case and holder for kids to grip easily.

The case has two instant buttons on its back: a power button and a wireless print option.

Playing around

So let’s dive in on what this all-in-one device can do for you or your kid. You can boot the device by pressing the power button on the left side of the screen. When it’s opened, it will automatically use the selfie shooter. If you aim to use the rear camera, flip it through the same button you used to boot the device. You just need to click it to switch, since pressing long will shut it down.

On the right side of the screen are buttons that let you capture photos and videos. It’s the same process as the power button; the icon on top requires a single click while the icon below requires a long press for it to work.

The button below the power toggle is for the back option and settings. You can change the printing density, or switch the photo resolution between 6M (3280×1848), 9M (4000×2248), and 12M (4032×2880). Just make sure to use the plus and minus sign as the up and down buttons, and the camera button as a replacement to the usual “enter” sign.

Other settings include video resolution options (VGA, 720P, and 1080P), language setting, sound, date and time, wireless connection, and format option. The other buttons below the screen let you access the gallery and print photos, assuming you have inserted a roll of paper.

Thermal printing!

Let’s go back to the front and figure out how to print and insert a roll of paper. First, you need to open the yellow cover by pulling it from the side.

Once opened, you’ll find a slot where you can insert the rolled thermal paper included in the box.

Of course, you have to insert the rolled thermal paper so we can get things rolling. Remember to remove the sticker and put the edge to the opening so the printer can detect the paper.

Once you’re set, you can check your gallery and click the print button. Printing doesn’t take long, ten seconds top. The results aren’t quite lovely, since we’ve covered thermal printers before that have clearer and firmer results.

Although, that’s only an inconvenience for adults. When my niece used the printer to make physical copies of her photos, she was astounded. The key here is making the kid indulge and have fun using technology.

To make things more adorable, the package comes with colorful stickers to adorn your prints and labels.

Needing labels

If you don’t have a label in your life, then that’s a problem. Kidding aside, the Insta Wi prints not just photos, but labels, too. You can download the myFirst Insta Wi app on the App Store and the Play Store.

To make it work, remember to turn off the camera (if you have it on), and place it on the dock. Then, turn it on again through the power button and press the wireless print option.

This enables Wi-Fi connectivity so you can connect both your smartphone and the Insta Wi. It took me a few minutes connecting both, but when I succeeded — everything was just seamless.

There are so many things you can do using the app. I even asked my niece to write something and use a layout so that the print looks cute.

If you have a Galaxy Note or a tablet with pen support, it would be perfect to draw on the app and have it printed to give a handwritten and personal touch to your labels and prints. Nonetheless, fingers do well on any smartphone if you’re creative enough.

There are options to make a label, layout a design, and even add filters to your existing photos through the app — and you can print it easily and continuously. I would advise cutting the rolls using a cutter or a pair of scissors since the thermal paper is tougher than it seems.

For those who want to make things a little bit personal, you can print old photos from your phone. The thermal prints need a higher contrast so consider editing your photos to appear clear and visible when printed.

Taking snaps

I didn’t have any video samples with me but I took a stroll with the device while my cousins and I were out for a walk. And for the record, I was able to upload these photos because the device comes with a memory slot for a microSD card. And a microSD card reader in the box to ensure you can have a copy of your snaps!

Of course, the shots aren’t remarkable if you compare them to the latest cameras and smartphones we have today. However, it’s reminiscent of digital cameras of the past — grainy films, dates and tags, and colors that saturated our photo albums back in the 90s and early 2000s.

Lasts enough

The Insta Wi has a 1,500mAh battery capacity which can last up to five hours. Charging time is capped at 2.5 hours. If you ask me, the capacity is more than enough since we’re not going to spend the whole day using the device. When I went out, I turned it on and off in between chats and walks.

Just because you have cool and cute technology at your hands doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the present. Remember: variety is key when it comes to recreational activities with our kids.

Price and availability

The myFirst Insta Wi retails for US$ 129. However, you can snag it for EUR 59/US$ 69 through its Kickstarter campaign which started last September 14, 2021, and will end on October 14, 2021.

After the Kickstarter campaign, production will begin in October 2021 and will start shipping in November 2021 for early birds. Regular Kickstarters will have their Insta Wi shipped by December 2021.

Is this your Kid’s GadgetMatch?

I’d give a resounding yes — whether you snag the Insta Wi at an affordable rate through its Kickstarter campaign or if you have spare cash to buy it at retail price.

Most gadgets aren’t designed for kids. There’s a handful that does so, but it’s rare to see a product that considers the kids’ user experience, safety, and security, as well as addressing a parent/guardian’s concerns.

And myFirst’s Insta Wi ticks all the boxes to make it a kid’s GadgetMatch. And possibly, a gift that parents and guardians can consider for birthdays and holidays.

After all, it has an adorable design made of kid-friendly materials and an experience that helps kids unleash their creativity through prints, photographs, and a bit of video recording. More importantly, it encourages a balanced use of technology to help be more present.

My niece surely had a good time, and even I, as an adult, had a fun time playing around with the Insta Wi. Incidentally, it became a bonding moment for us, too. My high-end cameras, printers, and novelty devices are too difficult to grasp for kids under 12. At least with the Insta Wi, my love for prints and photographs lives on to a whole new generation.

Related Topics:myFirst myFirst Insta Wi Oaxis

Cameras

GoPro HERO12 Black: Making heroic shots with the new HERO

Small but not terrible

Published

November 24, 2023

Vincenz

The HERO of action cameras is back! And no doubt, the GoPro HERO 12 Black is one of the hottest action cameras around.

Not only does it provide great video output, it’s also packed with features and improvements that make it stand out from the crowd.

Packed Inside and Out

If you’re already planning to purchase the new GoPro HERO 12 Black, here’s what you should expect with its thicc packaging.

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If you’re here for the nitty-gritty new features of the brand’s latest action cam, you can see all the specifics in this article.

Keep on reading for the actual hands-on experience..

Reels-Ready

With the continuous rise of Reels and/or TikToks, having to shoot vertically is the way to go.

This is where the new Vertical Framing feature comes handy as it can shoot vertical videos for you without actually turning the device — as opposed to other action cameras including its older counterparts.

Make It Even Wider

The GoPro HERO 12 Black, just like any other action camera, comes with a default lens that it’s enough to shoot wide enough footage.

But with the optional Max Lens Mod 2.0, it makes shots even wider.

You can choose between three lens views: the default Wide (16-34mm), Max SuperView (middle ground), and the Max HyperView (the extremest view).

Just remember, you can only apply these when shooting in the default horizontal orientation.

If you’re shooting for Reels or TikTok and want this super wide look, you can stick with the default FoV (Field of View) of Vertical Mode. Otherwise, you can shoot in Horizontal Mode and just rotate it during post-process (or via GoPro’s Quik app available in both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store).

Also, don’t forget to enable it in its drop-down quick settings menu. This way you can fully-maximize its full-blown super-wide angle view whenever, wherever.

Memento Making

I enjoyed using the combination of the new lens and vertical shooting of this wonder cam during the duration of my travel. And with just one press of the top button, it instantly starts recording.

Several swipes also enables it to shoot photos or record timelapses.

Terrific Thailand.mov

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Cute Capy Cafe.mp4

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Short Singapore Stop.mkv

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What’s Poppin’ in this Pop Up.hevc

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Compact Camera Companion

The GoPro HERO 12 Black is fantastic for recording and keeping travel mementos. But other than that, it’s also be good for documenting your everyday life.

The thing I love about the GoPro HERO 12 Black is that it features a built-in mount that can be flapped out within seconds.

My former action camera relies on its case before it can actually be mounted.

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Despite the continuous advancements of smartphone cameras and their video-making improvements and capabilities, the ultra-wide lenses aren’t the best performers when you’re trying to shoot videos. This is true even if you rock the latest flagship Android smartphone or even the maxed out iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The GoPro continues to exist to fulfill that vital role in shooting. Its compact form, ease of access, easy usability, and rugged-readiness are more points to consider on owning a GoPro HERO12 Black. It’s better than actually pawning your phones just to shoot UWA (ultra-wide angle) footages in the harshest conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The GoPro HERO12 Black is being sold for PhP 24,990 (US$ 399.99 / EUR 449.99 / GBP 399.99 / SG$ 580). Meanwhile, the HERO12 Black Creator Edition retails for PhP 36,990 (US$ 599.99 / EUR 679.99 / GBP 599.99 / SG$ 890).

The Max Lens Mod 2.0 is a separate purchase for PhP 7,490 (US$ 99.99). A special bundle is available for other regions. Visit GoPro.com for specific pricing and other bundle offers in your respective regions.

Cameras

On the other side of the race course

What is it like to be a race photographer?

Published

November 9, 2023

MJ Jucutan

I’ve always wondered what being on the other side of the race course is like. As an athlete competing in endurance races, I would get giddy whenever I heard the shutter clicking as I ran.

Stumbling upon a sports photographer on the race course gives me enough boost whenever my legs are tired from running. I always imagine what my photos would look like after it gets published.

Would I look exhausted? Is it going to be an epic action shot? The possibilities are endless.

I haven’t covered sports and events in a while, since I’ve been a product photographer for over half a decade. I try to shoot during community workouts at Bridgetowne Obstacle Park, ensuring my skills don’t get rusty.

After my Elite race at Spartan Stadion, I applied to be a photographer for Spartan Race Philippines. I’ve been wanting to satiate my curiosity on what is it like to become a race photographer. A month later, I got accepted and I didn’t realize my life would turn around after that opportunity.

Going back to my first love

When I got accepted by Spartan Race Philippines’ media team, I felt puzzled that everyone was using Canon for their gear and equipment. This prompted me to reach out to Canon Philippines, having them lend me the Canon EOS R8 along with a telephoto lens (RF 70-200mm) and a wide lens (RF 15-30mm).

I’ve been using a mirrorless Sony camera for almost a decade, but my first love was a Canon DSLR. It helped me ace my photography class back in my uni days and paved the road for my current career.

Going back to Canon coincided with the desire to go back to my roots. I’ve been yearning to cover sports and events, and I finally got the opportunity to do it again.

My familiarity with Canon helped in navigating the camera. It’s like going back to an ex-lover where too much time has passed and you just got a chance to see each other again. But this time, you’re both better.

Alexa, play “Maybe This Time” by Michael Murphy.

Time to gear up

My first assignment was the biggest Spartan Trail event for the year. Dubbed the Trailfecta Weekend, Spartan Race Philippines hosted three races in one weekend: 50 km, 21 km, and 10 km.

The event was mounted in the mountains of Bacnotan, La Union — a 30-minute drive from the San Juan, La Union which is also known as the Surfing Capital of the North.

During our orientation, we were briefed that celebrities and high-profile individuals would also grace and partake in the competition.

To make sure I wouldn’t miss out on any shots, I brought out two more SD cards and four more battery packs. I was nervous yet excited at the same time to be part of the race I used to compete in.

Under the hellish heat

On the first day, I was deployed at the 42nd mark of the 50-kilometer trail. I was the last photographer before the participants reached the finish line.

The media team used a buddy system but I insisted on moving further to find an enthralling background for the subjects I’ll be taking photographs with.

I ended up sitting at the 43rd-kilometer mark. Nevertheless, I found a good spot. I was sitting in a corner side of a paved road, snuggled under an umbrella while braving the hellish heat. I brought the Canon EOS R8 and the RF 70-200mm to capture every racer from a distance.

My goal at that time was to make sure I took the best shot of every athlete passing through me. Being situated at the near-end part of the race course meant athletes wouldn’t be crowded and I’d get a single shot of everyone.

Thankfully, it turned out excellent even if I was burnt from the scorching heat of the sun. Here are some of the best photos.

Elizabeth Dangadang

Andy Borras

Roy Dela Fuente

Aries Atienza

Keziah Loreto

Simon Adriano

In slopes

After the 50-kilometer race, we went back to our hostel to rest, recover, and prepare ourselves for the second day. The 21-kilometer and 10-kilometer races were more grueling than the 50-kilometer due to the sheer volume of racers attending.

An estimated 300 racers attempted the 21-kilometer race while around 600 racers ran through the 10-kilometer trail.

I was deployed early in the morning for the 21-kilometer race. My co-photographer Rox and I rode and stood at a pick-up truck, anxiously wanting to find a spot early.

One of the Philippines’ best trail runners was competing and we knew right away he’d be the first person to cross the finish line.

Deployed at the 10th-kilometer mark, we still went down on a slope to find a good spot. Our exploration at around the 9-kilometer mark was halted when we saw Randolf Gonzales, Merrell’s Ambassador, and the country’s elite trail runner, running easily on an uphill. Behind him were athletes from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

We had no choice but to stop and position ourselves as the athletes passed through us. Right then and there, we decided to station on the slope since the racers were coming.

Here are some of the photos I took on the half-marathon race.

Randolf Gonzales

Melissa Campos

Imman Villapando

Rufino Herrera

Jara Pallana

Ceddrick Moreno

Joj Agpangan

Up to shoot for more

The cut-off time for the half-marathon was too early, based on my experience. At 8 in the morning, we were asked to come back to the aid station. Seeing that it was still early in the day, we asked to be deployed for the 10-kilometer race.

We arrived at the last aid station around the 9-kilometer mark. Around twenty minutes later, the podium contenders for the 10-kilometer race were running on the trail we were stationed on.

I was positioned in the bush to sneakily take their photos. Some were surprised after passing through me. In this race, I felt being toasted by the sun. I was wearing my Straw Hat from Netflix’s One Piece, but it wasn’t enough to cool my head while on the trail.

Nevertheless, here are some of the photos from the 10-kilometer race.

Fjay Awa

Wellington “Beef” Co

Christian Tiu

Tinoy Borromeo

Jaco Benin

At the Workout Tour

Two weeks later after the race in Bacnotan, La Union, I also got an assignment to shoot for the second leg of the Spartan Workout Tour. It happened in Arca South in Taguig City, after the Spartan Kids race in the morning.

Though it was only a half-day event, the weather was erratic and bizarre, I almost feared for my gear. It was insanely, scorching hot, and then a heavy downpour came in during the start of the program. After half an hour, it stopped raining and it was insanely hot again. I had to use an umbrella to cover the Canon EOS R8 and the RF 15-30mm from the weather.

I forgot to use the telephoto lens since I used the RF 15-30mm to take photos of the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 at Poro Point in La Union, prior to the race. Luckily, the race course inside Arca South was cramped, and opting for the wide lens was more appropriate for the setting.

I stationed myself in the obstacles that would be best captured wide: Beater, Monkey Bars, Multi-Rig, and Rope Climb.

The Spartan Workout Tour photos I took are as follows:

Welcome back, my first love

Being a race photographer brought me back to my roots. I remember how I loved being the one behind the cameras, directing people on what to do and making them comfortable as I took their photos. I enjoyed the thrill of capturing an athlete’s performance in fleeting moments. The rapid anticipation of my heart racing from nervousness if I can even do a good job.

I’d say I did fine, seeing how I’m still part of Spartan Race Philippines’ official photographers team. Having the Canon EOS R8 allowed me to unleash my potential as a sports photographer.

It can shoot with a swift burst rate so I don’t miss any moments on the race course. It’s also responsive whenever I need to switch modes to find the more appropriate setting while shooting.

It certainly kept up with me at all times, regardless of the shooting conditions. It’s just versatile enough to bring along on the race course.

I’m still mulling over completely switching to the other side, both on the race course and using Canon as my main camera. I still enjoy being an athlete and competing in the Spartan Race, and jumping over from Sony to Canon is a big leap. But who knows? Maybe, just maybe, we find ourselves coming back to the brand we first loved.

For now, I’m just elated to be with fellow race photographers. It’s a pivotal experience that I’m going to treasure for the rest of my life.

Cameras

DJI launches OSMO Pocket 3

Best pocket camera right now?

Published

October 26, 2023

Rodneil Quiteles

Pocket cameras seem to be all the rage in 2023 and DJI isn’t about to lose its foothold on the category. Enter the DJI OSMO Pocket 3. The latest from DJI features a 1-inch CMOS sensor, a 2-inch rotating screen, with the ability to shoot in 4K/120fps.

See more, shoot more

A notable inclusion on the OSMO Pocket 3 is its 1-inch CMOS sensor. With it, you can be sure of producing great image quality even in challenging lighting conditions. But it’s more than just hardware. Its specialized image quality optimization lets you bring low-light scenes to life with clarity and authentic color.

The camera will fine-tune the exposure for different skin tones to deliver a clear and glowing complexion in every frame.

For more experienced users, the pocket camera offers 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG color modes. The 10-bit D-Log M explore up to one billion colors and experience rich detail in every shot. Meanwhile, the 10-bit HLG HDR provides a higher dynamic range.

More features

The pocket camera is also home to many features that will help you shoot better. Its 2-inch full-color OLED rotatable touchscreen offers effortless control at your fingertips. You can shoot horizontally or vertically. It’s all up to you!

It also has full-pixel fast focusing for sharp focus even with fast-moving subjects. There’s a Product Showcase mode for smooth livestreaming and product showcasing. It’s also equipped with three-axis mechanical stabilization for a smooth and steady shot.

ActiveTrack 6.0 offers multiple follow modes such Face Auto-Detect and Dynamic Framing. The built-in three-mic array reduces wind noise and captures omnidirectional stereo sound. DJI Mic 2 compatibility enables dual-person recording for vlogs, interviews, and livestreams.

Glamour Effects 2.0 adds personalized beauty options, while its automatic axis locks secure the gimbal in storage position.

It can be charged to 80% in just 16 minutes. When fully charged, it can record up to 116 minutes of 4K/60fps footage or up to 166 minutes of 1080p/24fps footage.

Shooting modes

The pocket camera offers a range of creative modes and features that are just a few taps away. These include:

SpinShot: Get 180° smooth camera movements with one hand.
Motionlapse: From sunrises to city traffic, capture the gorgeous and surreal flow of time.
Digital Zoom: Up to 4x digital zoom lets you get closer in any shot.
Panorama: Give sweeping landscapes and scenes the full detail they deserve.

Edit with LightCut

When producing videos, shooting is just one part of the equation. Another is video editing. Take the footage you shot on the pocket camera and edit with the LightCut app.

There’s a One-Tap Edit feature for simple content creation. It uses AI intelligent recognition to find highlights from your footage and instantly generate shareable 4K videos.

But if you want to handle the editing yourself, you can do so with a wide range of video templates. It features everything from vlogs, travel, food to family gatherings, parties, and more.

Additionally, the app’s efficient editing process eliminates the need to download footage during editing, preserving valuable storage space on your smartphone.

OSMO Pocket 3 Accessories

You can level up your shooting capabilities by adding these accessories to the OSMO’s latest pocket camera.

Black Mist Filter
Wide-Angle Lens
Osmo Mini Tripod
Battery Handle
DJI Mic 2 Transmitter
Magnetic ND Filters Set
Expansion Adapter
Carrying Bag

Price and availability

The Osmo Pocket 3 is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners. It comes in the following configurations:

The pocket camera retails for SG$ 729. It includes the Osmo Pocket 3, a Type-C to Type-C PD Cable, a Osmo Pocket 3 Protective Cover, a DJI Wrist Strap, and a Osmo Pocket 3 Handle With 1/4″ Thread.

The Creator Combo retails for SG$ 929. It includes the Osmo Pocket 3, a Type-C to Type-C PD Cable, a Osmo Pocket 3 Protective Cover, a DJI Wrist Strap, a Osmo Pocket 3 Handle With 1/4″ Thread, a DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Shadow Black), a DJI Mic 2 Windscreen, a DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnet, a Osmo Pocket 3 Battery Handle, a Osmo Mini Tripod, and Osmo Pocket 3 Carrying Bag.