Cameras

Shoot 360-degree video with the Samsung Gear 360

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Almost 2 years after it unveiled its first VR headset, the Gear VR, Samsung has come full circle in virtual reality with the surprise announcement of its 360-degree camera, aptly called the Gear 360.

Just a day before Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Samsung unveiled the Gear 360 as the finale to its much anticipated Unpacked event, alongside two new flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge. Users will finally be able to create their own 360-degree video content that they can share online or watch on Samsung’s own VR headset, the Gear VR.

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The Gear 360 is a white, rounded device, roughly the size of a stress ball, with a flat bottom for its tripod mount. It ships with a mini tripod that can be folded and double as a monopod. It has two 15-megapixel, 180-degree fisheye cameras on two sides that can take 360-degree photos and videos. There’s also an option to turn off one camera, and film using the other.

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On top of the device are the shutter button and a small screen that lets you switch modes.

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On one side, there’s a micro-USB port for charging and transferring files, as well as slots for the battery and a microSD card.

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On the other is the back button that also turns Bluetooth on or off. Right below is the menu button, which lets you switch between modes. Holding it down for a few seconds will power the device on or off as well.

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But the best feature of the Gear 360 is its ability to pair with Samsung’s flagship devices. With the Gear 360 app installed, users will be able to use their Galaxy S7/S7 edge or Galaxy S6/S6 edge as a viewfinder, among others.

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Using the app, you can also navigate 360-degree content by dragging the screen around, capture images and record videos, but the content will be saved on the Gear 360’s microSD card by default.

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Alternatively, you may choose to store it directly on the phone, and the app will do the stitching for you. Content creators can likewise easily upload their photos and videos on Facebook, Youtube, and other platforms that support the format.

Shoot 360-degree video with the Samsung Gear 360

Soon everyone will be shooting and sharing 360-degree videos #Gear360

Posted by GadgetMatch on Monday, February 22, 2016

[irp posts=”3173″ name=”Samsung Gear 360 unboxing and hands-on”]

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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Accessories

DJI Mic 2 Philippine price, availability revealed

Ultimate pocket-sized pro audio solution

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The DJI Mic 2 finally has a local price for Philippine customers. DJI’s latest addition to its content-creating tools is priced at PhP 19,000.

It is available in both black and white and can be purchased at DJI authorized retail stores and online via Lazada and Shopee.

The DJI Mic 2 was officially announced last month via a livestream event as a device built for content creators. A follow-up to the DJI Mic, the company’s first wireless microphone offering, this new version features a slightly updated design and more functionalities.

It retains the 1.1-inch OLED touchscreen display from its predecessor, but the LED light has been moved to the side. The white color option is also an addition for customers.

The microphone is capable of clearer audio recording at 48kHz 24-bit audio and 32-bit float quality. It also supports a higher acoustic overload point at up to 120dB.

As for its noise-cancelling capabilities, the DJI Mic 2 allows users to record and have noise from as close as a meter away filtered, without the need for further editing.

With its own charging case, the mic has an 18-hour battery life overall. Each transmitter and receiver lasts six hours.

@gadgetmatch

What’s a mic that every creator needs? It’s the DJI Mic 2 🫶 #DJI #DJIMic #Creator #contentcreatortips

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