Cameras

Sony A7 III hands-on review

When the basic model is anything but

Published

July 26, 2018

The introduction of the A7 III follows last year’s 42-megapixel A7R III. Since this is the basic model, it’s a little cheaper, although nothing about it is basic, and we’ll tell you exactly why.

Design

The A7 III kept the basic compact look with a few but important changes. For one, we feel more confident holding the Sony A7 III now that it has a bigger grip than its predecessor’s. This is thanks to a bigger battery that extends its life significantly. More on battery life in just a bit.

Another thing we’re happy about is the use of a joystick for its autofocus point selection. Instead of using the rotating pad like its predecessor the A7 II, setting the autofocus point is now easier to do even on the fly.

It has dual card slots with one slot rated for faster, high-performance memory cards. Just like the A7R III, the A7 III supports charging through USB-C.

A touchscreen display tilts both ways and works well for when you need a low-angle shot or when you shoot from above. However, it doesn’t flip over for selfies since it’s designed more for professional use.

This compact camera is not only built for photos — videographers are kept in mind just like in the previous series. I personally found the video record button on the previous Mark II a little awkward in the corner, but I’m happy to report that it has now been moved to a place that feels easier and more natural to reach.

Features

So what does the A7 III offer and how does it compare to its predecessor, the A7 II? Well, Sony still implemented the same resolution at 24 megapixels, but the A7 III now has a backside illuminated (BSI) design. This means it should do better in both low and bright lighting conditions compared to its CMOS counterpart. Sony’s 5-axis image stabilization also made its way here.

More importantly, the A7 III now features 693 phase-detection autofocus points that almost cover the entire frame just like on the higher-end Sony A9. For comparison, the previous A7 II only had a 117-point AF system.

With its BIONZ X image processor, the A7 III can shoot images faster. How fast? Its 35mm full-frame sensor can shoot still photos continuously at up to 10 frames per second.

Additionally, the ability to shoot up to 4K UHD makes the A7 III a well-rounded camera. There’s Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth on board for wireless connectivity.

Image quality

We’ve been using it to shoot both for our travels and work, and we like how its autofocus system is snappy and locks on to subjects quickly. Quality-wise, we’re impressed with its dynamic range maintaining details on both the bright and dark areas. Sony is proud that the A7 III can reach a max ISO of 204800. With that ISO range and the camera’s ability to reduce noise, we get nice photos even with the least amount of lighting.

As mentioned earlier, the A7 III is an all-around shooter. It records at up to 4K resolution at 30fps, and for fans of slowing things down, the full-frame camera shoots up to 120fps at Full HD resolution. If you want more control over your footage, the A7 III can shoot on S-Log profiles just like the higher-end A7R III. In turn, this makes for easier and finer adjustments during post-production.

You can find video samples in our hands-on video embedded at the beginning of this article.

Battery

The same battery as the A9 and A7R III’s pumps life into the A7 III. Unlike from the Mark II series, the new battery has twice as much juice. Its updated processor also helps in making the battery more efficient. Sony claims that a single pack can shoot up to 710 shots before needing to be recharged.

In the real world, we were able to use it for more than one shooting session and as long as we start with a fresh pack, we didn’t experience problems running out of juice before our work was done.

Pricing

Here are the prices for the A7 III in the following countries:

United States – US$ 2,000 (body only)
Singapore – SG$ 2,899 (body only)
Philippines – PhP 115,999 (body only)

It’s half the price of Sony’s high-end A9, US$ 1,000 cheaper than the excellent A7R III, and costs just as much as Panasonic’s popular GH5 which has a much smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

From the time we’ve spent with it, we could definitely say that it excels both in photo and video categories. It’s got a really fast autofocus system which eliminates wasted shots, an option for shooting 4K videos with impressive details, and an improved design that feels more ergonomic to use.

So if you’re looking for a solid all-around performer with a price that’s relatively affordable for what it is and what it does, the Sony A7 III might be for you.

Cameras

DJI’s Inspire 3 Basic Package make 8K aerial filmmaking more accessible

A streamlined kit for independent filmmakers!

Published

March 16, 2026

MJ Jucutan

DJI has officially introduced the Inspire 3 Basic Package, a streamlined kit designed to lower the barrier of entry for professional aerial cinematography.

Since its debut in 2023, the Inspire 3 has established itself as the primary choice for studio film and television productions.

This new package provides a cost-effective path for independent filmmakers to integrate 8K aerial imaging into their workflow or for production houses to scale their existing fleet.

Cinema-grade performance in a portable form factor

The Inspire 3 remains a revolutionary all-in-one drone, built to handle the rigorous demands of high-end sets.

At the core of the package is the Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, which features dual native ISO and more than 14 stops of dynamic range.

These specifications translate to high-fidelity footage that retains authentic colors and accurate skin tones, even when filming in challenging urban environments or varying lighting conditions.

By utilizing the DJI Cinema Color System (DCCS) and the O3 Pro transmission system, the drone acts as a reliable partner in movement, ensuring that technical performance supports the creative vision without the need for overly complex setups.

Essential tools for modern production

The Basic Package is curated to include the core hardware necessary for professional use while allowing for modular expansion. The kit features:

The Inspire 3 Aircraft and Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera
Four TB51 Intelligent Batteries to support extended shooting schedules
Specialized storage solutions, including the Inspire 3 Trolley Case and Gimbal Camera Case

Filmmakers who require the full ecosystem can still purchase key peripherals separately, such as the RC Plus remote controller, allowing the gear to grow alongside their specific project needs.

Price, availability

The DJI Inspire 3 Basic Package is available starting today through authorized retailers and the official DJI store. The package retails for PhP 615,049.

This release reinforces the philosophy that while technology provides the tools, the focus remains on the life and stories captured through the lens.

Cameras

Osmo Pocket 4 makes a surprising appearance in public

Is the built-in light real?

Published

February 19, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 might be the most popular camera in recent history. The tiny action camera constantly sells out, thanks to creators and would-be vloggers. Because of the current generation’s popularity, everyone is looking forward to the next-generation Osmo Pocket 4. Though it’s still unannounced, the new camera has suddenly made a surprising appearance out in the wild.

The leak shockingly comes from an authorized DJI retailer in Kuala Lumpur. Supposedly, a customer entered the store with what they claimed was an Osmo Pocket 4. The store, DronesKaki, even shot a now-deleted video of the unannounced camera, rescued by New Camera.

Based solely on the short video, the Osmo Pocket 4 looks and feels very familiar to those who’ve already used the Pocket 3. The three-axis gimbal system still keeps shots in place for taking videos while on the move. The 2-inch rotating screen looks identical to the current one, especially because of intuitive settings and controls.

However, the biggest standout is the built-in LED light sitting atop the camera. Despite how convenient and easy to use it is, the Pocket 3 doesn’t exactly shine in low-light conditions, prompting users to always bring an external flash. If the leak is true, the Osmo Pocket 4 cures this issue to some extent. (Built-in flashes aren’t usually standout solutions, but they can work in a pinch.)

Still, take the leak with a grain of salt. Though the store could have deleted the video because of a request from DJI, they could have also deleted it because it’s not the Osmo Pocket 4. At this point, we won’t know, but current rumors speculate that the camera is launching soon.

Cameras

Canon PhotoMarathon returns, introduces video, open categories

Happening on April 18 in BGC, Taguig

Published

February 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Canon PhotoMarathon is officially returning this year and is introducing more categories for enthusiasts to join in.

The 2026 edition, the 19th in the Philippines, will happen on April 18 at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City.

For the first time, Canon is opening the competition to non-Canon users. Even those with just smartphones can register. The brand has also added a video category.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the contest categories and their corresponding prizes:

Main Category (Photo)

Open to Canon users only
Prize: Canon EOS R6 Mark III with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

Open Category (Photo)

Open to all camera brands
Prize: Canon EOS R8 with 24-50mm

Video Category

Open to all camera brands
Canon Prize winner: Canon EOS R50 V
Non-Canon Prize winner: Canon Powershot V1

The full mechanics will be announced on the day of the competition itself to make it even more challenging for those taking part.

To join, simply download the Canon PH Delightful app, create an account, go to the Events tab and select the Canon PhotoMarathon banner. Registration is already open.

To build up hype for the upcoming event, Canon will host photowalks, school tours, and regional tours leading up to the PhotoMarathon.

These are designed to engage photographers at every skill level. Admission is free and open to all digital camera users.