Cameras

Sony A7R III is the new king of full-frame photography  

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There was a time pro-photographers had to wait up to five years for an update to their pro digital camera of choice. But Sony is changing the landscape with a new every-two-year release cycle.

Its latest installment is the A7R III, the third iteration of its bestselling full-frame mirrorless camera launched in the US last October and today in Asia at Singapore’s National Gallery.

I spent the afternoon using the A7R III, and was blown away by its speed, which is almost reminiscent of Sony’s insanely fast flagship the A9 which can shoot RAW images at a ground-breaking 20 frames per second.

Michael Josh takes the A7R III for a spin in Singapore. Photo by BJ Pascual

Sony believes the A7R III is a good choice for those who want both high-resolution imagery and speed. This 42.4-megapixel camera can shoot at an impressive 10 frames per second. That coupled with its improved Eye AF technology, makes shooting moving subjects a breeze.

These photos of a model who was constantly in motion were taken using an 55mm f/1.8 lens.

On the outside, this new camera looks just like its predecessor with a slightly larger battery grip and with a bit more heft. The only way to truly tell old and new models apart is the A7R III branding above the LCD.

But while aesthetic changes may be few to none, the A7R III also comes with plenty of under-the-hood improvements first seen on the top-of-the-line A9, like a newer higher capacity battery that lasts about two times longer (about 650 still frames on a single charge).

Of course, if you’re upgrading from the previous model, this means a new set of chargers and extra batteries.  

There are now two SD card slots instead of one, a USB Type-C charging port for faster data transfers, and the same fantastic 3.69 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder that we loved on the A9.

While it’s got the same resolution as last year’s model, the A7R will perform better in handheld low-light shooting scenarios thanks to new 5-axis image stabilization and a higher max ISO of 32000 (from 25600).  

Also impressive is its 399 phase detection autofocus points that cover about 68 percent of the image area, and its ability to shoot 4K video at 24 or 30 frames per second.  

Here are more unedited sample shots:

SEE ALSO: 24 Hours in Baguio with the Sony A9

[irp posts=”24286″ name=”24 Hours in Baguio with the Sony A9″]

Cameras

Insta360 GO 3S gets retro makeover

Tiny camera, vintage vibes

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Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition is bringing a touch of nostalgia to its tiny POV camera lineup.

The company has announced the new Retro Bundle Edition for the GO 3S, combining the wearable 4K camera with accessories and software features inspired by classic film photography.

At the center of the bundle is the Retro Viewfinder. It transforms the tiny camera into a handheld shooter with a waist-level framing experience reminiscent of vintage film cameras. Instead of relying on a screen, users can compose shots through the optical finder for a more deliberate shooting style. The viewfinder also includes a built-in selfie mirror.

The bundle also includes a Battery Pack that extends recording time to up to 76 minutes while supporting charging during recording. An NFC Custom Skin allows quick access to the Insta360 app by tapping a smartphone against it.

Other accessories include a wearable strap and the Magnet Pendant for hands-free POV capture.

To match the retro-inspired hardware, Insta360 is also adding exclusive film-style filters including Negative Film, Positive Film, and Sticker Filter. Five additional built-in color profiles are also included: NC, CC, GR-F, Mono, and Vintage Vacation.

Despite the nostalgic styling, the GO 3S keeps its modern action camera features. The 39g camera can shoot 4K video with FlowState Stabilization, supports QuickCapture, and is waterproof up to 10 meters.

Price and availability

The Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition is now available in Canvas White and Classic Red color options. Pricing starts at US$249.99 for the 64GB version and US$269.99 for the 128GB model.

@gadgetmatchWarm vibes, slow jams, Insta360 GO 3S Retro Bundle Edition time. #insta360 #retro #tinycamera

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

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Accessories

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features

Better Android lens support

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Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Excerpt: Better Android lens support

Insta360 has released a major spring update for its Flow 2 series handheld gimbals, bringing wider Android compatibility and new features for iPhone users.

The update focuses on improving how the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro work across different devices. It expands support for flagship Android phones while adding new shooting tools for iOS, making hands-free, stabilized video easier to capture without extra gear.

Android finally gets full lens access

One of the biggest changes is native multi-lens support on Android. When paired with the Insta360 app, the Flow 2 series can now access ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on supported devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, vivo, OPPO, and more.

This means users can shoot at full resolution using their phone’s native cameras, whether capturing wide landscapes or zoomed-in details. The update brings Android performance closer to what iPhone users have been getting, especially in more dynamic shooting scenarios like concerts, sports, and vlogging.

The improved lens access also works with features like Widescreen Mode, helping users create smoother, more cinematic footage with better framing flexibility.

Faster 360 panoramas for quick sharing

The Flow 2 series continues to stand out with its ability to capture full 360-degree panoramas. With the new 360 Panorama 2.0, stitching is now 50% faster, producing results in about 20 seconds.

Users can capture everything in one go, then choose their preferred framing afterward. The feature also supports interactive sharing via links, letting viewers pan and explore the image on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Creative templates such as Tiny Planet are also available for quick edits, making it easier to turn panoramic shots into shareable content.

Dual View adds more angles in one take

Dual View Mode introduces multi-angle recording without the need for additional cameras. It allows simultaneous recording using the front and rear cameras, or even dual rear lenses, producing three clips in a single take.

This is useful for creators who want to capture reactions alongside the main shot or experiment with different focal lengths at once. Combined with AI tracking, the feature keeps subjects centered while adding more variety to footage.

Apple Watch control for hands-free shooting

For iPhone users, the update adds Apple Watch control, turning the watch into a remote for the gimbal.

Users can start or stop recording, adjust settings, switch modes, and even control zoom using the Digital Crown. This allows for better control during solo shoots, especially when the phone is mounted on the gimbal at a distance.

Smarter tracking and remote control tools

The update also improves several AI-powered features across the Flow 2 series.

AI Tracker now works across more Android apps, enabling subject tracking during video calls, livestreams, or hands-free recording. Multi-person tracking keeps groups in frame, while Active Zoom Tracking allows up to 15x zoom while maintaining focus on moving subjects.

There’s also a new smartphone remote control feature, which lets users operate the gimbal using a second phone. This adds flexibility for more complex shooting setups without interrupting the shot.

Availability

The update is available now through the Insta360 app and the official website. Compatibility may vary depending on the smartphone model.

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Cameras

The Fujifilm instax mini 13 is your new, favorite plus-one!

Say goodbye to awkward “who’s taking the photo?” debates with the camera that puts you at the center of the frame.

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We’ve all been there: you’re at the center of a perfect moment — a sunset rooftop toast or a reunion with your best friends — and you’re stuck behind the screen trying to get the lighting right.

Fujifilm’s new instax mini 13 is here to let you stop worrying about the “how” and start living the “now”.

The first thing you’ll notice is the glow-up. The mini 13 swaps the tech-heavy look for a soft, sculpted aesthetic that feels like a dream in your hand. It comes in five candy-colored hues: Dreamy Purple, Frost Blue, Candy Pink, Lagoon Green, and Clay White.

The biggest flex is you can finally be in the shot. The new dual timers (2 or 10 seconds) mean no more awkward “who’s taking the photo?” debates.

Just prop it up with the included angle adjustment accessory, set the timer, and join the frame.

The tech inside is just as intuitive. A simple twist of the lens powers it on or shifts it into Close-Up Mode, while the Parallax Correction ensures your centered shots actually stay centered.

Because we live for the “post,” the updated instax UP! app uses AI to scan your physical prints with pinpoint precision.

It strips away the glare and the background noise, leaving you with a clean, digital version of your favorite tactile memories.


The Fujifilm instax mini 13 is now available in the Philippines, and retails for PhP 5,399.

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