Cameras

Sony releases the A7CR and A7C II in the Philippines

Along with the smallest and lightest wide-angle zoom lens

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Remember the world’s first smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera launched in 2020? Well, it now has new twin sibs! Meet the Sony A7C Series: the Alpha 7CR and Alpha 7C II (or just A7CR and A7C II to make it less of a mouthful).

For professional photographers and enthusiasts who use Sony, the A7CR and A7C II are two of the most anticipated models that follow the footsteps of the already very-capable yet compact A7C from two years ago.

Alpha 7CR: Compact Size, Extreme Resolution

As how I understand Sony’s camera naming scheme, “C” stands for C(ompact) and “R” is for R(esolution). By combining the best of both camera worlds, they’re able to create the A7CR.

Sony’s first full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor was the A7R IV announced in 2019 followed by the A7R V just last year. They then managed to put the same large sensor in a more compact form factor than what the larger-bodied cousin offers — around 29% lighter and 53% less in volume to be specific.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Just like any recent Alpha camera, the A7CR is powered by their in-house Exmor R CMOS back-illuminated sensor that’s well complemented by the newer BIONZ XR imaging processor for better detail clarity and utmost image quality.

The Alpha 7CR also features Sony’s new “AI processing unit” which was made first for the A7R V. This further improves the AI-sensing capabilities and algorithms when using the camera for shooting several subjects in complicated scenarios.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Inherited features

Other features from the A7R V were brought to the compact model. These include AI Real-Time Tracking, high-precision AF under low EV, Fast Hybrid AF performance, silent continuous shooting, and more.

Video recording isn’t compromised with its 4K at 50/60p support. That’s also with the inclusion of S-Cinetone, Log recording, and LUT support for better post-processing flexibility while recording. Active Mode stabilization is also handy in shaky handheld situations. This is also thanks to its 5-axis in-body image stabilization with a 7-step advantage in stills-shooting.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Battery is rated to last longer around 530 shots when shooting images and around 155 minutes if you do continuous video recording through its 3-inch LCD touch-enabled screen. Using its EVF (electronic viewfinder) slightly degrades its battery life. It can be charged through its USB-C port with the faster Power Delivery protocol.

Alpha 7C II: Full-Frame Compact with Versatile Power

As obvious as it sounds (and looks), Sony’s A7C II is the direct successor of the A7C.

The A7C II still has that 35mm full-frame sensor inside but unlike its twin, the second-generation A7C has a smaller 33-megapixel camera. Still, it’s a big step over its predecessor’s 24.2-megapixel shooter and the 26-megapixel-touting A6700 with an even smaller APS-C sensor.

Despite the bigger megapixel count, it’s actually 22% lighter than its older sibling at just 429 grams (versus 509 grams). It also has more Phase-Detection AF points at 759 for preciser shooting (as opposed to A7C and A7CR’s 693 points).

Although this isn’t a Sony “S” camera, which stands for S(ensitivity), the A7C II has the better ISO Sensitivity up in its sleeves: Up to 51,200 and expandable to 204,800 (the A7CR maxes out at 32000; expandable up to 102,400).

By the way, the A7C II is also equipped with the newer BIONZ XR engine as well as the revolutionary AI processing unit that newer Alpha models all possess.

The twin models of the A7C series also share similar feats.

Aside from its hardware and 5-axis in-body stabilization tech, there are more usable features like Real-Time Recognition AF, a more precise Subject Recognition, AI-based Auto Framing, burst shooting in RAW format, high-speed continuous shooting, and other high-quality video shooting features like S-Log plus S-Cinetone, and LUT support, Breathing Compensation when focusing, as well as 7K/6.2K oversampling.

Battery is rated to last a little bit longer than its twin with 560 stills and around 165 minutes worth of continuous video shooting — still by looking at its LCD instead of the smaller EVF. It’s also chargeable via its USB-C PD port.

World’s smallest and lightest

I’m not talking about the cameras anymore. This section is dedicated to the new G-Master lens in its typical lens model naming: FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

At just 547 grams with a length of 111.5 millimeters, this new GM FE lens makes it the lightest wide-angle zoom lens yet. That’s thanks to a new optical design contributed by an extreme aspherical (XA) lens. It’s also covered by Sony’s Nano AR Coating II which reduces ghosting and flares against strong light.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Additionally, the front lens has fluorine coating for easy dust and smudge removal. Its even outdoor-ready with its dust and moisture-resistant design.

Despite its lightness, it’s still packed with the latest XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors. This contributes to an extra fast, precise, yet quiet AF (Auto Focus) suitable when capturing snaps and stills.

Lastly, its wide fixed f/2.8 aperture means the lens can achieve photographs with shallower DoF regardless of focal length.

Pricing and availability

As expected, full-frame cameras will always come with a hefty price tag.

In the Philippines, the Sony A7CR retails for PhP 179,999 and is only available in a body-only configuration.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

There’s also an optional GP-X2 grip extension that helps the user shoot stabler and provides an additional grip and comfort even under longer periods of time — especially when a big, long, and heavy telephoto lens is attached to such small body.

However, the price of the accessory is yet to be announced and wasn’t stated during the time of this writing.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Meanwhile, the Sony A7C II is being sold in two configurations: PhP 129,999 for the body-only option and PhP 145,999 if you buy it with a bundled kit lens.

Lastly, the new FE 16-35mm F2.8 G Master II wide-angle zoom lens retails for a whopping PhP 139,900.

Pre-order Perks

Sony Philippines has also announced pre-order bundles for prospective buyers:

  • Buy an A7CR or A7C II = Get a Peak Design Cuff plus NP-FZ100 Battery Pack (worth PhP 7690)
  • Buy the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II = Get a Peak Design Slide (worth PhP 4,990)
  • Buy the FE 24mm F2.8G or FE 40m F2.5G = PhP 33,800 (from PhP 36,800)
  • Buy the ECM-G1 Shotgun Microphone = PhP 5900 (from PhP 8400)

This promo runs only within the whole month of September 2023 on all participating authorized dealers nationwide.

Visit this link for additional pre-order information while here’s the full list of Sony Authorized Dealers so you can check one that’s near you.

Cameras

Insta360 X6 brings 8K 360 capture, AI-powered editing

Sharper 360 footage, longer battery life, and an AI that edits your clips while you charge?!

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Fresh off its global release, Insta360 brings its latest entry in the X series, the Insta360 X6, to the Philippines.

Upgraded imaging for every moment

The headline upgrade lands straight in the image sensor. Dual custom Sony 1/1.1-inch square sensors power the Insta360 X6, delivering a full 1-inch equivalent 360 imaging experience.

This hardware update brings noticeably sharper detail and stronger low-light performance compared to older X Series cameras. It shoots up to native 8K at 50fps with 10-bit color and native in-camera Dolby Vision, giving creators maximum flexibility during post-production.

Beyond the larger sensor, the X6 functions as three cameras in one: a full 360 shooter, a subject-tracking camera, and a single-lens action camera. You can capture everything around you now and pick your angle later. Alternatively, you can pull flat 4K footage through InstaFrame 2.0 or switch to single-lens mode for a traditional action cam experience.

Battery life sees a major boost as well. The new 2600mAh Xtreme Battery offers up to 140 minutes of continuous 8K30fps recording. Meanwhile, a Star-Ridge cooling system keeps the camera cool during longer 8K sessions. You also get 64GB of built-in storage (47GB usable), allowing you to start shooting immediately without a microSD card on hand.

For anyone building out a rig, the X6 supports over 100 accessories. It easily adapts to travel, motorcycle rides, cycling, diving, and other high-action pursuits.

Intelligent AI editing

Software plays an equally big role in this launch. Insta360 introduces PanoMind, its first AI model built specifically for 360 footage. Instead of analyzing a flat frame, PanoMind reads full spherical scenes.

Through AI Director, the X6 reviews your footage while charging, generates highlight edits on its own, and sends them directly to the Insta360 app. This feature saves you from spending hours scrubbing through raw clips for key moments.

If you want more say in the final cut, Auto Edit 2.0 turns single or multiple clips into finished videos, handling framing, camera movement, cuts, music, and transitions automatically. For deeper workflows, the X6 still supports I-Log, 10-bit recording, Insta360 Studio, and Insta360+ cloud editing tools.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The Insta360 X6 is now available in the Philippines through authorized retailers and official online channels.

The Standard Bundle costs PhP 45,390 and includes the X6 camera, a USB-C cable, a protective pouch, and a lens cloth.

Meanwhile, the Essentials Bundle costs PhP 49,990. It adds an extra Xtreme Battery, a 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick, a lens cap, and a Fast Charge Case on top of the base package.

Insta360 Philippines is also expanding its retail footprint across key cities while hosting hands-on community workshops tailored for travel, riding, cycling, and filmmaking enthusiasts.

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Cameras

Sony launches FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS telephoto zoom lens

Super telephoto zoom lens for hobbyists

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Sony has launched the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS super telephoto zoom lens tailored for hobbyists and for a competitive price.

The compact and lightweight lens (approx. 654 grams) is meant for 35mm full-frame Alpha E-mount cameras, making it easy to carry to capture subjects that are difficult to appraoch.

This includes birds, sports scenes, and more. Landscape photography unique to super-telephoto lenses can also be enjoyed by making use of the compression effect. This makes the distance between nearby subjects and distant background elements appear closer together.

When used with a teleconverter, users can double the distance they can capture, with the lens supporting focal lengths of up to 800mm or up to 1,200m in APS-C mode.

With the latest optical design incorporating two ED glass elements and two aspherical elements, excellent image quality is achieved across the entire zoom range. These elements reduce chromatic and other aberrations for clear rendering.

Subject shooting can stand out as well in a natural and soft bokeh, with the lens’ 9-blade circular aperture. This makes the lens also ideal for close-up photography of flowers, insects, and other nearby objects.

In addition, the lens features a linear motor drive for fast, precise, and quiet AF performance to help capture moving objects. The lens also supports high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to approximately 120 frames per second when used with the Alpha 9 III.

Built-in optical image stabilization also supports handheld shooting in the super-telephoto range, suppressing camera shake. Users can also utilize the camera body’s Active Mode image stabilization and coordinate image stabilization control.

In Singapore, the Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS will be available by the end of August for SG$ 1,099.

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Accessories

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is your next best pocketable 4K webcam

Fold the Flip for further protection

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OBSBOT Meet Flip
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Several months ago, you might remember that OBSBOT revealed the Tiny 3 series of web cameras.

Six months after, they also unveil the all-new Meet Flip. From the name itself, it’s the company’s latest foldable 4K webcam that puts hardware privacy front and center.

Foldable and pocketable

Despite weighing just 37.7 grams, the Meet Flip aims to deliver premium webcam features for all types of users. Be it remote workers, professionals, or content creators.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight has got to be the webcam’s folding design. Not only it’s portable, it protects your privacy too.

Closing the device physically blocks the lens, giving users a visual confirmation that the camera is no longer active. When it’s time for a meeting, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go.

That lightweight body also features a built-in mounting clip that works with laptops, monitors, and tripods. Users can mount it in landscape, portrait, or even upside-down orientations depending on their setup.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

Despite that absurd amount of lightweightness, the OBSBOT Meet Flip is still able to house a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology. That’s something more commonly found among bigger and higher-end web cameras.

Video Call

Other camera features include:

  • 4K video recording / 30fps
  • 1080p recording / up to 60fps
  • HDR support for challenging lighting
  • Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
  • 4x digital zoom
  • f/1.8 aperture with ISO 100-6400 support for low-light environments

Beyond just video calls

The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t just packed with serious camera hardware, it’s seriously intelligent as well.

The Meet Flip supports AI Auto Framing. This automatically keeps users centered during meetings — regardless if they are presenting alone or with a group. Gesture controls also let users activate framing or adjust zoom without touching the keyboard or mouse.

Video Call

Another standout feature is AI Magic Notes which provides real-time meeting transcription and automatically generates summaries, action items, and key discussion points.

The feature works with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams through OBSBOT Center. Every webcam includes complimentary transcription of 120 minutes.

With that being mentioned, OBSBOT Center also makes users gain access to software features such as background blur, virtual backgrounds, beauty mode, and picture-in-picture overlays for presentations.

Those who want more advanced controls can enable Smart Eye Tracking, teleprompter support, and manual image adjustments.

Conference Meeting

Audio also gets an upgrade through an intelligent dual-microphone system that offers four recording modes:

  • Directional Mode / solo calls
  • Dual-Directional Mode / interviews
  • Smart Omni Mode / group meetings
  • Pure Audio Mode / unprocessed stereo recording

AI Noise Reduction and Automatic Gain Control are also available across most modes to help improve voice clarity.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is also compatible with mobile devices through the OBSBOT Live app and supports integrations with accessories including Elgato Stream Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and UVC-to-NDI/HDMI adapters.

Pricing and Availability

The OBSBOT Meet Flip is available starting today for US$119 through OBSBOT’s online store, Amazon US, and select retailers worldwide. Regional pricing may vary.

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