Cameras

Sony’s RX100 V and A6500 prioritize focusing and shooting speeds

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Photokina wrapped up over a week ago, but the camera launches keep coming. Sony, in particular, was rather quiet during the show, and now we know why. The company saved its major announcements for today, featuring the Cyber-shot RX100 V compact camera and A6500 mirrorless interchangeable-lens shooter.

Cyber-shot RX100 Mark V

Sony RX100 V front

Let’s begin with the smaller one of the two. The RX100 V is minor upgrade over the RX100 IV that came out last year, and we mean minor. Aside from looking just like its predecessor, the newest Cyber-shot shares the same 1-inch, 20.1-megapixel image sensor capable of 4K video recording as last year’s model. Other similarities are the 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens, 3-inch tilting LCD at the back (still no touchscreen, though), and 2.36M-dot OLED pop-up viewfinder.

The real star here is the 315 autofocus points that cover 65 percent of the composition frame. All are phase detection points, which leads to DSLR-like focusing speeds and much better subject tracking, even while recording videos. Equally impressive is the 24 frames per second continuous shooting at full image resolution.

Sony RX100 V back

According to Sony, it’ll cost about $1000 and will be available this month. If you’re an RX100 IV user looking to upgrade, we suggest holding back on this one, unless you feel your one-year-old camera is too slow. For everyone else, this is, once again, the best compact camera in the market — as long as you can afford it.

Sony A6500

Sony A6500 front

After releasing the A6300 earlier this year, Sony decided to unveil its successor just a few months later. Like the RX100 V, it’s difficult to justify the quick launch of the A6500 based on its looks, but all the upgrades are deep inside.

The A6500 carries over the same APS-C-sized 24.2-megapixel image sensor and 425 phase detection autofocus points of its not-so-old predecessor, as well as 4K video recording and burst shooting of 11 frames per second. What’s truly special is the in-body 5-axis image stabilization and touchscreen LCD on the rear.

Having image stabilization built in means that your shots will be steady even without optical stabilization from the attached lens. If your lens does in fact have a stabilizing motor equipped, your photos will look sharper all the more. With the promise of fantastic low-light performance, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more capable mirrorless camera at this size.

Sony A6500 back

Adding touchscreen functionality to the 3-inch display is another welcome feature. It can’t be used to navigate through menus and settings, but it’s perfect for selecting points of focus during photo and video shooting. You’ll also be glad to know that the A6500 is weather-sealed, making it a lot sturdier than the A6300.

You can purchase the A6500 beginning November for a price of $1400. Definitely not cheap, but if you’re out for the best APS-C mirrorless camera Sony has to offer, this is it. However, if you’re looking for a bargain, the A6300 will definitely go down in price, making it an eventual steal for its still-competitive performance. (Read more: Sony A6300 Hands-On)

[irp posts=”1530″ name=”Sony A6300 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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