Three cool cameras for photo enthusiasts

Taking photos is more exciting when your camera is cool. Here are three unusual cameras that got the approval of the “Pop Talk” reviewers.

Easy access to camera phones and the popularity of sharing photos online have made just about anyone a potential photographer. These days, it’s common to see pictures of food, outfits, friends, pets, landscapes, and even “selfies” all over social networking sites.

Not to miss out on this trend, GMA News TV show “Pop Talk” reviewed three cameras to find out which among the cameras would be perfect for photo enthusiasts. For this review, host Tonipet Gaba was joined by Pinay Shutters Camera Club president Mitchie Marie Zamora, photography fan Makoto Saito, and Kapuso actress Kris Bernal.

Pentax Q10
Price: P28,990




The Pentax Q10 is dubbed as the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera. Despite its size, this device is packed with a lot of features that make it as useful as its bigger counterparts.

For instance, the Pentax Q10 lets users take high-quality videos. It also has an easy-to-use dial mode which helps users choose their preferred filter easily. Mako thought this quality is convenient. “Parang while on the go ka na nagsu-shoot ka, pwede mo siyang i-move agad from different filters imbes na pupunta ka pa sa options,” he said.



The reviewers also appreciated the camera’s shutter speed and built-in editing function. Mitch explained: “Kasi ‘yung sa mga usual na DSLR, ise-set mo muna bago ka mag-take ng shots manually. Ito, after mo mag-shoot, pwede mo na siya i-edit.”

Final verdict: 8 pop points

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8
Price: P4,000



Take Throwback Thursdays to another level by using a camera that is reminiscent of the classic instant photography cameras. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 forgoes the LCD screen, interchangeable lens, and other complicated settings common in digital cameras today. Since it’s a point-and-shoot device, the only thing users should be mindful of is choosing the appropriate exposure. Prints are automatically produced after a shot is taken. The camera also comes with an automatic flash.

“Wow factor is ‘pop’ for me kasi nandun ‘yung vintage feeling eh,” shared Mako. “Parang nung nahawakan ko ‘yung camera... ‘wow’. Parang kakaiba ‘yung feeling. Parang throwback.”

 

Kapuso actress Kris Bernal, on the other hand, admitted that she has always been fond of instant-picture cameras. She believes the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 is a good investment. “Kasi for a camera, ang mura nun ah. Gagastos ka lang ng konti sa film,” she said. “Pero I guess kasi kapag nagkaroon ka ng Instax, hindi mo naman talaga kukunan lahat eh. Pili lang din ang kukunan mo. Yung gusto mo lang itago.”

Final verdict: 9 pop points

Samsung Galaxy Camera
Price: P23,990



Phones with cameras are everywhere, but cameras with phone functions are not as common. The Samsung Galaxy Camera may look like an ordinary digital camera, but it actually has features of a Samsung phone. Packed with a quadcore processor and an Android OS, this camera can be used to play games, surf the internet, and send text messages. The Samsung Galaxy Camera also lets its users upload photos to social networking sites right after they take them.

The reviewers had fun experimenting with the camera’s editing options and its slow-mo video feature. Professional photographer Mitchie was impressed: “Hindi kasi ako masyadong ma-video pero ito maganda ito kasi ‘yung slow motion makikita mo na agad unlike sa ibang camera kailangan mo siyang i-upload sa computer tapos saka lang malalagyan ng effect na slow mo.”



“‘Yung nagpa-wow sa ’kin talaga ‘yung mga mode kasi ‘yung mga beauty shots, kahit sobrang dilim, sobrang linaw ng kuha,” shared Kris.

“Yung mga nakunan mo, ‘yung mga videos mo, pictures, pwede mo na siya agad i-upload sa mga networking sites mo, sa Instagram mo,” said Mitch. “Tapos ‘yung price, okay na rin. affordable ‘yun for a camera. Meron ka pang parang tablet.”

Final verdict: 9 pop points

– Lara Gonzales/CM, GMA News