They are trying to create an all-in-one solution. So, how does it stack up?
Insta360’s link is anything but a normal webcam. It appears to be a combination of an action camera and a webcam. As a result, it is quite feature rich for a webcam. Here is a summary of these specifications:
- Fully working 3-axis gimbal with portrait mode
- 1/2” sensor
- 4K up to 30p, HD up to 60p
- USB-C connection
- Gesture control
- HDR mode to prevent overblown background windows
- Phase detection autofocus
- “AI-powered” motion tracking to keep the subject in the center of the frame
- “DeskView Mode” for desktop corners and “Whiteboard Mode” for automatic whiteboard cropping
- Camera tilts down when not in use for security
I was assured that the webcam is plug-and-play for both Windows and Mac. However, you will need to use their companion “Link Controller” software to toggle features and control the picture. The button on the webcam is used to enhance the view, just like a regular handheld gimbal.
I think Insta360 is on the node with the “Deskview” system working here. There have been some rumors about Apple offering this, although users need to attach their iPhone to their desktop to make it work. Apple is using iPhone’s ultrawide camera to do this.
Insta360 is charging $300 for this, which puts it in the same league as Opal C1 (still unreleased). Another popular gimbal-webcam combo from Logitech on sale for $1,400. So Insta360 is trying to bring more premium features into the middle of the market. If users just want better HD pictures, then Logitech’s SteamCam and Razer’s Kiyo sell for less than $100.
The other competitor here is the Insta360’s camera. In particular, their ONE RS camera works great as a webcam, although its lack of control software forces users to resort to automatic modes. Getting 360 view working on Zoom is my tool for 2020 beer pong pandemic Game.
The Insta360 Link will be available to order this week and will retail for $300. It will also come with four track markers to stick to the whiteboard, allowing the software to cut into the whiteboard as needed.
