The most user-friendly 360-degree camera got a great upgrade and it paved the way for the future of 360-degree photography.
Boil it down, the new one Insta360 X3 feel practically like X2. It has a new display that offers a more immersive experience, a new sensor, and some new software upgrades. It’s a winning formula for the Insta360 and I don’t think you’ll find anything better than the X3 for the money.
Technical parameters
- 1/2″ sensor upgraded
- New MP4 mode, movie recording up to 4K
- 360 videos up to 5.7K
- Waterproof to 33 ft
- 2.29″ touch screen with tempered glass
- 72 MP 360 degree photo.
- 8K time lapse function.
Exciting Features
Personally, I’m not too confused by the “Me” mode, but there are other parts of the X3 that excite me. Being able to shoot a regular old 4K MP4 without the app is a big bonus. While a fixed-lens action camera (like the GoPro Hero 10 or Insta360 ONE RS) will always have better quality images, this upgrade in the X3 could allow consumers to ditch the action camera altogether. .
Plus, the screen is brilliant. It really feels like it belongs, and it completes a solid package. I don’t mind the round screen on the X2, but in this case, bigger is better.
In a future firmware update we will get a “record first” mode. It’s something I’ve wanted Insta360 to implement for several years now, and I’m glad we’ll see it added soon. When the user presses record, the camera will also save the previous seconds. It’s an extremely handy feature and helps users avoid missing a moment. Doing this in a 360-degree camera means you’ll be hard pressed to miss the action. I hope it doesn’t have too much of an impact on battery life, as the camera will continuously save footage to the microSD card.
Worth the upgrade?
I think there are two cameras worth considering on the X3: its predecessor or Insta360’s new 1-inch sensor 360° camera. The former will likely cost less and the latter will cost several hundred dollars more. For me, the X3 now sits firmly between the two.
The X2 is an absolutely amazing camera and if you can find a good deal on it, I wouldn’t hesitate. Image quality is perfectly reasonable, and the X3 isn’t so much better that you’ll lose points. Battery life, app connectivity, and ease of use are pretty much the same. The display on the X2 isn’t really a dealbreaker for me. Most people hold the 360-degree camera away from them, so the larger screen on the X3 is a bonus for more usability. I would definitely consider the X3’s display if vlogging is your thing.
Then, on the side, the 1-inch sensor module that Insta360 adds to the ONE RS is definitely a step above. It costs $800 and the picture is significantly better. However, it doesn’t shoot in slow motion. I wouldn’t call it an “interesting” camera like the X3.
The older X2 still retails for $430, and the new X3 sells for $450. The price difference is so small you’ll be better off choose the latest and greatest.
What I like
- The new screen makes the camera easier to use.
- 4K single lens mode.
- Upgraded custom settings like ONE RS.
What I don’t like
- The sound quality is no better than any regular action camera, although it now records in stereo.
- The rubber lens protector is an additional option.
- No one forced me to have it Protect the lens stick on before I scratch the lens.
