The new Insta360 X3 encourages you to simply shoot first and ask questions later.
In this case, you take a 360-degree video, and then reframe it in any manner you want. This also means you can make multiple videos from a single source clip, so never worry about not getting your framing pitch perfect.
There’re plenty of options for capturing video; the twin-lens Insta360 X3 features 1/2″ 48MP sensors and can capture 5.7K 360 video. Alternatively, you can switch to a single-lens mode if you need a chest-mounting POV and shoot in 4K resolution. If you need a wider angle, you can shoot in a 170° field of view (MaxView) at a reduced resolution of 2.7K. And if you need detailed stills, the X3 can be configured to capture 72MP photos.
Flexibility is certainly a characteristic of the X3 with its wide array of tools. It can capture 8K 360 timelapse footage and you can do a bullet time effect by swinging the camera over your head in a circle at 4K 120 fps or 3K 180 fps. Keeping the camera stable is a tough job in the heat of the action but what will help a little is the six-axis gyroscope to help reduce shakes (FlowState stabilisation) and the 360° Horizon Lock that maintains orientation regardless of what position the camera is in. The X3 even helps you record the decisive moments even when you are unprepared for it–Loop Recording Mode continuously records but will only save the last couple of minutes as defined by you.
Other quality-of-life features include up to 10m waterproofing out of the box, and a large 2.29″ tempered glass touchscreen to make it easy to preview and make adjustments. The four physical buttons are also designed for gloved operation.
Camera aside, the AI-powered Insta360 app is the other key part of the experiential equation. It simplifies the editing process for users who aren’t doing this for a living–you simply pick the aspect ratio you want for the social medium of your choice.
Other tricks of the trade include a new Active HDR mode, which uses an algorithm to stabilise action footage to minimise ghosting and improve the rendering of details; the Invisible Selfie Stick, which leverages the twin lens design of the camera to remove the stick from the footage for a unique third-person view; Me Mode frames the footage to focus on you and edits out the stick.
With the app, you have a host of effects that are easy to apply without any prior knowledge. Shot Lab includes over 30 effects such as a goofy Nose Mode, Sky Swap, and cinematic Street Lapse. But if you prefer to work with higher resolution there’s also Insta360 Studio for desktops.
Insta360 X3 is available now for $669 or as a bundle with a selfie stick tripod and a 64GB MicroSD for $719.
