An improvement has been made to the 360 camera that is the easiest to use, and this prepares the way for the development of 360 videos in the next years.
When it comes down to it, the newly released Insta360 X3 has a very similar feel to the X2. It comes with a brand-new screen that improves the whole experience, as well as a brand-new sensor and other new software enhancements. For Insta360, this has proven to be a winning strategy, and I seriously doubt you’ll be able to find anything that compares well to the X3 in terms of price.
Key Specifications
- An improved 1/2 “Sensor
- New MP4 modes are capable of capturing 360 movies at resolutions of up to 5.7K and up to 4K.
- Waterproof up to 33 feet and 2.29 inches “touchscreen with toughened glass, 72 megapixels, and 360-degree photography.
- 8K time-lapse feature.
The Particularly Interesting Aspects
There are other aspects of the X3 that excite me, but the “Me” mode is not one of them. Personally, I’m not that interested in it. It’s a great plus that you don’t need the app in order to record a normal old 4K MP4 on the camera.
Despite the fact that a fixed lens action camera, such as the GoPro Hero 10 or the Insta360 ONE RS, will always provide a picture of superior quality, this addition to the X3 may enable customers to forego the use of action cameras completely.
In addition to that, the display looks amazing. It has a strong sense of continuity with the rest of the product, and it ties up any loose ends. I didn’t have any issues with the X2’s circular display, but in this instance, a larger display might be preferable.
We will soon receive a “pre-record” feature in the form of a future firmware upgrade. For a number of years now, I’ve been hoping that Insta360 would develop this feature, and I’m thrilled that we’ll soon be able to look forward to its introduction.
When the user pushes the record button on the camera, the preceding seconds will also be saved. It is a very helpful feature that prevents people from missing the moment they are in. If this is implemented in a 360 camera, then it will be quite difficult to miss any of the action. Since the camera will be continuously streaming footage into the microSD card, my only hope is that this won’t put too much of a strain on the power life of the device.
Worth the Cost of the Upgrade?
The X3’s predecessor, the X2, or Insta360’s brand-new 1-inch sensor 360 camera are both viable alternatives, in my opinion, and should be considered before purchasing the X3. The former will probably cost less, while the latter will probably cost a couple of hundred dollars more. In my opinion, the X3 is currently in a comfortable position between the two.
If you can locate a decent price on the X2 camera, I wouldn’t think twice about purchasing it because it is an excellent camera overall. The image quality is quite acceptable, and the X3 isn’t so superior that you’d be missing out on anything by upgrading.
Battery life, app connection, and simplicity of use are not much difference between the two. For me, the screen of the X2 is not really a deal breaker in and of itself. The majority of people do not hold a 360 camera very close to their face, therefore the bigger screen on the X3 is more of a benefit to its users. If you are interested in vlogging, you should give the screen on the X3 some thought.
On the other hand, the 1-inch sensor module that Insta360 introduced to the ONE RS is unquestionably a step in the right direction. It has a price tag of $800, and the quality of the image is much improved. On the other hand, there is no slow-motion capability. It’s not exactly a “fun” camera like the X3, that’s for sure.
The price of the newer X3 is $450, but the previous X2 can still be purchased for $430. Because the price difference is so negligible, you would be better off purchasing the most recent and cutting-edge model.
What I Liked
- The updated screen makes the camera much simpler to operate.
- The mode for a single lens capture is 4K.
- Enhanced personalization options in the same vein as the ONE RS.
What I Didn’t Like
- Despite the fact that it can now record in stereo, the audio quality is not noticeably improved above that of a standard action camera.
- The lens guard made of rubber is additional that may be purchased if desired.
- Nobody made me buy the stick-on lens protectors before I scratched the lens; I did it myself.
