Insta360 is a leading designer of 360-degree cameras and action cameras. The Insta360 ONE X is often regarded as the best current 360-degree camera available. It offers amazing recording and still image quality and has a fantastic set of features.
Using this device, you can create fantastic 360-degree content. For example, you could strap this device to your helmet when mountain biking and record awesome immersive content of your adventure. Instead of footage showing a single viewpoint, the 360-degree angle allows you to also record your surroundings and capture the action from hundreds of angles.
This type of camera is becoming hugely popular and opens up a whole new world of creativity for digital content creation. The Insta360 ONE X is leading the way and, as you will see in this review, has so much to offer:
Main Features
So just what does this camera have to offer? Let’s look first at is basic features and specifications. The recording quality of the Insta360 ONE X is the first thing to note. It has an impressive camera capable of taking 18MP resolution photos – some DSLR cameras don’t even offer this type of resolution.
Furthermore, the video quality is 5.7K – that’s a considerable feature bearing in mind the Insta360 ONE X records 360-degree footage. You can see additional basic specs below:
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 1.8 x 1.2 inches
- Camera: 18MP
- Video: 5.7K UHD
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- WiFi: Yes, 5 GHz high-speed transfer
In addition to these basic specs, the Insta360 ONE X has the following features:
- TimeShift
- Hyperlapse
- Invisible Selfie Stick
- Drift Shots
- 3K, 100fps slow motion
The TimeShift feature essentially allows you to slow down or speed up the footage and create amazing stabilized cinematic footage. In addition, the invisible selfie stick feature allows you to record using a selfie stick without it blocking the footage – the stick is removed instantly and automatically.
Whilst the Insta360 ONE X does have an amazing set of features, it should be noted that to gain full utility, you must purchase a MicroSD Card, and additional casing if you want full protection.
This device is compatible with most modern smartphones, and there is a free partner app that allows you to control the camera as well as transfer and edit video. In addition, the app has integration with Adobe Premiere Pro which provides advanced video editing functionality.
Design
The Insta 360 ONE X has a well thought out design. It is highly functional but durable and robust too. The thin design means that the dual lenses are close together – this ultimately improves the stitching functionality when the two sets of footage are combined.
In addition to this, the external casing is highly durable and made from an impact-resistant material. Moreover, it regulates temperatures and weighs just 3.2 ounces.
The only downside we found to the design is the lack of waterproofing and the need to purchase additional waterproof casing to use the Insta360 ONE X in different situations. For example, there is a dedicated venture case that offers minimal water resistance. There is also the dive case which allows the I nsta360 ONE X to be used underwater.
We felt that as the cost of this camera is not exactly cheap, the need to then purchase additional casing was a little disheartening.
In terms of controls and layout, the Insta360 ONE X has a simple design. The buttons are minimal and there is a small display screen that shows recording information and settings like battery life.
Performance
The performance of this 360-degree camera is brilliant. It is highly functional and fully compatible with smartphones. The WiFi connectivity allows users to transfer content quickly and effectively to external devices.
In addition, the image and video quality are astounding. The 5.7K resolution allows for the creation of sharp footage, whilst the 18MP camera enables you to produce some stunning 360-degree photos. Media creation is enhanced by the built-in FlowState stabilization which provides gimbal-like stabilization and ultra-smooth recording.
We also like the host of other recording features that enhance your experience and allow for brilliant creativity. For example, the Insta360 ONE X is capable of recording “bullet time” slow motion in 3K resolution at 100fps.
We can’t fault the performance of this device at all – it is clear that the producers made usability one of their primary design goals.
Insta360 ONE X vs. GoPro Fusion
So how does this fantastic device compare to other popular 360-degree cameras? One of the best comparisons is with the GoPro Fusion. This is a similar 360-degree camera that has virtually identical recording and photo quality.
We have listed a basic specification table below:
| Insta360 ONE X | GoPro Fusion | |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces | 8 ounces |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 1.8 x 1.2 inches | 1.6 x 2.6 x 2.9 inches |
| Camera Resolution | 18MP | 18MP |
| Video Quality | 5.7K UHD | 5.2K UHD |
As you can see, there is not much difference in specs. Both cameras have an 18MP camera and produce fantastic quality images. The Insta360 ONE X offers better video resolution at 5.7K, however. Furthermore, the Insta360 ONE X is slightly lighter, although it does need additional external casing.
The main difference we found is the recording features and utility. It is clear that the Insta360 ONE X is the superior device in terms of functionality. It has a greater range of special recording features simply not present in the GoPro Fusion.
Should You Purchase the Insta360 ONE X Camera?
Simply put, yes! Whilst action cameras like the GoPro HERO8 offer brilliant functionality and recording options, the Insta360 ONE X takes this to a whole new level. The dual-lens functionality and 5.7K 18MP recording quality provide unrivaled quality for 360-degree content.
Aside from the raw quality, however, this device has so much to offer. It has a robust design that is durable and perfect for outdoor usage. Furthermore, it has WiFi capabilities and allows for the easy transferal of media to your smartphone and other external devices.
If you intend to create professional outdoor 360-degree media content, there is no reason not to consider purchasing an Insta360 ONE X camera. The additional creativity this device provides is hard to ignore.
