Insta360 - Insta360 X3

Here's my take. Cameras like the X4 are great 'lazy' cameras. You don't do anything with them live - just stick them in place and let them do their thing. They are also 'you get what you get' cameras. Low light noise, visible stitch lines are part of what you get. Finally they are 'get it all' cameras with the 360 degree dome - even if the camera operator is unaware of something interesting happening - the camera will catch it. The post-processing on the app is also fun in the X4 with lots of novel shots available to you. If you're planning on using this for motorcycles - do you need more than 180 degrees? If not - then the X4 is not necessary. Get the best quality 180 degree camera you can get. Reminder - you can set the X4 into single lens mode and get better quality 180 degree footage too. I edit my videos - so I can handle the stitch lines and noise profiles easily. My favorite camera (out of GoPro, RX100VII, FX30, FX3, Pocket 3, X3, X4) is the X4. It's just goofy, easy, low-risk fun. My best camera is the FX3 (and the FX30 actually). My photo camera/daily carry is the RX100VII. The Pocket 3 proved less useful for what I do and unfortunately it gathers dust. The X4 was not really any kind of improvement over the X3 - which I believe was part of your question.

I’ve had ONE X2, X3 and now X4. Only downside was the X4 was larger and heavier but I quickly got used to that. Depending on how you use it, it might not be a big deal. It is missing some bracketing photo features earlier models had. If you don’t use them, no big deal. Check out many side by side video comparisons. I record them when I get a new X camera to decide if the upgrade is worth it.

I just bought a like new X3 on eBay for like half the price I could find an X4. There's your biggest argument. The X4 isn't twice the camera. Some things to consider: Batteries for the X3 are cheap. I bought 2 for £20 and it's not a big job to swap them. You may be able to use AI upscaling software to improve the X3 past the native quality of the X4 if you can find the software for "free" The X3 is lighter which is a bonus when it's hanging off the back of your bike on a selfie stick. You can buy tempered glass lens covers on AliExpress very cheap for the X3 and you would always want them on so not really a bonus on the X4 Don't compare the colours and of people comparing stock footage. It's incredibly easy to change in the app. The two cameras have the same sensors so I don't imagine low light footage would be much better on the X4. Honestly if I had the money to spare I would have just got the X4 but the X3 is a really good camera and a better deal (for me anyway)

You want action or 360? If you need 360, that's not one camera, it's 2. It's affordable. It's 4k - but clumsy. Really needs phone/desktop software to work, and that's kinda clumsy. I've had 3 360 cams. - ricoh theta sc (ok, old, can do one button image or long press video.) - moto z phone with 360 cam addon (amazing? The moto z 360 addon was going for $50. Decent quality, but bring party of the phone made the interface amazing.) - insta 360 x3 - current. Had accessories like lens protectors (important!) interface on the camera itself is great. Can shoot RAW if you want to attempt processing the image yourself. I looked at the Kodak and considered it, but paid the little extra for the 360. Usability is worth it. None of these give great video, but the images are quite nice. VLC can open either. The 360 x3 video was a nice bump, but if you don't need 360, a regular action can will give better video.

How is the audio of the X5 in a festival setting like in the beginning of this video? The audio on my X3/X4 is barely usable in loud environments, while my iPhone 14 has no problems at all capturing very acceptable audio.

I am someone who tries to price out some of the bundles cheaper by buying them separately. Honestly, I think it depends highly on your use case. I would buy the X3 unless you really need to record in higher resolution, and slowly start to add on accessories you’ll use. Almost immediately you’ll want a larger SD card, rendering the one that comes with the bundle useless.

If you need it now, get a discounted x3 and then upgrade to the upcoming x5. The x4 wasn’t a big step forward IMHO.

Im a noob in this field, but they guys in the store said exactly what U wrote x4 has better quqlity and battery life, otherwise x3 pretty much has all u need. I bought my x3 and Im super happy with it. It also weights a little less than x4 so if ur using it on helmet might feel a little.

Primary camera- dji Secondary ( for b rolls) insta 360

I have x3 and 4. There's a learning curve using the app and how to usr the stick. Once you learned the tricks, I always have it in my bag. It is really worth it. The problem with x3-4 is not good at night which I also need so I am also considering getting ace pro because of that. Pain in my pocket though. Using your phone would be only good if you like to use the rear camera, but if you want to take pics/videos including yourself, definitely get the action camera

I have experienced the best and worst of the Insta360 X3. It is definitely better for capturing sessions than your standard GoPro, I got way more usable footage although it takes way longer to edit, but one lazy carry to the beach and I got the lens scratched. Was still usable but not so long after it wouldn’t turn on. Got a good 2 years out of it and would still recommend.

Being able to swap lenses on the X5 when you scratch them makes it worth it alone. I have an X3 too and it always makes me nervous using it because I know if I scratch a lens it’s going to be a hassle to fix it myself or send it in.

Waiting for DJI’s 360 to compare is my personal reason for not upgrading from my X3 rn. I carry my Pocket 3 and x3 almost everywhere, would love one to replace both.

Is any of the major action camera manufacturers (Gopro, Dji,Insta360 etc) planning or have scheduled to release an action camera upgrade this year? I've been trying to search around the internet without any luck. I want to buy an action camera and my initial pick was insta360 ace pro but as I digged deeper I felt like it was full of letdown(s) and personally having used the x3 before, I am extremely hesitant to buy another insta360 product because impo x3 is horrible product in many ways. Anyway back to the point. Any announcements/rumors about upcoming action cameras? Like DJI action 5 or Gopro 13 or maybe ace pro 2 etc? I am not able to make my mind up with the existing products from the major manufacturers as none of them appears to fit my uptight criteria. Only the pocket 3 does but then again it's not really an "action" camera plus it's slightly expensive for my budget. Thanks.

Go pro is probably not the first choice anymore. DJI Osmo action 4 and 5 are better imo. Insta 360 also have the ace series which are not 360 cameras despite the name. 360 cameras like the insta 360 X3 and X4 can shoot normal video too. All the do is record 2 feeds and mege then, front back back cameras with super wide angle lenses. I have an Osmo action 3 and 4 and an insta 360 X3. If you aren't interested in 360 video, the action 4 or 5 is a great choice. Much more rugged than the insta 360 and more shooting options in regard to frame rate and resolution. Another thing to consider is audio. If you want speaking in the videos, you'll need external mics. The Osmo action 4 and 5 can connect a DJI mic2 via Bluetooth. The insta 360 don't natively support external mics, but I've heard of a hack connecting the mic as a Bluetooth earphone in the menu and it working, but I haven't tried it.

I buy a lot of camera for media collection for my dive shop. The ones that we choose currently are the DJI 5, Insta360 X3, and the DJI 3. GoPro doesn't get a look in as it's just not good enough anymore. We got given the 12 to test, and it's not been used since the test was complete...

I owned the GoPro 4 Silver and GoPro 9 Black... I ended buying a used insta360 X3 off of ebay after I lost my GoPro 9. The X3 was an instant game changer as I am a skier. It was lighter, felt more natural than my 9, and I dont have to focus so much on getting the right angle and shot when I'm following others. I actually lost my GoPro 9 after crashing into a tree because it was so end heavy on a selfie stick and i was too focused on getting the right angle that it was difficult to maneuver. With the X3 I press record and ride down without worrying about it. I researched the GoPro Max but felt GoPro didn't really focus on it too much since it had been years since it was released. If GoPro ever makes another 360 camera ill definitely get it because I'm such a GoPro fan boy. The only thing thay sucks about the x3 is that I scratched up the lens but the X5 seems to have remedied that by allowing the lens to be swapped. I'm just waiting for it go down in price.

I've had both and honestly don't notice the extra resolution but I do notice the extra size. I have had no problems with the x4 but I don't know if - for me - it was a worthwhile upgrade from the X3 based on how I use it

I really like my insta360x3. It's nice to be able to capture footage without having to point my face at it.

I was thinking basically the same thing as you. The first time I went on international vacation I just brought my phone 14 pro max and it did great but this time I plan to do some snorkeling and stuff where a waterproof camera will come in handy. I picked up a insta360 x3. I also like the 360 aspect of it. I’d say unless you can find some uses for it that your phone wouldn’t be able to do then no.

Love the ease of my insta360 x3. Just put it on and select everything afterwards. Always put is in case and take it out just before kiting.

I got the X3 and felt just fine . Great price and to public 8k vs 4k on IG feels same 🤣unless you are heavy cropping to pixel peek. For everyday use X3 is good enough (I ski -20 whistler and X3 single battery handle it whole day so there's that )

I have both and a one inch one rs.  The video quality of the 4 is tangibly better than the 3.  Is it better in daylight under your use case? Maybe not much.  The removeable lens covers are well worth it though.  Any 360 camera will have protruding lenses and thus be more fragile. Do not expect GoPro durability.  Also do some thinking about how you mount your camera.  Motorcycles have a lot of vibration which tends to loosen bolts.  Also the forces from the motorcycle are amplified down a stick which acts as a lever.  There are many stories of people who lost their cameras off the back of a motorcycle.  Even the motorcycle kit insta360 sells tends to break.  It’s definitely doable but I would use mounting solutions from professional video companies rather than anything from insta360 or Amazon. 

I have both, no issues, just that even 8k isnt enough if you reframe unless you zoom out to the point where things get weird looking. Also, it ONLY has passable quality outdoors in the sun.. no shade and no indoor use.

Insta 360 x3/x4 gives best PoV for Bike riding !!!!!!

Agree Insta360 X3 or X4 is the way to go. I’ve been using the X3 and have no need to upgrade to the X4. I have three batteries for X3 and have it running on my boat in loop recording every time I’m out on the water. I use it religiously as my GPS.

If you are getting Insta360, get the X3 or X4. Else go for DJI Osmo Action cams

I love my X4 and i've had no issues whatsoever. Its definitely not the same quality as my Ace Pro 2 but it's still quite impressive as a 360 camera. I also had the gopro max for 5 years and also the X3 for a while, and the X4 is simply so much better than them both. The ability to zoom in on subjects in 8k is also much better than the X3. i've been more than happy with my battery life. Although I generally turn it on and off as needed and am not running it for hours at a time. i did pick up a spare battery but rarely use it... just my two cents.

I was thinking about this too! I have trip coming up to the Philippines and was wondering which would be better. I don't really want to use my phone a lot to film as I would need this for messaging family and mapping. I have the 360 x3 and was considering on bringing it, but there's only so much I need to film in 360. Although it does have the I'm single lens mode, correct me if I'm wrong, but I feel like the Pro 2 would do more justification right? I was hoping to find something on Marketplace as the pro 2 goes for $550 CAD.

I have the insta360 X3 model. Color saturation is amazing. And it's ability to pick up everything above below, and a complete 360° radius meaning that I don't have to concentrate on any specific one thing and point and shoot allows me to keep my focus on the dive and those diving with me. I know they just came out with an X4 model. So maybe you can pick up the X3 model on a discount.

Insta 360 is the best camera in my opinion. I have the x3 and the gopro 11 and rarely use my gopro anymore. The battery lasts me all day and I can just adjust the angles and get whatever shots I want. I think the gopro has slightly better video quality but other than that the only con is you look like a unicorn riding around.

On my Drone vkdeos i get bwtter results with my hero 6 black than a friend with his hero 12 (or 13 ?) ... Depends on wjat ur doing. For mtb i ust the Insta X3 though, allows much of post adjustments, no meed to worry about orientation etc. Bought it 2 werks befotr x4 was announced 😅 And with the Youtube, insta, Facebook and co comptession, qualitdoes not matter THAT muxh that you'll need a last gen camera :)

Using the Insta X3. Just awesome, stick it on and reframe later. Got the X3 some werks beforr X4 was announced. Results are mlre than good !

Coming from an X4, this upgrade would seem minor and not a significant improvement in quality. I chose to stick with my X3 and passed on the X4. Therefore, transitioning from my older X3, I felt that moving to the X5 was a worthwhile jump for me.

I've had every version since the beginning. And I'm not going to say they are perfect; battery life has always been an issue. The odd random crash. The 12 and 13 made decent improvements. But the influencer effect is definitely out there, every video I see from a sponsored influencer is comparing it to a GoPro, and they deliberately set the GoPro up to give its worst performance. you call them out on it and they get all butthurt and defensive, so you know they are full of shit. I own two insta360 x models and a go3 as well, and I can tell you the image quality is no different if you set them up correctly, the battery life on the insta's isn't that great either, and one thing that really bugs me is the time between pressing record and the insta actually doing anything, my gropro is recording and I'm still waiting for the insta to start. And they do crash, and they also overheat. It could be that I'm in Australia, but I've mounted my Insta in my car to record random stupidity and then find it's off and recorded a minute or two before dying. Just Google Insta overheating, and it's an issue they are 100% trying to hide. You mention it as an influencer, and you'll never get a free camera again. And the biggest reason to avoid the Insta cameras is lens damage. The X5 just got a replaceable lens, and they carry on like this is genre-changing. Yeah, welcome to 2020 when GoPro did that. I won't be getting an X5 or AcePro, I will be getting a GoPro 14 as soon as it's announced.

Insta360 is the best we’ve used and the 360 has major benefits.

It has AI editing on the phone app. Which is dope and makes editing a breeze.  It’s not a bad camera for your first one but… but.. the accessories are expensive I have a Sony camera, a few go pros but the 360 is really useful for getting the right angle without messing around with a tripod 

Except for safari, GP13 is very good A good alternative could also be a 360 camera, especially for things like cage shark diving. I personally think Insta360 is better than GoPro for 3d cams

I'd suggest you to get the Action 4. Better vfm. Can get the action 5 spare batteries for better battery life (if needed). Insta 360 is doing different ball game. It's an awesome secondary camera but not a good primary one.

Insta 360 anytime of the day

I would pick the dji any day over the insta 360 for a primary camera. Although the insta 360 gives a very good variety of angles, there’s not much of creative freedom that comes with it. Dji on the other hand, you can connect your mic easily for vlogging; it has better clarity, the overall quality is also much better. Accessories for the dji are priced fairly and the intsa 360 mounts are known to be fragile so I personally would stay away from those. If you already have a main camera, then go for the insta and try new angles for cinematic shots, but bear in mind, if you end up damaging the 360, there’s almost no way of getting it repaired.

If u want to vlog n need a good low light performances than go for Action 5 pro. DJI wireless mic system can be easily paired with Action 5. Please don't go for any GoPro. DJI n Insta360 r far ahead of it interms of technology n features. If u want versatility than go for Insta 360. Also wait for few days. Amazon freedom sale will be coming. U can get better deals on both if cameras.