Insta360 has released the X3 Camera, the next version of its 360-degree action cameras, which sports a larger 2.29″ rectangular touchscreen display compared to the small circular display of its predecessor, the One X2. Insta360 also opted to drop the “One” from the camera’s name for the newest addition.
The X3 is a little more expensive at $449.99 than the One X2, but has the same 360-degree mode max resolution of 5.7K. However, the X3 does boast an impressive-looking specs sheet with Insta360 marketing it as “the most powerful camera you can carry in your pocket”, with “big resolution and image quality improvements” on account of its upgraded 1/2-inch 48MP sensors.
The X3 is capable of capturing 60fps video with a single lens at 4K which is an improvement on the X2’s max resolution of 1440p. Insta360’s Active HDR mode is also supported, allowing for potentially more dynamic range for tough lighting conditions, even while shooting fast-paced shots. Additionally, the X3 can take 360-degree stills at 72MP utilising its 6.7mm F1.9 lens, which is a huge improvement on the X2’s max of 18MP in the same mode.
The camera’s improvements don’t stop at shooting capabilities though, with a few other notable new features. There are now four directional buttons on the camera so that it can be used even while wearing gloves. Aside from the larger screen, the X3 Camera is equipped with a bigger 1800mAh battery (the X2’s batteries were 1630mAh) that can record up to 81 minutes of 5.7K/30p video, although this does mean you won’t be able to switch batteries from the older model.
Insta360 has also included a promising new shooting mode called “Me mode” which focuses the frame on you, allowing you to capture yourself in 60fps action shots without having to use a selfie stick. The X3’s “Bullet time” time mode has also gotten a resolution upgrade to 4K while its time-lapse mode can now capture in 8K.
Insta360 X3 Camera Specs and Features
| Aperture | F1.9 |
| 35mm Equivalent Focal Length | 6.7mm |
| Photo Resolution | 72MP (11968×5984) 18MP (5952×2976) |
| Video Resolution | 360： 5.7K: 5760×2880@30/25/24fps 4K: 3840×1920@60/30fps Single Lens Mode： 4K: 3840×2160@30/25/24fps 3.6K: 3584×2016@60/50/30/25/24fps 2.7K: 2720×1530@60/50/30/25/24fps 1080P: 1920×1088@60/50/30/25/24fps |
| Photo Format | INSP (can be exported via mobile app or desktop Studio) DNG RAW (PureShot photos must be edited on desktop) |
| Video Format | Single Lens: MP4 360: INSV |
| Photo Modes | Standard, HDR, Burst, Interval, Starlapse |
| Video Modes | Vivid, Standard, LOG |
| Weight | 180g |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 114x46x33.1mm |
| Run Time | 81min |
| Max Video Bitrate | 120Mbps |
| Gyroscope | 6-axis gyroscope |
| Compatible Devices | iOS Devices: Compatible with iOS mobile devices with chips A11 or above and iOS version 11.0 or above, including iPhone SE 2, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPad Air (2020), iPad Pro and newer iPad models. Android Devices: Compatible with Android mobile devices that meet the following capabilities, including • Android devices with Kirin 980 and above chips, including Huawei Mate 20, P30 or newer models. • Android devices with Snapdragon 845 and above chips, including Samsung Galaxy S9, Xiaomi Mi 8 or newer models. • Android devices with Exynos 9810 and above chips, including Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+, Note9 and newer models. • Android devices with Tensor chips, including Google Pixel 6. |
| Live Streaming | 360 Live, Reframe Live (streamer sets a fixed perspective) |
| Exposure Value | ±4EV |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 |
| Shutter Speed | Photo: 1/8000 – 120s Video: 1/8000 – to the limit of frames per second |
| White Balance | · Wind Reduction · Stereo · Direction Focus |
| Audio Format | 48 kHz, 16bits, AAC |
| Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz, 5GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| USB | Type-C * Note: This version only supports wired connection to Android devices (via Micro-USB or Type-C). It does not support wired connection to iOS devices. Full wireless support is available for both iOS and Android. |
| MicroSD Card | UHS-I V30 speed class, exFAT format SD cards with a max storage of 1TB are recommended. |
| Battery Capacity | 1800mAh |
| Charging Method | Type-C USB |
| Charging Time | 90min（5V/3A） |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 104°F (-20℃ to 40℃) |
The X3 camera has a six-axis gyroscope, is capable of utilizing Insta360’s Flowstate stabilization to keep video recording stable while shooting movement shots, and includes a 360-degree horizon lock mode that works to keep the horizon level even when rotating the camera. These features help ensure you capture smooth videos even in bumpy action shots such as when attaching the camera to a mountain bike’s handlebars and riding downhill, or on a helmet while skiing.
Another new mode that will be included with the X3 camera is a pre-record feature that can save a few seconds of footage before you press the record button, although this feature is not available from launch. Caroline Zhang, s spokesperson for Insta360 has said the mode will be added in a future update.
As the X3 is an action camera, it has been designed to be durable. Insta360 say the X3 is waterproof down to a depth of 33 feet (10 metres), while the new 2.29″ touch screen is made from tempered glass. There are also optional accessories available that will further protect the X3 such as lens guards.
The weight of the X3 camera is 180g and its dimensions are 114 x 46 x 33.1 mm (W x H x D). Workflow features include WiFi, BLE Bluetooth, a USB Type-C port for charging and 48 kHz stereo audio recording. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android mobile devices. The X3’s mobile app uses AI technology which will automatically select the best footage and apply edits. Both the mobile apps and desktop software allow you to apply over 30 special effects to your videos, while the desktop version offers improved editing performance and usability.
The Insta360 X3 Camera is available to purchase now from Insta360 or Amazon, and retails for $449.99 for the standalone option.
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