Ryan Nitzen | May 23, 2023
The Insta360 X3 is the latest action camera to hit the market. It’s a dual-lens camera that shoots forward and backward at the same time, then stitches the footage together for a full 360-degree view.
The Insta360 X3 mounts like any other action camera.
The X3 is the newest version from Insta360 with upgraded features over the X2 or the OneRS. It features a 2.29-inch touch screen, up to 5.7k resolution, Flow State stabilization modes, invisible selfie stick, and seamless integration into the smartphone app. The X3 weighs 180 grams, or just under a half-pound.
Insta360 X3 Lowdown
Standout Feature: The newest action camera that gets the perfect shot
List Price: $449.99
Awesome footage from any angle
No more aiming the camera for the perfect shot
Seamless integration to the phone app
Change formats for Instagram or YouTube with one button
Editing takes time to learn
More expensive than a GoPro
Insta360 X3 Rider Analysis:
Insta360 is making big waves in the mountable camera world. I first noticed the brand after seeing an Instagram video and thinking: “How on earth did they get that shot?!” You’ve probably thought the same thing as you scroll through the Gram.
The X3 is the key to shots like this.
We found how they do it. The trick is the Insta360 X3. This camera shoots simultaneously in both directions (it also has a single lens mode if you prefer) and puts all the footage together, for you, into a complete 360-degree compilation of your session. From there, you edit the footage from the angle you want and export. The shots this camera is capable of is mind-blowing since we’re so used to seeing a first-person angle from the top of the helmet.
There’s also an “invisible” selfie stick that provides unique third-person angles. Thanks to the camera’s software, it edits out the selfie stick so it looks like you’re riding with a personal videographer.
The biggest advantage I see with the X3 is not having to worry about the camera angle. Too many times I’ve turned on my GoPro, done my motos, and returned home only to see that my camera angle was either too high or too low. Footage ruined. With the X3, just make sure the lens is facing forward and you’re sure to get the shot you want. It removes the guesswork and made it a hassle-free process to grab the shot I want. That alone was enough for me.
There’re lenses on both sides of the camera and a 2.29-inch touch screen.
The camera works in seamless conjunction with the Insta360 smartphone app. With its Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities, you can preview the camera angle straight from your phone and start the recording process. When you’re done riding, the camera uploads all the footage to the app and you can start editing your clips almost right away. Just got your best lap of you and your buddy battling? You can have it uploaded on social media before you head out for your next moto.
Editing on the app does take a bit of time to get used to, simply because there’s so much it can do. You can “spin” the footage to see what happened next to you or behind you, or you can lock it on a certain point and let the software do the work. Caught an epic “Oh shoot” moment next to you? Simply pause the clip, spin the camera, and press play. The app also allows you to format the footage for vertical apps like Instagram reels or TikTok as well as horizontal apps like YouTube with the click of a button. It doesn’t clip or crop the sides in either of these formats, so you won’t lose anything on the edge of the screen. Good luck doing this on your own without the Insta360 software.
Honestly, I don’t see myself using any other action cam now. This thing makes my life easier to capture content for social posts, YouTube videos, and more. And instead of running three GoPros all at different angles, I can just use one Insta360. Now I can ride and not worry about getting “the shot.” From my experience, the chest mount is the best angle for the X3, which actually works well since AMA-sanctioned events have outlawed helmet-mounted cameras. If you’re in the market for a new camera, or simply want to step up your content game, don’t overlook the Insta360 X3.
For more information, visit www.insta360.com
