Your One X2 is plenty magical enough already.
For photographers or those using single lens mode, the upgrade is a much bigger leap.
The Insta360 X3 brings some marked improvements over the One X2, as well as some all-new shooting modes.
But is it worth upgrading if you already have a One X2?
Why Record in 360 Degrees?
I know what you’re thinking: 360-degree videos are for VR, right?
And they’re… a terrible experience.
Yes, yes they are.
But don’t click away just yet.
Instead, Insta360’s intuitive software is designed to let you “shoot now, point later”.
Underneath the touchscreen are two more buttons: one to record, and one to switch lenses.
The touchscreen is a huge improvement over the One X2, which featured a 1-inch round small screen.
It was fiddly to say the least.
The additional hardware buttons are nice too, but not something I found myself using often.
Finally, the battery is upgraded to 1800mAh (compared to 1630mAh on the One X2).
This gives about 80 minutes of continuous 5.7k 30fps 360-degree recording.
The battery can be removed, so you’re able to carry spares if you better.
Charge the X3 using the USB-C slot on the side, hidden under a waterproof flap.
Finally, the X3 is fully IPX8 waterproof to a depth of 10 meters out of the box.
What Video Modes Does the X3 Capture?
However, it’s worth bearing in mind that 5.7K represents the full 360 degrees of captured footage.
you might also capture at “FOV+” 170-degree ultra-wide, but this is limited to 2.7K resolution.
This is great for strapping the X3 to your chest and recording some first-person-view shots.
New on the X3 isMe Mode.
This simplified mode can capture up to 60fps, but only at 1080p.
Insta360 also offers a generic timelapse mode, as well as a specialStar Lapsemode with longer exposure time.
you’re free to see the full clip of the above example I shot in the review video.
Finally, you have the photographic mode, which takes an incredibly detailed 72MP full 360-degree image.
First is the desktop studio app.
Instead, you’re just presented with a professional editing interface.
For editing on the go, you could use the intuitive smartphone app.
Then you might preview, and save the shot to your camera roll.
Some results are better than otherscheck out the full review video for a few samples.
Here’s a full rundown of the accessories you should consider:
TheInvisible Selfie Stickis exactly as it sounds.
TheExtended Edition Selfie Stickcan extend to a frankly comical three meters.
Or if you just really want to say “check out the size of my stick”.
TheBullet Time Cordis a secure piece of cord that attaches to the bottom of the X3.
For most people, the answer is probably …not much.
Note that in the comparison shots below, you’re free to see the other camera.
In normal use with a single camera, it would be invisible.
In theory, low-light recording should then be improved on the X3 thanks to more light being captured.
To test this, each camera took turns riding around our LEGO log cabin train line.
This is relatively low-light, even in the daytime, so I use plenty of LED lighting.
It was only once I got down to ultra-low light nighttime shooting that I could truly notice a difference.
The One X2 footage is significantly grainier, with the X3 smoother and more color accurate.
There are however some real improvements in photography, with the maximum resolution shooting up from 12MP to 72MP.
This takes a lot longer to save, but the difference is clear when zooming in on details.
Should You Buy the X3 as Your First Insta360 Camera?
If you have yet to experience the magic of Insta360, the X3 is the best starting point.
It’s simply the best action camera around, with incredible image stabilization and innovative footage styles.
You’ll love the trick-shot templates if you’re a regular TikTok or Instagram poster.
The One X2, and now the X3, has been my favoritesecondcamera for years now.
It’s just such a fun camera, capable of so much, with so little effort.
If $500 is outside your budget for an action camera, consider the older One X2 model instead.
Should You Upgrade from the One X2?
It’s clear from my testing that the standard 360-degree 5.7K footage is almost unchanged from the previous iteration.
The additional buttons and larger screen are nice, but again, not worth replacing your gear for.
You should wait until the main image sensor is further upgraded.
