Insta360 X3 Action Camera Review

The Insta360 X3 is a solid and waterproof 360-degree action camera that surpasses its direct predecessor, the Insta360 One X2, in almost all respects. In direct comparison, its sensor is larger, the image and sound quality are better. Moreover, the X3 has a larger display with touch function and modernized buttons for quick and intuitive operation with vibration feedback. Together with the smartphone and desktop app, Insta360 offers a complete package for action cam fans who primarily record in 360-degree format and only occasionally in Steadycam mode. To put it briefly: Those who are not bothered by the slightly higher weight (X3: 180 g vs. One X2: 149 g) due to the increased dimensions, the larger display, and the stronger battery, and who are willing to spend a few more euros (€539.99 vs. €489.99), should unhesitatingly choose the X3.

Powerful Sensor
Compared to its predecessor, the Insta360 X3 received a significantly improved camera sensor with 48MP and 1/2-inch size, which not only enables 360-degree videos in 5.7K resolution or detailed 72-megapixel photos but also supports ActiveHDR. ActiveHDR offers stabilized action shots where details become visible that remain hidden in other cameras due to over- or underexposure. Despite everything, the X3 still has moderate low-light qualities and delivers dull and pixelated footage in poor lighting conditions.

Ultra-Wide Field of View for Creative Effects and Perspectives
The dual design of the X3 allows for 360° effects at 5.7K @ 30fps, such as the invisible selfie stick for 29.99 euros, which we also know from other Insta360 cameras. Here, the stick is automatically edited out of the footage as long as it is within the stitching line of the two lenses, allowing for spectacular third-person views in subsequent reframing.
Thanks to the new Me Mode (or Selfie Mode), invisible selfie shots in 1080p at 60 frames per second can now be made completely without reframing. In this mode, the recordings are automatically aligned by AI (16:9 or 9:16) so that the content creator is the focus, while the selfie stick remains invisible.
Furthermore, with the newly added Steadycam Mode (Single Lens Mode), either at maximum resolution with 4K @ 30fps or with a wide field of view of 170° at 2.7K @ 60fps, reasonable first-person perspective shots are possible. Although the quality of the videos still does not match that of current GoPros, it is absolutely sufficient for hobby filmmakers who do not want to invest in a second action cam.

Robust and Waterproof
The camera body has a comfortable grip, appears relatively robust, and should survive many an adventurous trip into nature. It is also waterproof up to depths of 10 meters, making it well suited for use while snorkeling, diving, and other water sports. Due to its design, both lenses for the 360-degree all-around view protrude from the housing and are therefore always the first point of contact during transport, when laying it down, or in case of a fall, which could potentially cause damage and affect recordings. Therefore, every user should consider the silicone lens cap for 8.99 euros and the adhesive lens guard for 24.99 euros. Tip: Order them at the same time as the camera and apply them to the clinically clean lenses before first use.

Good Sound Quality
The sound quality of the built-in stereo microphones is above average and is perfectly suitable for blogging. Optionally, in the settings, a "Directional Enhancement" and a "Wind Noise Reduction" can be activated. However, the latter provides only moderate success against wind at high speeds. An external microphone can be connected using a special microphone adapter for 24.99 euros, which also remains invisible during 360° recordings.

Outstanding Stabilization
No matter how and where the X3 is mounted, or whether it is held directly in the hand or on a selfie stick during action, the six-axis gyro and FlowState stabilization filter out any shaking, bumping, and swaying. And where other action cams reach their limits at inclinations of over 45°, the 360° horizon lock keeps the horizon straight, even if the camera is turned upside down.

Comprehensive Features
For ultra-detailed still images, the X3 offers the highest resolution of 72 megapixels ever found in a 360° action cam. An 8K 360° time-lapse mode is perfect for city and landscape shots, and Bullet Time, the Matrix-like slow-motion effect, which is made possible by swinging the camera in a circle over the head, has also been improved in resolution and frame rates to 4K @ 120 fps and 3K @ 180 fps.
Whenever you don't know when the action will take place, the new Loop Recording Mode comes into play, turning the X3 into a high-end dashcam. In this mode, the camera records continuously but only saves the last few minutes of the video at the set interval to save storage space.

Easy Operation
The Insta360 X3 may look quite similar to its predecessor, but it received important improvements for more comfortable operation: A 2.29-inch large touchscreen made of hardened glass allows for intuitive settings and previews, with the four buttons recordings can now also be controlled more easily with gloves, and the directional focus audio ensures that the sound follows the action, even if the frame changes.

The design differences between the two cameras are absolutely obvious. The Insta360 X3 is not a dedicated action camera for extreme sports but is primarily designed as a camera for social media and content creators. The elongated all-in-one device features two lenses with 1/2-inch sensors on the top end, a large touchscreen, and several buttons, is fully waterproof up to 10 meters, easier to operate, and records either 360° videos with both lenses or "normal" 4K Steadycam videos with just one lens. The downside is the higher weight and the impractical shape or size, which makes mounting it on a Chesty or helmet more difficult.

The Insta360 One RS, on the other hand, is a modular device made up of separate components ("Mods") that can be optimally assembled depending on the intended use. The standard package includes a 360-degree lens, a 4K Boost lens (similar to a GoPro), the battery base, and the ONE RS core. Also included is a cage that holds everything stable together and allows for the mounting of accessories. The One RS is waterproof up to 5 meters without a case and also features a small touchscreen, whose limited size makes controlling and changing settings somewhat difficult. However, a major advantage is the noticeably lighter weight, the compact dimensions, and the better protection against the elements or in case of falls.

Regarding image quality, there are generally no significant differences under good lighting conditions. Although the X3 in single-lens mode is limited to 4K @ 30 fps recordings, which also appear slightly curved, while the corresponding One RS Mod records linear videos at 4K @ 60 fps. However, the X3 has a clear advantage in 360° videos due to its two larger 1/2-inch sensors in capturing light, colors, and details.

In other words, the One RS with the 4K Boost Mod is closer to a GoPro as it features a specialized action camera lens without curvature and has the full 4K resolution available. In addition, the higher bit/frame rate leads to smoother action videos and allows the recording of slow motion. However, the Insta360 X3 always leads the way when recording 360-degree videos, capturing higher quality and consistently performing better in low light. It also handles potential overexposure better than the One RS 360° Mod.

Both cameras can record moving HDR videos, which visibly increases the dynamic range of the footage - the intelligent Me mode, which uses the invisible selfie stick effect and automatically focuses on the creator, remains exclusive to the X3.

So that you can get a rough impression of the image quality, stabilization, and sound, we tested the camera once as part of a 1000PS report in dreadful weather and another time in optimal lighting conditions - in each case on the heavy-duty clamp on the handlebars and on the chest strap.

The Insta360 X3 is a solid 360-degree action cam that impresses with good image quality, reliable image stabilization, and high user-friendliness. Thanks to its compact shape, it fits easily into a pocket and can also be mounted securely and stably enough on the handlebar, helmet, or chesty for action shots. It is practical that the X3 can record not only 360° videos but also conventional single-lens videos, although the steadicam quality does not quite match that of the Insta360 One RS 4K mod or current GoPros.

Surprisingly, the built-in stereo microphones also work decently and easily capture sounds in the environment and spoken words. However, in strong wind or at high speeds, they reach their limits quickly, just like all competitors - see the section "Tips & Tricks for Optimal Recordings".

Through reframing - that is, the subsequent selection of the desired viewing angle - the Insta360 X3 offers spectacular perspectives and opens up many possibilities for creative videos. Although sharing 360° content on social media or before importing it into the editing program requires an additional intermediate cut, the smartphone app offers a wealth of artificial intelligence as well as numerous effects and templates, and the desktop app pleases with intuitive operation and good export quality.