Top 4 360 Cameras Compared
Insta360 X5 Insta360 X4 DJI Osmo 360 Ricoh Theta X Price (sale) $550 $500 ($350) $550 $597 Max Video Specs 8K 30 fps 360, 4K 60 fps in single lens mode 8K 30 fps 360, 4K 60 fps in single lens mode 8K 50 fps / 4K 120 fps in single-lens mode 5.7K 30 fps 360 / 4K 30 fps in single lens mode Single Lens Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes Photo Resolution 72 MP (11,904 x 5,952), 18 MP (5,888 x 2,944). RAW (DNG) supported 72 MP (11,904 x 5,952), 18 MP (5,888 x 2,944). RAW (DNG) supported 30 MP (4:3, 6400 × 4800) / Panoramic Photo 120 MP (2:1, 15520 × 7760) 60 MP, 11,008 x 5,504 Battery Life 80 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions. 68 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions. About 85 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions Around 25 minutes at 5.7K, more at lower resolutions. Video Modes Normal, PureVideo (Low light video) — Normal, SuperNight (low light) — Lens Guard Sold separately Included Included —
Other Options
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Insta360 X3 for $250: You'll have to settle for 5.7K footage here, and that's on a 1/2-inch sensor, which is only 1080p when you crop to a rectangular video format. Still, you get nearly the same form factor as the X4, and you can use it as a 4K, single-lens action cam. At this price the X3 remains a viable option for those wanting to dabble in 360 video without spending a fortune.
Insta360 One RS for $300: The company's interchangeable-lens action-camera/360-camera hybrid is another option. The video footage isn't as good as the other cameras in this guide, but you can swap the lens and have an action camera in a moment, which is the major selling point. That said, now that the X3 and X4 can also be used as 4K action cameras, the One RS is less tempting than it used to be. Still, if you like the action-camera form factor but want to be able to shoot 360 footage as well, this One RS is a great camera. The real combo would be the the 360 lens paired with the Leica lens, but the price for that combo is considerably higher.
GoPro Max for $822: GoPro's entry into the 360 camera world, the Max is a capable action camera, featuring 6K video in a waterproof form factor with industry-leading stabilization. It's got all the shooting modes you know from your GoPro, like HyperSmooth, TimeWarp, PowerPano, and more. Like the X4, there's a single-lens mode (called Hero mode), and, my favorite part, the Max is compatible with most GoPro mounts and accessories. The main reason the Max is not one of our top picks is that the Max 2 is likely coming very soon. If you want a Max, you're better off waiting.
Qoocam 3 Ultra for $599: It's not widely available, and we have not had a chance to try one, but Kandao's Qoocam 3 Ultra is another 8K 360 camera that looks promising, at least on paper. The f/1.6 aperture is especially interesting, as most of the rest of these are in the f/2 and up range. We'll update this guide when we've had a chance to test a Qoocam.
360 Cameras to Avoid
Insta360 One X2 for $230: Insta360’s older X2 is different from the X3 that replaced it. The form factor is less convenient. (The screen is tiny; you pretty much have to use it with a phone). It still shoots 5.7K video, but it's not as well stabilized nor is it anywhere near as sharp as the X3 or X4. Unless you can get it for well under $200, the X2 is not worth buying.
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