Insta360 X3: Full Review

The Insta360 X3 is a newly released consumer 360 camera that offers some compelling features for creators looking to get started with immersive content. As a third generation camera from Insta360, the X3 builds on the success of earlier models like the One X2 and One R, aiming to push the boundaries of what's possible with an affordable 360 camera.

With a compact, lightweight form factor and waterproof design, the X3 is built for portability and durability. Its headline features include 48MP photos, 5.7K 3D video, and 72MP panoramic stills. The X3 also introduces 4K single lens mode for more traditional video capture. All of this is powered by Insta360's proprietary FlowState stabilization technology which helps smooth out footage.

For creators getting started with 360 and VR production, the X3 hits a sweet spot between price and performance. While more expensive professional rigs exist, the X3 brings robust specs and strong core features into a consumer-friendly package. As we'll explore throughout this review, it represents an appealing option for travel, real estate, action sports, and other 360 use cases.

Design

The Insta360 X3 has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to take on all your adventures. It measures just 2.5 x 1.2 x 1.2 inches and weighs only 4.1 ounces, making it one of the smallest and lightest 360 action cameras on the market. Despite its diminutive size, it feels well-built and durable thanks to its high-quality materials. The body is made of durable black plastic with rubberized gripping surfaces, allowing you to securely hold onto it even with wet or gloved hands. It's also waterproof up to 10 meters without any additional housing required. Overall, the Insta360 X3's thoughtful design focuses on portability and durability, packing advanced imaging capabilities into a rugged, go-anywhere body.

The Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition also boasts a robust design, but with a larger 1-inch sensor that delivers superior image quality and low-light performance. It maintains portability with dimensions that still make it easy to carry, though slightly larger than the X3. The high-resolution sensor combined with advanced stabilization technologies ensures crisp and smooth footage. Designed for those who demand the utmost in performance and flexibility, this model is also waterproof up to 5 meters without housing, emphasizing durability and functionality for all conditions.

Image Quality

The Insta360 X3 has excellent image quality for an action camera. It features a 1/1.7" sensor with 48MP resolution for photos and can shoot up to 5.7K video at 30fps.

For photos, the X3 can capture 72MP 360 photos using pixel-shift technology. This allows incredibly detailed 360 panoramas by combining information from multiple exposures. Photos are sharp with vivid colors and good dynamic range.

The maximum video resolution of 5.7K at 30fps produces crisp, smooth footage. You can also shoot standard 4K video at 60fps for silky smooth slow motion when played back at normal speed. The wide angle lens provides an immersive 360 viewing experience.

Overall, the image quality is a standout feature for the X3. The 48MP sensor and advanced image processing provides professional-level photos and video for an action camera. If you want high resolution 360 content, the X3 delivers excellent results.

Another excellent option for those seeking versatile and high-performance action cameras is the Insta360 GO 3 128GB. This compact and lightweight camera offers easy portability and impressive image stabilization, making it perfect for capturing smooth, high-quality footage on the go. It provides a generous 128GB of storage, ensuring ample space for all your adventures. The Insta360 GO 3 is designed to streamline your filming experience, with features that cater to both casual users and professional videographers looking for quick, high-quality content.

Features

The Insta360 X3 has some great features for an action camera in its price range.

Image Stabilization

The X3 utilizes FlowState image stabilization to deliver smooth, stabilized video even during fast-paced activities like cycling, skiing, or skateboarding. This makes your footage look more professional and easier to watch. The stabilization helps compensate for camera shake and vibration.

Live Streaming

With the X3, you can live stream video directly to platforms like YouTube and Facebook. This allows you to share experiences as they happen. The camera uses WiFi and the Insta360 app to handle live streaming capabilities.

Touch Screen

The rear touch screen on the X3 lets you easily control settings and preview your shots. Rather than fiddling with small buttons, you can use the intuitive touch interface. The screen is bright, sharp, and responsive. You can change modes and settings with just a few taps.

Ease of Use

Setting up and using the Insta360 X3 is very straightforward. The camera comes partially charged, so you can power it on and connect to the Insta360 app right away. The app walks you through the rest of the initial setup process, including connecting to WiFi and updating firmware.

The Insta360 app makes it easy to control the camera remotely, view and transfer photos and videos, edit content, and live stream. The app connects to the camera via WiFi or Bluetooth, with reliable connectivity up to about 30 feet away. The interface is clean and intuitive. Key camera settings and modes are accessible from the app's home screen.

The X3 has a touch screen for controlling the camera directly. The interface is responsive and easy to navigate. You can change modes and settings, frame shots, and review photos/videos. The screen is sufficiently bright for outdoor use. One downside is the lack of a front display for vlogging-style shooting.

Overall, the X3 offers effortless operation thanks to the well-designed mobile app and touchscreen interface. Beginners will have no issues getting up and running quickly.

Battery Life

The Insta360 X3 has a decent battery life for an action camera. On a full charge, you can expect around 70 minutes of continuous 5.7K recording or 100 minutes of 4K recording. This is pretty standard for most action cameras in this price range.

Charging time is quite fast at around 80 minutes to fully charge via USB-C. This is convenient when you need to top up the battery between shooting sessions. The camera also supports quick charge, juicing up the battery by 50% in just 30 minutes.

Overall, battery life is good but not amazing. You'll still want to charge up fully before a long day of shooting and bring the charger with you for longer events. The quick charge support helps make sure you can get back recording quickly if the battery dies.

Accessories

The Insta360 X3 comes with some useful accessories in the box. It includes the invisible selfie stick, lens guards, adjustable mount, charging cable, and pouch.

The invisible selfie stick is a clever way to get selfies and action shots without the stick being visible in your photos and videos. It attaches directly to the camera and extends your reach.

The lens guards help protect the dual lenses from scratches and damage. They just clip on over the lenses.

The adjustable mount allows you to attach the X3 to helmets, selfie sticks, tripods, and more. It's a standard action camera mount.

Some optional accessories worth considering are:

• Extra batteries - Allows you to keep recording longer.
• Underwater case - For using the camera while scuba diving and snorkeling. Waterproof to 60m.
• Multifunctional case - Provides extra protection and can mount to tripods.
• Remote control - Allows you to start/stop recording and control other functions from a distance.
• Light mod - Attaches an LED fill light for improved image quality in low light.
• Mic adapter - Allows you to connect external microphones for better audio.

The range of accessories makes the X3 adaptable for all kinds of situations and expands what you can do with the camera.

Pros

The Insta360 X3 has several standout positives that make it a great choice for an action camera based on hands-on testing and experience.

• Excellent image stabilization. The FlowState stabilization lives up to the hype and delivers incredibly smooth video footage, even during fast motion activities. You can run, bike, and more without worrying about shaky footage.

• Versatile lenses. The dual fisheye lenses provide the flexibility to shoot 360 video or standard wide angle 4K video from a single lens. This allows you to capture immersive 360 environments or more traditional point-of-view shots.

• Intuitive editing app. Insta360's app makes editing 360 and standard videos simple with automated features like subject tracking and shot framing. This takes a lot of the complexity out of 360 editing.

• Rugged, waterproof design. With waterproofing up to 10 meters without a case, the X3 is built for action sports and underwater usage. The design is durable enough for most adventures.

• Convenient live streaming. You can live stream immersive 360 video directly from the camera to platforms like YouTube and Facebook. This allows for very engaging real-time content.

Cons

The Insta360 X3 has a few drawbacks to consider:

• Battery life could be better. The battery lasts around 70 minutes when recording 5.7K video. This is decent but may not get you through a full day of shooting without recharging.

• No built-in live streaming. You need to use the companion app for live streaming, unlike some other action cams that have built-in streaming.

• Only waterproof with the dive case. The camera itself is only splashproof. To achieve the 16-foot waterproof rating, you need to use the included dive case.

• Single lens means no front-facing screen. With a single lens camera, you lose the front display that dual-lens 360 cams have. This makes framing selfie shots a bit trickier.

• Pricey compared to some competitors. While the X3 offers great specs for the price, you can find 4K action cams with similar core features for less money. The 360 and high-res capabilities add to the cost.

• Large file sizes. 5.7K and 48MP files take up a lot of storage space. You'll want a large, high-speed microSD card.

So while the X3 is very versatile, those looking for the lowest cost or longest battery may want to consider other options. But overall it's a great mix of features and quality in a compact form factor.

Conclusion

Overall, the Insta360 X3 is an excellent 360 action camera that offers great value for the price. It has a rugged, waterproof design and captures high quality 360 video and photos. The image stabilization works very well to smooth out footage. The touch screen interface is intuitive and makes framing shots and changing settings easy.

The 48MP photo resolution and 5.7K video resolution enable capturing highly detailed 360 content. The camera also has useful features like starlapse, timelapse, hyperlapse, and live streaming. Dual lenses allow 4K single lens recording in addition to 360 capture. The accessories included in the box like the invisible selfie stick and lens guards add functionality.

Battery life is solid at around 70 minutes of continuous 5.7K recording. The camera charges quickly via USB-C and can be charged while recording. Lack of extra batteries in the box is a downside.

For an action camera under $500 that can capture immersive 360 video and photos, the Insta360 X3 is an excellent choice. It provides great value compared to more expensive 360 cameras. If you're looking for a user-friendly 360 camera to capture your adventures, the X3 is easy to recommend.