Insta360 X3 action cam uses new 48MP sensors, larger touchscreen & better performance

Insta360 has announced a new 360-degree action camera, the Insta360 X3. The X3 features new 48MP image sensors and a 2.29″ touchscreen. Insta360 says it’s ‘the most powerful camera you can carry in your pocket.’

‘With the X series, we are reinventing the point-and-shoot camera to make it easier for anyone to be a creator. X3 is built to help the next generation of creators take their creativity to new heights,’ said JK Liu, founder of Insta360.

Thanks to the high-res image sensors, the camera records 5.7K 360-degree video with Active HDR and an Invisible Selfie Stick effect. As for still images, the camera captures 72MP and 18MP photos using its 6.7mm (35mm equivalent) F1.9 lens.

You can capture 360-degree or standard single-lens content. Using the 360-degree feature, users can record 5.7K footage at 24/25/30 fps. You can also record 4K video at up to 60 fps. In the single lens mode, the resolution tops out at 4K (24/25/30 fps), although 3.6K, 2.7K and 1080p resolutions can be shot at up to 60 fps. Video modes include standard, Active HDR, Timelapse, TimeShift, Bullet Time and Loop Recording. Active HDR is possible thanks to the new 48MP image sensors and uses an algorithm to stabilize action footage and minimize ghosting while expanding the visible dynamic range of your footage. 360 Timelapse is available at up to 8K resolution. As for Bullet Time, it’s a Matrix-like effect made possible by swinging the camera over your head in a circle. In this special mode, you can shoot at 4K/120p and 3K/180p.

The X3 incorporates a six-axis gyroscope and utilizes Insta360’s FlowState stabilization to keep your video stable. There’s a 360-degree Horizon Lock that keeps the horizon level even when you completely rotate the camera.

Like any good action camera, the X3 is rugged and durable. The camera is waterproof down to 10m (33′) out of the box. You can also add optional accessories to increase its durability, including lens guards for users who enjoy action sports.

With the new Loop Recording mode, you can also use the Insta360 X3 as a dashcam. It continuously records video in this mode but only saves a set duration of recent recordings based on your selected settings so that you won’t fill up your storage with useless footage. Speaking of storage, the camera saves to a microSD card.

Additional workflow features include BLE 5.0 Bluetooth, WiFi, a USB Type-C port for charging, and 48 kHz audio recording via stereo mics. The camera weighs 180g (6.35 oz.), and its dimensions (W x H x D) are 114 x 46 x 33.1 mm (4.5 x 1.8 x 1.3″). The new 2.29″ touchscreen is covered with tempered glass and the camera includes four directional buttons so you can use the camera even while wearing gloves. The X3 includes a new, larger 1800mAh battery that can record 81 minutes of 5.7K/30p video. The camera’s shutter speed range is 120s to 1/8000s and it includes +/- 4 EV of exposure compensation. The ISO range is 100-3200.

The Insta360 X3 is compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices. The mobile app includes AI technology to automatically select your best footage and apply edits. You can compile highlight videos and apply more than 30 special effects to your content. There’s also a desktop version for improved controls and editing performance.

Insta360 X3 is available to order now via Insta360 and Amazon. The camera is $449.99. Additional accessories like the lens guards, a cold shoe, mic adapter and Quick Reader are also available now. For more information, visit Insta360.