Insta360 X3 camera | The all round action camera

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As a motorcycle videographer continually pushing the boundaries of video production, the quest for cutting-edge tools led me to explore the Insta360 X3 camera, a contender challenging GoPro’s long-standing dominance in the onboard camera market.

• Latest model: Read about the Insta360 X4 8K camera

Is the Insta360 X3 functional?

The Insta360 X3 camera’s standout feature lies in its seamless integration of two wide lenses, capturing the entire surroundings in stunning 360-degree videos. This not only provides ample coverage but also grants precise control during the editing process, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and offering viewers an immersive experience.

How does it suit the motorcycle enthusiast?

Beyond its technical capabilities, the X3 caters to the discerning tastes of motorcycle enthusiasts. It enables the capture of dynamic third person angles reminiscent of video games, allowing riders to showcase their skills and share exhilarating moments with a cinematic flair, especially when utilizing an extended selfie stick pole.

What’s the Insta360 X3 video quality like?

Initial scepticism about the 5.7k resolution was dispelled upon reviewing the footage. The image clarity is commendable, and the inclusion of a 8-bit colour depth adds a layer of vibrancy and detail to the visuals that stands out in the competitive landscape.

Footage shot by MCN on the Insta360 X3

Does the Insta360 X3 have a good battery life?

The X3 is equipped with a robust 1800mAh removable battery, boasting an impressive 81-minute film time when shooting 5.7K 360 video. Notably, the camera’s performance in varying temperatures, including the cold air encountered during high-speed travel, exceeded expectations.

Does the video stabilization work?

The stabilization capabilities of the X3 deserves special mention. Even when subjected to the tumultuous forces experienced on off-road terrain or racetracks, the camera handles rebounds and shakes with remarkable poise, delivering smooth and professional-looking footage.

What is the sound quality like?

While the built-in microphones excel in quieter settings, capturing the nuanced sounds of a powerful superbike at full throttle may necessitate pairing the X3 with a dedicated audio recorder for a more immersive auditory experience.

What are the Exposure & ND Filters like to use?

Balancing exposure is crucial to capturing the true sense of speed. While the auto settings perform admirably, the seamless 360 field of view limits the use of ND filters and specific frame rates, posing a challenge for users seeking more granular control over their shots.

Is the Insta360 X3 easy to install and use?

Mounts

Despite the camera’s capability to handle the speed and power of motorcycles, the Achilles’ heel lies in the original mounts. The accessories, unfortunately, do not match the camera’s prowess, struggling against the forces exerted during extreme rides.

Selfie Sticks

Although excelling as an amateur vlogging action camera, the X3 reveals limitations in extreme scenarios. Mounting accessories may falter under the intense forces of track or off-road activities, indicating room for improvement in durability and stability.

Lens Guards

The vulnerability of the protruding dual lenses makes the X3 susceptible to scratches, emphasizing the necessity of investing in the sticky lens guards available from Insta360. Regrettably, these are not included in the Motorcycle Bundle, potentially leaving users with a compromised lens.

App & Editing

The Insta360 app serves as a multifunctional hub for camera setup, control, and creative sharing. Notably, the deep track feature revolutionizes the editing process, eliminating the need for laborious keyframing by automatically centring the subject within the frame.

Rivals

Selecting the right action camera depends on individual preferences and mounting requirements. For a standard chin-mounted setup, alternatives like the GoPro Hero 12 or Insta360 One RS may be more suitable, whereas the X3 excels in capturing creative shots from a third-person perspective.

Is the Insta360 X3 good value?

Priced at £460, the Insta360 X3 represents a premium investment. Its position as the best-equipped 360 camera on the market is evident, with its sound quality and mounting options being the primary areas for improvement.

So what’s the verdict?

In conclusion, the Insta360 X3 has left a lasting impression, earning my admiration for its design, ease of use, image quality, and stabilization capabilities. While not without its minor drawbacks, it emerges as a compelling choice for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking to elevate their video production game. Insta360’s commitment to innovation is evident, making the X3 a strong contender in the ever-evolving action camera landscape.

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