While my resume boasts titles such as director, editor, greenhouse builder, VFX creator, member of the Home Guard, uncle, and actor, extreme sports enthusiast is notably absent. Activities like mountain biking or base jumping, while potentially exhilarating, are not typically on my agenda. This raises the question: does an individual like myself find value in the Insta360 X3 – Pocket 360 Action Cam?
Upon unboxing the device, two immediate impressions stand out. First, its weight is surprisingly substantial, conveying a sense of robustness and build quality. Second, the included protective pouch is clearly a necessity. The lenses protrude noticeably, making it inadvisable to place the camera directly on its back without risking scratches.
My initial step was to fully charge the battery. Upon powering on the Insta360 X3 – Pocket 360 Action Cam, the integrated touch display impresses with its brightness and clarity. The interface allows users to select from various modes, including video, timelapse, bullet time (slow motion), still image, HDR (both video and still image), and burst (continuous shooting). Each mode offers a range of adjustable settings, accessible through intuitive touchscreen gestures.
I was particularly impressed by the inclusion of manual white balance control. This feature is invaluable for achieving accurate colors and ensuring consistency when used in conjunction with other cameras. While the auto mode performs admirably in most situations, the availability of manual control is a significant advantage for experienced users.
Next, I tested the Insta360 X3 – Pocket 360 Action Cam in practical scenarios. All modes offer the flexibility to utilize the front camera, rear camera, or both for a full 360-degree view. I primarily used the 360-degree mode, which, while demanding in terms of battery consumption and storage space, provides the most immersive experience. A dedicated button on the front of the camera allows for quick mode selection. The inclusion of physical buttons, in addition to the touchscreen, is a welcome feature, particularly in wet or challenging conditions.
The Insta360 app, available for both iOS and Android, provides seamless control over the camera. All settings are readily accessible, and I encountered no connectivity issues. The app also facilitates on-the-go editing of recorded footage. Users can export films in either a “flat” format or in 360 degrees. When editing in flat mode, the app provides precise control over the framing, allowing for pans, tilts, and zooms using a keyframe-based system. The example film below showcases this functionality. While basic editing and music addition are possible within the camera itself, the film presented here was edited using Adobe Premier Pro.
Each film clip can be re-edited at any time, allowing for flexibility in post-production. Users can choose a 16:9 aspect ratio, as demonstrated in the video above, or select alternative formats optimized for platforms like Instagram.
Alternatively, films can be exported in 360 degrees, empowering viewers to explore the footage interactively. Platforms like Facebook support the display of 360-degree videos.
To reiterate the initial question: “Does someone like me have a use for the Insta 360 X3 – Pocket 360 Action Cam?” The answer is a resounding yes. The advantages of a 360 camera with this level of functionality and ease of use are undeniable. For solo users seeking to capture their surroundings comprehensively, the Insta360 X3 – Pocket 360 Action Cam is unmatched. The freedom afforded during the editing process is remarkable. I was able to place the camera on a tripod and continue working, confident that I wouldn’t miss any critical details.
The sole drawback is the battery life, which proved shorter than expected. Extended filming sessions may necessitate the purchase of additional batteries, priced at approximately five hundred SEK each. Operation via mains power is also a viable option.
In conclusion, the Insta360 X3 – Pocket 360 Action Cam earns a must-have recommendation. It’s a genuinely impressive camera in virtually all aspects. Even as a wide-angle camera, its performance would be notable; the 360-degree capability elevates it further. I must also highlight two key features that I overlooked initially: its waterproof design (up to ten meters) and its ability to automatically remove the camera and selfie stick from 360-degree footage. While I used a tripod during filming (which is not removed), the image below illustrates the effect of the camera’s object removal capabilities.
Insta 360 provided test units for this review. Provision of review units does not influence our editorial objectivity.
