The ultimate 360° action camera: Insta360 versus GoPro

Although most cameras capture a portion of the world for posterity, models with dual lenses take an opposite approach. The 360° cameras capture everything around them, allowing the viewing angle to be adjusted afterwards. In collaboration with appropriate software, video editing is greatly facilitated and enhanced. The result is unique shots that would otherwise not be possible, or would only be possible with great effort.
In the world of action cameras, two names are at the top: Insta360 and GoPro. These two companies have conquered the market with high-quality cameras that accompany adventurers around the world. Today, we take a closer look at three of their flagship models: the Insta360 X3, the X4, and the GoPro MAX. Which is the better choice for your adventures? Let’s make a comparison.

1. Specifications

When looking at the technical specifications (only the most important ones were summarized), the Insta360 appears to be superior. It has larger sensors in the two lenses, which make it possible to capture more details and colors even in low light conditions.
The X3 offers more unique features and video modes, although the legitimate question is whether these are really useful or just a gimmick.
Despite the first impression, the GoPro MAX should not be underestimated. Finally, the company has nearly two decades of experience in developing action cameras and has invested heavily in the development of its own sensor and color technology.

1.1 Photo

Both the X3 and the MAX are primarily designed for video, but can also take 360° photos.
The MAX can take 360° photos at 18MP and also has a panorama mode called PowerPano.
In comparison, the X3 has a resolution of 23MP and offers more photo modes, including HDR photos and “Pureshot”, which automatically improves the quality of your photos using AI. In addition, it is possible to capture DNG RAW images.

1.2 Video

Both cameras record 360-degree videos with a maximum resolution of 5.7K at 30 frames per second. However, the X3 has larger sensors that allow it to capture more detail, which is also reflected in shots that appear more colorful and dynamic.
In good lighting conditions, the difference is often small, but when shooting in low light conditions, the difference becomes more noticeable and you will find that the X3 tends to perform better than the MAX.
In addition, the Insta360 X3 has an HDR video mode that automatically improves the quality of the videos, reduces overexposure and emphasizes details in the shadows. Unfortunately, this mode is missing on the GoPro MAX.

1.2.1 Stabilization

It’s the amazing ability to stabilize videos almost perfectly that makes 360° cameras so popular as action cameras. With 360° cameras, you can take the craziest action shots and your video will always be smooth.
The Insta360 calls its stabilization software Flowstate and the GoPro MAX calls its Hypersmooth, but both achieve the same thing.
As tests have shown, videos are stabilized equally well with both cameras. Both also feature a horizon lock, which keeps the horizon perfectly aligned even when you rotate the camera.

1.2.2 Single-lens video

Both the X3 and the GoPro MAX feature a single-lens mode, allowing you to capture standard videos with your cameras. This practically gives you two cameras in one, a 360° camera and a standard action camera.
The single lens mode of the GoPro Max is called “Hero mode” after the Hero series of GoPro action cameras. With this mode, you can record 1440p videos at 60fps. The stabilization also works here and the result looks decent.
The Insta360 X3 can record 4K single-lens videos at 30fps or 3.6K at 60fps. The higher resolution indeed makes a difference, and the X3 records overall higher quality single-lens videos. It also offers more options for angles, including an ultra-wide FOV+ option.
Another unique video mode found on the X3 is the “Me Mode”, which automatically focuses on the user. A great way to ensure that you stay in the picture without any editing.

1.3 Design

Both 360° action cameras have some similarities. They have a rubberized housing, dual sensors and both have a touchscreen for manual control.
The MAX has manual buttons for activation and shutter release. The camera is completely waterproof up to 5 m and has 6 microphones.
The GoPro MAX is shorter but wider and has a smaller screen. The X3’s larger screen makes it easier to use and preview media.
The X3 also has a shutter button, an on/off button, a button to quickly select custom profiles and a button to switch between 360° mode and inner/outer lens. The X3 is also waterproof, but up to 10m.

1.4 Editor

Compared to standard cameras, 360° cameras allow you to be amazingly creative. This allows you to manipulate your video in almost limitless ways after recording. All of this is achieved in the editing process, either in the app or the editor.
The GoPro MAX app has a decent video editor for reframing your 360° videos. It is easy to use and learn and allows you to be creative with your recordings. The app also features a vlog creator that can combine different clips and add transitions, text and music.
The Insta360 app is more complex in comparison, but also offers far more unique effects and a more advanced video editor. An AI editor also allows you to automatically create unique shots, reframe your videos without editing and even fix the focus on a specific object in your video.
Overall, the Insta360 app gets more out of what 360° cameras provide, but the higher complexity can also lead to a longer learning curve. The MAX app has hardly been updated since its release, but is more streamlined.
Both companies offer a free desktop editor. In both cases, there are unfortunately fewer special effects, but they allow you to export your videos in higher resolution and quality.

2. Comparison between Insta360 X3 and X4

Disadvantages X4 to X3:
– more color noise in areas with low contrast, such as asphalt or concrete
– standard color profile saturation and contrast are perceived as slightly too high
– poor lighting conditions lead to more noise at 8K, but more details are captured
– lens protection can lead to glare effects
– plastic lens protection can attract dust

Advantages X4 to X3:
– more details are captured
– higher frame rate with slow motion
– better image quality
– more color fidelity
– up to 30 min recording without gaps
– new, integrated stitching mode
– exchangeable lens protection, in the premium version made of glass
– easier and more convenient operation

3. Conclusion

When the GoPro Max was released, it was way ahead of its time, which speaks volumes for GoPro. Now it’s time to follow up.
GoPro is planning to release a Max 2, but it’s not clear when this will happen. With the X3, Insta360 has already made a statement. However, the recently launched successor to the X3, the X4, with 8K 360° mode, sets new standards.
In summary, the Insta360 X3 offers more video modes, as well as more powerful hardware and software that allows the user to be more creative. The price difference between the GoPro MAX and the X3 is not significant, hence the conclusion that with the X3, you get more value for your money. The X4 expands the playing field, but is also the most expensive of the three cameras. For getting started in the world of 360° cameras, the GoPro MAX or the Insta360 X3 are sufficient.

The Stoked Zone is a dealer for Insta360 cameras – read more in our news“The Stoked Zone is official dealer of Insta360 action cameras“.