Insta360 already had the top spot in the 360-camera field with the powerful X5 and the value-packed X4. Now they’ve launched the X6 with a big leap in image quality, thanks to the custom Sony 1/1.1in square sensors that deliver full 1in frame, 360-degree imaging. That’s an upgrade of 33% in sensor area over the pro-level X5 and four times the light intake, too.
I’ve been using the X6 for a few weeks now and the upgrade in clarity and colour contrast in low light conditions is a big step up from the X4 I was using before.
More powerful than ever
Powering the new camera is a Triple AL chip, with an 8-core 3.3ghz 4nm processor and twin-imaging chips. Insta360 says that provides a jump of 500% in computing power over then X5. The more powerful chip is also 35% more efficient for longer batter run times.
You can see some of the results of the new X6 is our upcoming Bike of the Year videos over on our YouTube channel, where we used the X6 to capture plenty of footage for our road bikes and gravel bikes.
Insta360 also say the X6 is their first camera to have native in-camera Dolby Vision, which analyses dynamic metadata to set contrast and brightness for every shot. When this is paired with 10-bit colour and more than 1.07 billion recordable colours, Insta360 say the X6 delivers a professional colour profile straight from the camera.
AI Director
Speaking of straight out of the camera, I’ve been impressed with the X6’s new AI Director feature.
Previously, you could use the excellent Insta360 app to generate a cut of a 360 clip using AI. This required you to have the camera connected to your phone – and it can be quite power intensive on both phone and camera.
But the new AI Director takes your recently recorded footage and creates an AI-driven director’s cut when the camera is asleep and plugged into charge.
Compact size
On top of the image quality, The X6’s load times and processing times when transferring to the app are noticeably faster than before.
It’s also a much smaller unit. The previous X models were quite tall and slim at 46mm x 124.5mm x 38.2mm. But the X6 is 50mm x 100mm x 40mm.
That does make a difference if you want to mount the camera to your handlebar or helmet.
3-in-1 camera performance
Alongside the 360-degree twin lens recording, the X6 can be used as a single-lens action cam (GoPro style) with a range of accessories including an action cam style chest mount.
It can now also be used as a subject-tracking Gimbal camera, all accessed straight from the menu screen on the camera.
Using InstaFrame 2.0 you can use the camera to lock on to a subject and auto track. That's great for following a cyclist, or, like me, recording my dog running ahead.
You can also make use of the Gimbal feature with the new selfie stick remote kit. The small stand-alone remote can be mounted to your handlebar or slot into the selfie stick. It has a built-in mini joystick so you can control the camera like a Gimbal which keeps the camera steady and smooth, cancelling out shaking hands or bumps. Standalone action camera Gimbals are priced around £200. So, the fact that the X6 can do this virtually is a big plus.
Insta360 X6 first impressions and pricing
I’m hugely impressed with the performance of the X6 compared to the X4 I was using before.
The clarity of the image is impressive, especially in low light conditions. The new larger battery (2600mAh) means I can record for nearly two-and-half hours in the highest quality, 8k at 30fps in full 360-degree video.
The camera charges quickly too and the speed at which it transfers and exports from camera to phone is a big leap over the older models.
The $699 / £619 / €699 price tag for the standard bundle includes the camera, battery, USB-C cable, and protective pouch. The Road Cycling bundle steps up to £743 / $743 and swaps the standard battery for an Xtreme battery and adds a bike computer mount, bike kit, invisible self stick and lens caps.
The 2 in 1 foldable selfie stick with remote to turn the camera into a gimbal camera is available separately at £54.99 / $54.99.
