In September 2022, Insta360 released the Insta360 X3. In this article we are going to take a look at the Insta360 X3 specs and features, and whether you can use it a motovlogging camera. This will not be a comparison video. For comparisons, Go Here. Without further ado, let’s dive straight into this Insta360 X3 Review.
Also Read: Insta360 Buying Guide. Which Insta360 is best for You?
Insta360 Hands-On Review
Build and Design
Screen
Zoom In/Out
First thing you notice is that the X3 has a brand new 2.29-Inch Tempered Glass Touch-Screen. This allows you to easily navigate the Menu and make adjustments. It also allows you to easily see what the camera is seeing. In addition, the larger font means that you’re able to dial in setting quickly, even from a distance. The larger screen definitely makes the Insta360 X3 easier to use.
Buttons
Zoom In/Out
You have Power On/Off and the Quick Menu buttons on the side. The Quick Menu button gives you access to custom presets that you can create and access later.
You get the Start/Stop Record button on the bottom left, and the Lens button on the bottom right. The Lens button allows you to quickly switch from 360-degree mode, to dedicated front/rear lens with a touch.
Zoom In/Out
Battery and Ports
Then we have the battery compartment and SD Card Slot on the left. Right on top of that, you get a USB-C Port for charging and accessories. More on that Below.
Functions and Features
We get a powerful new processor that powers the new ½ -inch 48MP Sensor. It Shoots 5.7K 360-degree video and 4K@30fps in Single Lens capture mode. There’s definitely a boost in photo and video quality from the One X2. Especially, in Selfie Mode and Me-Mode.
Me-Mode
The new Insta360 Me-mode allows you to shoot invisible-selfie shots at 60fps, without reframing. Me-Mode also concentrates the computing power for better image quality. Better than the 360-mode. To shoot invisible-selfie before, you had to use the 360-mode and then reframe.
Loop Recording
Another new feature that we have on the X3 is Loop Recording. Loop Recording allows you to choose the amount of time you want to record before footage starts to overwrite itself. This is in 5-minute intervals from 1 minute to 30 minutes. For example, let’s say we set the loop to 5 minutes; this means that after every 5 minutes, it will begin overwriting the previous 5 minutes. This means that you will have a continuous loop and you’ll never run out of memory. If there’s an incident that you’ll like to capture and store, just press the record button to stop recording and it’ll save the previous 5 minutes.
You can also use this feature when you want to capture something epic, without having to burn through memory before it happens. Once that epic thing happens, you just hit the record button, stop the loop and save your footage.
This makes the X3 super convenient to use as a dashcam. With the X2 you had to record the whole footage and then delete it or export it later.
Mics and Audio
The Insta360 X3 comes with four internal mics, placed on each corner, for better improved audio. This is really important for capturing audio when in selfie mode/Me Mode.
You can also use the X3 with an external mic, using a microphone adapter. The mic adapter comes with a 3.5mm microphone jack and a USB-C port for charging the device.
You just need to remove the USB-C charging port door, and firmly insert the mic adapter into place. It is important to note that without the charging port door, the Insta360 is not waterproof.
Another tip, if you can see a little orange dot where the door latch is, that means that the door needs to be closed properly.
Vibration
Another feature is that the X3 also vibrates. The vibration is pretty intuitive. There’s the standard vibration when the device is powered on/off, and when you press the start/stop record button. In addition to this, you get feedback when scrolling through the Menu and Settings.
Mounting
There are different mounting options for the X3. It all narrows down to what kind of footage you want to record.
Using the Insta360 X3 for Motovlogging.
Zoom In/Out
On a helmet, you can mount it on the top, at the sides, or the chin. I always prefer to mount mine on the helmet chin. Use a chin adapter to mount the X3 in a position that isn’t going to obscure your vision. Set the camera to single lens mode and plug in your mic for better audio. You will have a Field-of-View of 170 degrees.
Drawbacks
The only major problem I with Insta360, was the time it took to download your 5.7K footage from your action camera to your iPhone via Wi-Fi. Also, the size it consumed on my phone, considering that one hour of shooting a 5.7K 360-degree video uses around 64GB.
Luckily, there’s a work around to this. A little nifty accessory called the Insta360 quick reader.
Just remove your MicroSD form the Insta360, and put it into the reader. Stick the reader into your phone and you’ll automatically be prompted to open the App and start editing. No Wi-Fi required.
Open the Gallery, and select the photo/video you want to edit. From the App, you can change the Aspect ratio, add effects and much more.
If you have a memory card in both the X3 and the quick reader, and then you insert the quick reader into the X3 and start recording, footage will first be stored in the quick reader’s memory card. This is great as it allows you to film clips into the reader, remove it, edit your clips while the Insta360 keeps recording.
My Take
The Insta360 X3 is a perfect action camera for vloggers and moto cyclers (moto vloggers). Whether it’s capturing an evening ride with your buddies, or camping adventures in the forest. Especially, with that vibrating feature that is so handy. Plus, you can also use it as a dashcam.
Let us know in the react section what you think about the Insta360 X3. Use the Link below to buy the Insta360 X3 and get a FREE Selfie Stick.
