Tiny Planet is another interesting feature packed into this 360 device and one that I’ve not yet decided whether it’s a gimmick or not. Tiny Planet essentially lets you zoom the sphere out to make it look like you’re standing on your own little planet.
Whilst I’ve found that this angle is a little too much for video use, it’s a great way to capture some quirky photos, on chairlifts, or standing on little summits, where you can really push the vertigo inducing angle.
Design
Encasing all of the geekery that allows for the unique angles to be captured, is a pretty slim design. Surprising, given the amount this camera punches above its weight.
GoPro have gone for the more ‘compact’ design with the Fusion, Insta 360 have a taken a more elongated approach to the design. The camera is much taller (41mm to be exact) than the Fusion, but skinnier and narrower.
“The Insta 360 One X weighs a measly 115g”
The Insta 360 One X only weighs a measly 115g with the battery in, whilst the Fusion weights 220g – something you’d want to bear in mind if you’re going to strap these things to your head.
This weight difference is made clear when you take a look at the battery capacity of the One X (1200 mAh), compared to the Fusion (2620 mAh). Although the smaller battery size, you are still able to swap out the batteries in the One X. Insta 360 claim that you’re able to get 60 minutes of filming out of a single charge, however I found this to be less, probably due to the cold conditions found out in the French Alps.
The two lenses stick out of the casing of the camera quite a bit, just like with the Fusion. This meant that you have to be super careful when moving the camera around to make sure that you don’t scratch either of the lenses. Insta 360 provide you with a carry case for the One X, but this is just a soft neoprene case which didn’t offer too much protection, we preferred the hard case of the Fusion.
Speaking about the case, it’s got to be said that you have to be careful not to accidentally press one of the buttons as you’re stuffing your camera into your pack. Because of the soft nature of the case, it’s pretty easy to accidentally press one of the two buttons on the frontside of the camera which can switch the camera on, only to find a drained battery when you next reach for the camera.
Just one more point on the boring hardware side of things. Both the Micro USB and Micro SD ports are exposed to the elements, so don’t go getting this thing too wet as it’s not waterproof unless you buy the Venture Case.
App
The downloadable smartphone app is really what stands the camera out from the competition. The app is super intuitive to use. I was able to get straight in from ski day, download all my footage to my phone and start editing in some cool pans, time lapses and active tracks into my footage like I was some sort of award-winning action sports videographer – right from the palm of my hand.
I wouldn’t bother editing the footage on your computer as long as you have a up to date smartphone. Stitching together and editing 360 footage was a slow process on my laptop, but would be faster if you’ve got a more powerful computer.
I found it much more simple to edit all of my footage through the Insta 360 app on my phone, rather than airdrop the footage over to my laptop and add into any other video footage I’d taken from my drone or GoPro.
By simply pressing and holding down where you’d like the camera to pan to, you can set pivot points for the camera to pan around to in the 1080p format, to make it look like you’re panning a camera for dynamic footage.
To make things even easier, you can also ‘smart track’ objects, humans or animals as they move around the camera, or the camera moves around them and the camera will pan to follow them.
All in, this is a really nice bit of kit that can do everything your GoPro can do, while also having the ability to capture additional 360 dynamic movement to liven up your footage.
You’ll need to manage battery life, take extra care you don’t accidentally turn it or drop it in a puddle (if you don’t plan on using a weatherproof case). All that aside though, if you’re serious about filming your adventures you can’t really argue against the £410 price tag.
The Insta 360 One X will make you look at your editing in a new, creative light where you’re able to capture angles never previously considered possible.
Price: £410
More Info: insta360.com
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