Insta360 has just announced the new version of its small camera, the One X2. A model capable of shooting 360-degree videos, in 5.7K and naturally with image stabilization advertised as excellent.
FOUR RECORDING MODES
Among the many evolutions, we can note the arrival of a color screen which makes it possible to manage the framing, even if this one does not seem very large. Furthermore, the One X2 combines above all four different modes for shooting videos:
- The 360 mode is naturally the first to be highlighted. Conventionally, this uses the device’s two ultra-wide-angle lenses to shoot 360-degree videos in 5.7K. You can choose to publish them in this way on distribution services adapted to these spherical videos or to go to a post-processing stage. If necessary, you have to choose the angle of the camera that you want to keep during editing, which therefore offers a lot of creative freedom.
- The Steady Cam mode this time uses only one of the two lenses at a time, but it emphasizes the quality of the image stabilization and the immersive aspect brought about by this ultra-wide rendering. A configuration in which it becomes possible to share your videos on the fly (or almost) on social networks.
- InstaPano is described as the brand new photographic mode for capturing … panoramas. As its name suggests, it makes landscape shooting a lot easier. You click and the 180-degree lens takes care of the panorama in front of you.
- Finally, MultiView mode uses both optics, but this time to create an overlay of the two videos, in a single sequence. Ideal for making a vlog or any other video in front of the camera while embedding the view of the other lens, allowing you to describe what you have around or in front of you.
One of the points that is rightly put forward by Insta360 is the fact that its “artificial intelligence” takes care of capturing the best angle of view in your footage. Behind this technology, which the manufacturer calls Auto Frame, hides an algorithm that analyzes the 360 degrees sequence to deduce where the action is taking place, where the subject is present and where it is relevant to orient the framing.
PROMISING IMPROVEMENTS
Always with the aim of unleashing your creativity, the One X2 offers rather classic functions. There are the ones we discussed earlier with Panorama mode, for example. PureShot mode is an equivalent of HDR photography as it is supposed to improve the dynamic range of shots, especially to better handle photos taken in low light. Then there are more promising things. We are thinking here of the Dolly Zoom and Stop Motion modes which are two effects that are not really easy to achieve in video, especially for Dolly Zoom when you do not have a zoom.
To conclude, on the hardware part, in addition to the technical sheet, keep in mind that the One X2 is more efficient than the old models, while remaining very compact, waterproof to 10 meters without housing (up to 45 meters with its housing ) and also enduring. Also, Its 1630 mAh battery would allow it to film for 80 minutes, while keeping the front touch screen on.
Finally, the One X2 offers, like the GoPro since the Hero 8 Black, a wide-angle webcam function to ensure your video conferences or broadcast content on a Twitch channel. Of course, 360-degree videos on YouTube or Facebook are natively supported by the camera, without forgetting the ability to live stream. On the audio side, the One X2 has four microphones, coupled with a wind reduction device.
Insta360 ONE X2 PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Insta360 ONE X2 camera will be available starting today for $429.99 on the Insta360.com website as well as from specialist resellers.
A list of accessories is also planned, but no release date or price has been announced. It will thus be possible to connect an external microphone via an adapter, add a Bullet Time Cord, charge 3 batteries at a time with a charging station or protect your lens with a dedicated protection. Without forgetting of course the existing accessories for the ONE X.