Insta360 X3

A true all-rounder

360-DEGREE VIDEO CAMERA | £459 from Amazon www.snipca.com/45385

Back in Issue 631 (page 26), a reader asked us about the kind of 360-degree video cameras used in TV programmes such as Yorkshire Walks and Taskmaster. We recommended the Insta360 One X2, which has recently been superseded by this new model – the X3.

Produces stunning standard and 360-degree footage on land or sea

It takes what made the One X2 special and turns it up a notch or two. You can use it handheld and see what you’re shooting via its superb screen, or simply attach it to a selfie stick, tripod, or any object on the move – from bikes and cycling helmets to your dog’s collar.

Although it’s aimed at people looking to create the kind of omnidirectional content that only a 360-degree camera can provide, you won’t need to take another camera with you for regular video footage, because this device also captures decent 4K footage with a standard action-camera field of view.

Editing is done on a smartphone or computer using Insta360’s easy-to-use free software. This lets you frame a viewpoint from the 360-degree all-round footage you’ve shot, giving you a standard camera view from whatever angle you choose. You can switch between views by lining up key frames along the editing timeline. The software then generates smooth transitions between them. And because stabilisation is applied at this editing stage, the finished footage is incredibly smooth. You can choose to stabilise it to the horizon, to yourself, or even to a moving object from within the frame – such as a passing bird.

Me Mode is one of its best tricks. This uses the slight overlap produced by the lenses to produce a standard-looking clip in which any stick you’ve used to mount the camera becomes invisible, hidden in the gap between lenses. You’ll still see your arm holding it, but the stick will disappear. It’s a great, hassle-free way to produce shots that look like they’ve been captured by a drone.

The X3 has a 1,800mah battery that lasted around 81 minutes in our tests (shooting in 360-degree mode at 5.7K resolution). It’s also waterproof, so is perfectly safe being taken into swimming pools or into the sea up to a depth of 10 metres.

SPECIFICATIONS

2x 48-megapixel 0.5in sensors • Captures 5.7K 360-degree footage • 30fps • 2.29in touchscreen • 1,800mah battery • 114x46x33mm (HXWXD) • 180g • Five-year warranty www.snipca.com/45385

VERDICT A video camera that can do everything, including stunning 360-degree footage

★★★★★

ALTERNATIVE Go Pro Max £440 A slightly cheaper alternative, but the screen isn’t as large and the software less easy to use