Insta360 X4 Air: two-minute review

It’s been just over six months since the release of the Insta360 X5, which showed up bang on cue to replace the highly praised X4 from 2024. The TechRadar team loved both of these models, placing them amongst the best 360-degree cameras, and you’ll see quite a few of them around the office. Now, in what may feel like Christmas come early for 360 video devotees, Insta360 has released the X4 Air, a smaller and even more portable package designed to fill a gap in the market.

Viewing the X4 Air side-by-side with the X5 – or the X4 for that matter – there are some fairly noticeable differences. Firstly, given the name, it’s no surprise to find that the X4 Air is smaller and more lightweight. If the X4 could fit easily into your coat pocket, the X4 Air can find a home in the pocket of your jeans, making it possible to travel through busy locations and be ready to capture video on the go without being noticed.

Despite the shrunken proportions, the body of the X4 Air retains the solid feel of the X4, and I was confident that the camera would fare better than I would in the city center rainstorm I was caught in during my testing.

The camera is quick and easy to set up and use, even if you have limited experience with videography or 360 capture. The screen is a little fiddly to use, given its small size, but this can be remedied by pairing the X4 Air with your smartphone and using the feature-packed Insta360 app to control the camera remotely. All of the menus are easy to navigate, and I had the camera customized to my requirements in no time.

The dual sensors in the X4 Air are smaller than those in the X5, but larger than the 1/2-inch units on the X4. I was greatly impressed by the dynamic range and noise performance of these chips in high-contrast and low-light settings. Colors were still punchy and shadows clean, despite the X4 Air not having the PureVideo Mode seen on the X5. The 8K footage looked fantastic straight out of the camera, and reframing using the app or Insta360 Studio desktop software was quick and easy.

There might not be enough reasons for X4 users to switch to the X4 Air, but assessed by itself, the camera is a great 360 shooting machine that made me fall back in love with the format. If you’re an avid explorer, or even a pro videographer looking to capture some more exciting angles, the X4 Air is a solid choice.

Insta360 X4 Air specs

Insta360 X4 Air: Price and availability

• Launched worldwide on October 28 2025
• Standard edition costs $399.99 / £359 / AU$639.99
• Starter Bundle available for $439 / £389 / AU$699.99

The Insta360 X4 Air was released on October 28 and is priced $399.99 / £359 / AU$639.99, which is quite a bit below the price of the X4 / X5 at launch ($499.99 / £499 and $549 / £519 respectively). Considering that the X4 Air is technically an update to the X4, this seems a fair price to pay for the larger sensor and access to the replacement lens system.

Beyond the standard bundle above, Insta360 is also offering the X4 Air in a Starter Bundle, which includes the camera, a 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick, Lens Cap, and an extra battery which, given the limited battery life, is definitely a useful backup. This option can be picked up for $439 / £389 / AU$699.99, which is good value to get you up and running.

• Price score: 4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: Design

• 45 x 112 x 35mm in size, 5.8oz / 165g in weight
• Waterproof to 49ft / 15m
• 2.5-inch screen, USB-C 3.0 input and microSD card slot

If you’ve used an Insta360 camera before, you’ll fall right into step with the X4 Air. It shares much of the design philosophy with its stablemates, just in a smaller package. Let’s not forget that the Insta360 X4 is by no means a large piece of equipment, so I was initially concerned that by minimizing the body further it would result in some impractical control layout compromises. However, the changes that have been made are sensible ones, and feel more like refinements of the X4’s layout than unappealing but necessary drawbacks.

The front of the X4 Air looks simple, and not unlike a compact smartphone, albeit with an oversized camera lens. The area is dominated by the 2.5-inch touchscreen, and below that a single round button that's assigned to shutter triggering by default. This replaces the dual-control design of the X4 and X5, giving the X4 Air a more streamlined feel.

I actually think I prefer having one large shutter button in the bottom-center of the camera body to the X4’s smaller shutter control at the bottom-left. During testing, I found it easier to find and press the large button without looking, a minor advantage to many prospective users, perhaps, but as a regular street and travel photographer, being able to get a camera up and running immediately as I pull it out of its case is something I’ve come to appreciate greatly.

As you’d hope for in an action camera, the build quality is robust, and capable of withstanding a few knocks and scrapes. Despite the reduced weight, the X4 Air doesn’t feel noticeably flimsier than the X4, another area I was concerned about, although I suppose Insta360 could only change the construction integrity so far before the camera stopped being fit for purpose.

I really like the textured grip pattern adorning the sides of recent Insta360 cameras. It gives the impression of solidity, and makes them feel like true tools made for outdoor use. On paper, I know action cams are often waterproof, but I often still have trust issues with submerging a valuable piece of technology; the X4 Air will go a long way to easing your nerves if you're like me.

Another major upgrade over the standard X4 is the replaceable lens system. New to the latest generation of Insta360 cameras, the ability to easily swap out a cracked or scratched lens for a new one yourself, without having to send the whole camera away for an off-site repair, saves both money and time. It’s a very neat concept that frees you to take a few more risks with your camera, placing it in some more extreme positions for exciting angles, for example, with less concern that you are about to write off your Insta360 completely. It’s a multi-step process that requires some practice to do confidently, but the additional $29.99 (£29.99) cost for a replacement kit is good value for the peace of mind it provides.

The X4 Air weighs exactly the same as an iPhone Air – surely no mistake on Insta360's part from a marketing point of view. At 165g, it’s not going to add a perceptible amount of extra load to your camera bag, and can even be transported in a coat pocket with ease when heading out for a day of exploring. Due to its size, I found myself taking the X4 Air with me everywhere, on the off chance a shooting opportunity presented itself.

• Design score:4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: Performance

• Quick focusing
• Intuitive reframing
• Disappointing 88-minute battery life

I was a little slow to embrace 360 video shooting, probably because I was put off by how fiddly I thought processing and editing footage would be (I’ve had some bad experiences creating virtual tours for assignments, which left me traumatized, obviously). Right from the off, working with the Insta360 X4 Air via the mobile app was a breeze, however. Once you go through the usual activation and connection processes, which require Bluetooth for two-way communication between your smartphone and the camera, you can use the phone screen to preview the scene in far more clarity than on the camera monitor.

It’s easy to pair your devices, and preview clips and images stored in the camera roll, while there's also the option to download files to your phone for editing. It is possible to work on files stored on your memory card mounted in the X4 Air, but this can slow down processing considerably. The app interface is fairly user-friendly, although some of the more advanced functions could feel a bit overwhelming to beginners.

In use, the X4 Air is highly responsive, being quick to start up and begin shooting. The audible ‘beep’ as the camera boots up is quite loud out of the box, potentially drawing some unwanted attention in quieter environments such as a museum or church; you can adjust the volume once the camera is on, although even after I'd muted it the tone still sounded on startup, which maybe have been an issue with my sample unit.

The touchscreen is nicely sensitive, and I experienced little to no lag when swiping to reframe 360-degree footage while recording. Admittedly, the preview image isn’t the highest quality you can find on a camera; it looks comparatively low-resolution if you’re accustomed to using a recent phone screen or interchangeable lens camera. Equally, the small size means tapping icons on-screen is a challenge if, like me, you have hands that are on the large side. This is why I’d recommend using your X4 Air paired to a phone instead, where practical.

The stated battery life of 88 minutes isn’t especially impressive, so carrying multiple replacements is a good idea if you’re away from home for any length of time. The charging time is fast though, meaning it’s easy to top up on power during a short coffee break at a cafe using the supplied USB-C cable. In my review sample, I found the USB connection quite loose, and some jiggling was required to ensure stable charging.

I did notice the X4 Air’s body heated up quite rapidly, even when not recording. I liked that the screen switches off automatically when not in use, to save battery, but keeping the camera on and at the ready for shooting means it still gets warm in the hand. It’s nothing extreme, but I do wonder how the camera would perform over extended shooting times in hot environments.

The camera is quick to focus, although again I’d recommend using a connected phone screen for assessing critical sharpness. The on-camera screen is too small for you to be completely confident that you have the subject in focus, although with such a deep depth of field at this focal length and given the smaller sensor, you don’t have to worry too much about obvious back-focusing.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: Image quality

• New dual 1/1.8-inch sensors
• Can record 8K 30fps or 6K 50fps video or 72MP photos (360-degree)
• No PureVideo mode for low-light

With a sensor more than 1.6x smaller than the Insta360 X5's, you would expect a tradeoff in absolute image quality. Smaller pixels are the necessary compromise that allows the X4 Air’s diminutive size, and if you buy one, you’re likely doing so because a manageable size and weight are your top priorities. Considering the compact proportions of the camera body, Insta360 has done well to optimize the internal engineering, and the sensor is actually larger than the chip used in the X4 by almost a millimeter.

I jumped in at the deep end when testing the X4 Air, taking it to the low-light conditions of a Christmas-themed market at a local garden center. Despite the limited ambient light, footage was clean and detailed. Straight out of the camera there was very little discernible noise in shadow areas, and the image seemed sharp, free from the excessive mushiness that is the tell-tale sign of harsh in-camera noise reduction. Colors were also vibrant without being unnatural.

I genuinely think the video was superior in this area to that from my older semi-professional APS-C format DSLR cameras, which either made colors flat and dull in high-ISO footage, or wildly overcompensated by making them glow like a Tim Burton movie. This clip was quickly edited in the Insta360 Studio desktop app, which comes supplied with royalty-free music for social media use.

The dynamic range was perfectly acceptable, and while highlights tended to clip quickly in high-contrast lighting, the X4 Air did a good job of capturing shadow detail. I loved that a Log mode is available: I-Log produces a much flatter profile, allowing for more advanced color grading during post-processing while retaining more shadow and highlight data. This worked well, and although Netflix is unlikely to certify the camera any time soon, it does open up a wealth of cinematic styling opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Active HDR mode and Adaptive Tone setting are highly effective at preserving highlights. It’s worth mentioning that HDR shooting isn’t possible above 30fps. The frame rate is also limited to 50fps rather than the higher 60p available on the X4.

Shooting outside in good light produced the best results. The automatic white balance system also copes well in direct sunlight, although taking full control over the color temperature is possible through the menu, giving you more consistency between clips. This gives 360 footage a truly immersive and life-like feel, perfect for capturing the essence of a location while traveling.

• Image quality score: 4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: testing scorecard

Should I buy the Insta360 X4 Air?

Buy it if...

You value portability above all else
There may not be much of a reason to switch from another recent Insta360 camera model, but if you regularly travel and want to be discreet in how you shoot, the X4 Air is a truly pocket-friendly video camera.

You need 8K video
Arguably, 8K is overkill for many users, but it does open up cropping and reframing possibilities. Getting 8K capability in such a portable package is great for high-end videography purposes on the go.

You're new to 360 video
The reduced price point compared to the X4 and X5 means the X4 Air represents an affordable entry point into the Insta360 system. You get many of the same great features, but with less investment, making it a good choice to test the water and see if this type of videography is your thing.

Don't buy it if...

You just bought an Insta360 X5
....unless you want both! While I wouldn't necessarily say the X4 Air is worth changing to if you already own an X5, which is the higher-end model, you might still consider owning both if you're a 360 fanatic and want a smaller backup body.

You want maximum image quality
While the image quality is impressive, the X5 has the larger sensor and benefits from PureVideo mode for low-light and night shooting. For professional use, you might value absolute image integrity over diminutive size.

Also consider

How I tested the Insta360 X5

• I tested a full production model running release firmware over several days
• I use the camera both mounted on an invisible selfie stick and handheld
• I recorded videos in varying lighting conditions, both indoors and outside

Having reviewed action cameras on and off for several years, I went into this test with high expectations. I spent roughly a week using the Insta360 X4 Air alongside an X5 for the purposes of a comparison. I shot footage on both cameras under the same conditions to evaluate how each camera handled noise and tonal range, then examined both out-of-camera footage and color-graded I-Log clips to evaluate image quality.

• First reviewed October 2025

Insta360 X4 Air: two-minute review

It’s been just over six months since the release of the Insta360 X5, which showed up bang on cue to replace the highly praised X4 from 2024. The TechRadar team loved both of these models, placing them amongst the best 360-degree cameras, and you’ll see quite a few of them around the office. Now, in what may feel like Christmas come early for 360 video devotees, Insta360 has released the X4 Air, a smaller and even more portable package designed to fill a gap in the market.

Viewing the X4 Air side-by-side with the X5 – or the X4 for that matter – there are some fairly noticeable differences. Firstly, given the name, it’s no surprise to find that the X4 Air is smaller and more lightweight. If the X4 could fit easily into your coat pocket, the X4 Air can find a home in the pocket of your jeans, making it possible to travel through busy locations and be ready to capture video on the go without being noticed.

Despite the shrunken proportions, the body of the X4 Air retains the solid feel of the X4, and I was confident that the camera would fare better than I would in the city center rainstorm I was caught in during my testing.

The camera is quick and easy to set up and use, even if you have limited experience with videography or 360 capture. The screen is a little fiddly to use, given its small size, but this can be remedied by pairing the X4 Air with your smartphone and using the feature-packed Insta360 app to control the camera remotely. All of the menus are easy to navigate, and I had the camera customized to my requirements in no time.

The dual sensors in the X4 Air are smaller than those in the X5, but larger than the 1/2-inch units on the X4. I was greatly impressed by the dynamic range and noise performance of these chips in high-contrast and low-light settings. Colors were still punchy and shadows clean, despite the X4 Air not having the PureVideo Mode seen on the X5. The 8K footage looked fantastic straight out of the camera, and reframing using the app or Insta360 Studio desktop software was quick and easy.

There might not be enough reasons for X4 users to switch to the X4 Air, but assessed by itself, the camera is a great 360 shooting machine that made me fall back in love with the format. If you’re an avid explorer, or even a pro videographer looking to capture some more exciting angles, the X4 Air is a solid choice.

Insta360 X4 Air specs

Insta360 X4 Air: Price and availability

• Launched worldwide on October 28 2025
• Standard edition costs $399.99 / £359 / AU$639.99
• Starter Bundle available for $439 / £389 / AU$699.99

The Insta360 X4 Air was released on October 28 and is priced $399.99 / £359 / AU$639.99, which is quite a bit below the price of the X4 / X5 at launch ($499.99 / £499 and $549 / £519 respectively). Considering that the X4 Air is technically an update to the X4, this seems a fair price to pay for the larger sensor and access to the replacement lens system.

Beyond the standard bundle above, Insta360 is also offering the X4 Air in a Starter Bundle, which includes the camera, a 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick, Lens Cap, and an extra battery which, given the limited battery life, is definitely a useful backup. This option can be picked up for $439 / £389 / AU$699.99, which is good value to get you up and running.

• Price score: 4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: Design

• 45 x 112 x 35mm in size, 5.8oz / 165g in weight
• Waterproof to 49ft / 15m
• 2.5-inch screen, USB-C 3.0 input and microSD card slot

If you’ve used an Insta360 camera before, you’ll fall right into step with the X4 Air. It shares much of the design philosophy with its stablemates, just in a smaller package. Let’s not forget that the Insta360 X4 is by no means a large piece of equipment, so I was initially concerned that by minimizing the body further it would result in some impractical control layout compromises. However, the changes that have been made are sensible ones, and feel more like refinements of the X4’s layout than unappealing but necessary drawbacks.

The front of the X4 Air looks simple, and not unlike a compact smartphone, albeit with an oversized camera lens. The area is dominated by the 2.5-inch touchscreen, and below that a single round button that's assigned to shutter triggering by default. This replaces the dual-control design of the X4 and X5, giving the X4 Air a more streamlined feel.

I actually think I prefer having one large shutter button in the bottom-center of the camera body to the X4’s smaller shutter control at the bottom-left. During testing, I found it easier to find and press the large button without looking, a minor advantage to many prospective users, perhaps, but as a regular street and travel photographer, being able to get a camera up and running immediately as I pull it out of its case is something I’ve come to appreciate greatly.

As you’d hope for in an action camera, the build quality is robust, and capable of withstanding a few knocks and scrapes. Despite the reduced weight, the X4 Air doesn’t feel noticeably flimsier than the X4, another area I was concerned about, although I suppose Insta360 could only change the construction integrity so far before the camera stopped being fit for purpose.

I really like the textured grip pattern adorning the sides of recent Insta360 cameras. It gives the impression of solidity, and makes them feel like true tools made for outdoor use. On paper, I know action cams are often waterproof, but I often still have trust issues with submerging a valuable piece of technology; the X4 Air will go a long way to easing your nerves if you're like me.

Another major upgrade over the standard X4 is the replaceable lens system. New to the latest generation of Insta360 cameras, the ability to easily swap out a cracked or scratched lens for a new one yourself, without having to send the whole camera away for an off-site repair, saves both money and time. It’s a very neat concept that frees you to take a few more risks with your camera, placing it in some more extreme positions for exciting angles, for example, with less concern that you are about to write off your Insta360 completely. It’s a multi-step process that requires some practice to do confidently, but the additional $29.99 (£29.99) cost for a replacement kit is good value for the peace of mind it provides.

The X4 Air weighs exactly the same as an iPhone Air – surely no mistake on Insta360's part from a marketing point of view. At 165g, it’s not going to add a perceptible amount of extra load to your camera bag, and can even be transported in a coat pocket with ease when heading out for a day of exploring. Due to its size, I found myself taking the X4 Air with me everywhere, on the off chance a shooting opportunity presented itself.

• Design score:4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: Performance

• Quick focusing
• Intuitive reframing
• Disappointing 88-minute battery life

I was a little slow to embrace 360 video shooting, probably because I was put off by how fiddly I thought processing and editing footage would be (I’ve had some bad experiences creating virtual tours for assignments, which left me traumatized, obviously). Right from the off, working with the Insta360 X4 Air via the mobile app was a breeze, however. Once you go through the usual activation and connection processes, which require Bluetooth for two-way communication between your smartphone and the camera, you can use the phone screen to preview the scene in far more clarity than on the camera monitor.

It’s easy to pair your devices, and preview clips and images stored in the camera roll, while there's also the option to download files to your phone for editing. It is possible to work on files stored on your memory card mounted in the X4 Air, but this can slow down processing considerably. The app interface is fairly user-friendly, although some of the more advanced functions could feel a bit overwhelming to beginners.

In use, the X4 Air is highly responsive, being quick to start up and begin shooting. The audible ‘beep’ as the camera boots up is quite loud out of the box, potentially drawing some unwanted attention in quieter environments such as a museum or church; you can adjust the volume once the camera is on, although even after I'd muted it the tone still sounded on startup, which maybe have been an issue with my sample unit.

The touchscreen is nicely sensitive, and I experienced little to no lag when swiping to reframe 360-degree footage while recording. Admittedly, the preview image isn’t the highest quality you can find on a camera; it looks comparatively low-resolution if you’re accustomed to using a recent phone screen or interchangeable lens camera. Equally, the small size means tapping icons on-screen is a challenge if, like me, you have hands that are on the large side. This is why I’d recommend using your X4 Air paired to a phone instead, where practical.

The stated battery life of 88 minutes isn’t especially impressive, so carrying multiple replacements is a good idea if you’re away from home for any length of time. The charging time is fast though, meaning it’s easy to top up on power during a short coffee break at a cafe using the supplied USB-C cable. In my review sample, I found the USB connection quite loose, and some jiggling was required to ensure stable charging.

I did notice the X4 Air’s body heated up quite rapidly, even when not recording. I liked that the screen switches off automatically when not in use, to save battery, but keeping the camera on and at the ready for shooting means it still gets warm in the hand. It’s nothing extreme, but I do wonder how the camera would perform over extended shooting times in hot environments.

The camera is quick to focus, although again I’d recommend using a connected phone screen for assessing critical sharpness. The on-camera screen is too small for you to be completely confident that you have the subject in focus, although with such a deep depth of field at this focal length and given the smaller sensor, you don’t have to worry too much about obvious back-focusing.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: Image quality

• New dual 1/1.8-inch sensors
• Can record 8K 30fps or 6K 50fps video or 72MP photos (360-degree)
• No PureVideo mode for low-light

With a sensor more than 1.6x smaller than the Insta360 X5's, you would expect a tradeoff in absolute image quality. Smaller pixels are the necessary compromise that allows the X4 Air’s diminutive size, and if you buy one, you’re likely doing so because a manageable size and weight are your top priorities. Considering the compact proportions of the camera body, Insta360 has done well to optimize the internal engineering, and the sensor is actually larger than the chip used in the X4 by almost a millimeter.

I jumped in at the deep end when testing the X4 Air, taking it to the low-light conditions of a Christmas-themed market at a local garden center. Despite the limited ambient light, footage was clean and detailed. Straight out of the camera there was very little discernible noise in shadow areas, and the image seemed sharp, free from the excessive mushiness that is the tell-tale sign of harsh in-camera noise reduction. Colors were also vibrant without being unnatural.

I genuinely think the video was superior in this area to that from my older semi-professional APS-C format DSLR cameras, which either made colors flat and dull in high-ISO footage, or wildly overcompensated by making them glow like a Tim Burton movie. This clip was quickly edited in the Insta360 Studio desktop app, which comes supplied with royalty-free music for social media use.

The dynamic range was perfectly acceptable, and while highlights tended to clip quickly in high-contrast lighting, the X4 Air did a good job of capturing shadow detail. I loved that a Log mode is available: I-Log produces a much flatter profile, allowing for more advanced color grading during post-processing while retaining more shadow and highlight data. This worked well, and although Netflix is unlikely to certify the camera any time soon, it does open up a wealth of cinematic styling opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Active HDR mode and Adaptive Tone setting are highly effective at preserving highlights. It’s worth mentioning that HDR shooting isn’t possible above 30fps. The frame rate is also limited to 50fps rather than the higher 60p available on the X4.

Shooting outside in good light produced the best results. The automatic white balance system also copes well in direct sunlight, although taking full control over the color temperature is possible through the menu, giving you more consistency between clips. This gives 360 footage a truly immersive and life-like feel, perfect for capturing the essence of a location while traveling.

• Image quality score: 4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: testing scorecard

Should I buy the Insta360 X4 Air?

Buy it if...

You value portability above all else
There may not be much of a reason to switch from another recent Insta360 camera model, but if you regularly travel and want to be discreet in how you shoot, the X4 Air is a truly pocket-friendly video camera.

You need 8K video
Arguably, 8K is overkill for many users, but it does open up cropping and reframing possibilities. Getting 8K capability in such a portable package is great for high-end videography purposes on the go.

You're new to 360 video
The reduced price point compared to the X4 and X5 means the X4 Air represents an affordable entry point into the Insta360 system. You get many of the same great features, but with less investment, making it a good choice to test the water and see if this type of videography is your thing.

Don't buy it if...

You just bought an Insta360 X5
....unless you want both! While I wouldn't necessarily say the X4 Air is worth changing to if you already own an X5, which is the higher-end model, you might still consider owning both if you're a 360 fanatic and want a smaller backup body.

You want maximum image quality
While the image quality is impressive, the X5 has the larger sensor and benefits from PureVideo mode for low-light and night shooting. For professional use, you might value absolute image integrity over diminutive size.

Also consider

How I tested the Insta360 X5

• I tested a full production model running release firmware over several days
• I use the camera both mounted on an invisible selfie stick and handheld
• I recorded videos in varying lighting conditions, both indoors and outside

Having reviewed action cameras on and off for several years, I went into this test with high expectations. I spent roughly a week using the Insta360 X4 Air alongside an X5 for the purposes of a comparison. I shot footage on both cameras under the same conditions to evaluate how each camera handled noise and tonal range, then examined both out-of-camera footage and color-graded I-Log clips to evaluate image quality.

• First reviewed October 2025

GoPro Max 2: two-minute review

The GoPro Max 2 is GoPro's long-awaited return to the 360 camera arena, and it arrives with the rugged build quality and intuitive design philosophy that has made the brand synonymous with action cameras for over a decade.

It's a compact, square-bodied camera that takes clear design inspiration from its predecessor while incorporating lessons learned from rivals like the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360. The Max 2 is built tough – waterproof to 5m without additional housing and ready to handle the kind of punishment that extreme sports can dish out. What sets it apart from the competition is GoPro's decision to make the lenses fully user-replaceable without tools, a smart move given how vulnerable 360 camera lenses are to damage.

At $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95, the Max 2 is priced between the DJI Osmo 360 and the premium Insta360 X5, offering a middle-ground option that should appeal to GoPro loyalists and newcomers alike.

The standout feature here is what GoPro calls “true 8K” recording; the Max 2 delivers genuine 8K capture with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis, and the results are undeniably sharp and vibrant in good lighting conditions.

Design-wise, there's plenty to appreciate too: a bright 1.82-inch touchscreen, GoPro's famously simple two-button control scheme, built-in GPS, and compatibility with three separate mounting systems: the classic GoPro fingers, standard tripod threads, and the newer magnetic latch system. The camera feels reassuringly solid and well-balanced, whether in your hand or mounted on some other part of your body.

Video tops out at 8K 30fps in 360 mode, with 5.6K 60fps and 4K 100fps options for slow-motion work. The Max 2 also captures 29MP 360-degree stills and supports 10-bit color recording plus GP-Log flat profile for post-production color grading.

Performance is strong in daylight, delivering the punchy, colorful footage GoPro is known for, with minimal distortion, effective automatic stitching and selfie stick removal. However, the camera struggles more noticeably in low-light conditions compared to rivals that offer dedicated night modes, and thermal management can be an issue during extended recording sessions.

The Max 2 pairs with GoPro's established Quik mobile app for quick editing and sharing, plus the updated GoPro Player desktop software for more comprehensive post-production work. Both offer solid 360 video editing tools, though at present neither quite matches the sophistication of Insta360's software suite.

Ultimately, while the Max 2 doesn't revolutionize the 360 camera market, it delivers exactly what I’d expect from GoPro. This is a well-built, user-friendly camera that produces excellent results in the right conditions, and it’s backed up by an ecosystem of accessories and editing tools that make the whole experience relatively painless. GoPro is well truly back in the 360 camera game.

• Look out for my in-depth GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5 comparison, based on real tests, coming soon

GoPro Max 2 specs

GoPro Max 2: Price and availability

• Launched worldwide on 23 September 2025
• Pre-orders shipping 30 September 2025
• Priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95

GoPro officially launched the Max 2 on September 23 2025, and it’s available to pre-order right away, with orders shipping from September 30.

It’s priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95 in a bundle that includes the camera and a single battery. At the time of writing I’ve not been informed of any bundles including accessories such as selfie sticks, microSD cards or extra batteries, but this section will be updated if that becomes the case.

This list price, which sits between the pricier Insta360 X5 and more affordable DJI Osmo 360, feels just about right to me. The Max 2 is a quality product and while being any cheaper would be a surprise, it’s clearly priced to compete with its closest rivals.

• Price score: 4/5

GoPro Max 2: Design

• Waterproof to 5m / 16ft plus replaceable lenses
• Mountable via tripod, magnetic latch or mounting fingers
• 1.82-inch rear touchscreen

The GoPro Max 2 looks similar to the original Max, favoring a squat, square design over the narrower candybar shape used by some 360 cameras. Constructed from tough plastic, it’s pretty discreet and unassuming, with the bright blue flashes of the GoPro logo and “Max 2” the only deviation from all-business dark grey. It’s slightly smaller than its closest recent rivals, the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360, but not to what I’d consider a significant degree.

As you’d expect from a GoPro camera, the Max 2 feels rugged and ready for adventure. While there’s no specific IP rating, GoPro says it’s waterproof to a depth of 5m and able to operate in cold temperatures. While the waterproof depth isn’t quite as impressive as on some rival cameras, GoPro told me a dive housing accessory offering more robust underwater protection is currently in development.

Crucially, GoPro has also made its lenses fully user-replaceable – and without the need for a tool, either, in a move that beats even the Insta360 X5’s lens replacement system. With 360 cameras’ lenses protruding so far out of the body, they’re highly vulnerable to damage, so making them simple (and relatively cheap) to swap out if something goes wrong is a great move from GoPro.

That being said, I did notice some condensation inside the lens when I went from indoors to outdoors, and it affected image quality (you can see it in the cycling sections of the videos embedded below). This could be fixed by removing the lens and wiping it with a microfiber cloth, then replacing it, but I found it an annoying issue to deal with. It’s not something I’ve encountered on other 360 cameras, and I suspect it might be due to the removeable lens design.

The Max 2 is small and lightweight enough for easy mounting on everything from helmets to bikes to selfie sticks, and GoPro has thoughtfully made it compatible with three mounting options. You have classic GoPro mounting fingers, a rock-solid way to fix the camera to a huge range of first- and third-party mounts, as well a standard tripod thread and the newer GoPro magnetic latch mount.

Controls are beautifully simple. There are two large rubber buttons – one for power and switching shooting modes, another for image capture – and a bright and sharp 1.82-inch touchscreen for everything else. The Max 2’s UI is extremely simple and easy to get to grips with, even for someone (like me) who doesn’t shoot on GoPro cameras particularly often, and I doubt anyone even slightly familiar with action camera menu screens will struggle to master it quickly.

• Design score: 5/5

GoPro Max 2: Performance and features

• Editing via Quik and GoPro Player apps
• Built-in GPS
• 1,960mAh battery offers around an hour of 8K 30fps capture

With no built-in storage, footage and photos captured on the Max 2 are stored on microSD card, and can be quickly transferred wirelessly to a mobile device running the Quik app for editing and sharing.

I think Quik’s 360 video editor is pretty good, and I was able to swiftly reframe clips using manual keyframes or AI-assisted object tracking, plus tweak the image settings to achieve the look I wanted. Finished videos and photos can be saved to a phone’s camera roll, directly shared to social media or exported to other devices.

It’s also possible to edit on desktop, of course, and the updated GoPro Player app supports keyframe reframing but not, interestingly, AI-assisted tracking or image tweaking. GoPro says it’s getting a new denoise setting too, but this was greyed out and unavailable when I tested the app due to my M2-powered MacBook Air being not quite up to the task.

GoPro has informed me that both Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve will be getting plug-ins allowing users to directly import the Max 2’s 360 files. Premiere support is due to be live by the end of 2025, with Resolve to follow later on.

One thing the Max 2 has that its DJI and Insta360 rivals don’t is built-in GPS, enabling users to embed location data in their footage and photos. Most other cameras either require an optional module or tethering to a smartphone for geotagging, so the Max 2, like the original Max, offers an edge there.

Despite the large vent on one side, the Max 2 does get warm during use. When I left it recording video, it turned itself off to avoid overheating with both 8K 30fps and 5.6K 30fps recording. With the 8K footage, it recorded just under 30 minutes of footage before shutting down; it lasted almost 58 minutes when recording 5.6K footage. This was indoors at room temperature, and I did find that setting it up outdoors on a chilly autumn day allowed it to record for longer, as would actual outdoor pursuits scenarios.

GoPro doesn’t specify battery life from the 1,960mAh battery, but I managed to get just over an hour of 8K 30fps footage recorded when leaving the camera running outdoors. I think this performance is quite good given the bit rate and resolution of the videos being recorded, but those planning a long day of 360 shooting might want to invest in one or two extra batteries.

The Max 2, like the original Max, features six separate built-in mics, but here they offer directional audio capture. Neither the DJI Osmo 360 or Insta360 X5 offer six mics, but despite this I wouldn't necessarily say the Max 2 outright beats its rivals here: audio sounds absolutely fine in good conditions, but when the wind picks up the built-in wind reduction tech can't do much to suppress the noise.

GoPro says the Max 2 can be used with Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds for wireless mic input, and this may help avoid the wind issue, but bringing out a dedicated DJI Mic-style wireless mic may be the best solution the company could offer further down the line.

• Performance score: 4/5

GoPro Max 2: Image quality

• Captures 10-bit 8K 30fps / 5.6K 60fps / 4K 100fps video
• 29MP 360 photos and 12MP single-lens photos
• Up to 300Mbps video bit rate with GoPro Labs

GoPro has been keen to point out that the Max 2 is the only 360 camera that records what it calls “true 8K” resolution 360 video. The company claims rivals like Insta360 and DJI are essentially fudging the numbers in order to claim 8K capture – either by counting unused or overlapped pixels, or by upscaling output to 8K from lower resolution sources – whereas the Max 2’s 360 output is truly 8K with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis for both sensors.

Video can be shot at up to 10-bit quality and in either a standard color profile or the flat GP-Log mode for post-shoot grading, and the maximum video bit rate is 120Mbps, or 300Mbps for users of GoPro Labs. For the purposes of this review, I stuck with 120Mbps. I did try out GP-Log, but GoPro has yet to release a LUT at the time of writing and I found grading the footage more of a slog than I'd like. Once the LUT is out things should get a lot easier there.

Video quality is generally very strong, whether recording in 8K (which is capped at 30fps) or 5.6K (which can go up to 60fps, offering users the potential to use 2x slow-motion; a 4K 100fps option is also available for those who want even more slow-motion potential). GoPro has established itself as delivering colors that look good straight out of the camera, as well as minimal distortion and flare.

Mostly that’s the case here, although I found that some of my 360 videos looked a touch overexposed and washed out in bright skies – likely as a result of having to set exposure for a full 360º view rather than in a single direction. User intervention, by setting the exposure manually, could improve things here, but in general the results are strong.

Still photos are similarly good-looking, and while I tweaked the below example slightly using the Quik app, it’s basically fresh out of the camera.

At night, the Max 2 isn’t as impressive. Both the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 have dedicated low light modes for 360 video, but with the Max 2 you’re left with the standard mode, and it’s noisy and smeary after dark. It’s possible that using GP-Log and some clever settings before editing in post could yield better results; I didn’t have time to delve into this, so I can’t say for sure – but what I can say is that both the Osmo 360 and X5 make capturing usable low light footage very easy, while the Max 2 doesn’t.

So, if low light footage is a priority for you, the Max 2 may not be the ideal 360 camera. If, however, you're capturing footage in daylight and want the very cleanest, sharpest 8K around, I think it's the best at doing it.

The camera includes a wide range of capture modes besides standard 360 videos and photos: time lapse modes, dedicated single-lens shooting modes and more. I've included a quick clip I captured using the Night Lapse mode in the sample video above.

• Image quality score: 5/5

GoPro Max 2: testing scorecard

Should I buy the GoPro Max 2?

Buy it if...

You're invested in the GoPro ecosystem
Got boxes of GoPro mounts and a subscription? The Max 2 slots right into the GoPro range, so if you're already a fan you'll be at home immediately.

You're a risk-taker
The Max 2 is small and rugged, making it ideal for extreme sports. Its lenses are also very easy to replace in the field – no tool required.

You like things simple
The Max 2's minimal controls, simple app and great out-of-the-camera image quality make it one of the easiest 360 cameras to use.

Don't buy it if...

You shoot after dark or indoors
While it shines in broad daylight, the low light performance of the Max 2 just can't match that of its DJI and Insta360 rivals.

You want built-in storage
A small thing, but the Osmo 360's built-in storage means you don't need to fumble for microSD cards – with the Max 2, you do.

Also consider

How I tested the DJI Osmo 360

• Tested camera running v01.09.71 firmware for four days
• Camera mounted on invisible selfie stick, helmet, bike and chest harness
• Recorded videos day and night on foot and cycling

GoPro sent me a review sample of the Max 2 a week ahead of the launch date, and it was updated to run v01.09.71 firmware. This meant full launch features, as far as I'm aware, enabling me to test all the shooting modes and image quality – which I did by taking the camera out in the field mounted to various things (bike, head, helmet, chest, selfie stick).

I tested it in various lighting and weather conditions, editing the resulting videos and photos using both GoPro apps: the Quik mobile app and the GoPro Player desktop app (the latter on my M2 MacBook Air, which sadly wasn't powerful enough to make use of the app's Denoise feature).

• First reviewed September 2025

Akaso 360: two-minute review

The Akaso 360 is the first 360-degree camera from Akaso, a company best known for its budget-friendly action cameras. And the Akaso 360 follows in that tradition, costing far less than competitors like the Insta360 X5 and GoPro Max.

Like those rivals, it’s a dual-sensor camera that shoots simultaneously on two ultra-wide lenses, automatically stitching together the images captured into a single 360-degree photo or video. These 360 images can be edited and reframed using the Akaso 360 mobile or desktop apps, before being exported for sharing or use elsewhere.

The camera can shoot stabilized 5.7K video at up to 30fps (allowing for a reframed video to be exported at up to 4K resolution), or in 4K at up to 60fps (supporting export of videos at up to 2.5K resolution), as well as still photos in JPEG and/or DNG RAW format at either 72MP or 18MP resolution.

In addition to regular 360 videos and photos, the camera offers a few special capture modes including time lapse video (where intervals can be set from one to 60 seconds), loop recording video (supporting loop durations of up to 30 minutes), bracketed HDR photos and TimeFusion, a fun mode that allows you to shoot a still from one camera then the other, before merging the two into a single image. Using it, I was able to easily create a photo in which I appeared in two different locations at once.

I’d describe the Akaso 360’s image quality as adequate rather than excellent. During my tests, if I shot videos and photos in bright sunshine I got pretty sharp and color-rich results, but at anything less than that (even on a slightly cloudy day) the camera’s 1/2-inch sensors struggled to prevent noise from creeping into the images and degrading detail. Viewing the resulting videos on my phone screen, they looked pretty decent – but on my computer’s larger screen the noise was very noticeable.

The Insta360 X5 and Insta360 X4, two other 360 cameras I’ve tested fairly recently, far surpass what the Akaso 360 is capable of, image quality-wise – but they’re also far more expensive. For a camera in its price range, I think its performance is definitely acceptable, and its built-in quality-of-life features such as video stitching and selfie stick removal work very well.

The mobile and desktop editing apps are simple but intuitive to use, and once you’ve imported the videos from the camera to either a phone or computer, trimming and reframing them using either AI-assisted subject tracking or manually added keyframes is a fast and easy process. There are basic image adjustment settings here too, but for the purposes of the sample videos embedded here I left things untouched to give an accurate representation of what you can expect straight out of the camera.

Videos and photos are stored on a microSD card, with capacities up to 512GB supported; card speeds must be UHS-I V30, UHS-I Class 3 (US) or above. I’ll say from my own experience that the camera could benefit from a faster wireless connection. Some of the file sizes of these 360 videos are very large, and transferring them via standard Wi-Fi with a maximum speed of around 12MB per second can take a long time.

The camera also features a built-in stereo microphone, which works well enough indoors or in calm conditions. Like most unmuffled camera mics, it picks up wind noise outdoors very easily, so can’t really be relied on blustery days, or for fast action such as biking.

Speaking of the weather, one thing potential buyers would do well to note about the Akaso 360 is that, unlike the Insta360 X5 or GoPro Max, it isn’t rated as waterproof, dustproof or ruggedized. Akaso call it “splash-resistant”, and I used it during a light rain shower with no ill effects aside from some droplets on the lens appearing in shot; dunking it fully underwater certainly wouldn’t be advisable, however. There’s also no easy solution to fixing scratched or broken lenses, unlike the X5’s user-replaceable glass.

That being said, I found the Akaso 360’s general design, controls and handling to be fine, aside from one niggle: the touchscreen all-too stubbornly resisted my swipes and taps, which sometimes made for an annoying experience when trying to change video settings and the like. The physical buttons, screen size and clarity and the camera’s compact size and low weight are all impressive, and its candy bar shape (very much like a slightly smaller Insta360 X5) is perfectly pocketable.

Battery life is also acceptable, with my stress testing allowing for around 50 minutes of 5.7K 30fps video to be recorded using a fully charged battery – just a little shy of the 60 minutes claimed by Akaso. Reassuringly, while the camera got very warm during this test (it was a hot summer’s day and the ambient temperature in my home office was toasty), it never overheated to the point where it stopped recording and shut itself down to cool off.

Akaso 360 specs

Akaso 360: price and availability

• Launched worldwide on 7 July 2025
• Standard Combo costs $199.99 / £199.99 / AUS329.99
• Creator Combo also available for $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$399.99

Launched on 7 July 2025, the Akaso 360 is available to buy in two bundles: the Standard Combo and Creator Combo.

The Standard Combo (which I was sent for the purposes of this review) costs $199.99 / £199.99 / AUS329.99 and features the camera, a protective pouch, two batteries, one USB-C cable, one lens cleaning cloth and a quick-start guide. The Creator Combo costs $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$399.99 and comes with all of the above plus a further two batteries, a battery charging case and a 120cm selfie stick.

This is a lot cheaper than the current competition. The GoPro Max costs from $349.99 / £349.99 / AU$599.95 while the Insta360 X5 costs from $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99. Even if you go back to last year’s Insta360 X4, it’s at least $349.99 / £425.99 / $632.99, so Akaso has a really compelling selling point compared to its main rivals.

Should I buy the Akaso 360?

Buy it if...

You want the best affordable 360 camera
With Insta360 and GoPro’s current 360 cameras costing a lot more, the Akaso 360 represents a fantastic alternative for those on a tighter budget.

You want a simple 360 camera
The Akaso 360 does its main jobs well, stitching together videos seamlessly and removing selfie sticks from its footage. It’s not packed with advanced features but it’s a reliable performer.

Don't buy it if...

You need a rugged 360 camera
It’s not waterproof, dustproof or shockproof, so the Akaso 360 isn’t the best camera for documenting your wet and/or wild outdoors adventures.

You want the best 360 image quality
The Akaso 360’s footage is decent but falls down in low light. For truly excellent 360 video in all conditions, we’d recommend the Insta360 X5, which has large sensors and effective noise reduction processing.

Also consider

How I tested the Insta360 X5

• Tested for several days, full production model running release firmware
• Camera mounted on invisible selfie stick
• Recorded videos on foot and bicycle

I was sent a sample of the Akaso 360 ahead of its release, giving me a week or so to test the camera (running the latest firmware I could download) ahead of its launch. I was able to capture videos and photos indoors at home, plus outside both on foot (for vlog-style content) and on my bike (for more action-type stuff). I edited footage using Akaso's own apps, using both the mobile app and the MacOS desktop app to put together the sample videos you see above.

• First reviewed July 2025

Insta360 X5: two-minute review

Almost precisely a year on from the launch of the Insta360 X4, its successor has arrived – and at first glance it’s hard to tell the difference. The two 360 degree cameras are near-identical in size, weight and shape, and it’s only a few aesthetic differences – plus, of course, the name emblazoned on the front – that enabled me to tell the new camera from the old once I’d pulled it out of its box.

The well-worn phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” feels apt here, and it’s hard to blame Insta360 for not ringing major changes. After all, TechRadar’s glowing five-star review of the X4 dubbed it the best 360 degree camera on the market, and the company would have been unwise to ditch a winning formula. My early impressions of the X5, gleaned from a few hours of use, suggest that it has instead polished and honed where refinements are needed, finessing one superb and versatile camera into an even better and more flexible one.

Incremental improvements have been made across the board, but the headline progression I’ve really noticed has been in image quality. And yes, that’s a big one, brought about largely through the introduction of 1/1.28-inch image sensors. These are 144% larger than those on the X4, and they’ve been paired with a trio of image processing chips (or “AI chips” as Insta360’s marketing department calls them) for noise reduction, sharpening and other enhancements that, in theory, should make the image quality markedly better than the X4’s, particularly in challenging conditions like low light.

I’ve not had the chance to give it a go once the sun goes down just yet, but having taken the Insta360 X5 out for a morning test-run on foot and on my bike I’m more than happy with the general image quality. I’ve embedded the videos below, one of which was recorded at 5.7K 60fps with HDR, the other at the camera’s highest resolution of 8K 30fps, with no HDR.

I used the Insta360 app’s AI-powered automatic editor to create both videos before exporting them at 1080p and 1440p resolution respectively, and both at 30fps. I largely used the default settings here, but it’s worth noting that it’s possible to export at much higher bitrates than this if you wish, and at higher frame rates too provided your original recorded was captured that way.

I’ve been really impressed with the results so far. Sure, the conditions for my test were bright and sunny, so about as far from challenging as can be, but the levels of detail, rich colors, wide dynamic range and general all-round “pop” of the clips are wonderful – and they’re ready to be shared on social media right away, with very little in the way of editing or tweaking to do. Sure – a fully manually edited clip still beats the robo-editor’s take on things, and the tunes and templates provided here are a little cheesy, but those who want to put in the work to do things the old-fashioned way are still free to do so.

Technically, things look great too. There’s barely any sign of the stitch between the two planes, lens flare is minimal, and the selfie stick I was using has been artfully removed from view in signature Insta360 style.

I haven’t experimented much with audio yet, but Insta360 says the X5’s internal mics should be a major upgrade on the X4’s thanks to a built-in steel mesh wind guard plus software-based tweak like the new selectable Voice Enhancement mode, ideal for vlogging. I’ll be testing this fully in the coming days, but for now I’ll say that the above videos were captured on a quite breezy day on the coast and that wind noise is definitely still quite audible, if not overwhelmingly distracting.

Other things I’ve noticed in my initial few hours with the X5 are that its battery life can go down fast, particularly if you shoot in 8K. It also drained the battery of my iPhone 13 very quickly, while I was paired with it, using the companion app and editing and exporting footage. These are all very intensive tasks, so it’s not that surprising – but worth noting all the same.

Insta360 X5 specs

Insta360 X5: Price and availability

• Launched worldwide in April 2025
• Standard edition costs $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99
• Essentials bundle available for $659.99 / £609.99 / AU$1,109.99

The Insta360 X5 is available to order from its launch day of 22 April 2025, and costs from $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99 – which is only around 5-10% more than its predecessor the X4 cost when it launched in April 2024 ($499.99 / £499.99 / AU$879.99). That’s not too bad of a price jump given inflation and the uncertainty surrounding US tariffs.

That above price is for the standard bundle, which includes just the camera, but an Essentials bundle is also available and might make more sense for certain customers, especially if you’re just getting started on your 360 action camera journey. For $659.99 / £609.99 / AU$1,109.99, it offers the camera plus a second battery, fast charge case, 114cm invisible selfie stick, standard lens guards, rubber lens cap and carry case.

How I tested the Insta360 X5

• Tested for two hours, full production model running early firmware
• Camera mounted on invisible selfie stick
• Recorded videos on foot and on a bicycle

I've only had a few hours to test the Insta360 X5, but as a frequent users of all its predecessors it felt immensely familiar so I was able to get out and shoot video with it almost immediately. I mounted it on the company's invisible selfie stick and shot short videos while walking and riding my bike during daylight hours. For the full review, I'll test it in different conditions, and try out its other shooting modes, including still photography.

• First reviewed April 2025

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: one-minute review

Kandao has been making 360-degree cameras for some time now, and the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra is by far the Chinese company's best 360-degree camera to date. It's an alternative and direct competitor to the highly rated Insta360 X4, and both are among the most interesting of the best action cameras currently available.

The GoPro Max 2 release has been delayed, but when it's finally released we expect this 360-degree camera to also offer up to 8K resolution to further expand the options available for fans of 360-degree shooting. But given this delay, and the fact that the QooCam 3 Ultra and Insta360 X4 are already available, it looks like GoPro could be in danger of missing the 8K boat.

The QooCam 3 Ultra can capture video in several modes and resolutions up to 8K 30fps for 360-degree video and up to 4K 60fps in Single Lens Mode. Video can be captured in a standard 8-bit Rec. 709 profile or in 10-bit Rec. 2020 (HLG), with LUT support available in QooCam Studio. There's also a Dynamic Range Boost for HDR shooting; this limits resolution when shooting photos, but it's claimed to increase dynamic range by two stops.

This is a versatile action camera that offers IP68 dust and waterproofing to a depth of 33ft / 10m, has 128GB of internal storage alongside a microSD card slot, and can be controlled wirelessly using the QooCam 3 app. It's not a cheap 360-degree camera though, coming in at a higher price than its closest rival, the Insta360 X4.

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: release date and price

• Launched August 29 2024
• Costs $599 / £579 / AU$1,033
• Accessories available separately

The Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra was released in August 2024 and is available now for $599 / £579 / AU$1,033. The camera is listed at USD$699 for Australian visitors to the Kandao website. This is considerably more expensive than the QooCam 3 and more expensive than the Insta360 X4 which cost $499.99 / £499.99 / AU$879.99 at launch.

At the time of writing, only the QooCam 3 Ultra base kit that includes the camera, battery, PD cable, lens cloth and soft case is the only option available, so accessories have to be purchased separately.

These include a battery charging case, spare batteries, selfie sticks, a car suction mount and detachable lens protectors. A selfie stick in the kit would be preferable because these are essential for 360-degree cameras.

• Price score: 3/5

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: specs

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: design and handling

• Larger and heavier than the competition
• Waterproof to 33ft / 10m
• 1/4-inch screw thread

The QooCam 3 Ultra looks remarkably similar to the QooCam 3 but is both taller and heavier, at 11.85oz / 336g including a battery. This is undoubtedly still lightweight, but at 4.44oz / 126g heavier than the QooCam 3, that's quite a chunk of additional weight. It doesn’t affect handling or usability in most situations, but when attaching the camera to bike handlebar mounts, for instance, you have to be sure that your mount can adequately support the camera.

Build quality is excellent, and the camera certainly feels robust, with dust resistance and water resistance to 33ft / 10m – although as with all 360-degree cameras, the dual fisheye lenses on each side mean that you really wouldn’t want to drop it. Pop-on lens protectors are available separately, and stay attached well to protect from stray stones flying up and minor knocks.

The camera body is designed minimally with a power and mode button on the left, a shutter button below the 2.19-inch rectangular touchscreen, a customizable Q button, a button to change the camera view, and a 1/4-inch screw thread on the bottom. Most settings and functions are accessed by swiping from the top, bottom and sides of the screen, like most action cameras and 360-degree cameras, and this makes the QooCam Ultra 3 intuitive to use.

Using the camera without the phone app works well, but you can also attach it to the QooCam 3 app via WiFi 6 for wireless control. In terms of ports, there's a USB-C port under a waterproof door that can be used to charge the battery and transfer photos and videos on one side of the camera, while on the other is a door keeping the battery and microSD card slot, which can take cards up to 1TB, safe from water ingress. The latter is useful, but with 128GB of onboard storage, it's not always necessary to use a memory card.

In terms of battery life, forgetting anything that Kandao claims, I spent over an hour wandering around a city shooting 8K video, timelapse/hyperlapse videos and photos for well over an hour and hardly dented the battery – it only ran out days later after further shooting.

Of course, this wasn't continuous use, but in real-world terms, I wasn't disappointed. A second or even a third battery is still useful to ensure you can continue shooting when out for the day, and the battery charging case that's available separately makes charging easier, and provides storage for batteries when not in use.

• Design score: 4/5

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: features and performance

• Dual 1/1.7-inch Quad-Bayer sensors
• 96MP 360-degree photos
• 10-bit HLG video option

The key features of the QooCam 3 Ultra are pretty much tied into the hardware where the dual 1/1.7-inch Quad-Bayer sensors and the lenses with f/1.6 apertures and 9.36mm equivalent focal lengths take centre stage. 8K video is oversampled to improve image quality. Other features include 96MP 360-degree photos, 10-bit HLG, SuperSteady Stabilization, Spatial Audio, built-in GPS and Single Lens video capture.

Image Stabilization uses a 6-axis gyro and works well, but unless you walk with bent knees, the way that you have to with professional video gimbals, the bob of walking will be noticeable as can be seen in the example video. This was captured this way on purpose to discover whether improvements had been made on the QooCam 3, but both perform identically in this area.

The camera view on the camera LCD and in the app is also stabilized, unlike the QooCam 3 at launch, so you get much closer to what you’re going to get on-screen, which is an improvement. Although, with 360-degree cameras what you get predominantly comes down to reframing video in software.

QooCam Studio, which is Kandao's desktop editing software for photos and videos still lacks the slick and easy-to-use interface alongside some of the more exciting reframe options of Insta360 Studio. It's still fairly easy to use, and the QooCam 3 phone app still provides more functionality than the desktop version including the ability to use templates, although much work could be done to both to vastly improve them.

Sound quality from the four directional mics for spatial audio capture is pretty good, but don’t be fooled by the choppy sound you'll hear in the QooCam desktop app. Sound is massively improved, and is the way it should be, once videos have been exported. You can also attach external microphones via Bluetooth and USB-C; if sound is important, one of these will be essential to take advantage of the best sound quality possible and to reduce ambient noise.

Single Lens capture is another useful feature that allows you to capture video with one of the lenses rather than both – you can select the camera facing towards or away from you. This is ideal when you know that you simply want a single view and video can be captured in 4K up to 60fps or 3.4K at 100/120fps for slow motion footage.

You still need to run the footage through one of the apps where you can change the field of view – the view captured is square but is cropped to 16:9 with the Reframe Adjustment option. One point to note here is that you can’t actually reframe Single Lens videos because the viewpoint is fixed.

• Features and performance score: 4/5

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: image and video quality

• Up to 8K 30fps video
• Up to 96MP photos
• Slow motion capture

360-degree cameras sound almost unfathomable when you first think about them, but they're much less complicated than they sound and open up a wealth of creative possibilities. You can pan, zoom and change camera direction, allowing you to easily film yourself and the entire environment around you. Although an 8K resolution sounds excessive, this resolution covers 360 degrees and greatly improves image quality for 360-degree videos.

360-degree videos can be captured in 8K up to 30fps, 5.7K up to 60fps and 4K up to 120fps, so although 4K provides the ability to capture 360-degree slow motion, image quality is greatly diminished when compared to 8K. 8K file sizes are huge and even 5.7K are pretty hefty, so you do have to consider how much footage you intend to capture and think about whether or not the 128GB of on-board storage needs to be supplemented with a microSD card.

Reframed 360-degree video

Timelapse/hyperlapse

8K 360-degree videos and timelapse videos look great, although there can be a small amount of wobble where lens images are stitched so hopefully this can be improved. Overall image quality is great even with the Standard bitrate (100Mbps), but this can be improved by opting for High (150Mbps). Color profiles available include 8-bit Rec. 709 for in-camera processed footage or 10-bit Rec. 2020 (HLG).

The latter provides a much greater dynamic range with the ability to apply LUTs in QooCam Studio, with 11 LUTs preloaded and the ability to add your own. Unfortunately, there's no ability to dial down LUT strength, and there are no options available for making adjustments such as exposure, white balance, shadows or highlights to video.

When using the phone app you get a histogram to aid with exposure, but when shooting with just the camera in isolation, you only get an exposure warning where blue denotes shadow clipping and red highlight clipping. This is perfectly adequate and provides a quick and easy way to assess exposure.

Dynamic range isn’t great, so you have to watch your highlights, but Dynamic Range Boost for HDR shooting does increase dynamic range by two stops at the expense of photo resolution which is limited to 24MP. There is a noticeable difference between standard and Dynamic Range Boost images, and the processing of the latter is no heavier than the former. Video looks fine because you're forced into capturing in 10-bit Rec. 2020 (HLG) which is a flat profile and offers greater dynamic range.

The best photo quality comes from the DNG8 shooting feature where eight DNG files are captured and then merged in the RawPlus software for increased detail, lower noise and extended dynamic range. The downside is that it's a convoluted process where you have to merge the eight DNGs into a single DNG in RawPlus, export, edit in Lightroom, export a JPEG and then reframe the JPEG in QooCamStudio before exporting a final JPEG.

Standard photo quality is pretty good with brighter conditions providing the best results like most action cameras and drones with small sensors. But when working with DNGs, you have to edit in Lightroom, export a JPEG and then reframe the JPEG in QooCamStudio before exporting again. This process hasn’t been improved since the QooCam 3, and it could and should be much more streamlined.

ISO handling isn’t bad for a camera of this type with such small sensors, and coupled with the f/1.6 apertures it's well suited to low-light shooting when the situation arises. I tested the camera at night in a dark location at ISO 6400, which is the highest setting available, and the results are useable but it's certainly not a setting you'd want to rely on too often. ISO 1600 is much more useable, but shooting at the lowest possible ISO is always preferable.

• Image and video quality score: 4.5/5

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra: testing scorecard

Should I buy the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

QooCam 3 Ultra: also consider

How I tested the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra

• All features and functions tested
• Phone and desktop apps used for editing
• Image quality reviewed

The QooCam 3 Ultra was tested over several weeks shooting photos and videos in different conditions and locations to test all of the features and functions, alongside handling. With 360-degree cameras, shooting is only half the battle, so the second part of testing was running everything through the QooCam 3 smartphone app and the QooCam studio desktop app to put editing through its paces.

Approaching 360-degree image capture is extremely similar to, yet wildly different to capturing standard photos and videos. So, with this in mind, I was drawing on 30 years of photographic experience and 16 years of working as a photography journalist. Having used these types of cameras before I was aware of what to expect and what to look out for, but with any new product there's inevitably something new to discover.

First reviewed September 2024