Insta360

Insta360 X3 360° Camera Review

Reviews
8
Score
78/100
From
$250
Released
January 2022

We've aggregated 8 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.

Insta360 X3 360° Camera
Available
Our take
Worth buyingPreliminary

Our editorial take on the Insta360 X3 360° Camera

The Insta360 X3 was a landmark camera that defined an entire generation of consumer 360-degree video. Upon its release, it set a new standard with major quality-of-life upgrades, most notably a large, functional touchscreen and bigger 1/2-inch sensors. These hardware improvements made the X3 significantly more user-friendly than its predecessors, allowing creators to operate it effectively without constant reliance on a smartphone. Paired with Insta360's powerful and intuitive software, the X3 transformed 360 capture from a niche, technical process into an accessible and creative tool for the masses.

Today, the X3 has been succeeded by newer, higher-resolution models, making its 5.7K video capability seem dated next to the 8K standard. This is its primary compromise in the current market, as it offers less flexibility for aggressive reframing and cropping. However, the camera has settled into a new role as a fantastic value proposition. Its video quality remains perfectly suitable for social media content, and its feature set is still robust. For creators who prioritize a proven, reliable workflow and a more accessible price point over cutting-edge specs, the X3 is not just a viable option, it is a workhorse that still delivers excellent results.

Best for: This camera is ideal for content creators and hobbyists looking for a versatile, user-friendly, and affordable entry into 360-degree video capture.
What's great
  • Large 2.29-inch touchscreen simplifies on-camera operation
  • Powerful and intuitive app with AI-driven editing features
  • Excellent value proposition as a previous-generation model
  • Versatile shooting with both 360-degree and single-lens modes
  • Durable, waterproof construction suitable for action sports
Watch outs
  • 5.7K resolution is surpassed by newer 8K cameras
  • Video quality can appear soft after significant cropping
  • Exposed, protruding lenses are vulnerable to damage
  • Processing large 360 video files requires a powerful device

Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.

What reviewers say

Best reviews

The highest-signal reviews from creators and editorial blogs.

Editorial reviews

Dpreview·
Insta360 X3 action cam uses new 48MP sensors, larger touchscreen ...

Insta360 has announced a new 360-degree action camera, the X3. The new camera uses larger 1/2" 48MP sensors, a larger touchscreen and is designed to provide better performance than its predecessor, the ONE X2.

Read review
Cined·
Insta360 X3 Released – New 1/2" Sensor, Bigger Screen ... - CineD

Insta360 has just released a new dual-lens 360° camera designed from the ground up, the Insta360 X3. This new model features a bigger 1/2″ image sensor, a massive 2.29″ touchscreen in front of the camera, and it can capture 360° footage in 5.7K, 8K 360° time lapses, and 72MP pictures.

Read review
Newsshooter·
Insta360 X4 – 8K 360° action camera - Newsshooter

Insta360 has announced the X4, an 8K 360° action camera. It features a 5nm AI chip that supports a smart control system, with much-improved battery performance, and a host of AI-powered shooting and editing features.

Read review
Bhphotovideo·
How to Choose the Best Action Camera | B&H eXplora

Whether you’re shooting on land, underwater, or up in the air, the Insta360 X3 360° Camera is a great choice for all of your action-packed outings.

Read review
Petapixel·
Insta360 X5 Review: The Most Versatile Action Camera Available

Insta360 updated its X-series camera. Did the X4 improvements actually make it out of the comment section? We took the new X5 on a multi-state test run to find out.

Read review
Theverge·
Leaked Insta360 X3 camera has a larger touchscreen ... - The Verge

Insta360 is currently teasing the announcement of its “next camera” on September 8th, but WinFuture seems to have the details early. The German-language site has images and specs for the company’s new X3 360-degree action camera, which drops the “One” name from its branding and sports a larger display than its predecessor, the Insta360 One X2.

Read review
Engadget·
Insta360's X3 gets bigger sensors and a bigger screen for easier ...

Insta360 is finally updating its flagship all-in-one 360 camera with the aptly-named X3, with the main differences being the enlarged sensors, touchscreen and battery, among other bits of goodies. It comes with new features that solve many earlier pain points.

Read review
Imaging-resource·
Insta360 X3 Is Now at One of Its Best Prices Ever for Black Friday 2025

Despite being a previous-generation model, the Insta360 X3 still holds strong as a versatile 360 action camera. It offers an excellent balance of image quality, durability, and price—especially considering it can shoot 5.7K 360-degree footage.

Read review
Community

Community ratings

Real ratings from people who own the gear.

-/5
0 ratings

No written reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Overview

About this product

The Insta360 X3 is a portable action camera with an upgraded 1/2" sensor and larger touchscreen, capable of capturing high-definition 360° and single-lens video. It features an IPX8 waterproof design up to 33' and a built-in 1800mAh rechargeable battery. The camera offers AI-powered software for dynamic content creation.

Specs

Upc
842126103742
Weight
6.3 oz / 180 g
Wireless
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) / Bluetooth 5.0
Battery Type
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (1800 mAh)
Built In Mic
Yes
Display Type
Fixed Touchscreen LCD
Focal Length
6.7mm (35mm Equivalent)
Image Sensor
1/2"-Type CMOS (2 Lenses)
Charging Time
90 Minutes
Shutter Speed
1/8000 to 120 Seconds in Manual Mode
Inputs Outputs
1x USB-C Power Input
Audio Recording
AAC: Stereo, 16 -Bit at 48 kHz
Maximum Aperture
f/1.9
Image Stabilization
Integrated 6-Axis Gyroscope
Still Image Support
72 MP
White Balance Range
2000 to 10,000K
Dimensions W X D X H
4.5 x 1.8 x 1.3" / 114.0 x 46.0 x 33.1 mm
Iso Gain Sensitivity
Native: 100 to 3200
Operating Conditions
-4 to 104°F / -20 to 40°C
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
Estimated Battery Life
81 Minutes
Media Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: microSD/microSDHC (UHS-I) [1 TB Maximum / U3/V30 or Faster Recommended]
Tripod Mounting Thread
1/4"-20 Female
360 Video Recording Max
5760 x 2880
Environmental Resistance
Water-Resistant to 32.8' / 10 m (Unrated)
Single Lens Recording Max
3840 x 2160 at 24/25/30 fps
Effective Sensor Resolution
48 Megapixel
Live prices

Where to buy

Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.

  • B&H Photo
    new● In stockBest price
    $250
    Buy
  • Adorama
    new● In stockBest price
    $250
    Buy
  • Amazon
    new● In stock
    $450
    Buy
In the wild

Creators who use this

Filmmakers and YouTubers we've spotted using the Insta360 X3 360° Camera in their kit.