It’s a small world after all, and these cameras can capture all of it at once, giving you a 360-degree view.
| GoPro Max 2 | Insta360 X5 | Insta360 X4 Air | DJI Osmo 360 | Ricoh Theta X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (sale) | $500 ($400) | $550 | $400 ($300) | $550 | $597 |
| Max Video Specs | 8K: (7680×3840) @ 30/25/24 fps4K (16:9) (3840×2160) @ 60/50/30/25/24 fps in single lens mode | 8K 30 fps 360, 4K 60 fps in single lens mode | 8K 30 fps 360, 4K 60 fps in single lens mode | 8K 50 fps / 4K 120 fps in single-lens mode | 5.7K 30 fps 360 / 4K 30 fps in single lens mode |
| Single Lens Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Photo Resolution | 360: 29MP (7680×3840) Single-Lens: 12MP (4000×3000) (RAW) 12MP from 4K (4:3) Video | 72 MP (11,904 x 5,952), 18 MP (5,888 x 2,944). RAW (DNG) supported | 72 MP (11,904 x 5,952), 18 MP (5,888 x 2,944). RAW (DNG) supported | 30 MP (4:3, 6400 × 4800) / Panoramic Photo 120 MP (2:1, 15520 × 7760) | 60 MP, 11,008 x 5,504 |
| Battery Life | 55-60 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions. | 80 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions. | 88 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions. | About 85 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions | Around 25 minutes at 5.7K, more at lower resolutions. |
| Video Modes | 360: Video, POV, Selfie, LoopingSingle-Lens: Video | Normal, PureVideo (Low light video) | — | Normal, SuperNight (low light) | — |
| Lens Guard | Included | Sold separately | Sold separately | Included | — |
Insta360 X4 for $340: I’d recommend skipping this one unless you can get it on sale for under $300. The X4 Air is (usually) cheaper, smaller, and more capable, though the X4 does have a larger screen and the battery life is better (though again, the video quality is not as good as the X4 Air). If you can find a killer deal under $300, the X4 is worth nabbing. Otherwise though, stick with the X4 Air.
Qoocam 3 Ultra for $539: It’s not widely available, and we have not had a chance to try one, but Kandao’s Qoocam 3 Ultra is another 8K 360 camera that looks promising, at least on paper. The f/1.6 aperture is especially interesting, as most of the rest of these are in the f/2 and up range. We’ll update this guide when we’ve had a chance to test a Qoocam.
Insta360 One RS: Insta360’s interchangeable-lens action-camera/360-camera hybrid was a novel idea that just didn’t seem to catch on. Now it’s a bit dated. The video footage isn’t as good as the other cameras in this guide, but you can swap the lens and have an action camera in a moment, which is the major selling point. Ultimately I’d say skip this, get the X4 Air and if you want to use it like a GoPro, just shoot in single lens mode.
GoPro Max: You’ll still run across GoPro’s original Max sometimes, but again, there are better options.
Insta360 One X3: Insta360’s older X3 is not worth buying at this point.
Insta360 One RS 1 360 Edition: Although I still like and use this camera, it appears to have been discontinued, and there’s no replacement in sight. The X5 delivers better video quality in a lighter, less fragile body, but I will miss those 1-inch sensors that managed to pull a lot of detail, even if the footage did top out at 6K. These are still available used, but at outrageous prices. You’re better off with the X5.
