It was just over two years ago that Insta360 released the ONE X action camera and right on schedule they are back with their new flagship camera – The ONE X2.
It's a punchy shooter with an impressive range of features that build on its baby brother.
The X2 records video and shoots photos in 360 using a dual lens system, allowing users to capture and create content in imaginative and unusual ways.
I've been getting hands on with the X2 for a couple of weeks, to put it through its paces and see how much has changed in Insta360's new flagship camera...
The X2 isn't just an iterative update, like the S models of an iPhone – this is a full evolution for the device series. It retains all the great features of its predecessor while bringing some exciting new ones to the party.
And I'm starting with build quality, which to some may seem boring, but is really one of the first things to stand out for me.
Because in everyday use these cameras are going to see a lot of action, be thrown around, dropped, shoved in pockets throughout its life. This model feels more rugged than others, with a metal body boasting textured outer edges.
Learning from another camera in their range, the ONE R modular series, they've brought the same interlocking system to ensure battery and charging compartments are water tight. The camera is now water proof up to 10 metres out of the box with no add-ons. The usual diving case accessories are available, but for more everyday use it means you play in the rain and not worry.
The micro SD card slot is also no longer exposed, hiding very neatly beneath the removable battery. The battery has also had an impressive boost – Insta360 claim up to 55% - which holds up in real world testing and can stretch to all day use.
The vertical form factor is retained from the previous camera, with a slender profile and double lens system. It also keeps it's tripod mount in the base as part of the camera instead of relying on accessories. Taking its OLED screen one step further, the X2's circular screen is not only for controlling camera mode but is now a full colour view finder with the lens output displayed.
This helps to frame, review and control more of the camera without needing the companion app. The touchscreen is very responsive and once you mastered the swiping system for the device's menu, it's fast to navigate.
Great video is worth very little if the sound quality doesn't match, and Insta360 have been doing some improvements in this area, both in the camera and in the companion app.
Finally, the X2 has a speaker built in for reviewing footage – which is essential if you need to check your shot before moving on. There's improvements in wind reduction at the point of recording with further AI powered enhancements in the app.
And now there's a dedicated spatial audio mode, using multiple microphones to record the audio in 360. This comes in to play for creating immersive content for headsets where not just footage but audio changes as you move around.
The Insta360 ONE X2 packs a big punch for a little camera, with 5.7k resolution when shooting in 360 at 30 frames per second. Other modes are available including the much appreciated 25 fps UK broadcasters work with and 3k 100 fps for slow motion shots.
The sensor has been improved, increased bit rate and better colour capture. Viewing footage in the companion app makes it hard to appreciate just how much the quality has changed, but throw that footage in something like an Oculus Quest VR headset or a big screen TV and it's pretty impressive.
The X2 also comes with a single camera steady cam mode, so you can use it as a more traditional point and shoot action camera with built in stabilisation and recorded in standard MP4 format for fast transfer and edit workflow. Because sometimes you just want to use it as a straightforward camera!
Photos from the ONE X2 benefit from those same improvements, with some stunning results using in 360 mode, panoramic or ultra wide single lens. System settings allow you to change to various shooting modes including HDR, timelapse, burst and dedicated night mode for low light environments.
As with Insta360's previous offerings, this is a partnership of camera and companion app like no other. While it's great to have far more control on the camera itself, making it less dependent on the app, but that's also where a whole new level resides.
You can, of course, connect to the camera via wifi and transfer footage, use as a remote viewfinder and record.
But they put a lot of work into helping users get the most from their footage. And there's a lot of AI making that happen. The app has the ability to analyse footage, recognising people, pets, buildings and more to reframe and edit your footage.
There's a wide range of themes you can use. And there's the ever evolving Shot Lab – fun and impressive downloadable footage treatments that take your footage and transforms them. Ever wanted to clone yourself on video? Easy. Recreate a drone style intro – just a tap away.
At the time of writing, I've been using the pre-release iPhone app and camera firmware – not unusual when reviewing an item before launch. That said, camera functionality feels incredibly smooth so I can't imagine much will change on release. The companion app sees regular updates so I'd expect a few new features and new shotlabs to play with.
The X2 will also have a range of accessories launching at the same time as the camera, including a dive case, battery hub and bullet time cord.
The Insta360 ONE X2 is a wonderful bit of tech and feels like a substantial upgrade from the original X. Everything that I really loved about the X is here – slim form factor, fast performance and impressive results.
But the X2 packs in new features effortlessly without compromising on what made the X so great. Spatial sound, waterproof, OLED viewfinder, improved sensor, longer battery performance all on board and amazing AI powered features in the app.
I'm also pretty impressed with the 'bang for your buck', with the X2 launching with a price tag of £429.99 – which is only £20 higher than the launch of the X this time last year. It's a great camera, not just for the traditional action camera market, but for content producers, artists and journalists to name but a few.
If you have the previous model, you might be on the fence about upgrading quite so soon – but then I suspect there's enough newy newness here to tempt you. If you're thinking about getting into the action camera / 360 playing field, then this is the best place to start.
The Insta360 ONE X2 is available to order now from insta360.com and will be available on Amazon in the near future. You can check out the X2 in action over on their YouTube channel.
