Insta360 One X2 vs One R: which 360° camera to choose
Choosing between the Insta360 One X2 and One R? Discover the ideal 360° camera for your needs. Explore our comparison guide now.
No matter what anyone says, the future belongs to virtual reality. And now you can contribute to it, because shooting with modern 360-degree cameras is very easy, and they are very inexpensive. We have already talked about the Insta360 One R modular action camera more than once (if you haven’t seen our video review yet, be sure to watch it, attached below). Recently the same company released a dedicated model for panoramic video – Insta360 One X2 and it looks like it could become a real hit! We have translated for you a comparison of two models from Forbes magazine (author – Jeffrey Morrison ).
The two best 360-degree cameras on the market are made by the same company and have very similar features. They are identical in terms of photo and video resolution. Also, both have a rugged body, but one of them looks more like an action camera than the other.
The biggest and most obvious difference is that the One R is a modular camera. This means that it doesn’t always have to be a 360-degree camera. This certainly makes it more versatile, but it also makes it a little more difficult to use, and in some cases the One X2 may perform better.
So, here are some pros and cons of both models that should help you decide.
Characteristics
If you compare the 360-degree module of One R and One X2, the characteristics are practically the same. The maximum video resolution is 5.7K (at 30 fps), photos – 6080×3040, and they have the same matrices. The One X2 has a couple of tricks up its sleeve. Insta360 says it has improved colors and about 10% higher bitrate at 110 Mbps compared to the One R. This should make the One X2’s video slightly better than the One R’s, but not radically so .
The X2 is equipped with 4 microphones and 360-degree audio, which is very useful if you create 360° and VR content.
Battery
In this regard, the models do not differ much. The X2 claims 80 minutes of recording at 5.7K, which is about 10 minutes more than the One R. It sounds like you might be referring to something specific For the R, you can purchase an extra battery, and there’s an optional larger battery that the company claims doubles recording time. Additional batteries for the X2 are still on the way.
Ergonomics
As unique and impressive as the One R’s modular design is, it can be a little awkward to use. Replacing lens modules takes a couple of minutes and is a little tiring. Although not too much – for me it’s a fair trade-off for increased versatility.
What I like about the X2 over the R (and I’ve used both models quite a bit over the past few weeks) is that the X2 fits easily in a pocket. The body is thin and long, so you can put it next to your smartphone or tuck it into your back pocket while you’re shooting something with your DSLR. The One R has a GoPro-style size and shape—too boxy to fit into any pocket.
Additionally, the screen on the X2 seems more responsive.
In progress
After using both cameras for several weeks, I’m having a hard time choosing between them. Each has its own method of application. Here are the main differences in terms of video and photography:
– The One R has much higher video quality potential . Pop in a 1-inch or 4K module and video looks much better than the 1080p footage coming from the One X2’s 360-degree footage. But this applies only to the quality of the picture, and not to how interesting the video itself is.
– X2 removes the selfie stick from any photo/video more effectively, which is one of the best tricks of 360-degree cameras. For me this is a big plus of the X2.
– If One R is not in the configuration (wrong module installed – translator’s note) that you need, operation will slow down. This may seem obvious, but it’s better to mention it. X2 is always ready to do exactly what it knows how to do.
What about GoPro Max?
Another well-known 360-degree camera is GoPro Max . This is without a doubt a great camera. It has excellent image quality and stabilization. But I still prefer the X2 thanks to the Insta360 app, which has more editing options, and editing is an important part of any 360-degree camera. However, this advantage lies precisely in the software. If you like GoPro and the way videos shot with it look, I won’t try to dissuade you.
Results
There’s a pretty simple way to sum it all up. If you’re looking for an action camera and think it might be cool to shoot some 360-degree video sometimes, get the One R. If you’re looking for a 360-degree camera, don’t be fooled by the versatility of the One R. The One X2 is ultimately easier to use. Not dramatically, but enough. It’s also better at removing the selfie stick from video because its lenses are in line with the body and the stick. There is a way to configure the One R for vertical shooting, but it requires other modules that don’t come with the “base” model.
If I personally had to choose one of these cameras, I would take the One X2. But I love shooting 360-degree videos and I find it easier to get standard footage from them using the FreeCapture feature in the Insta360 app. Yes, you won’t get the same high quality as with the 1-inch or even 4K module in the One R, but it will still be well-stabilized 1080p video, which is enough for social media.
However, if you want higher quality video with a 16×9 aspect ratio, then you should definitely go for the One R.