Gopro vs Insta 360: Which Action Camera is Better?

Are you in the market for a new action camera? With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs.

Two of the most popular choices are GoPro and Insta360, both of which offer high-quality cameras with unique features.

GoPro is known for its rugged design and waterproof capabilities, making it a great choice for outdoor adventures.

The latest GoPro models offer 4K resolution and advanced stabilization technology for smooth footage. On the other hand, Insta360 offers 360-degree video capabilities, allowing you to capture immersive footage.

Its latest models also offer impressive resolution and advanced stabilization, making it a strong competitor to GoPro.

When comparing GoPro vs Insta360, there are several factors to consider, including price, design, video quality, and features.

In this article, we will dive deeper into the differences between these two popular action camera brands to help you make an informed decision.

Design

When it comes to design, both GoPro and Insta360 offer sleek and compact cameras that are easy to handle and carry around. Let’s take a closer look at the form factor, waterproofing, and accessories of these cameras.

Form Factor

The GoPro Hero series has a rectangular shape with a lens placed on the front. The Hero 10 is slightly larger than the previous models and has a rubberized texture for better grip.

On the other hand, the Insta360 One R is a modular camera that allows you to swap out different modules such as the lens, battery, and screen. This makes it more versatile and customizable than the GoPro.

Waterproof

Both GoPro and Insta360 cameras are designed to be waterproof, making them ideal for outdoor activities. The GoPro Hero 10 is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) without any additional housing.

The Insta360 One R is also waterproof up to 16 feet (5 meters) with the standard battery base, and up to 196 feet (60 meters) with the Dive Case accessory.

Accessories

Both GoPro and Insta360 offer a range of accessories to enhance your camera’s functionality. GoPro has a wide range of mounts, cases, and grips that can be used to attach the camera to different surfaces or stabilize the footage.

The Insta360 One R also has a range of accessories such as a selfie stick, tripod, and underwater housing. Additionally, the modular design of the One R allows you to swap out different modules to customize the camera for different shooting scenarios.

Video Quality

When it comes to choosing between GoPro and Insta360, video quality is one of the most important factors to consider. In this section, we will discuss the various aspects of video quality, including resolution, frame rates, field of view, stabilization, HDR, display, and microphones.

Resolution

Both GoPro and Insta360 offer high-resolution video recording options. GoPro’s latest model, the HERO11 Black, can record video at a maximum resolution of 5.3K at 30 frames per second (fps).

The Insta360 X3, on the other hand, can record at a maximum resolution of 5.7K at 30fps. However, it’s important to note that the actual resolution of the final output may vary depending on the mode you choose.

Frame Rates

Frame rates determine how many frames per second are captured in a video. GoPro HERO11 Black can record at a maximum frame rate of 240fps in 1080p resolution, while the Insta360 X3 can record at a maximum frame rate of 120fps in 1080p resolution. Higher frame rates are ideal for slow-motion videos.

Field of View

Both GoPro and Insta360 offer a 360-degree field of view, which means that you can capture everything around you. However, GoPro HERO11 Black also offers a linear mode that provides a narrower field of view, which is ideal for vlogging and other types of videos.

Stabilization

Both GoPro and Insta360 offer advanced stabilization features to ensure that your videos are smooth and steady. GoPro HERO11 Black uses HyperSmooth 4.0 technology, while Insta360 X3 uses FlowState stabilization.

HDR

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a feature that enhances the contrast and color in your videos, providing a more vibrant and realistic look. GoPro HERO11 Black offers HDR video recording, while Insta360 X3 does not.

Display

Both GoPro and Insta360 offer displays that allow you to preview your shots and adjust settings. GoPro HERO11 Black has a 2.27-inch touch screen display, while Insta360 X3 has a 1.3-inch OLED display.

Microphones

Both GoPro and Insta360 offer multiple microphones to capture high-quality audio. GoPro HERO11 Black has four microphones, while Insta360 X3 has two microphones.

Camera Comparison

When it comes to choosing between GoPro and Insta360 cameras, it can be a tough decision. Both brands offer high-quality cameras that are popular among action sports enthusiasts and content creators.

In this section, we will compare the features and specifications of GoPro and Insta360 cameras to help you make an informed decision.

GoPro

GoPro is a well-known brand in the action camera market, and its cameras are known for their durability and high-quality footage.

The latest GoPro models, such as the HERO11 Black, offer advanced features like 5.3K video resolution, HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization, and TimeWarp 3.0. Here are some of the pros and cons of GoPro cameras:

Pros

  • Durable and waterproof design
  • High-quality footage with advanced features
  • Wide range of accessories and mounts available
  • Easy to use with intuitive controls and touchscreens

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other action cameras
  • Limited battery life
  • Limited field of view in some models

Insta360

Insta360 is a newer brand in the action camera market, but it has quickly gained popularity among content creators for its innovative 360-degree cameras.

The latest Insta360 models, such as the ONE R and ONE X2, offer features like 5.7K video resolution, FlowState stabilization, and Bullet Time mode. Here are some of the pros and cons of Insta360 cameras:

Pros

  • Innovative 360-degree cameras with advanced features
  • High-quality footage with FlowState stabilization
  • Wide range of accessories and mounts available
  • User-friendly app with editing tools and social sharing options

Cons

  • Limited battery life
  • Limited field of view in some models
  • Some models can be more expensive than other action cameras

Overall, both GoPro and Insta360 offer high-quality cameras with advanced features. The choice between the two brands ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific features that you value most.

Battery Life

When it comes to action cameras, battery life is a crucial factor to consider. You don’t want to miss capturing your adventures just because your camera died. Let’s compare the battery life of GoPro Max and Insta360 X3.

According to the manufacturer, GoPro Max has a battery life of up to 78 minutes when recording in 360-degree mode at 5.6K resolution.

On the other hand, Insta360 X3 has a higher capacity battery of 1800mAh, and the manufacturer claims it can last up to 81 minutes in the same mode.

It is worth noting that battery life can vary depending on various factors such as the temperature, recording mode, and usage habits.

However, based on the manufacturer’s claims, Insta360 X3 has a slightly better battery life than GoPro Max.

If you need to extend the battery life of your action camera, both GoPro Max and Insta360 X3 offer some options.

GoPro Max has a removable battery, and you can purchase additional batteries to swap in when one dies. Insta360 X3, on the other hand, comes with a charging case that can recharge the camera up to three times. The charging case has a battery life of up to 60 minutes.

Here’s a quick comparison of the battery life of GoPro Max and Insta360 X3:

CameraBattery Life
GoPro MaxUp to 78 minutes in 360-degree mode at 5.6K resolution
Insta360 X3Up to 81 minutes in 360-degree mode at 5.7K resolution

In conclusion, both GoPro Max and Insta360 X3 offer decent battery life, but Insta360 X3 has a slightly better battery life than GoPro Max.

Both cameras have options to extend battery life, so you can capture your adventures without worrying about running out of battery.

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, both GoPro and Insta360 offer a range of options to suit different budgets and needs. Here is a breakdown of the prices for some of their popular models:

GoPro

  • GoPro Hero 10 Black: $399.99
  • GoPro Hero 9 Black: $349.98
  • GoPro Max: $499.99
  • GoPro Hero 8 Black: $299.99

Insta360

  • Insta360 One X2: $429.99
  • Insta360 One R: $479.99
  • Insta360 Go 2: $299.99
  • Insta360 One X: $399.99

As you can see, the prices for GoPro and Insta360 cameras are relatively similar, with some models being more expensive than others. However, it’s worth noting that GoPro offers more affordable options, such as the Hero 8 Black, which is priced at $299.99.

When comparing prices, it’s important to consider what features you need and how often you will use the camera.

For example, if you only need a camera for casual use, the Insta360 Go 2 might be a good option at $299.99. However, if you’re a professional photographer or videographer, you might need a more advanced camera, such as the GoPro Max or Insta360 One R, which are priced at $499.99 and $479.99 respectively.

Ultimately, the price of a camera is just one factor to consider when making a purchase. You should also consider the camera’s features, image and video quality, durability, and ease of use before making a decision.

360 Video

When it comes to 360 video, there are several options to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular:

Insta360 One X2

The Insta360 One X2 is a popular choice for 360 video. It can shoot up to 5.7K resolution at 30fps and has built-in stabilization. It also has a touch screen and can be controlled with your phone.

Insta360 One R

The Insta360 One R is another popular option. It can shoot up to 5.7K resolution at 30fps in 360 mode and up to 4K resolution in linear mode. It also has built-in stabilization and can be controlled with your phone.

GoPro Max

The GoPro Max is a versatile camera that can shoot both 360 video and traditional video. It can shoot up to 5.6K resolution at 30fps in 360 mode and up to 1440p resolution at 60fps in linear mode. It also has built-in stabilization and a touch screen.

Insta360 X3

The Insta360 X3 is a compact camera that can shoot up to 5.2K resolution at 30fps in 360 mode and up to 1080p resolution in linear mode. It also has built-in stabilization and can be controlled with your phone.

360 Mod

The 360 Mod is an add-on for the GoPro Hero9 Black that allows you to shoot 360 video. It can shoot up to 5.6K resolution at 30fps and has built-in stabilization. It also has a touch screen and can be controlled with your phone.

Overall, each camera has its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to consider what features are most important to you before making a decision.

Additional Features

When it comes to additional features, both GoPro and Insta360 offer a variety of options to enhance your filming experience. Here are some of the most notable features to consider:

Live Streaming

Live streaming is a popular feature that allows you to share your adventures in real-time with your friends and followers.

Both GoPro and Insta360 offer live streaming capabilities, but the Insta360 One R has an edge over the GoPro Max. The One R can stream in 4K, while the GoPro Max is limited to 1080p.

Remote Control

Remote control is an important feature for those who want to capture footage without being in front of the camera.

Both GoPro and Insta360 offer remote control options, but the Insta360 One R has a unique feature called “invisible selfie stick.” This feature allows you to control the camera remotely without the stick appearing in the footage.

Active HDR

Active HDR is a feature that enhances the dynamic range of your footage, resulting in more vibrant colors and better contrast. The GoPro Max has this feature, while the Insta360 One R does not.

Megapixel Count

Megapixel count is an important factor to consider when it comes to image and video quality. The GoPro Max has a 16.6-megapixel sensor, while the Insta360 One R has a 12-megapixel sensor. However, the megapixel count is not the only important element determining the quality of an image.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is a crucial feature for those who want to film underwater or in wet conditions. Both GoPro and Insta360 are water-resistant, but the GoPro Max has a slight edge with a maximum depth of 16 feet, while the Insta360 One R is limited to 10 feet.

Overall, both GoPro and Insta360 offer a variety of additional features to enhance your filming experience. It’s important to consider which features are most important to you and your specific filming needs when making a decision between the two.

Conclusion

After comparing the GoPro and Insta360 cameras, you have a better understanding of their similarities and differences. Both cameras have their unique features, and the choice between them depends on your needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for a camera that can shoot high-quality 360-degree videos, both the GoPro Max and Insta360 One R are excellent choices.

However, if you want a camera that can shoot high-quality linear videos, the Insta360 One R is a better option with its 4K resolution.

When it comes to stabilization, both cameras have their own unique technologies. The GoPro Max has HyperSmooth video stabilization, while the Insta360 One R has FlowState Digital stabilization and MAX Hypersmooth.

The GoPro Max has a rugged design that is waterproof and can withstand tough conditions, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.

In terms of frame rates, the GoPro Hero 10 has higher frame rates across the board, allowing you to shoot at up to 60fps for 5.3K resolution and 120fps for 4K resolution. The Insta360 One R, on the other hand, can shoot at 5.7K resolution for 360-degree videos.

Overall, both the GoPro and Insta360 cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. It’s up to you to decide which camera best fits your needs and budget.