Insta360 X6 Is Smaller, Smarter, and Faster With 8K50p Video

Insta360 has officially unveiled its newest flagship 360-degree action camera, the X6. The new model brings a major upgrade to the company’s X-series with larger sensors, significantly more processing power, and faster 8K recording.

The X6 also gets a substantial redesign. The camera is considerably shorter than previous X-series models, bringing its overall shape closer to the DJI Osmo 360 while retaining the familiar dual-lens design.

Bigger Sensors and More Processing Power

One of the biggest upgrades in the X6 is its dual custom Sony 1/1.1-inch square sensors. Insta360 describes this as delivering “full 1-inch 360 imaging,” with a 33% larger sensor area than the X5.

The company also claims that the larger sensors capture four times more light per frame, which should help the X6 retain more detail in low-light and high-contrast scenes.

The sensors are paired with a new Triple AI chip system consisting of an eight-core 3.3GHz 4nm flagship processor and two dedicated imaging chips. Insta360 says the new system delivers 500% more computing power than the X5, along with 106% faster clock speeds and 35% lower power consumption.

The additional processing power is used for image processing, denoising, and color reproduction, with Insta360 claiming sharper images and cleaner colors from the X6.

Improved Low-Light Performance

Insta360 has also introduced a new low-light mode for the X6. The camera uses two ambient light sensors to help reduce flickering and recover more detail when shooting at night.

Its AdaptiveTone 2.0 system separately meters each lens and captures two exposures per frame to increase dynamic range.

The X6 is also the first 360-degree camera from Insta360 to offer native in-camera Dolby Vision support. The camera analyzes dynamic metadata frame by frame and adjusts brightness and contrast accordingly.

It also supports 10-bit color with more than 1.07 billion recordable colors. Users can shoot in 10-bit or I-Log for additional flexibility when grading footage in post-production.

8K50p and More Ways to Shoot

The X6 isn’t limited to traditional 360-degree recording. Insta360 is positioning it as a 360 camera, subject-tracking flat camera, and conventional single-lens action camera in one device.

Its headline video upgrade is 8K50p recording, up from 8K30p on the X5. The 360-degree footage can be reframed in post-production, allowing users to choose the most useful angle after recording.

InstaFrame 2.0 provides another way to use the camera. The mode automatically locks onto and tracks people, pets, and objects, producing a flat 4K video that doesn’t require additional reframing. When combined with the Foldable Selfie Stick Remote Kit, the X6 can also be controlled with a gimbal-style joystick.

Single Lens Mode turns the X6 into a more conventional action camera with a 170-degree field of view. It can record up to 5K30 in the full 170-degree mode or 5K60p with a 132-degree field of view.

FlowState Stabilization and 360 Horizon Lock are also included to keep footage smooth and level.

Smaller Body and Longer Battery Life

The redesigned X6 has a 2.32-inch OLED display with 1,200 nits of peak brightness. The display remains on while shooting, making it easier to frame shots in bright outdoor conditions.

The camera also has 47GB of built-in storage, allowing users to start shooting without inserting a memory card.

Power comes from a new 2,600mAh Xtreme Battery. Insta360 rates it for up to 140 minutes of 8K30p 360-degree recording, while the battery can reach 80% charge in just 24 minutes.

The battery is also designed to operate in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F), with Insta360 claiming 10% greater efficiency than batteries used in other 360-degree cameras.

Tougher Lenses and Waterproofing

The X6 gets redesigned lenses that Insta360 says are five times more scratch-resistant than those used on previous models. The company also says replacement costs have been reduced by 60%.

The camera itself is waterproof to 20 meters without a dedicated dive case. With the Invisible Dive Case Pro, it can go as deep as 60 meters.

Built-In Audio and Direct Mic Support

The X6 can connect directly to Insta360’s Mic Air and Mic Pro wireless microphones through Insta360 Direct Connect, eliminating the need for a separate receiver.

It also features a windproof 360-degree microphone system and a Hidden Engine Mic designed specifically for motorcycle use. The system filters wind noise while isolating engine sounds.

Intelligent Audio Mode can analyze the environment and automatically adjust the audio accordingly.

Connectivity and Accessories

For wireless connectivity, the X6 supports NFC for faster pairing and Wi-Fi 6 for data transfers of up to 100MB/s. Bluetooth has also been improved, with Insta360 claiming pairing times of around five seconds and reconnection in less than one second.

The camera retains a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.

Insta360 is also offering a range of mounting accessories for the X6, including a Full Motorcycle Set. Magnetic mounts from the X5, X4 Air and Ace series are compatible with the new camera.

The company also offers the X6 Power Selfie Stick, which can provide up to 180 additional minutes of runtime, as well as the Foldable Selfie Stick Remote Kit with its gimbal-style joystick controls.

Pricing and Availability

The Insta360 X6 is now available from the Insta360 online store, Amazon, and B&HPhoto for $699.99 for the Standard Bundle.