Insta360 X3 vs RS 360 1 inch: Which 360 camera is for you?
Trying to decide on the Insta360 X3 vs Insta360 RS 360 1 inch edition cameras?
Don’t worry – I’m here to help make your decision easier by comparing these two top models from Insta360. I’ve travelled around the world and have been shooting with 360 cams for years.
At the end I’ll say which one I decided to buy and use, and why I hope to buy an upgraded version of the other one when it comes out.
The Insta360 X3 is the ultimate action cam that fits perfectly in your palm or pocket with its vertical design. Whether you take it underwater without a case, attach it to your bike, skateboard, or whatever else, you can get amazing footage.
With dual 1-inch sensors, the RS 1-Inch 360 offers impressive low light performance and higher image quality, making it a great 360 camera for professional or low light use. Plus, since it is backward compatible with other previous RS modules, the RS 1-Inch 360 is a versatile and practical choice for advanced photographers and filmmakers.
Please note I am talking about the RS 1 inch 360 edition, and not the RS 360 lens mod attached to a regular Insta360 RS.
Insta360 X3 vs Insta360 RS 360 1 inch edition comparison chart
| Camera | Insta360 X3 | Insta360 RS 1-Inch 360 Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Image Sensor | Dual 1/2″ Sensors | Dual 1-Inch Sensors |
| 360 Video Resolution | 5.7K: 5760×2880@24/25/30fps 4K: 3840×1920@30/60fps | 6K: 5888×2944@30fps |
| Wide Angle Video Resolution | SingleLensMode 4K:3840×2160@24/25/30fps | No single lens mode |
| Active HDR Video | Yes | – |
| Weight (Camera + Battery) | 180g (6.4oz) | 239g (8.4oz) |
| Rugged + Waterproof | 33ft (10m) | IPX3 water-resistant :Do not submerge in water |
| Exchangeable core | No | Yes- RS core with other lenses |
| Best for: | Action creators | Higher quality/low light |
| Price | $449 | $799 |
360 video shot with Insta360 360 camera
This is an example of a video taken in full 360 VR using an Insta360 camera.
Sensor comparison
RS 1-Inch 360 : dual 1-inch sensors.
Insta360 X3 : almost half the size at dual 1/2″.
The larger RS 1-Inch 360 sensors capture more light, resulting in better image quality.
However, the X3 is a great choice for casual outdoor selfies and travel photography, thanks to its Quad Bayer sensor capability to capture 72MP pictures in good lighting conditions.
The RS 1-Inch 360 is equipped with a superior image sensor and Leica optical design that can capture 23MP photos, providing more detail especially in low light and more realistic colors.
This is why the RS 1-Inch 360 is more suited for advanced users or professional settings such as realtors taking 360 photos for homes.
Body Design
The modular design of the Insta360 RS 1-Inch 360 allows for hardware upgrade options in the future. It features an interchangeable lens design compatible with RS Cores, enabling you to switch to a Gopro shaped 360 camera or an action 4K camera.
Think of RS as a system of lenses, processors, and batteries, which can be swapped or replaced at any time.
The Insta360 X3 design on the other hand, is the perfect choice for an action camera. It’s body is made of a rugged polycarbonate frame with a rubberized coating, making it waterproof up to 30ft without a case.
It also has a nice large touchscreen to make it easy to switch settings on the fly and even view your shot.
Cons of the Insta360 RS 360 1 inch
- bulkier and heavier
- The lenses also protrude further due to size of the 1-inch sensors, and thus higher risk of damage.
- Shorter battery life.
- Not waterproof or as rugged
- small touchscreen
- Doesn’t have video HDR
Cons of Insta360 X3
- has worse low light performance due to smaller sensor
- lower quality pictures and video due to smaller sensor
360 degree VR photos
This is an example of 360 VR photos shot with Insta360 X3.
This was on my trip to Budapest, Hungary if you are looking for an example of what you can do with your 360 photos with stitching together into a video.
Software differences?
Both cameras are powered by the Insta360 camera app, which allows you to control and monitor all of your camera settings and to edit post shooting.
Related: The main 5 buttons on the Insta360 app explained.
As of this post, many editing features were available for both.
Both also share the Insta360 Studio desktop program which is getting more upgrades over time and has become my go to program for initially editing 360 videos due to its ease of use.
Also both of these share many accessories including multiple options for invisible selfie sticks which I talk about in that linked article.
Reframed video example using Insta360 camera app
Related article: reframing using Insta360 app
So which to buy?
RS 1-Inch 360
It sets itself apart with superb image quality, low-light performance, and high resolution, despite not being ideal for use as an action camera like X3 and earlier RS versions.
That being said, it’s still viable to use on the go, but less rugged, so you need to be more careful.
That increase in sensor size comes with a hefty price bump.
Insta360 X3
It is an amazing “do it all” camera, and can do everything on the go, including 360 videos, photos, and quick editing for social platforms.
It’s more of an action cam with its special single lens and Me Modes, as well as being more rugged and waterproof.
Insta360 X3
Summary
Great value for its versatility as an action cam and shooting 360 videos.
Resolution not as good as more expensive cams but that’s why its cheaper.
So which did I buy?
I bought the Insta360 X3 due to its versatility while I travel and I wrote a article on that.
I want to be able to dip it in the water or keep it in my pocket or backpack. I don’t have to worry while travelling though many climates and situations such as hiking to waterfalls or canoeing on a river.
But, for someone who uses the camera for higher quality professional or commercial footage, or even a lot of nighttime or dimly lit shots, then the Insta360 1 inch 360 edition may be the way to go.
If you have more questions about 360 cameras in general, here is my ultimate guide to 360 cameras.
Future models and potential improvments?
Insta360 RS2 1 inch 360 edition?
In fact, I’m waiting for a new RS2 upgrade to the base module upgrade, and will then buy the improved RS 1-Inch 360 edition, since I believe an increase in processor speed will bring out even more benefits for the 1 inch sensors.
I think that upgrade will also remove a lot of the current shooting benefits the X3 over the RS, such as video HDR and other shooting options.
Using a 1 inch sensor will significantly enhance the quality of my nighttime and indoor dim light shots, as they currently aren’t the greatest on my X3.
There is also the possibility that they will separate the 1 inch 360 mod from the RS family and make it a stand-alone camera. They did something similar with their new ACE action camera.
Insta360 x4?
Of course I will have to see how any new 1 inch 360 camera from Insta360 compares to the expected X4 due later this year posssibly.
Related: Is Insta360 X4 coming out this year?
Other 360 camera options
Another cheaper but good camera from Insta360 is the Insta360 One X2, which came out 2 years before the Insta360 X3. And recently the X2 is over $100 cheaper on sale than the X3.
I have an article comparing the Insta360 X2 to the X3.
I have also looked at the GoPro Max 360 camera, but it hasn’t had too many updates in the last few years but may be a good choice for someone who is already in the GoPro family of devices. GoPro has stated they are working on GoPro Max 2!
Check out my article on comparing the GoPro Max and Insta360 X3.
Or if you are on a budget then take a look at these 360 cameras.
Check out my Youtube channel to see full 360 VR videos as well as reframed YouTube shorts shot on the 360 cam.
