Diving into the world of action cameras and torn between the GoPro Hero 12 vs Insta360 X3

I’ve spent quite some time testing them out in real-world scenarios. Armed with hands-on experience, I’m here to share my genuine insights.

In this piece, you’ll get a deep dive into comparison of these two cameras. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which one ticks all your boxes.

QUICK TAKE

  • The GoPro Hero 12 is compact and durable, ideal for action activities like skiing, snowboarding, diving, and surfing
  • The Insta360, slightly larger and more delicate, excels at vlogging due to its 360-degree capability and Invisible Selfie Stick feature

 

Specs Comparison Table


Here is a comparison table between GoPro Hero 12 vs insta360 X3:

SpecificationsGoPro Hero 12Insta360 X3
Dimensions71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm114 x 46 x 33.1 mm
Weight154 g180 g
Screen Front (1.4”), Rear Touch (2.27”)Single Touch (2.29”)
Max Video Resolution 5.3K/60 fps5.7K (360), 4K (Single)
Max Photo Resolution 27 MP72 MP
Max FOV156°360°
Image StabilizationHyperSmooth 6.0 with Horizon LockFlowState Stabilization with Horizon Lock
Audio3 microphones4 microphones
WaterproofYes, 10mYes, 10m
Invisible Selfie StickNoYes
Battery Life2.5h1.35h

You can check out the price of GoPro Hero 12 right here: 

SPECIAL SALE
GoPro HERO12 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9" Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
  • High Dynamic Range Video plus Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image...
  • Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
  • Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the...

You can check out the price of Insta360 X3 right here: 

SPECIAL SALE
Insta360 X3 - Waterproof 360 Action Camera with 1/2" 48MP Sensors, 5.7K 360 Active HDR Video, 72MP 360 Photo, 4K Single-Lens, 60fps Me Mode, Stabilization, 2.29" Touchscreen, AI Editing, Live Stream
  • 360 Capture & Reframing: X3 captures 5.7K 360 Active HDR video, so you'll never miss...
  • Dual 1/2" 48MP Sensors: X3's new sensors pack in more pixels for greater clarity and...
  • 4K Single-Lens Mode: Select a lens to shoot wide-angle footage just like a...

 

GoPro Hero 12 


To begin with, watch my GoPro Hero 12 review:

How to Use GoPro HERO 12 [Beginner’s Guide 2024]

The GoPro Hero 12 Black stands out as a remarkable addition to the world of action cameras. It establishes new industry benchmarks by offering the ability to record video at resolutions as high as 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and an impressive 2.7K at 240fps.

This remarkable versatility caters to the needs of both action enthusiasts and content creators, guaranteeing the capture of intricate details in fast-paced action scenarios or the creation of seamless slow-motion sequences.

gopro hero 12 sd card

In the realm of photography, the Hero 12 doesn’t disappoint either. It boasts an impressive 27-megapixel capability and the ability to extract 24.7-megapixel still images from videos, consistently delivering sharp and vibrant photos.

SPECIAL SALE
GoPro HERO12 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9" Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
  • High Dynamic Range Video plus Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image...
  • Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
  • Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the...

The camera’s ultra-wide 156° field of view makes it perfect for capturing sweeping panoramic shots of stunning landscapes or immersing your audience in dynamic action sequences.

Moreover, the inclusion of HyperSmooth 6.0 with 360° Horizon Lock sets a new standard for video stabilization in the world of action cameras, effectively eliminating shakes and jitters to ensure exceptionally smooth footage, even during the most intense activities.

Insta360 X3


To begin with, learn how the  insta360 X3 excels in the snow conditions:

insta360 X3 (Snow Bundle) - UNBOXING & REVIEW

The Insta360 X3 boasts an impressive array of features designed for capturing and reshaping immersive footage. It can record 5.7K 360-degree video with Active HDR, ensuring you capture all the action in stunning detail.

What truly distinguishes it is the user-friendly AI-powered Insta360 app, which lets you easily reframe your footage and select your preferred angle even after recording.

insta360 x3

The X3’s FlowState Stabilization technology and the 360 Horizon Lock feature seamlessly collaborate to guarantee your videos are exceptionally smooth and steady, no matter how dynamic your movements may be. Bid farewell to shaky footage and embrace a seamless recording experience.

SPECIAL SALE
Insta360 X3 - Waterproof 360 Action Camera with 1/2" 48MP Sensors, 5.7K 360 Active HDR Video, 72MP 360 Photo, 4K Single-Lens, 60fps Me Mode, Stabilization, 2.29" Touchscreen, AI Editing, Live Stream
  • 360 Capture & Reframing: X3 captures 5.7K 360 Active HDR video, so you'll never miss...
  • Dual 1/2" 48MP Sensors: X3's new sensors pack in more pixels for greater clarity and...
  • 4K Single-Lens Mode: Select a lens to shoot wide-angle footage just like a...

Furthermore, the X3 introduces an exciting concept known as the “Impossible Third Person View.” Say goodbye to the days when unsightly selfie sticks marred your shots. Thanks to the 360 Lens, the visible presence of the selfie stick is discreetly eliminated, allowing you to capture remarkable drone-like footage and unique third-person perspectives.

With its innovative features, the Insta360 X3 is undeniably a powerhouse camera that promises to elevate your video-capturing experience to unprecedented heights.

By the way, the latest Insta360 X4 has just arrived! 

Insta360 X4-8K Waterproof 360 Action Camera, 4K Wide-Angle Video, Invisible Selfie Stick Effect, Removable Lens Guards, 135 Min Battery Life, AI Editing, Stabilization, for Sports, Travel, Outdoor
  • IMMERSIVE 360 VIDEO - The 8K era is here. Insta360 X4 delivers 360° video in...
  • SIMPLE, EASY REFRAMING - With Insta360 X4, get out there and shoot, not having to...
  • INVISIBLE SELFIE STICK EFFECT - The signature third-person Insta360 shot, a specialty...

 

Features Battle


Here are some key differences between the two models in detail: 

Design

The design of both models is quite different. The GoPro Hero 12 has a boxy shape with a black color and a rubberized texture. It has a front screen that shows a preview of the footage, and a rear touch screen that allows you to adjust settings and review your shots.

The GoPro Hero 12 has two screens: a front one (1.4”) and a rear touch one (2.27”), while the Insta360 X3 has only one touch screen (2.29”).

Whereas, the Insta360 X3 has a rectangular shape with a silver color and a metallic finish. It has two lenses on each side that capture 360-degree footage, and a single touch screen on the back that can be used for both preview and settings.

Resolution 

The GoPro Hero 12 boasts a superior single-lens resolution, capable of recording videos at 5.3K/60 fps and taking photos at 27 MP. In contrast, the Insta360 X3 records videos at 4K and captures photos at 72 MP using a single lens.

However, the Insta360 X3 outshines the GoPro Hero 12 in terms of dual-lens resolution, as it can record videos at 5.7K and take photos at 72 MP with both lenses simultaneously.

It’s important to note that the GoPro Hero 12 lacks a dual-lens mode, making this a notable distinction between the two cameras.

Field of View

In terms of field of view, the Insta360 X3 outperforms the GoPro Hero 12 by offering a significantly broader perspective. With the Insta360 X3, you can capture the entire scene in a 360° view thanks to its dual lenses, enabling you to encompass the full surroundings.

On the other hand, the GoPro Hero 12’s field of view is more limited, maxing out at 156° with a single lens. This difference means that the Insta360 X3 provides a more comprehensive and immersive visual experience, allowing you to capture the complete panorama, while the GoPro Hero 12’s field of view is narrower, providing a more focused frame within the scene.

Image Stabilization

While both cameras offer image stabilization capabilities, they employ different approaches to ensure smooth and steady footage. The Insta360 X3 incorporates built-in optical image stabilization, a hardware-based solution that effectively minimizes unwanted camera movements, resulting in remarkably stable videos and photos.

In contrast, the GoPro Hero 12 relies on software-based HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization to achieve a similar goal. This software-driven approach harnesses advanced algorithms to reduce the impact of shakes and jitters in your recordings.

Although both cameras aim to provide stabilization, their methods differ, with the Insta360 X3 employing a dedicated optical system and the GoPro Hero 12 relying on sophisticated software techniques to deliver seamless and steady content.

Audio and Wireless Microphone Support 

Both of these cameras come equipped with multiple microphones and the added capability to support wireless microphone accessories, enhancing the overall audio quality of your recordings.

Notably, the Insta360 X3 boasts four built-in microphones, while the GoPro Hero 12 is equipped with three microphones. This additional microphone in the Insta360 X3 potentially offers enhanced audio capture, providing users with more flexibility and audio clarity when recording their adventures or content.

Waterproof and Voice Control 

Both cameras share the impressive feature of being waterproof up to 10 meters without the need for any additional housing. This waterproof capability ensures that you can confidently capture your adventures in challenging aquatic environments without worry.

Furthermore, both the Insta360 X3 and the GoPro Hero 12 are equipped with voice control functionality, enabling users to operate them completely hands-free through voice commands.

This hands-free control adds convenience and versatility, allowing you to focus on your activities while easily instructing the cameras to capture the perfect shot or video moment with just your voice.

Other Features 

The GoPro Hero 12 distinguishes itself by offering certain features that are absent in the Insta360 X3. Notably, it includes HindSight, a feature that can record up to 30 seconds of footage even before the record button is pressed. Additionally, the GoPro Hero 12 boasts Timecode Sync functionality, which facilitates the synchronization of multiple cameras for easier editing purposes.

On the other hand, the Insta360 X3 introduces some unique features not found in the GoPro Hero 12. One of these standout features is the Invisible Selfie Stick, a technology that effectively erases the presence of the selfie stick from the footage, providing a cleaner and more immersive viewing experience. Moreover, the Insta360 X3 offers the creative potential of Shot Lab, which provides users with a variety of creative effects and templates to enhance their editing capabilities, adding an extra layer of creativity to their content.

 

 

GoPro Hero 12 vs insta360 X3: Which One Do I Recommend?


GoPro, over the years, has become the go-to brand for action cameras. The GoPro Hero 12 stands out with its compact and robust design, impressive 2.5-hour battery life, and the unique Emmy-awarded Horizon Lock stabilization, which you won’t find in the Insta360. Plus, it’s $50 cheaper. It’s ideal for those keen on capturing high-adrenaline adventures without concerns over durability. Given my love for skiing, my personal favorite is the GoPro Hero 12.

Conversely, the Insta360 X3 shines with its 360° view, offering a more immersive capture experience. It also boasts a superior resolution and the handy Invisible Selfie Stick feature for uninterrupted footage. It’s a top choice for vloggers showcasing scenic locales.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you learn about which one is better suited for you – the Insta360 X3 or GoPro Hero 12 🙂

 

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