Confused between two of the leading brands in the action photography space – GoPro vs Insta360?
While GoPro is the most famous action camera brand and has become a symbol of action cameras themselves, Insta360 is a rising star on the horizon.
In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the two brands so that you can make a wise buying decision.
Brand Overview – GoPro
GoPro is the first and the most popular player in the action camera market. The brand name ‘GoPro’ is synonymous with action camera – so much so that many people call any action camera they see a GoPro. The company makes a variety of cameras at different price points and with varying features. However, one thing that’s common in all GoPro cameras is their compact size.
GoPro cameras are built to be rugged and are super versatile. You can either use a GoPro as a handheld camera or mount it on anything from a helmet to a snowboard to a selfie stick. Overall GoPro cameras are ideal for adventure enthusiasts who want to shoot their activities with a sturdy camera that’s also compact and lightweight.
Here are some of the popular GoPro cameras:
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Read more on GoPro Hero 12 Black>>>
The GoPro Hero 12 stands out as a top-tier action camera, offering unparalleled image quality with its 5.3K video resolution, allowing users to capture every moment with 91% more clarity than 4K and a stunning 665% more than 1080p. Its High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities ensure both videos and 27MP photos exhibit true-to-life colors and capture every subtle detail, even in challenging light conditions.
The highly acclaimed HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization is a standout feature, earning an Emmy Award, and guarantees silky-smooth footage under any circumstances, making it an ideal companion for adventure enthusiasts and content creators. Its rugged design and waterproof capability up to 33ft, coupled with an advanced Enduro battery, affirm its suitability for extreme outdoor activities and prolonged use.
The enhanced connectivity and the intuitive interface make the user experience more seamless, catering to both beginners and professionals. Whether it’s for vlogging, traveling, or extreme sports, the GoPro Hero 12 is a premium choice, promising unmatched performance and versatility.
GoPro Hero 11 Black
GoPro Hero 11 Mini
GoPro Hero 10 Black
- Revolutionary Processor: Faster. Smoother. Better. The powerful new GP2 engine...
- High-Res Photos plus Videos, High Frame Rate: Step up to the sharpest-shooting GoPro...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: Shoot with fine detail, realistic textures and stunning...
GoPro Hero 9 Black
- 5K Video - Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining...
- 20MP Photo with SuperPhoto: Capture crisp, pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity. And...
- Front Display plus Rear Touch Screen: A new, larger rear touch screen with touch zoom...
GoPro Max 360 Camera
- Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot...
- Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture...
- Live Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live...
Brand Overview – insta360
Insta360 is a relatively new entrant in the action camera space. Founded in 2015, the brand specializes in 360-degree cameras. Today, insta360 boasts a wide range of 360-degree and mini action cameras at different price points and with different features. The cameras from insta360 have some amazing and pathbreaking features, like the invisible selfie stick, interchangeable lenses, a super-intuitive mobile app, and so on.
Thanks to the whole new world of possibilities an insta360 camera is capable of unleashing, these cameras are growing in popularity with each passing day.
Here are some of the most popular action cameras by insta360:
Insta360 One X2
- The Pocket Camera Crew: With just one device, shoot first in every direction with...
- FlowState Stabilization: Better-than-ever stabilization and horizon leveling...
- FlowState Stabilization: Better-than-ever stabilization and horizon leveling...
Insta360 One RS – Twin Edition
- 4K Boost Lens & 5.7K 360 Lens: Get two cameras in one with Insta360 ONE RS. Swap...
- FlowState Stabilization: Buttery smooth image stabilization, no matter what lens you...
- 48MP Photos, 6K Widescreen Video & Active HDR Video: Thanks to a new sensor, capture...
Insta360 One R – Twin Edition
- 5.7K 360 + 4K Wide Angle: ONE R Twin Edition transforms on the fly from a 360-degree...
- FlowState Stabilization: FlowState achieves gimbal-like image stabilization without...
- SUPER 5.7K: All pixels are not created equal. The Dual-Lens 360 Mod raises the bar...
Insta360 Go 2
- Tiny and Mighty: Thumb-sized action camera that weighs just 1 oz. Uses a powerful...
- Mount Anywhere: Wearable camera design. Mount GO 2 anywhere with its magnetic...
- FlowState Stabilization: Image stabilization and horizon leveling algorithms keep...
GoPro vs insta360
While GoPro has established itself as the go-to brand for some reliable photography tools, Insta360 has differentiated itself in the market by creating some revolutionary concepts. In order to know more about how insta360 fares when compared to the market leader – GoPro, let’s compare the cameras of these brands.
Please note that I’ve compared similarly priced models in order to be fair to both brands.
Take a look at the full comparison of the 2 main competitors – GoPro Hero 11 vs insta360 Go3>>>
GoPro Hero 11 Black vs Insta360 One RS Twin Edition
Let’s start with the comparison of the flagship cameras from both brands – the GoPro Hero 11 Black vs the One RS Twin Edition. The most obvious difference between the two is that the Insta360 One RS Twin Edition is actually 2 different cameras in one. It is a modular camera that lets you switch lenses to shoot different types of video. With its 360 Mod, you can shoot 360-degree videos. With the 4K-mod, you can shoot ‘normal’ linear video.
The GoPro Hero 11 Black isn’t built as a 360-degree camera. Therefore, it won’t be able to shoot 360 videos with Hero 11. Hero 11 shoots still images at a 27-MP resolution and SuperView is available right up to 5K60/4K120.
The Hero 11 also features a detachable lens that lets you use other lenses, like a Max Lens for ultra-wide-angle video with improved stabilization and shooting modes. The new hyper-immersive HyperView digital lens delivers the widest angle 16:9 shot ever produced natively in a GoPro Hero camera.
Other than that, if you compare the stabilization tech of both, I’d say that the GoPro Hero 11 features the best stabilization of any action camera. This doesn’t mean that One RS Twin Edition‘s stabilization is bad, but it just can’t match up to the highly refined HyperSmooth tech by GoPro.
Overall, this one is a highly complicated comparison due to the multiple lens options available for the One RS Twin Edition. While the One RS Twin Edition can shoot some great videos in different types (360 and linear), I believe that the Hero 11 is the superior action camera.
Buy GoPro Hero 11 Black:
Buy Insta360 One RS Twin Edition:
- 4K Boost Lens & 5.7K 360 Lens: Get two cameras in one with Insta360 ONE RS. Swap...
- FlowState Stabilization: Buttery smooth image stabilization, no matter what lens you...
- 48MP Photos, 6K Widescreen Video & Active HDR Video: Thanks to a new sensor, capture...
GoPro Max vs Insta360 One X2
The GoPro Max & the Insta360 One X2 are the flagship 360-degree cameras from their respective brands. Both let you capture 360 as well as linear videos. Both cameras feature a waterproof body and a touchscreen.
However, when it comes to differences, both the cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses. The GoPro Max is capable of shooting at a maximum resolution of 5.7K at 30fps in 360-mode. In the linear ‘Hero Mode’, the maximum resolution is 1440p at 60fps. The Insta360 One R, on the other hand, also shoots 360 videos at 5.7K resolution. But, when it comes to linear video, it trumps the Max with 4K resolution. If you talk about battery life, it is broadly similar for both cameras.
To sum up, I’d say that if you’re interested in shooting 360 as well as normal footage, then the One R is the perfect choice for you. But, if you only want to shoot 360 footage, then the Max definitely performs better.
Find their full comparison: insta360 ONE X2 vs GoPro Max [Comparison, Specs, Price]
Buy GoPro Max:
- Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot...
- Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture...
- Live Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live...
Buy Insta360 One X2:
- Insta360 ONE X2 Pocket 360 Camera - Battery - Protective Pouch - USB Type-C Charging...
- 5.7K 360 Degree Capture
- Steady Cam Mode
GoPro Hero 10 vs Insta360 Go 2
This is the battle of sub $400 action cameras. The Hero 10 Black features the usual GoPro design, size, and form factor. The insta360 Go 2, on the other hand, is really small. It’s a whole new concept, wherein the camera uses magnets, comes with a charging case that can also be used as a tripod or remote control, and includes some unique mounting accessories, like a magnetic necklace for chest-mounted, POV shooting.
When it comes to specs, the Hero 10 trumps Go 2 in almost all aspects. Therefore, for those who want a camera that’s compact, versatile, and feature-rich (5,3K-capable/top-notch Stabilization tech), then you should definitely choose the Hero 10 Black.
However, if you’re looking for a stylish, super-compact camera that offers you the convenience of being able to wear underneath your shirt for chest-mounted, POV shooting, go for the Insta360 Go 2.
Buy GoPro Hero 10 Black:
- Revolutionary Processor: Faster. Smoother. Better. The powerful new GP2 engine...
- High-Res Photos plus Videos, High Frame Rate: Step up to the sharpest-shooting GoPro...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: Shoot with fine detail, realistic textures and stunning...
Buy Insta360 One Go 2:
- Tiny and Mighty: Thumb-sized action camera that weighs just 1 oz. Uses a powerful...
- Mount Anywhere: Wearable camera design. Mount GO 2 anywhere with its magnetic...
- FlowState Stabilization: Image stabilization and horizon leveling algorithms keep...
Which One To Choose – GoPro or Insta360?
Both GoPro and insta360 have their own wide range of highly superior action cameras. So, whether you should choose a GoPro or an insta360 camera actually depends upon your own preferences, and which camera you intend to buy. For example, if you want a dependable 360 camera that also works great when it comes to linear photography, the insta360’s One RS twin Edition is a superb choice.
However, if you want a flagship action camera that’s highly versatile, super-sturdy, and has best-in-class specs, then the GoPro Hero 12 Black is definitely the best action camera you’ll come across.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you figure out whether you should opt for a GoPro camera or a camera by insta360 🙂
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