Are you looking for a new 360 action camera? Look no further than the Insta360 X3 and GoPro Max – two of the best 360 cameras on the market. In the battle of insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max, which one comes out on top?
I’ve had the opportunity to use both cameras side by side and I’m here to provide you with a comprehensive comparison of these two action cameras. While the GoPro Max has been around for a few years, it was ahead of its time upon its release. The Insta360 X3, on the other hand, is a newer model that was launched in mid-2022.
If you’re struggling to decide between the two, keep reading to find out which action camera comes out on top.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Overview
First let’s have a quick overview of both the cameras:
insta360 X3
The Insta360 X3 is a powerful 360 camera with excellent video and photo capabilities. It shoots 360 video at a max resolution of 5.7K @ 30fps and features larger sensors, allowing it to capture more detail. The camera’s HDR video mode automatically enhances video quality, bringing out details in shadows and reducing overexposure. It also has a variety of field of view options and a unique “Me Mode” for vlogging.
- 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...
The X3 can shoot single lens video at up to 4K resolution and take higher quality 23MP photos, including HDR and DNG RAW images. While the app can be more complex to use, it offers a wider range of effects and more advanced editing options, making it a great choice for more experienced users.
GoPro Max
The GoPro Max is a 360 camera that is also capable of shooting standard action camera video in “Hero Mode“. It features Hypersmooth stabilization and a Horizon lock function, making it a great option for capturing action shots. However, its photo capabilities are relatively weak, with 360 photos at 18MP and limited photo modes.
- 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...
The Max app has a decent video editor and vlog creator, but it has not been updated much since its release. Overall, the GoPro Max is a good choice for those looking for an action camera with 360 capabilities, but it falls short in terms of photo quality and software compared to the Insta360 X3.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Specs Comparison
Here’s the specs comparison table for insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max:
| Specs | GoPro Max | Insta360 X3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Two Sony 1/2.3" F/2.8 | Two 1/2" Sensors - F/1.9 |
| Video Resolution | 360 Mode: 5.6K @ 30fps, 3K @ 60fps Hero Mode: 1440p @ 60fps (4:3 Only), 1080p @ 60fps (16:9 & 4:3) | 360 Mode: 5.7K @30fps, 24fps, 25fps, 4K @60fps, 30fps Single Lens Mode: 4K@ 30fps, [email protected], 50fps, 30fps, 25fps, 24fps |
| Bit Rate | 78MBPS | 120MBPS |
| Modes | Standard, Timelapse, TimeWarp, Single Lens | Standard, HDR, Timelapse, TimeShift, Bullet Time, Loop Recording, Single Lens, Me Mode, FOV Plus, BulletTime |
| Audio | x6 Microphones / Ambisonic Audio | x3 Microphones |
| Livestream | Yes | Yes |
| Photo Resolution | 18MP | 360 -72MP (11968x5984) Single Lens - 32MP |
| Photo Modes | Standard, Powerpano | Standard, HDR, Burst, Interval, Night Shot |
| Waterproof | Yes - 10 metres | Yes - 10 metres |
| Battery | 60 Minutes of Video | 70 Minutes of Video |
| Special Features | Built In Mount, Voice Control, Invisible Selfie Stick | 8K Timelapse, 4K 120fps Bullet Time, Active HDR, Invisible Selfie Stick, Re-framing App |
Check Current Price of both the cameras on Amazon:
insta360 X3
- 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 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...
Although both cameras have two sensors, the GoPro Max has Sony 1/2.3″ F/2.8 sensors while the Insta360 X3 has two 1/2″ sensors with an F/1.9 aperture. In terms of video resolution, the GoPro Max can shoot 5.6K at 30fps in 360 mode and up to 1440p at 60fps in Hero mode, whereas the Insta360 X3 can shoot up to 5.7K at 30fps, 24fps, and 25fps in 360 mode and up to 4K at 60fps and 30fps in single lens mode.
The Insta360 X3 has a higher bit rate at 120MBPS compared to the GoPro Max’s 78MBPS. Both cameras support various video formats and have several modes and features for capturing photos and videos.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Detailed Comparison
Now that we have a fair idea of how the two cameras fare when a head-to-head specs comparison is done, let’s have a detailed comparison of both.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Design
The design of the GoPro Max and the Insta360 X3 is somewhat similar, given that they are both 360 action cameras with dual sensors and touch screen controls. However, there are some notable differences between the two. The X3 is larger and has a bigger screen compared to the Max, which makes it more user-friendly. The Max, on the other hand, is shorter and wider than the X3 and has a smaller screen.
Both cameras have manual buttons for power and shutter, and are waterproof without a case. Additionally, the Max has six microphones, while the X3 has three. In terms of design, both cameras are rugged and built to withstand challenging environments.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Video Quality (360 Mode)
When it comes to video quality, both the Insta360 X3 and the GoPro Max shoot 360 video at a maximum resolution of more than 5K @ 30fps. However, the X3 tends to produce more colourful and dynamic video thanks to its larger sensors, which capture more detail. In good lighting conditions, the difference between the two cameras may be hard to notice, but in low light conditions, the X3 outperforms the Max.
Additionally, the X3 features an HDR video mode that automatically enhances video quality, reducing overexposure and bringing out details in the shadows – a feature that the GoPro Max lacks.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Video Quality (Single Lens Mode)
The GoPro Max and the Insta360 X3 both offer a single lens mode, which allows users to shoot standard non-360 video. The GoPro Max has a “Hero Mode,” which allows you to shoot 1440p video at 60fps. The video quality is good and benefits from the camera’s excellent stabilization
The Insta360 X3, on the other hand, can shoot 4K single lens video at 30fps or 3.6K at 60fps. The X3 shoots higher quality single lens video with a higher resolution and provides more field of view options, including an ultra wide-screen FOV+ option. Additionally, the X3 features the “Me Mode” which automatically focuses on the user when combined with the invisible selfie stick, making it perfect for vlogging and keeping yourself in the frame without any editing.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Stabilization
One of the key features of 360 cameras like the Insta360 X3 and GoPro Max is their powerful stabilization capabilities, which allow them to capture smooth, steady video even in the midst of intense action. Both cameras use advanced stabilization software, with GoPro Max calling theirs Hypersmooth and Insta360 calling theirs Flowstate.
In tests, both cameras perform equally well in stabilizing moving video, making them both excellent choices for action camera enthusiasts. Additionally, both cameras feature Horizon lock, which keeps the horizon level even if the camera is rotated.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Quality of Stills
Both the Insta360 X3 and GoPro Max are primarily focused on video, but they also have the capability of shooting 360 photos. However, the X3 outperforms the Max in terms of photo quality. The Max can shoot 360 photos at 18MP and also features a panorama mode called PowerPano.
On the other hand, the X3 features more photo modes, including HDR photos and “Pureshot,” which uses AI to automatically enhance the quality of your photos. The X3 can shoot higher resolution 23MP photos and has the ability to shoot DNG RAW images, which provide greater flexibility in post-processing. With some editing, the X3 can produce very high quality 360 images.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Software
When it comes to software, both the Insta360 X3 and GoPro Max have their own unique features and capabilities. The GoPro Max app has a user-friendly video editor that allows for easy reframing of 360 video. It also includes a vlog creator that lets you combine different clips, add transitions, text, and music to your videos.
On the other hand, the Insta360 app is more complex but offers more advanced video editing features and unique effects. It includes an AI editor that can create unique shots automatically, reframe your video without editing, and even lock onto a specific object in your video. While the Insta360 app makes better use of the potential of 360 cameras, it can be a bit buggy and harder to use. The Max app, on the other hand, is more streamlined but has not been updated much since its release.
Both cameras also come with a free desktop editor, which offers fewer special effects but allows for exporting videos at higher resolutions and quality.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Waterproof
The X3 Action Camera is built with a rugged IPX8 design that is natively waterproof up to 33 feet (or 10 meters), making it ideal for capturing stunning footage in any underwater environment without the need for additional waterproof housing.
Use waterproof housing to dive deeper: insta360 One x3 Dive Case (My Top 7 Recommendations).
According to GoPro, the Max camera is not intended for underwater use. This is due to the ongoing challenge of stitching 360-degree footage underwater, which can result in poor quality and inconsistencies. However, the Max’s waterproofing capabilities make it suitable for surface-level activities such as mounting it on a surfboard or kayak without worrying about water damage.
It is important to note that if you plan on using the camera for serious diving activities, the Max’s waterproofing is limited to a depth of 16ft/5m. This depth may not be sufficient for more advanced diving activities, making it important to invest in additional underwater housing or consider alternative camera options.
To dive deeper use a waterproof housing: Best GoPro Max 360 Underwater Dive Housings.
insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max: Price
At the time of writing this post, both cameras are priced somewhat similar on Amazon. In fact, the X3 in a bit cheaper.
Check Current Price of both the cameras on Amazon:
insta360 X3
- 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 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...
Verdict – Which Camera Should You Buy?
After comparing the insta360 X3 and GoPro Max, it’s clear that both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. The GoPro Max is a reliable 360 camera that was ahead of its time when it was released and can still hold its own against newer competition.
However, the Insta360 X3 has taken the lead with more video modes, higher spec hardware, and software that allows for more creativity. While Insta360 had some build quality and software stability issues in the past, they seem to have addressed these with the X3.
While we hope for a Max 2 release from GoPro in the future, for now, the Insta360 X3 is the 360 camera to beat. If you’re in the market for a 360 camera, we recommend the Insta360 X3 for its superior features and functionality.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you decide which one of the two cameras – insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max – is a better option for you. 🙂
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