Insta360’s X6 wants to be your 360 camera, action cam and AI editor in one

Insta360’s X6 comes with some of the most substantial changes compared to previous models. It has larger sensors, faster 8K recording and more intriguingly, an AI model that can help turn your footage into a finished video while the camera is charging.

Specifications wise, the new X6 uses two custom Sony 1/1.1-inch square sensors, which is about 33% more sensor area than the X5 and, according to Insta360, around four times the light intake per frame. Powering all of this is a new triple-chip system comprising a 3.3GHz eight-core processor and two dedicated imaging chips. The X6 is also claimed to be the first 360 camera capable of recording Dolby Vision natively, with support for 10-bit colour and Insta360’s I-Log profile so you can grade those footages afterwards – if you choose to.

According to Insta360, the X6 is also three cameras in one. is also pitching the X6 as three cameras in one. Apart from recording a complete 360-degree view that can be reframed afterwards, InstaFrame 2.0 can lock onto people, pets and objects to produce a conventional flat 4K video straight from the camera. Attach the optional Foldable Selfie Stick Remote Kit and its joystick lets you move the framing around much like a gimbal. You can also switch to the single-lens mode and use the X6 as a traditional action camera, recording at up to 5K60fps or 4K120fps.

What I’m most curious about, however, is the X6’s PanoMind – a 360-specific AI model that Insta360 says was trained on more than 10,000 hours of footage. Plug the camera in to charge and its AI Director can analyse the videos stored on it before automatically assembling highlight clips and sending them to the Insta360 app. For AI-phobia users, it’ worth noting that the processing takes place on the camera rather than in the cloud, and the feature can also be disabled.

For battery life, the X6 features one that is 2,600mAh in capacity and is rated for up to 140 minutes of 8K30fps recording. Its 2.32-inch OLED display reaches a claimed peak brightness of 1,200 nits, and there is also 47GB of usable built-in storage, IP68 water resistance down to 20m without a case and redesigned replaceable lens that are said to be five times more scratch-resistant.

Availability and pricing

The Insta360 X6 is available now through the Insta360 Store, Shopee, Lazada and selected retailers. The Standard Bundle goes for S$939 while the Essentials Bundle for the Standard Bundle and S$1,039 for the Essentials Bundle (includes an extra battery, multi-battery charging hub, an invisible selfie stick and protective lens accessories).