Insta360 is known for breaking the imaging mould, firstly with the company’s line of 360º cameras and more recently with the compact multifunctional One R action camera.
Insta360 has released a major firmware update for the Insta360 One R and Insta360 X2 that boosts both cameras’ speed and performance. This new update to the cameras increases the workflow speeds and helps to increase the speed at which files can be downloaded and videos can be reframed.
As the user base for the Insta360 cameras has rapidly expanded, the company has listened to user feedback and updated and enhanced its software offerings. Already this year (2021), we’ve seen new features such as loop recording, 360 lock and interface updates for both the Insta360 app and Studio.
“Insta360 remains committed to improving our cameras long after you unbox it for the first time. We hope this update helps our users get better footage out of their cameras and make more creative edits easier,” said JK Liu, founder of Insta360.
Insta360 Snap Wizard: Revolutionising how you reframe 360 videos
One of the big features of 360 cameras is the ability to reframe a shot’s composition after it’s been taken, effectively shoot first, point later.
While the Insta360 cameras have offered 360 reframing for some time, getting to grips with the tools can be tricky. With Snap Wizard, you have three easy options for selecting how to recompose ready for flat video export.
The first option is to physically move the phone to point the video in the direction you want. The second is to swipe your finger around the screen, and finally, you can use the new Deep Track 2.0 to select the target and then let the apps AI track and reframe the subject automatically.
Insta360 Quick FlowState: Gimbal-like footage with no editing needed
An all-new stabilisation feature has been added to the ONE R 4K and 1-inch Wide Angle Mods. This new electronic image stabilisation updates the existing basic camera stabilisation algorithm and brings much-improved performance direct from the camera.
This is a major quality boost for the camera and aims to align the image stabilisation quality to that of GoPro’s HyperSmooth and DJI’s RockSteady.
This new mode is automatically applied as the video is being shot and can be utilised in 4K 50fps, 4K 30fps, 25fps and 24fps and all modes supported under the older basic stabilisation.
This mode also enables you to apply Horizon Lock and aspect ratio when footage is recorded in Pro Mode.
Insta 360 Quick Reader: A faster, better way to edit on your phone
As part of the new firmware update, Insta360 introduces two new hardware devices to help enhance workflow. The two new mobile Quick Readers are removable storage modules that can be plugged into both the camera and mobile phone.
This creates an ultrafast hardware connection between the two devices and instantly boosts transfer speeds. The new hardware enables files from the camera to be transferred directly to an SD card in the reader module, which can then be used to transfer the files to the phone or edit the video footage.
The reader comes with a built-in USB Type-C and Lightning connector as standard.
Insta360 Firmware and Quick Reader are available now.
Alongside the new firmware performance boost and hardware, there are also all-new features that have been called for by users.
These include the ability to use the App in Landscape Mode on iPads to enhance the editing experience, and on the ONE R, the touch screen interface has been enhanced and is more responsive.
The firmware update is available now to download from the Insta360 website.
The Quick Reader is available through the Insta360 star for $59.99.