Insta360 X6: 8K camera with Sony sensors is an inch shorter but $150 pricier

Insta360 has unveiled the next generation of its panoramic action cameras. The X6 model features a more compact body, larger sensors, and improved video capabilities compared to last year's X5 and X4 Air. However, the newcomer comes with a notable price increase.

The key change is a pair of custom 1/1.1-inch square sensors from Sony. They offer 33 percent more sensor area than the 1/1.28-inch units in the X5 and, according to the manufacturer, "four times the light intake per frame." While last year's models recorded 8K at 30fps, the X6 pushes that to 8K at 50fps.

The new camera inherits the replaceable lenses from the X5. Insta360 says they are now five times more scratch-resistant and 60 percent cheaper to swap out. The body is a full inch shorter and 4 grams lighter than its predecessor, though slightly wider and thicker. The rear touchscreen shrinks from 2.5 to 2.32 inches but upgrades from LCD to OLED.

Image processing relies on multiple AI chips, including two dedicated to imaging. This improves low-light performance and denoising. The X6 is also the first 360-degree camera with built-in Dolby Vision support, capturing brightness and contrast metadata frame by frame for accurate HDR output on compatible displays.

When shooting panoramas with both lenses, the maximum resolution is 8K/50fps. For slow-motion, Bullet Time modes offer up to 6K/120fps or 4K/240fps. Using a single sensor turns the camera into a standard 2D action cam, but resolution caps at 5K/60fps, or 120fps when dropping to 4K.

The Insta360 X6 is available today in black or white through the company's online store and other retailers. It starts at $699.99, which is $150 more than last year's X5 at $549.99. An Essentials Bundle is also offered for $799.99, adding a spare battery, an invisible selfie stick, a fast charging case, and other accessories.