Insta360 X6 costs $700, brings 1/1.1-inch sensor and 8K/50fps 360 video

Insta360's flagship 360-degree camera, the X6, has launched at $700, shifting its focus from virtual reality to the mainstream content creator. The company equipped the device with a larger sensor, Dolby Vision support, and a suite of AI auto-editing tools that turn spherical photos and videos into formats ready for sharing.

The key upgrade is a 1/1.1-inch sensor, up from the 1/1.28-inch unit in the predecessor X5. Insta360 calls it a "one-inch equivalent" and notes the sensor matches the size of DJI's current Osmo 360, though with a custom configuration. The new sensor enables 360-degree video at 8K and 50 frames per second, 120-megapixel spherical stills, and flat single-lens video up to 4K/120fps.

The X6 body is shorter and slightly wider than the X5, making it easy to mistake for a regular action camera from a distance. The extra surface area accommodates a 2.32-inch OLED display that is brighter and more contrast-rich than the X5's screen. On-screen buttons for recording and mode switching are now placed on the touchscreen, but physical record and power buttons remain on the side for use with gloves or wet fingers. A dedicated button on the back allows quick switching between popular modes: 360 video, photo, and single-camera shooting.

For more demanding filmmakers, the camera offers an i-Log mode with 10-bit color, expanding dynamic range during post-processing. Built-in AI algorithms automatically pick highlights and assemble clips, saving users from manual work with panoramic footage. The camera retains gimbal-like stabilization in an action-cam-style rugged body, making it suitable for shooting on the move.

Competition in the 360-camera market is intensifying: alongside DJI and GoPro, other manufacturers are offering their own solutions, and Insta360 aims to hold its position by combining ease of use with professional features. The new model is already available for pre-order, with shipments starting in the coming weeks.