Insta360 One R - GoPro Hero 8 meets the GoPro Max

**Insta360 One R: A Comprehensive Review**

The Insta360 One R is a versatile device that combines the functionality of a 360-degree camera with that of a 4K action camera. For those on the fence about purchasing a 360-degree camera, this could be the perfect gateway into the world of spherical photography and videography. This review provides an in-depth look at the features, performance, and overall experience of using the One R.

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### **Introduction to the Insta360 One R**

The Insta360 One R is a pre-production model, meaning it is close to final hardware but still undergoing software tweaks. The camera consists of three main components: the core, which houses the screen, power button, and record button, along with a USB-C port and microSD card slot; the battery base; and the lens mods. These modular lenses snap onto the sides of the core, allowing users to switch between 360-degree and 4K modes seamlessly.

One R is waterproof up to five meters, making it suitable for use in various outdoor activities. The design feels solid and compact, with a slight gap between the battery grip and the rest of the camera in the pre-production model. However, Insta360 assures that this gap does not affect the device's waterproofing, and it will be eliminated in the final version for aesthetic reasons.

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### **The 360 Mod: A Standout Feature**

The 360 mod is undeniably the standout feature of the One R. It captures spherical video at an impressive resolution of 5.7K up to 30 frames per second (FPS). For those familiar with Insta360's previous models, such as the 1X, the footage on the One R feels almost identical in quality. The primary improvements include enhanced nighttime stabilization and the addition of HDR video.

One of the most notable features of the 360 mod is the built-in screen on the core. This small yet responsive screen allows users to switch between lenses, view playback, and adjust settings such as frame rates. However, the screen's size may be a drawback for those with larger hands or who prefer gloves while operating the device. During testing, switching back to the GoPro Max felt like a relief due to its significantly larger screen.

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### **The 4K Mod: Mixed Impressions**

While the 360 mod is undeniably impressive, the 4K mod falls short of expectations when compared to other action cameras like the GoPro Max. The 4K sensor captures video at up to 60 frames per second in 4K and 200 FPS in 1080p. However, the color output is less vibrant than that of a GoPro, with shadows and blacks appearing less dynamic. Additionally, the flow state stabilization is not as smooth or reliable as Hyper Smooth, which can be seen in jittery footage during testing.

The 4K mod does shine in its ability to function as both a front-facing and rear-facing screen, allowing for versatile shooting options. Beyond video, the 4K mode excels at photography, but users may find themselves relying less on this feature due to the camera's tendency to over-smooth backgrounds and struggles with autofocus in certain situations.

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### **Audio Quality and Editing Workflow**

The audio quality of the One R is crisp and prioritizes voices, making it suitable for capturing clear sound. However, users must be cautious of external noises such as the sound of extending a selfie stick or pressing the record button, which can be quite loud.

The editing workflow remains largely unchanged from the 1X model. The desktop app is still not the most intuitive but offers added features like ProRes and H265 export options. Newer tools include Deep Track active tracking, auto-framing, and CineShots for storytelling. The standout feature in the editing process is Deep Track, which keeps subjects or objects centered in the frame without requiring keyframes.

One significant improvement is the ability to edit footage directly on the camera without downloading it onto a phone first. This feature works seamlessly with Deep Track and allows for quick adjustments without draining the battery.

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### **Battery Life and Charging**

The One R's battery life is comparable to that of the 1X, providing enough power for a full day of use if managed carefully. The device supports fast charging, reaching 80% in just 30 minutes with a two-amp charger. This makes it convenient for users who need to recharge on the go.

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### **Pricing and Availability**

The Insta360 One R is currently available for purchase at $480 USD. The package includes one core, one battery, a 360 camera mod, and a 4K camera mod. For those looking for an upgraded version with a 1-inch 5.3K Leica-branded sensor, the "Twin" model is set to launch later in the spring at $550 USD.

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### **Conclusion**

The Insta360 One R is an excellent choice for anyone curious about 360-degree photography and videography but hesitant to commit to a camera with two protruding lenses. Its compact design, versatile functionality, and impressive 360-degree capabilities make it a strong contender in the market. While the 4K mod does not quite match up to competitors like the GoPro Max, the device as a whole offers a well-rounded experience that caters to both spherical and traditional shooting styles.

For those looking for durability and performance, the One R feels solid and ready for adventure. Whether you're capturing the beauty of Vegas or simply exploring new creative possibilities, the Insta360 One R is a tool worth considering. Keep an eye out for future updates and improvements as this device continues to evolve.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en(upbeat music)- This is Insta360's One R.And yes it is a 360 degree camera,but it's also a 4K action camera too.So for someone who's on the fenceabout buying a 360 degree camera,this might be the perfect gateway.Let's get into it.But, oh, one more thing,this is a pre-production modelwhich means that it's near final hardware,but they're still tweaking the software.So think of this as an extended hands onrather than a full-fledged review.Now let's get into it.(upbeat music)The Insta360 One R is madeup of three components.The core, which houses the screen, power,and record buttons, USB-Cport, and microSD card slot.And then the batterybase and the lens mods.There are two ports on the corethat coincide with theprongs of the lens mods.And the battery justsnaps onto the bottom.Once built it all feelsreally solid and compact.As a unit the One R iswaterproof up to five meters.Now on my unit you'llnotice there is a gapbetween the battery gripand the rest of the camera.Insta360 tells me that doesnot affect waterproofing.Now in the final versions of this camerathat will be there at all.They're getting rid of it foraesthetic reasons they say.The One R also comes with aplastic housing for mountingand there are two very familiar prongson the bottom of that which connect topretty much any amountyou could possibly want.Let's talk the 360 mod first.Because it was by far my favorite to use.It shoots 5.7K, up to30FPS spherical video.If you're coming from the 1X,the footage on the One Rlooks almost identical.They've really only updatednighttime stabilizationand then they've added HDR video.But the real difference is having a screenbuilt right onto the camera.It is a very lo-res screen at that,but you can change framerates, view playback,and scroll around your frame.If you double tap on the screenit will change between lenses.I found the screen tobe extremely responsive.It's biggest downfall though is its size.I have small fingers so thiswasn't a total dealbreakerbut I could see how someone with glovesor anyone with bigger hands reallycould find the small screen frustrating.During my test I was switching betweenthe GoPro Max and the One Rand going back to the GoPro Maxfelt like a relief because the screenis almost twice its size.All right now this 4K sensor.It's best quality is that the screencan be both a rear facing screenand a front facing screen.Because you can just flip itaround and put it back on.It's kinda cool.The 4K mod shoots at up to60 frames per second in 4Kand up to 200 frames per second in 1080 P.As a typical action camera it's fine.If it didn't come with a 360 modthis definitely wouldnot be my first choicefor an action camera though.First, I just prefer the colorthat a GoPro puts outway more than a One R.GoPro isn't afraid of theblacks and the shadowsand it will really let that popcreating a nice contrasting image.And second, flow state justisn't as good as hyper smooth.You can really see it herein this clip of me running.In the One R's frame lookat the building on the left.You can see it just jittering around.Whereas in the GoProkeeps it extremely stableall throughout the image.I found myself using the 4K modmostly just to take photos though.I found there was a lotof smoothing happeningespecially in the backgrounds.And Insta360 is evening outthe low and high lights.I also thought the automode was a bit slowoften leading to blurrysubjects, even in daylight.Overall the 4K mod is finebut it's definitely not thestar feature of the One R.Insta360 is coming out with a 1 inch 5.3KLeica branded sensor.I mean that's huge for an action camera.But we'll have to test itout and see how it holds up.Honestly what people don't knowis that Vegas is actually beautiful.I mean come on.The audio is prettycrisp and it definitelyprioritizes voices over everything else.You just have to be super cautiousof the sounds of say,extending the selfie stickor hitting record on the camera.Those are really loud.The editing workflow reallyhasn't changed since the 1X.The desktop app is still not intuitivebut it does have added ProRez and H265 export options.And the app is still super easy to usewith a few added tricks.There is Deep Track active tracking,auto framing, and CineShotswhich are like fun storytelling tools.I was most impressedby the tracking though.It really holds people or objectsright in the center of the framewithout having to lay keyframes.And then the other big new featureis being able to edit your footagewithout having to firstdownload it onto your phone.You can use Deep Track and set keyframesall without having to waitfor the file to download.It's all super snappywith no noticeable lagand it didn't kill the camerasbattery in the process.The One R's battery isright on par with the 1X.You can definitely geta full day out of itif you're careful to shut it downwhen you're not using it.But the One R also supports fast charging.So if you do get low youcan use a two amp chargerand charge it up to80% in just 30 minutes.I'll take that.The twin addition of Insta360's One Ris on sale today startingat $480 US dollars.And it comes with one core, one battery,a 360 camera mod, and a 4K camera mod.And then the one inch additionwhich will be coming outhopefully later this springwill retail for $550 US dollars.So that's Insta360's One R.I mean for someone who's curious about 360but not sure they'reready to take the leapinto having two lenses constantlysticking off their camera,well this might be theperfect form factor for you.Let's just see if it's asdurable as, well, it feels.Keep it locked to The Verge.That's all I gotta say about that.I'm a go climb a rock,this one right here.Actually, oh shoot, oh shoot,oh, it's been a long weekand it hasn't even started (laughs).Okay I'm getting down.\n"