The Insta360 X6 is introduced as a flagship 360-degree camera, marking the tenth-anniversary edition of the original X series. It carries a standard bundle price of £619 and an Essentials Bundle option for £709. The device is noted for offering some of the best all-round image quality among small 360 cameras, along with class-leading waterproofing and impressive battery life, although it represents a considerable increase in price within its category.
The X6 features dual 1/1.1-inch sensors, providing approximately one-third more sensor area compared to the X5 model. This also translates to roughly four times the light-gathering ability per frame. While good lighting conditions show only a refinement over the X5 footage, the larger sensors are highly advantageous in low-light environments; specifically, the PureVideo mode pushes noise levels noticeably lower than competing models.
The camera supports advanced technical specifications including 8K video at up to 50 frames per second, 10-bit colour across all modes, Dolby Vision compatibility, and native support for DaVinci Resolve, positioning it as a serious tool for professional editors.
In design, the X6 adopts a boxier shape compared to its predecessors to accommodate the larger sensors. It features an expanded 2.32-inch OLED touchscreen that supports always-on mode. The unit weighs 196g and boasts an IP68 rating, meaning it is waterproof up to 20 metres without external housing and 60 metres when using the optional dive case. This capability surpasses rivals such as the DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2.
The lens system has been significantly improved, with lenses claimed to be five times more scratch-resistant than those on the X5, and replacements are priced at £20.99 for a single lens or £27.99 for both.
Battery endurance is highlighted as a major strength. Equipped with a 2600mAh Xtreme battery, it is rated for 140 minutes of continuous 8K/30fps recording—a 50% increase over the X5 model. Real-world testing recorded 136 minutes. Furthermore, the device supports fast charging, reaching 80% capacity in roughly 24 minutes.
However, technical constraints must be noted: 8K footage consumes approximately 1GB of storage per minute, requiring that users utilize a fast, high-capacity microSD card due to the 47GB of built-in storage filling quickly.
The X6 is marketed as a versatile system comprising three functions: a 360 shooter, a single-lens action camera, and a subject-tracking vlogging mode. Testing revealed that while the vlogging mode is convincing—utilizing InstaFrame 2.0 to steady and center a subject—the physical bulk made it an awkward action cam compared to models like the GoPro Hero.
A new feature, AI Director, allows for preliminary vlog editing overnight while the camera charges, although the reviewer noted that reliable operation was not consistently achieved. A notable drawback is the mobile app experience; testing revealed repeated crashes on both iOS and Android devices, leading Insta360 to recommend an iPhone 15 as the minimum requirement for dependable performance.
Conversely, the desktop Insta360 Studio app remained stable during testing and offered reliable manual editing tools, though it does not include AI auto-editing features. A minor limitation is that critical color profiles like I-Log and Dolby Vision can only be configured directly on the camera body, rather than remotely via the mobile application.
The review concludes that the X6 merits its high rating due to its genuinely excellent image quality in both daylight and low light, eliminating real compromises. Its enhanced waterproofing, substantial battery life, and professional video credentials—including 10-bit colour, Dolby Vision, and DaVinci Resolve support—make it exceptionally capable. Although the steep price point and software issues were mentioned, these flaws are deemed non-fundamental, as the application can be addressed with future updates.
Source: Trusted Reviews