Insta360 One R and GoPro Max are currently the two most interesting 360 video recording cameras on the market. What’s more, leaving aside the One X of Insta360 as well and the odd model with a more professional cut, we could say that they are the only ones really intended for the consumer market. So the question of which model is more interesting is so attractive.
GoPro Max vs Insta360 One R
The GoPro Max and Insta360 One R are actually cameras with different approaches . The first is a camera more thought of as a unique solution to capture 360 video and with a clear commitment to resistance. The second, that of Insta360, has its great value in that modular idea with interchangeable lenses that also serves to have an action camera, one 360 or another with a greater commitment to image quality.
Both are currently the two best exponents in terms of 360 video. Hence the interest in seeing what each offers, how they behave after our respective reviews and which would be the best that could fit according to the use you are going to make. her. However, before going any further, we let you see the video analyzes of each of both models.
Now that you have seen what they offer individually let’s go compare them. So you can decide which model might interest you the most based on the advantages and disadvantages that each of these 360 cameras offer.
Similar in specs and inconspicuous differences
If we go to compare the specifications we find that they are practically identical and that the differences between the two models are not enough to decide which model to bet on. Because with two lenses, 360 video recording, resolution, and modes are basically the same.
- The GoPro Max records video at 5.6K / 30p resolution and the Insta360 One R does it at 5.7K / 30p resolution.
- Both cameras shoot photos in jpg and RAW format
- Video can be captured using the H.264 and H.265 codec , the latter is the one used for spherical video recording
- Both cameras record on two profiles, one of them flatter to improve post-color editing
- Video recording options in standard mode, timelaps (TimeWarp in GoPro) as well as some additional extras
- Both cameras are waterproof and dustproof without the need for a housing
- Both have an integrated screen for recording in vlog mode or selfies photos, the one from GoPro is bigger
- GoPro already offers streaming video option and Insta360 will offer it in an upcoming software update
- Very good stabilization system on both models
- Battery with a duration of around 60 minutes in both depending on the recording mode and resolution
- Use of a single microSD card in both
- Mobile app with editing options
- USB C connector
- WiFi and Bluetooth connection
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices (some models may not work properly)
Although we could point out in several additional aspects, as you can see the differences between the two cameras do not provide enough value to opt for one or the other. So you have to go to other sections that do allow you to find reasons to bet on one.
User experience
In the action cameras or these 360 cameras, the experience of use provided by their keypads and screens (in the cases where they are included), the experience of use is very similar. In these cameras it is true and both the GoPro Max and the Insta360 One R are practically the same in operation .
With the buttons you change modes and activate the 360 video or photo capture. The touch screen is used to access certain options by using gestures and if you want more control, then you have to resort to the mobile application. This is where you can find some differences.
The GoPro application remains in line with what is seen in its action cameras, moreover, it is the same app. From this you can adjust many more aspects of the camera in a faster and clearer way. You can also transfer the videos from the camera to the smartphone and then share it on networks or platforms that support 360 video. In the latter case, editing using keyframes is not as intuitive as Insta360 and creating videos with transitions, etc. neither. Although it is also true that there is a second GoPro app. But if you want to facilitate the task for the less expert user, the ideal is not to mess with various apps.
For its part, the Insta360 app is very similar but that section of video editing to play with the options offered by that mode that allows you to enjoy a kind of multi-camera by taking advantage of any angle captured in 360 video is more comfortable .
However, if you want to get the most out of it, the ideal is to use the desktop applications and then take that material to a professional video editor such as Final Cut Pro or Premiere, among many others.
Video and audio quality
Audio, as long as there isn’t excessive wind or it’s not used in action sports situations can be interesting on both cameras, but don’t expect great results on either. So what you have to assess is the video quality
The GoPro Max offers a somewhat higher image quality in terms of sharpness and better exposure in bright light. Still, you would have to have a very good eye to distinguish many of the daily images that both cameras are capable of capturing. As in color themes, the GoPro camera offers a somewhat more saturated image despite its particular way of interpreting color in both profiles. However, the quality difference is not so great.
The best 360 camera: Insta360 One R or GoPro Max
At this point you are likely to continue asking yourself the question of which 360 camera is the best between these two proposals of Insta360 and GoPro. If we stick to the experience, specifications and results we have to tell you that both. They are very similar cameras and the results are not decisive when betting on one or the other. So which camera should I choose? To answer you have to go back to the beginning, to which we mentioned as soon as we started: the concept of each camera.
The Insta360 One R is a modular camera and being able to have several solutions just by changing the camera module gives it great value. Of course, the investment if you get the three modules shoots up to 800 euros. Although, for 500 euros you have a very capable and interesting action camera with which to record video at 4K resolution and a 360 module with which to achieve other types of material, but just as interesting on a creative level.
However, because it is modular, the feeling of fragility is greater compared to the GoPro. That is the great value of the GoPro Max, a camera that, due to its robustness and durability, seems to be a better option if you are going to make more extreme use of the camera in any type of situation. And let’s be honest, not having parts of “take off” the risk that contacts can be damaged is not suffered.
So, that’s the way you should rate and decide which camera interests you the most. If you are looking for robustness, go for the GoPro Max . If you want versatility, don’t even think about it, the Insta360 One R.