360-degree camera manufacturer Insta360 has launched its latest product today, a new portable camera that might just be its most versatile yet, called ONE.
Having previously released the Insta360 Nano, Insta360 Air and Insta360 4K, with its latest product the company introduces its second 4K camera, just this time it’s a lot cheaper.
The Insta360 ONE shoots 360-degree video and photos at resolutions of 4K – 3840 x 1920@30fps, 2560 x 1280@60fps and 24 MP (6912 x 3456). It offers users three modes of operation: standalone use, remote control via Bluetooth, and direct connection to a smartphone.
Two of the camera’s most unique features are FreeCapture and a bullet time mode. FreeCapture is an editing technique to record key moments of a spherical video as a 1080p fixed-frame video. It uses the smartphone’s gyroscope to move around the scene, while the screen acts as a sort of viewfinder, recording whatever the user points to. FreeCapture also allows users to shift from standard perspectives to the unique shots, such as tiny planet and rabbit hole effects.
As for the all-new bullet time mode, creators can capture up to 240 FPS slow-motion shots (boosted from 120 FPS with the companion app) where the ONE circles them using a selfie stick or a string attachment.
“We set out to make the easiest-to-use, most versatile 360 camera in the world, and the ONE is the result of those efforts,” said JK Liu, CEO and founder of Insta360 in a statement. “The ONE isn’t just a step forward for 360 videography. With its unique FreeCapture technology, it stands to change the way we think about cameras in general.”
Currently the Insta360 ONE supports the iPhone, available in the US for $299.90, supplied with a two-in-one case and camera stand, a MicroSD card, a Micro-USB cable, a lens cloth, and a string attachment to achieve the bullet-time effect. An Android version is also in the works.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of Insta360, reporting back with the latest announcements.