After teasing a modular action/360 camera system last week Insta360 has officially launched the ONE R at CES in Las Vegas today.
The One R consists of a ‘CPU’ with built-in miniature touchscreen and a battery pack which can be combined with one of three camera/lens units:
- A 360-degree camera that records at 5.7K resolution
- A GoPro style action camera with 16.4mm equivalent focal length that can record 4K footage at 60fps and 1080p video at up to 200 fps.
- A wide-angle module with 1-inch sensor and 14.4mm equivalent focal length that records 5.3K footage at 30fps , 4K at 60fps or 1080p at 120fps. This module was developed with the help of camera company Leica.
All three modules can record in Raw format and make use of Insta360’s FlowState stabilization, which has been improved for use in low light, as well as H.265 video encoding. They are attached to the CPU and battery ‘lego-style’ via connector pins. Depending on use case the touchscreen can face forward or backwards and installed in the included mounting bracket any of the combos is fully waterproof down to 5m.
The 360-degree module can be used with lens protection filters which are, like we’ve already seen with selfie-sticks in previous Insta360 models, automatically removed from the footage by software.
The touchscreen can be used for framing or image/video review and alternatively lets you adjust a range of settings including manual exposure parameters. Most special features are provided through the mobile app or desktop application, however.
One R users have the choice of letting the app create shareable clips automatically, or dive deep into the controls and edit footage manually.
The Auto Frame feature automatically frames 360 content using AI-powered image recognition and tracking technology. It lets you pick from a selection of pre-framed shots and all you need to do is trim and export the clips you like best.
In addition you can create automatically reframed hyperlapses which works best with video of a few minutes in length walking outside in a varied environment. You can choose the landmarks you want to include from a menu or let the app decide for you.
A new AI-powered tracking algorithm lets track a subject in your 360-degree video either in the app when editing, or in real time by locking onto a target at the start of recording.
In addition Insta360 has improved the app over previous versions by implementing editing via WiFi without downloading footage to your mobile device, and background downloading which lets you continue working in the app while video files are being transferred.
First impressions
We’ve had a chance to play with the new hardware and app before launch and the package looks pretty impressive, especially when considering we were using a pre-production unit.
Video output quality is not quite there yet (which is why Insta360 has asked us to not post any samples) but the build quality of the hardware looks excellent and gives the system a premium look and feel. Swapping camera modules is easy and fast and despite the small size of the built-in display it allows for easy modification of settings and changing of modes, thanks to a responsive touchscreen.
The updated mobile app comes with an abundance of features and modes and should cater to anyone, from casual users who want automatically generated highlight-clips delivered to their phone, to advanced videographers who know how to reframe their 360-degree and edit action cam footage manually.
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If the Insta 360 One R will be able to deliver on image quality it’s an extremely attractive option for any creative video maker. It offers the resolution of a high-end action camera and the versatility and ability to reframe clips after shooting that you can only get from a 360-degree camera at a price point that is very close to high-end action cameras.
Those who want the dynamic range and low light performance of a 1-inch sensor have the option to further expand the system with the optionally available 1-inch module, offering one of the currently most versatile consumer video solutions available.
The Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition includes the Dual-Lens 360 Mod and 4K Wide Angle Mod and will set you back $ 479.99. The Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition comes standard with the premium 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod and retails for $ 549.99. The Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition comes with CPU, battery and 4K action cam and is $ 299.99. More information is available at Insta360.com.
Press Release:
Insta360 ONE R Is an Adaptive Action Cam Co-Engineered with Leica
AI-powered Auto Frame makes editing 360 video easy.
Innovative camera maker Insta360 today announced ONE R, an adaptive action cam whose unique interchangeable-lens design enables 360-degree capture, standard 4K wide-angle capture, and use of a groundbreaking 5.3K 1-inch sensor — all with a single device.
The concept is simple — one battery, one processor and a selection of quick-swapping lens Mods. In an instant, ONE R transforms from a dual-lens 360 shooter to a standard action cam. ONE R currently offers three ways to shoot with three available lens Mods — the Dual-Lens 360 Mod, the 4K Wide-Angle Mod and the 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica.
The 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod achieves the best performance ever in an action camera, combining a 1-inch sensor with the legendary optical expertise of Leica and 5.3K resolution — in a compact, rugged body backed by Insta360’s signature FlowState stabilization.
ONE R is available to order today via Insta360.com and select retailers worldwide, including Best Buy.
The right tool for every job.
ONE R is designed to give creators, athletes and adventurers a single tool that can adapt to any shoot.
In terms of creative freedom, nothing beats a dual-lens 360 camera. It unlocks the ability to reframe shots after the fact, ensures that users never miss the action, and enables unique techniques such as drone-like aerial angles. But for scenes in which action is concentrated in one direction, a reframed shot from a 360 camera still doesn’t achieve the same level of quality and resolution as a specialized single-lens shooter.
These two camera formats have unique strengths and tradeoffs — just as telephoto and wide-angle setups on an SLR camera have equal but opposite strengths. The only way to take advantage of both formats is with an easy, efficient way to switch from one to the other on the fly. ONE R is just that.
Best quality ever in an action cam.
ONE R redefines what’s possible with an action cam. Each of its three available Mods unlock breakthrough imaging and quality.
Dual-Lens 360 Mod: This Mod supports 5.7K capture on two lenses that cover every direction at once. It enables a real-time 360-degree preview on ONE R’s touchscreen, while innovations like Color Plus, HDR video and Night Shot achieve the best color accuracy and low-light performance in any consumer 360 camera.
4K Wide Angle Mod: Ready for 4K@60fps, this Mod captures crisp, vibrant, stabilized action and supports up to 8x slow mo. Its reversible design lets you flip the touchscreen from back to front in a snap — perfect for getting real-time feedback when filming yourself.
1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica: This Mod achieves a level of quality never before seen in an action cam. The 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod uses a best-in-class 1-inch sensor to capture brilliant 5.3K video and 19MP photos even in complex lighting conditions. Premium performance in a device that’s ready to go anywhere — the 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod is a game-changer.
Leica worked closely with Insta360 on the optical engineering and industrial design of the 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod, and contributed its unmatched expertise in image quality and color reproduction.
Smooth moves. Even in the dark.
The ONE R uses a fully upgraded FlowState stabilization algorithm to achieve gimbal-like stabilization whether you’re shooting in 360 or with a standard wide angle. Using a smart scene-detection algorithm, ONE R outclasses the competition with stabilization that holds steady even in low-light scenes.
Waterproof whenever.
ONE R is IPX8 waterproof to depths of 5 meters (16.4 feet) straight out of the box. For those who want to go deeper, a Dive Case enables descents of up to 60 meters (197 feet).
Voice control.
Voice control lets you control ONE R with a few simple commands. If ONE R is mounted on a helmet or out of reach, just give it a shout.
Auto Frame changes the game.
The best thing about shooting 360 video is that you capture an infinite number of possible angles and edits. The worst thing about shooting 360 video is that you capture an infinite number of possible angles and edits. If only there were some kind of artificial intelligence that could analyze a scene in every direction at once to find the most interesting moments and angles.
Enter Auto Frame. Insta360 has developed its own computer vision algorithm to identify the best parts of any 360 video and recommend them to creators. There’s still plenty of choice, but the ONE R app’s Auto Frame feature helps you quickly narrow down the shots worth considering and does the reframing for you.
Deep Track.
AI-powered computer vision also enables ONE R’s mind-blowing tracking capabilities. When editing 360 video, creators can simply select a subject to follow with a tap. The ONE R app will automatically keep it locked in center-frame. Even if a subject is obscured by an obstacle, ONE R’s algorithm will remember it and start tracking again as soon as it reappears.
And if you don’t want to wait for post-production to choose your subject, you can also use Deep Track in real time. ONE R’s unique “Point to Track” feature lets you lock onto a subject with the voice prompt “Mark that!”. The next time you connect to your camera, you’ll get an automatically reframed shot that follows your chosen subject — it’s like having a cameraman with you wherever you go.
No drone. No problem.
ONE R brings back Insta360’s endlessly fun and versatile Invisible Selfie Stick feature. Easily capture aerial angles and video-game-style third-person views by making your camera grip invisible. Invisible Selfie Stick is only supported when using the Dual-Lens 360 Mod.
Low light. Done right.
ONE R offers a range of both hardware and software upgrades to achieve best-in-class low-light performance. New Night Shot mode captures low-light photos that pop, while automatic de-noising preserves detail in low-light video.
ONE R also supports HDR modes for both photos and video, and creators can take advantage of Color Plus to do an automatic, one-touch color grade that brings out brighter, more vibrant hues.
When it comes to color reproduction and low-light performance, the 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica is in a class of its own. Its 1-Inch sensor brings out highlights and shadows in vivid detail. Vloggers will be tempted to leave the rest of their kit at home.
Sounds good.
Every ONE R build comes standard with two onboard mics and an automatic wind-reduction algorithm that achieves great sound straight off the camera. However, its USB Type-C port and top-mounted Accessory Shoe also allow for easy third-party 3.5mm mic connection.
Infinite possibilities.
The ONE R app comes with a range of new editing features designed to help creators take advantage of all its capabilities. The TimeShift hyperlapse effect popularized by ONE X can now be completed with a couple taps, and a new pose-detection algorithm lets creators instantly identify and extract every frame of a clip in which they strike a similar posture — enabling mind-bending stop-motion effects that used to take hours of work.
New Starlapse mode automatically calibrates exposure settings to capture stunning time-lapses of the night sky — creators just pick a time and a place and hit record. The ONE series’ signature Bullet Time effect has also been upgraded with a smart horizon-leveling algorithm.
FlashCut auto-editing.
FlashCut is the ONE R app’s content-aware editing algorithm. First, it finds shots based on a theme set by the creator — like food, travel or pets. Then it combines them on beat into a stylish edit. FlashCut can filter and combine footage captured by any ONE R build — 360 or standard.
More Mods.
ONE R doesn’t stop at three Mods. Its unique design enables a huge range of efficient add-ons and upgrades. The standard Battery Base can be swapped for a double-size Boosted Battery Base for extended shooting.
Meanwhile, Insta360 today also announced the groundbreaking Insta360 ONE R Aerial Edition, which offers a specialized mounting system to make supported drones completely invisible and captures an unobstructed, airborne 360-degree view.
An Edition for every mission.
ONE R is all about choice. Creators can purchase exactly the combination of gear that suits their needs. However, Insta360 also offers a range of prepackaged Editions that give creators everything they need to get started with some of the most powerful combinations of Mods.
Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition brings together two great ways to shoot — the Dual-Lens 360 Mod and 4K Wide Angle Mod — in one convenient package for $ 479.99 USD; Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition comes standard with the premium 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica, and retails for $ 549.99 USD; and Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition offers creators all they need to enjoy the versatile 4K Wide Angle Mod for $ 299.99 USD.
More details on ONE R can be found at Insta360.com.
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