Insta360 Camera: Never Miss a Travel Moment Again

Insta360 Camera: Never Miss a Travel Moment Again

by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

Never again will one of us be missing from our travel videos. That was the main reason we decided to invest in an Insta360 camera. Before, one of us was always behind the camera, capturing the adventures of the other. Now, we're both in the shot, every time. It has been a game-changer for our YouTube channel, "DC Hidden Gems," and for how we capture our memories.


Why is the Insta360 Our Go-To Travel Camera?

According to us, Chris and Michael, the single best feature of the Insta360 is the "shoot first, frame later" capability. This means we can capture a full 360-degree view of our surroundings and then, in post-production, choose the specific shots and angles we want to feature. We never have to worry about missing a critical moment because the camera is pointed in the wrong direction. Everything is captured, and we can pan, zoom, and reframe to create the perfect video.

A perfect example of this is our trip to the Atacama Desert. The landscapes were absolutely breathtaking, and with the Insta360, we were able to create spectacular, immersive videos that truly do the scenery justice. You can see for yourself in our YouTube video: Exploring the Atacama Desert.


The 5 Things We Love and Hate About the Insta360

As with any piece of technology, there are pros and cons. Here's our honest breakdown:

Pros:

  1. Everyone's in the Shot: No more designated videographer. We can both be fully present in the moment and in the video.
  2. Never Miss a Moment: The 360-degree capture means we can reframe our shots later, ensuring we never miss a thing.
  3. Incredible Stabilization: The FlowState Stabilization is phenomenal. Our videos are incredibly smooth, even when we're walking or hiking.
  4. "Invisible" Selfie Stick: The camera digitally erases the selfie stick from the footage, creating a "drone-like" effect that is truly impressive.
  5. Versatility: It's an action camera, a 360 camera, and a vlogging camera all in one.

Cons:

  1. Learning Curve: Editing 360 footage can be tricky at first. It takes patience and a willingness to learn the software.
  2. Not for the Technologically Challenged: If you're not comfortable with new technology, the editing process might be frustrating.
  3. Fragile Lenses: The dual lenses are exposed and can be easily scratched. Lens guards are a must-have accessory.
  4. Battery Life: While decent, it's always a good idea to carry extra batteries for a full day of shooting.
  5. Cost: It's an investment, especially when you factor in the cost of accessories.


Which Insta360 Should You Buy?

There are several versions of the Insta360, including the X4 and the newer X5. The best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. We recommend doing your research and comparing the specs of each model before making a decision. Pay attention to things like video resolution, battery life, and any new features that might be important to you.


What Accessories Do You Need?

At a minimum, we believe the invisible selfie stick and the extra-long selfie stick are essential accessories. The invisible selfie stick is what creates the magic "flying camera" effect, and the extra-long one allows for some truly unique and dramatic shots. There are many other accessories available, from dive cases to GPS remotes, so be sure to research what's available and decide what will be most useful for your style of videography.


Ready to Capture Your Own Adventures?

If you're ready to take your travel videos to the next level, we highly recommend the Insta360 camera. It has revolutionized the way we capture our travels, and we're confident it will do the same for you. You can purchase it through our affiliate link here: Insta360 Camera on Amazon.


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