Insta360 X6

Should you buy the Insta360 X6?

The Insta360 X6 is the 360 camera for people who want the best possible 360 footage and are willing to pay $699.99 for it. Dual 1/1.1-inch square sensors capture 8K50 360 video with 10-bit color, single-lens mode goes to 5K60, and the user-swappable lens guards protect the glass. It ranks fourth of our ten action cameras and is the top 360 pick over the older Insta360 X4. It is not for anyone who mostly shoots conventional forward-facing video; a single-lens camera does that better for less.

Where it earns its score

• Features of 97 and Quality of 95. The highest numbers on both factors in the category.
• Larger sensors. The 1/1.1-inch pair is a real step up from the X5 and X4 in low light.
• 8K50 360 video and 120 MP photos. Reframing in the app keeps sharpness even after cropping to a normal view.
• Battery and storage. About 140 minutes of 8K30 360 recording, 47 GB usable built in, waterproof to 20 m bare.

What to know first

• Value scores 74. At $699.99 it is the most expensive camera we rank by a wide margin.
• 8K files are about 1 GB per minute. Storage, transfer time and editing horsepower all become part of the cost.
• App stability. Reviewers noted occasional app issues; reframing 360 footage is also more editing work than a single-lens clip.
• Warranty is the weakest factor at 55. One year of coverage on a $700 camera.

Questions buyers ask