Insta360 adds a 1-inch 360 camera module with Leica to One RS

Richard Lai/Engadget

When it comes to consumer 360 cameras, there aren’t many options on the market right now, so when Insta360 launched its One RS modular camera in March, the 5.7K “360 Lens” on it was a bit of a letdown. Disappointing – basically maintained with Sphere、One X2、One R Same class as One X. That’s not to say it’s bad (and it’s not just resolution that differs from generation to generation), but after three years, it’s definitely time for an upgrade.

And what Insta360 brings today is this long-awaited upgrade, the “1-inch panoramic set” in cooperation with Leica.

Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 Edition — Richard Lai/Engadget

As its name suggests, this new module camera is equipped with a larger 360 lens module, built-in two 1-inch CMOS sensors, can provide higher resolution – 360 video can be up to 6K , and 21MP for 360 photos. This should improve picture quality quite a bit, especially in low-light environments.

As for the collaboration with Leica, Insta360 calls it the first 360 camera “co-developed with Leica”. The two companies have already collaborated on the One R’s 1-inch Leica wide-angle lens module, but that’s not a 360 camera .

Unlike the standard One RS kit (which has a choice of a new 4K enhanced lens or a standard 360 lens), this 1-inch panorama kit is assembled straight to allow its larger modules to fit together more appropriately. From top to bottom are the lens group, the core (including the touch screen) and the vertical battery.

The One RS host (core module) has upgraded its processor to support FlowState anti-shake directly on the camera (much faster than in the app), as well as Active HDR video shooting for sports photography. As for the power part, the whole combination can provide about 62 minutes of shooting time under 6K@30fps recording.

The assembly method is to first slide the battery and the host into a sliding sleeve, and then buckle the lens module. After being fixed, the whole combination can provide IPX3 waterproof level (about the degree of protection against rain and snow), and there is still an opening at the bottom for you to fix the 1/4-inch screw of the tripod.

When you want to disassemble this set, you need to open the USB port cover on the sliding sleeve first, and then connect the buckle under the lens group to release. Naturally, it is best to cover the lens’ protective soft cover (included) when separating.

The Insta360 RS 1-inch panorama package is priced at NT$28,900 / HK$6,398, which is a lot more expensive than the Twin Edition with 4K enhanced lens and 360 lens included. A company representative explained that the new package is mainly aimed at semi-professional users, such as taking 360 virtual tours for museums or real estate companies.

If you already have a One RS, you can save money on the console, so the price of the upgrade package for the 1-inch panoramic set is only NT$21,099 / HK$5,198. This also applies to the One R, as the lens mods are backwards compatible.