TechAII tried the new Insta360 Flow AI gimbal, and it blew my tiny little mindAdvanced target tracking, 3-axis image stabilisation, FPV mode, and compact form factor; the Insta360 Flow has it allWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAII tried the new Insta360 Flow AI gimbal, and it blew my tiny little mindAdvanced target tracking, 3-axis image stabilisation, FPV mode, and compact form factor; the Insta360 Flow has it allWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Advanced target tracking, 3-axis image stabilisation, FPV mode, and compact form factor; the Insta360 Flow has it all
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
In case you have lived under a rock for the last 10 years, Insta360 is best known for itsaction cameras, like the versatileInsta360 One RS Twin Editionor the compactInsta360 One X3. Both cameras can record 360-degree footage you can rotate and edit in the Insta360 app. You can also apply effects and let the app’s algorithm edit your videos automatically.
The new Insta360 Flow gimbal uses the same user-friendly Insta360 app, including all the effects and features we love and know, but instead of applying them to action camera footage, it improves gimbal videos, often automatically. Indeed, the company threw everything but the kitchen sink at the new product, which is surprisingly well-furnished with features considering the small form factor.
And then there are all the new AI-powered software features, including Deep Track 3.0 for more accurate object tracking and the FPV mode. FPV mode, despite my hypothesis when the teaser broke, has nothing to do with drone controls; instead, the Insta360 Flow provides camera movement reminiscent of drone footage. Using the zoom ring around the main control wheel, you can tilt the camera left and right, which, when done right, could trick the viewers into thinking a closely-hovering drone shot the video.
Another firm favourite of mine is the Shot Genie feature found in the Insta360 app. This voice command-operated mode offers different templates based on what type of movie you’re trying to shoot. It’s like the updated version of the ‘Template’ tab in the Insta360 app, which you might be familiar with if you’ve used the brand’s action cameras before.
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The Insta360 Flow’s physical design is equally as well-designed as the features. My only grief is the built-in tripod and selfie stick – neither feels indestructible. Having them on board is nice, but I wonder how long they will last (especially the tripod legs). And when they break, will you be able to replace them?
The Control Wheel is easy to navigate and master; the only thing that might take a while to get used is the button functions. Most buttons perform different things when you press them once, twice or three times; sometimes, these features are pretty contrasting. Plus, they also change depending on the mode – pressing the trigger once when tracking objects disables tracking. The same trigger pressed twice recenters the phone; a three-time press turns the phone around.
Speaking of physical features: some of you might have noticed the similarities between the Insta360 Flow and the Zhiyun Smooth Q4. Zhiyun’s beginner-friendly smartphone gimbal indeed feels close to Insta360’s latest offering; however, there are some key differences.
Introducing Insta360 Flow - The AI Tracking Smartphone Stabilizer - YouTubeWatch On
Introducing Insta360 Flow - The AI Tracking Smartphone Stabilizer - YouTube
Introducing Insta360 Flow - The AI Tracking Smartphone Stabilizer - YouTube
Truth be told, Zhiyun’s Smooth Q4 offers similar functionality to Flow – I thought it was worth mentioning. The Smooth Q4 has a foldable design (not quite as snazzy as the Insta360 Flow), a tripod (not built-in), and a clip-on light. It has similar features, too (dolly zoom and motion tracking), but from what I can tell, Insta360’s gimbal does all of them better.
Plus – and I can’t stress this enough – the Insta360 app offers extra functionality other apps currently can’t match. Sure, some of these are simple and/or gimmicky, but they are additional, nevertheless. And given it’s Insta360 we’re talking about, I expect plenty more effects and features to be added to the Flow roster in the coming months/years.
Is the Insta360 Flow the ultimate gimbal for smartphone users? It’s certainly one of the most convenient ones to use. And thanks to the process automation via the app, it’s also super beginner-friendly. I need to do some further testing to get to the bottom of all the features (e.g. Shot Genie), but the time I spent with the Insta360 Flow has been a blast. I look forward to doing more of the same in the coming weeks.
The Insta360 Flow is available to buy from 29 March 2023 atInsta360with prices from $159/£145/AU$239 for the standalone version. Also available in Creator Kit (1x Insta360 Flow, 1x Spotlight, 1x Magnetic Phone Clamp, 1x Grip Cover, 1x Carry Bag, 1x Type-C to A Charge Cable, 1x Type-C to C Cable, 1x Type-C to Lightning Phone Cable) and Pro Tripod Kit (1x Insta360 Flow, 1x All-Purpose Tripod, 1x Protective Pouch, 1x Magnetic Phone Clamp, 1x Grip Cover and 1x Type-C to A Charge Cable) setups.
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