Table of Contents
amazon Insta360 Air reviews
You want a 360-degree camera for Android-powered USB-C, simple to use, plug and play, compact size for easy storage, image quality enough for selfie needs on trips Take a fun, 360 degree movie at 1280p resolution, 30 fps and especially affordable with $ 130, the Insta360 Air camera can meet be asked for that. Of course, Air is not a professional “360 degree” content authoring device and therefore requires excellent image or video quality, which is a bit too demanding for this device.
Overall, Insta360 Air is quite compact in size, just a bit bigger than a table tennis ball. Although using the material but Insta360 Air is quite well done, for feeling quite modern and to some extent, can not help but feel like BB robot in Stars War. On both sides is the pair of ankle lenses with a viewing angle of up to approximately 180 degrees and slightly protruding forward.
Comes with Insta360 Air, a rubber case for storing, protecting the lens when not in use. Insta360 Air itself does not have its own battery, but instead takes the power from the phone itself to operate. I tried Insta360 Air attached to Samsung Galaxy A3 and shot a video about 10 minutes, quality 1280p, the battery drops down from about 4%, generally not too much difference than when shooting with the camera itself. of the phone.
To use it, simply unplug Insta360 Air from the rubber shell, plug it directly into the phone via USB-C. At present, this is one of the 360-degree cameras in particular and the camera smartphone generally uses a USB-C port instead of lightning for the iPhone or a regular micro USB. After plugging in, run the application on the phone called Insta360 Air is that we were able to start using.
In terms of imaging capabilities, Insta360 Air can capture images with a resolution of 3008 x 1504 pixels. Remember that this is a 360 degree image so it is not really called too terrible. Try shooting some outdoor panels, in the cafe, light conditions at noon, slightly hot, the quality is relative, fun. Phenomenon purple slightly, sharpness and detail are not very good. However, the quality of selfie is quite good and the application on the phone supports the beauty mode of the color filter to live more easily.
About the ability to film, Insta360 Air for two modes of rotation is 960 and 1280p. Also provides EV +/- adjustment during shooting. In general, the quality of the video also stops at a fun level, mostly fancy and more standalone than regular video. When shooting, the application response is quite good, but at the video screen realtime is slightly lag phenomenon. At the same time when shooting video at 960p, the image is quite smooth, but when shooting fast motion (such as cars) in 1280p mode, some motion is blurred.
where can you get a Insta360 Air online
Insta360 360 VR Camera Insta360 Air (Micro USB) – CINMAIR/B, Black, compact: Buy it now
Insta360 Air – 360 VR Camera for Android phone (Type-C connector), Black (Insta360 Air (Type-C) – CINMAIR/A): Buy it now
Connectivity and Setup
Smartphone Integration
The Insta360 Air connects to Android smartphones via a micro-USB or USB-C port, depending on the model. The camera is designed to work with a wide range of Android devices, though compatibility may vary depending on the smartphone’s specifications and the operating system version. To use the Insta360 Air, users need to install the Insta360 app, which is available for free on the Google Play Store.
App and Software
The Insta360 app serves as the primary interface for controlling the Insta360 Air. Once connected, users can access a range of shooting modes, adjust settings, and preview content in real-time. The app provides a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls, making it easy to navigate and use the camera’s features.
Setup Process
Setting up the Insta360 Air is straightforward. After connecting the camera to the smartphone, users need to open the Insta360 app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the device. The app will guide users through the process of calibrating the camera and configuring settings, ensuring that the device is ready for use. The seamless integration with smartphones adds to the overall convenience of the camera.
Image and Video Quality
Resolution and Image Quality
The Insta360 Air captures images at a maximum resolution of 3040 x 1520 pixels. This resolution provides a decent level of detail for standard 360-degree content, though it is not as high as some more advanced 360-degree cameras. The image quality is generally good, with clear and vibrant colors, though it may exhibit some distortion around the edges due to the fisheye lenses.
Video Recording
The camera supports video recording at a resolution of 2560 x 1280 pixels, with frame rates up to 30 frames per second. While this is sufficient for capturing standard 360-degree videos, it falls short of the higher resolutions and frame rates offered by some other 360-degree cameras. The video quality is generally acceptable for casual use, but users seeking higher resolution and more professional results may need to consider more advanced options.
Stitching and Seamlessness
The Insta360 Air uses automatic stitching algorithms to combine the footage from the two fisheye lenses into a single 360-degree image or video. The stitching process is generally effective, producing seamless results with minimal visible seams. However, in some cases, users may notice minor artifacts or stitching errors, particularly in scenes with complex patterns or fast-moving subjects.
Features and Functionality
Shooting Modes
The Insta360 Air offers a range of shooting modes to enhance the versatility of the camera. These include:
- Standard 360-Degree Mode: Captures a full 360-degree image or video, providing an immersive view of the scene.
- Tiny Planet Mode: Creates a spherical “tiny planet” effect, making the captured scene appear as if it is a miniature planet.
- Stitching Mode: Allows users to manually adjust the stitching of images or videos for improved alignment and seamless results.
Editing and Sharing
The Insta360 app includes built-in editing tools that allow users to enhance and modify their 360-degree content. Users can trim videos, apply filters, adjust exposure, and make other adjustments directly within the app. Additionally, the app provides options for sharing content on social media platforms, such as Facebook and YouTube, with support for 360-degree video formats.
Live Streaming
The Insta360 Air supports live streaming capabilities, allowing users to broadcast 360-degree video content in real-time. This feature is particularly useful for events, travel, and interactive content. The live streaming feature is integrated into the Insta360 app, making it easy to set up and manage broadcasts.
Remote Control and Operation
The Insta360 app also provides remote control functionality, allowing users to operate the camera and access settings from their smartphone. This feature is useful for capturing group shots or selfies, as it eliminates the need to physically interact with the camera during shooting.
Performance and Usability
Ease of Use
The Insta360 Air is designed to be user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process and intuitive controls. The integration with the Insta360 app simplifies the shooting and editing process, making it accessible for users with varying levels of experience. The app’s real-time preview feature allows users to see how their content will look before capturing, enhancing the overall user experience.
Battery Life
The Insta360 Air is powered by the smartphone it is connected to, which means it does not have a separate battery. As a result, the camera’s battery life is dependent on the smartphone’s power. Users should be mindful of their smartphone’s battery level when using the Insta360 Air, especially for extended shooting sessions.
Portability and Convenience
The compact size and direct smartphone integration make the Insta360 Air highly portable and convenient for on-the-go shooting. The camera’s small footprint allows it to be easily carried in a pocket or small bag, making it ideal for travel and spontaneous content creation.
Comparison with Competitors
Insta360 ONE X
The Insta360 ONE X is a more advanced 360-degree camera compared to the Insta360 Air. It features higher resolution sensors (5.7K video recording) and improved image quality. The ONE X also offers more advanced features, such as FlowState stabilization for smoother video, and a dedicated battery. While it is larger and more expensive than the Insta360 Air, it provides superior performance and additional functionality.
Ricoh Theta SC2
The Ricoh Theta SC2 is another popular 360-degree camera that competes with the Insta360 Air. It offers higher resolution (4K video recording) and a user-friendly design. The SC2 also features built-in Wi-Fi and a dedicated battery, making it more convenient for extended use. However, it lacks the direct smartphone integration of the Insta360 Air, which some users might find advantageous.
Samsung Gear 360 (2017)
The Samsung Gear 360 (2017) is a compact 360-degree camera that provides high-resolution 4K video recording. It features dual 180-degree lenses and a built-in battery, offering a similar level of performance to the Insta360 Air. The Gear 360 also supports live streaming and has its own companion app for editing and sharing content.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Compact and Portable: The Insta360 Air’s small size and smartphone integration make it highly portable and convenient for capturing 360-degree content on-the-go.
- Ease of Use: The intuitive controls and integration with the Insta360 app simplify the shooting, editing, and sharing processes, making it accessible for users with varying levels of experience.
- Affordable Entry Point: The Insta360 Air provides an affordable entry into 360-degree photography and videography, offering good value for users looking to explore this medium.
- Live Streaming Capability: The camera’s support for live streaming allows users to broadcast 360-degree content in real-time, adding a dynamic element to their content creation.
- Real-Time Preview: The app’s real-time preview feature helps users visualize their content before capturing, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Resolution: The camera’s maximum resolution of 3040 x 1520 pixels for images and 2560 x 1280 pixels for videos is lower than some competing 360-degree cameras, which may impact the level of detail and clarity.
- No Built-In Battery: The reliance on the smartphone’s battery can be a drawback, as it limits the camera’s usage time and may require frequent recharging during extended shooting sessions.
- Compatibility Issues: While the Insta360 Air is designed for Android smartphones, compatibility may vary depending on the device’s specifications and operating system version.
- Stitching Artifacts: Some users may notice minor stitching artifacts or errors in certain scenarios, particularly with complex patterns or fast-moving subjects.
- Limited Advanced Features: The Insta360 Air lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end 360-degree cameras, such as enhanced stabilization and higher resolution options.
Conclusion
The Insta360 Air stands out as a compact, affordable, and user-friendly 360-degree camera that offers a convenient way to capture immersive content. Its integration with smartphones, ease of use, and live streaming capabilities make it an attractive option for casual users and those new to 360-degree photography and videography. While it may have limitations in resolution and advanced features compared to higher-end models, it provides good value for its price and is well-suited for travel, social media, and everyday content creation.
For users seeking a simple and portable 360-degree camera with the ability to easily share and stream content, the Insta360 Air is a compelling choice. Its combination of portability, ease of use, and affordability makes it an accessible entry point into the world of 360-degree content creation, offering an enjoyable and immersive shooting experience.