The GoPro MAX or the Insta360 ONE X: Which 360 Camera Should You Buy?

Two groundbreaking 360 cameras have emerged in the last year: the Insta360 ONE X and, more recently, the GoPro MAX. Both pack in a huge array of features and one is a hundred dollars cheaper, but which one should you buy?

This incredibly comprehensive overview from Shanil of Best360 gives a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about these cameras in terms of features, workflow, video quality, accessories, ease of use, and more. There are definite advantages to specific aspects of each camera, but for Shanil, one emerges as the clear winner.

Those weighing up the decision and plotting Christmas gifts might have seen this comparison from Matti Haapoja which makes a good case for leaning towards the ONE X if audio quality isn’t critical. Haapoja isn’t a fan of GoPro’s nuclear colors, but it is worth noting that he didn't use the MAX’s flat color profile during his review which would have given results with much less contrast. Haapoja also notes that you can’t create keyframes by reviewing footage using the GoPro app and simply moving your phone or tablet around during the edit. However, this feature is definitely available, and this “OverCapture” mode allows you to physically keyframe your footage.

While the MAX is certainly better as an action cam, it does seem strange that there’s no 360 option available at 60 frames per second. However, there are very reliable rumors that 3K60 is in the pipeline via a firmware update, though there’s no timeframe as yet.

Which one will be in your stocking? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Andy Day's picture

Andy Day is a British photographer and writer living in France. He began photographing parkour in 2003 and has been doing weird things in the city and elsewhere ever since. He's addicted to climbing and owns a fairly useless dog. He has an MA in Sociology & Photography which often makes him ponder what all of this really means.

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