GoPro Max vs Insta360 ONE RS Twin: Which 360 Camera is Better?
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
If you're looking for a 360-degree camera to record versatile footage, the Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition and GoPro Max are excellent options to consider. Both cameras offer high-quality video and advanced features, but they have some key differences to keep in mind. Let's zoom in on the differences between the two to see which one is better for your needs.
| Specs | Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition | GoPro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $549.99 | $399.99 |
| Video (360) | 5.7K | 5.6K |
| Video (Single) | 4K | 1440p |
| Photo | 48 MP | 16.6 MP |
| Audio | 3 mics | 6 mics |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes, 5m | Yes, 5m |
| Battery | 1445 mAh | 1600 mAh |
Key Takeaways
GoPro Max only has one 360° lens, while Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition has two interchangeable 360° and traditional 4K Boost Lens. This means, ONE RS Twin offers better image quality for non-360 footage. ONE RS Twin also supports more accessories for creative filming, but GoPro Max is significantly more affordable with competitive features.
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition
Dual 360 + Single-Lens Camera
✓ Interchangeable 4K Boost Lens & 360 Lens
✓ 6K Widescreen mode
✓ Invisible Selfie Stick & Bullet Time
✓ AI Editing
GoPro Max
Standard 360 Camera
✓ 5.6K + 16.6 MP 360 Footage
✓ 1440p Single-lens Footage
✓ Max HyperSmooth
✓ Premium 360 audio from 6 mics
#1 Price
GoPro Max
When it comes to price, the GoPro Max is more affordable. It was originally priced at $499.99 when it was first released in 2019, but the price now has dropped to $399.99. On the other hand, the Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition is more expensive at $549.99. This $150 price difference is not insignificant, so it's important to carefully consider what aspects are most important to you before making a decision.
#2 Design
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition
The GoPro Max has a similar appearance to other standard GoPro action cameras, but with a more square shape that measures 69 x 64 x 25 mm in size. It is waterproof to 5m (16ft) and has a touchscreen on one side for you to preview your shots and navigate through the various settings and modes. It also features 6 microphones, quite a few numbers to deliver high-quality Premium 360 audio.
On the other hand, the Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition is more unique with its modular design that allows you to swap between two lens included: the 4K Boost Lens and 360 Lens. This design makes it more versatile, as you can use it as a 360 camera or as a traditional single-lens camera with the 4K Boost Lens. The ONE RS Twin Edition only features 3 microphones, but it is good enough to deliver great audio performance, supported by its Wind Noise Reduction algorithm.
#3 Image Quality
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition
The GoPro Max delivers 360-degree footage at 5.6K/30 fps video resolution and 16.6 MP photo resolution. Such a high resolution provides a high level of detail and clarity, but keep in mind that the resolution is spread out across the entire 360-degree field of view, so it can be lower in practice.
For example, when you take a non-360 traditional single-lens shot you would normally take in a GoPro Hero, you'll get footage with a maximum resolution of 1440p. This is not so bad, but the standard GoPro Hero series normally can deliver 4K single-lens footage, so this is one limitation you might want to take note of.
The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition faces similar limitations. It can capture 360-degree footage at a high 5.7K resolution, but it will be lower if you take a non-360 traditional single-lens shot with the 360 Lens. However, the ONE RS Twin Edition also comes with the 4K Boost Lens, which allows you to take single-lens footage at 4K resolution.
The ability to swap between the 360 Lens and 4K Boost Lens whenever you need gives more flexibility, so you can capture the best footage at any angle without sacrificing image quality.
#4 Features
GoPro Max
Both the Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition and GoPro Max offer a range of advanced features that make them versatile action cameras for a wide variety of purposes. Both offer image stabilization technology to keep your footage smooth and steady, and provide voice control for hands-free operation.
The ONE RS Twin Edition has an edge when it comes to creative filmmaking features. It has 6K Widescreen Mode which allows you to shoot ultra-detailed 6K footage in a Hollywood-style 2.35:1 aspect ratio, giving you a cinematic look and feel. It also comes with AI-powered editing tools in the Insta360 app, allowing you to create professional-looking videos quickly and easily.
The GoPro Max, on the other hand, stands out with its PowerPano feature, which allows you to take 270-degree panoramic photos without having to scan the horizon. Max TimeWarp is also available to create smooth time-lapse videos, while the Quik app provides a range of editing tools to help you create shareable content in just a few taps.
#5 Additional Accessories
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition
Both the Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition and GoPro Max support a wide range of accessories that you can purchase to further enhance your filming experience. One most popular accessory is the Invisible Selfie Stick (also called the Max Grip + Tripod for the GoPro Max), which allows you to capture footage without the selfie stick appearing in the shot.
However, the Invisible Selfie Stick for Insta360 comes with more variants with different lengths for you to choose from depending on your needs. The longest one, the Extended Selfie Stick with a 3m length, can be used to capture footage from high angles, perfect for drone-like aerial shots without the need for a drone.
The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition also supports more creative accessories like the Bullet Time Cord, which allows you to create stunning slow-motion shots where the camera spins around you in a circle for a dramatic effect.
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition vs GoPro Max
Final Thoughts
Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition
Overall, both cameras have their own strengths and limitations, so it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition offers better image quality with its interchangeable 360 Lens and 4K Boost Lens, has many advanced features, and supports various accessories for creative filming. However, it is priced more expensive.
The GoPro Max, on the other hand, is more affordable with comparable features and capabilities. However, it sacrifices some image quality in its single-lens footage, and its design may not be as versatile as the Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition.
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