Jaw-Dropping Aerial Shots Without a Drone? Find Out How!

By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024

Drones are the go-to tool for capturing stunning aerial footage, but they often come with a hefty price tag, require skills to pilot, and can be too bulky and heavy to bring with you on adventures. What's another alternative that can give you those jaw-dropping aerial shots without the hassle of a drone?

Insta360, a well-known action camera brand, has created the perfect solution - the Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick.

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick is an accessory for Insta360 cameras that allows you to capture incredible aerial shots without the hassle of a drone. How does it work and what makes it so special? We'll explore these details in the rest of this article.

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick

Drone-like Aerial Shots

✓ 36cm to 3m Length
✓ 365g Weight
✓ Invisible Selfie Stick
✓ Insta360 ONE, ONE X, ONE X2, X3, X4, ONE R, ONE RS

Buy on Amazon

#1 Overview

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick is a telescopic pole that can elevate your Insta360 camera up to 3 meters high, allowing you to capture stunning aerial shots without the need for a drone.

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick extends to a maximum length of 3m (9.8ft) but collapses down to just 36cm (14") for easy portability. It is also lightweight at 365g (12.9oz), making it the perfect travel companion for capturing aerial perspectives on your adventures.

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick

There are other versions of the Insta360 selfie stick, such as the 70cm, 85cm, 114cm, Mini 2-in-1 Tripod, and charging-enabled Power Selfie Stick versions, but the Extended model is the one that offers the greatest height and reach for capturing aerial footage.

All Insta360 selfie sticks, including the Extended Edition, are invisible selfie sticks. This means you can capture shots without the pole being visible in the final footage. This sets the Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick apart from a typical selfie stick in the market, making it the perfect tool for capturing drone-like aerial shots.

In the next section, we'll look at some examples of drone-like aerial shots you can take with the Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick.

#2 Shot Examples

Drone-Like Aerial Shot Example 1

Tutorial:
Hold the selfie stick close to the subject, then raise it overhead while stepping backward to capture a sweeping aerial view.

Drone-Like Aerial Shot Example 2

Tutorial:
Hold the selfie stick close to the ground, then raise it over the subject's head to create the effect of a drone taking off. Mimicking the motion of a drone, "fly" the camera by the ground or water and pass it through obstacles like tree branches. If there are multiple people, you can relay the selfie stick to record continuous aerial footage that covers a large distance.

#3 Which Insta360 Camera to Use?

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick costs only US$99.99, making it more accessible than purchasing a professional drone. However, remember that you will need an Insta360 camera to use it, which will add to the overall cost of the setup. There are a variety of Insta360 cameras compatible with the Extended Selfie Stick, so you can choose the one that best fits your budget and shooting needs.

Featuring a standard 1/4' screw, Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick is compatible to use with Insta360 cameras that have a 1/4" mounting thread, including Insta360 ONE, ONE X, ONE X2, X3, X4, ONE R, and ONE RS (Twin/4K).

Insta360 ONE is the first-generation 360 camera from Insta360. It is an old model from 2017 that is no longer being sold, so we won't talk about it in detail.

Insta360 X4

Insta360 ONE X, ONE X2, X3, and X4 all belong to the X Series 360 cameras lineup, with the Insta360 X4 being the latest generation and also the flagship model in 2024 that offers the most advanced features and capabilities.

Insta360 X4 boasts 8K resolution with the newest, most advanced features and the largest screen among the other X Series cameras, though also the most pricey at US$499.99. If you want a mid-range option, consider the ONE X2 at US$299.99, offering 5.7K resolution with FlowState Stabilization and more.

Read also: Insta360 X4 vs X2

Insta360 ONE R and ONE RS (Twin/4K) are action cameras with interchangeable lenses. ONE RS is the successor to the ONE R, which is no longer sold on the Insta360 website.

Insta360 ONE RS Twin and 4K Edition are basically the same, but the Twin Edition includes two lenses: a 4K lens and 360 lens while the 4K Edition only has the 4K lens.

Check out the comparison snippet below to see which Insta360 camera best fits your needs and budget.

Insta360 Cameras Comparison

Take Jaw-Dropping Aerial Shots Without a Drone

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick

Drone-like Aerial Shots

✓ 36cm to 3m Length
✓ 365g Weight
✓ Invisible Selfie Stick
✓ Insta360 ONE, ONE X, ONE X2, X3, X4, ONE R, ONE RS

Buy on Amazon

Final Thoughts

Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick

The Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick opens up a world of creative aerial photography possibilities without the complexity and cost of a drone. By elevating your Insta360 camera up to 3 meters high, you can capture sweeping, cinematic shots that mimic the perspective of a drone. The lightweight and portable design makes it easy to bring along on any adventure, allowing you to capture jaw-dropping aerial footage anytime, anywhere. Whether you're an experienced content creator or an adventurous hobbyist, the Insta360 Extended Selfie Stick is a must-have tool for elevating your video and photography to new heights.

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