Insta360 ONE RS

Ultra high quality action capture

- HOLLIN JONES

Insta360’s action cameras are more than a match for the slightly better known Go-Pro models against which they compete. The ONE RS is the company’s latest release, a modular camera that is more powerful than its predecessor but retains compatibility with existing lenses. The compact system consists of three elements: the core, which houses the brain of the system; a battery; and an interchangeable lens — with each part snapping together to form a surprisingly rugged package that’s also waterproof to a depth of five meters (16ft).

The iOS and Mac apps include advanced AI-powered subject tracking and motion control.

You charge over USB–C, with an hour of charge giving 75 to 85 minutes of use depending on which recording modes you are using. There are three lenses available, and buying a multi–lens kit can save you some cash as opposed to buying them separately. For general action use there’s a 5.3K lens with a one–inch sensor, developed with Leica. 360–degree shooting is enabled with the 5.7K 360 lens and there’s also a brand new one, the 4K Boost lens which has a half–inch sensor capable of taking 48MP still images. The camera’s core features Flow-State stabilization, a remarkably effective image stabilizer that works with any lens. The 4K Boost lens also unlocks a couple of extra shooting modes. There’s a 6K Widescreen mode that uses the classic 2.35:1 aspect ratio for a cinematic feel, and also an Active HDR mode that enhances contrast and detail during shooting.