Insta360 Luna Ultra Review: A Strong New Rival in the Gimbal Camera Market
Insta360's first gimbal camera, the Luna Ultra, offers dual cameras with 3x optical zoom, 8K video, and a detachable wireless display, challenging DJI's dominance. Priced at $770, it's a capable vlogging tool but faces upcoming competition from the anticipated DJI Osmo Pocket 4P.
Insta360 has launched its first gimbal camera, the Luna Ultra, effectively ending DJI's monopoly in the category. The camera combines dual lenses with 3x optical zoom, a 1-inch sensor, and 8K video recording. The launch comes just ahead of DJI's rumored Osmo Pocket 4P, which is speculated to include similar features, including optical zoom.
The Luna Ultra records up to 8K at 30fps or 4K at 120fps, with support for Dolby Vision and I-Log. It includes 47GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, and a 1550mAh battery providing roughly four hours of runtime. The dual camera system features an f1.8 20mm lens with a 1-inch sensor and an f2.0 60mm telephoto lens with a 1/1.3-inch sensor. This provides 3x true optical zoom, 6x lossless in-sensor zoom, and 12x digital zoom.
One of the most interesting hardware features is the detachable front panel that transforms into a wireless display for remote control up to 60 feet away. It also includes a built-in microphone for recording stand-ups without an external mic, though audio quality is not as robust as dedicated kits. The mobile app offers similar functionality but lacks the microphone and physical controls.
The optical zoom is a key advantage. The zoom jumps in whole stops (1x, 2x, 3x, 6x, 12x) or can be controlled smoothly. The transition between lenses can cause slight shifts in foreground objects or sky tone, but this is mostly unnoticeable except when zooming between 2.9x and 3.1x. The 6x zoom remains sharp, while 12x digital zoom shows visible fuzziness.
Image quality is bright, slightly saturated, and pleasing. Dolby Vision can introduce overly saturated zones in bright light, while I-Log is suitable for color grading. Leica collaboration color filters allow quick mood adjustments.
Compared to the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, the Luna Ultra is larger and less pocketable, especially with the protective case. The Pocket 4 is smaller, cheaper, but not officially available in the US. The upcoming Pocket 4P is also unlikely to be sold officially in the US. The Luna Ultra costs $770, similar to the GoPro Mission 1 Pro and the Pocket 4 including gray import costs. It stands as a strong vlogging camera on its own, and now the market awaits DJI's response.
