Insta360 X6 Review: Improved Low-Light and Single-Lens Recording

Insta360's newly reviewed X6 360-degree camera shows a marked improvement in low-light performance compared to its predecessor, the X5, and to GoPro's competing model. According to the review, night footage from the X6 is noticeably brighter, though colors can occasionally skew slightly, with blues leaning toward green and yellows appearing more orange than in reality. Compared to DJI's Osmo 360, which sometimes shows blur-like artifacts in the dark, the X6 reportedly produces the best low-light 360 footage the reviewer has seen so far.

Single-lens mode and InstaFrame 2.0

One of the camera's most notable new features is single-lens mode, which pushes the X6 closer to functioning as a genuine action-camera replacement. In this mode, the X6 can now record up to 5K video, an increase from the X5's 4K cap. Even more significant is InstaFrame 2.0, Insta360's feature that captures both 360-degree and single-lens footage at the same time. On the X5, the non-360 file was limited to 1080p, limiting its usefulness. The X6 raises that ceiling to 4K for the single-lens recording, while the simultaneous 360 footage can reach up to 8K at 30 frames per second.

Limitations for advanced users

The review notes that Insta360's I-Log format, used for capturing a wider dynamic range similar to a RAW photo file, cannot be used with InstaFrame 2.0. When shooting in 360 mode with I-Log, the X6 supports 10-bit recording, but single-lens mode is limited to 8-bit, meaning less available color information. This restricts the X6 from fully replacing a dedicated action camera for advanced users, though the reviewer notes it is unlikely to matter for casual users relying on the camera's preset color modes.