CNET Names Insta360 X6 Best 360 Camera at $700 as 8K50 Gains Stay Incremental

3 articles · Updated · CNET · Aug 12

$700 Insta360 X6 edges out rivals as CNET’s top consumer 360 camera, but the review says most buyers will see only modest gains over the X5 or cheaper X4 Air.
8K50 video, 120-megapixel photos, dual 1/1.1-inch sensors and faster processing lift image quality—especially in low light—while the shorter body, larger battery and 20-meter waterproofing improve day-to-day use.
Those headline specs are harder to exploit than they look: most phones cannot edit 8K footage, and many struggle to turn 120-megapixel images into video, leaving mobile users effectively capped at 6K60 and 30MP.
The app still carries a learning curve despite stronger editing tools and AI features, though user-replaceable lenses remain a key advantage over DJI’s cheaper Osmo 360, whose hardware is otherwise similar.
For enthusiasts or owners of older models, the X6 is a worthwhile upgrade; for first-time buyers or recent X4/X5 owners, the review suggests waiting for a price drop or buying an older Insta360 instead.