Camera and accessory maker Insta360 has debuted the One, a 4K 360-degree camera with "selfie-stick" eradication built into software for the device.
The Insta360 One shoots 360-degree video at resolutions of 3840 x 1920 at 30fps, or 2560 x 1280 at 60fps. Stills are captured at 24 MP (2912 x 3456) resolution.
The device can be operated as a standalone camera, be remotely controlled with Bluetooth, or directly controlled by a tethered phone through Lightning or microUSB.
After a video is captured, and the camera connected to an iPhone, the FreeCapture software interfaces with gyroscope data to use the iPhone display as a viewfinder. FreeCapture also allows users to shift from standard perspectives to 360-degree camera effects, such as "tiny planet" and "rabbit hole" effects.
Using only a selfie stick or a string attachment, creators can capture up to 120 frames per second interpolated in software to 240 FPS slow-motion shots. In the action shots, the One "circles" the user, always keeping them center-frame, while the accessory used to spin the camera is concealed digitally.
The camera is attached to selfie sticks or other apparatuses with standard 1/4-inch 20 thread pitch screws. Insta360 claims that the standard mount allows for easy installation on helmets, drones, cars, tripods, and a wide range of other tools and accessories.
The US retail price of an Insta360 One including a camera, a two-in-one case and camera stand, a MicroSD card, a Micro-USB cable, a lens cloth, and a string attachment to achieve the bullet-time effect is $299. A selfie-stick, Bluetooth remote control, and IP68 waterproof housing are sold separately.
The iPhone version is available for order now with shipments starting in September, and the Android version is shipping shortly.