GoPro Max vs Insta360 X3
VS
Overview of the GoPro Max
GoPro MaxGoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video
The GoPro Max was GoPro's second attempt at a 360 camera and was released in 2019. It is still offers relatively good performance but it's age is showing in comparision with the more recent competition. It's replacement, the GoPro Max 2, is still to be released.
- Pros
- Good stabilization
- Cons
- Average image quality
- Ageing model
- Still excessively expensive
Overview of the Insta360 X3
Insta360 X3Insta360's 2022 360 camera: 5.7K video and a large touchscreen
The Insta360 X3 was released in 2022 and is a few years old now, but it still delivers exceptionnal performance and is the best pick if you are looking for the best value for money. The 5.7K30fps 360 video is more than sufficient for capturing amazing footage unless you need to zoom in aggressively. The X3 has since been replaced by the Insta360 X4 which introduces 8K 360 video.
- Pros
- Great performance
- Good value for money
- Diving case for underwater footage
- Cons
- Average battery life
Comparison of the GoPro Max vs the X3
Weight and size
The GoPro Max is a lot more compact than the X3. The GoPro Max weighs a little less than the X3.
GoPro Max
64mm x 69mm x 25mm / 2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in
5.43oz / 154g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
Insta360 X3
46mm x 114mm x 33.1mm / 1.81in x 4.49in x 1.3in
6.35oz / 180g
Why size and weight matter:
Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be dvifficult to use or uncomfortable. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Battery life
The X3 offers a slightly better battery capacity. Both cameras have removable batteries.
GoPro Max
1600mAh
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Features
Battery capacity
Removable battery
Battery life
Insta360 X3
1800mAh
Removable
81min 5.7K30fps 360°
Why battery life matters:
Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removeable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Neither camera features built-in storage. Both the GoPro Max and the X3 support SD cards.
GoPro Max
No built-in storage
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
Insta360 X3
No built-in storage
microSD
Why storage matters:
High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.
Video performance
Only the X3 offers HDR video.
GoPro Max
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
Insta360 X3
4K video at 30fps
Yes
Camera and sensor technology
The X3 features a much higher resolution. Both feature a 155° field of view. The X3 features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
GoPro Max
18MP
155°
78Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
Insta360 X3
72MP
155°
120Mbps
Camera settings
Both the GoPro Max and the X3 have the same ISO range. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
GoPro Max
100-3200
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
Insta360 X3
100-3200
+/-4
GoPro Max vs X3 specifications
| Name | GoPro Max | Insta360 X3 |
| Year of release | 2019 | 2022 |
| Width | 2.52in / 64mm | 1.81in / 46mm |
| Height | 2.72in / 69mm | 4.49in / 114mm |
| Depth | 0.98in / 25mm | 1.3in / 33.1mm |
| Weight | 5.43oz / 154g | 6.35oz / 180g |
| Waterproof | 16ft / 5m | 33ft / 10m |
| Waterproof with diving case | - | 164ft / 50m |
| Min operating temperature | 14°F / -10°C | -4°F / -20°C |
| Max operating temperature | 95°F / 35°C | 104°F / 40°C |
| Battery capacity | 1600mAh | 1800mAh |
| Removable battery | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | 85min 5.7K30fps 360° 105min at 1080p | 81min 5.7K30fps 360° |
| Charging time | 120min | 90min |
| Storage format | microSD | microSD |
| Storage rating required | Class 10 or UHS-I Rating | V30 or UHS-3 |
| Maximun storage supported | 1TB | 1TB |
| Rear screen size | 1.69in | - |
| Field of view | 155° | 155° |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" | 1/1.9" |
| Pixels | 18MP | 72MP |
| Aperture | F2.0 | F1.9 |
| Focal length | 13-27mm | 6.7mm |
| ISO range | 100-3200 | 100-3200 |
| Color Depth | 8bit | 8bit |
| Video bite rate | 78Mbps | 120Mbps |
| Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-4 |
| 360-degree video | Yes | Yes |
| 5.7K 360 video | 30fps | 30fps |
| 4K 360 video | - | 60fps |
| 3K 360 video | - | 100fps |
| 360 video format | GoPro 360 file | INSV |
| 4K video | - | 30fps |
| 2.7K video | - | 60fps |
| 1440p video | 60fps | - |
| 1080p video | 60fps | 60fps |
| Slow motion at 4K | - | 4 |
| Maximum slow motion | 2x | 4x at 1080p |
| HDR video | - | Yes |
| Stabilization | Max HyperSmooth | FlowState |
| Horizon lock | Yes | Yes |
| Video format | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) | H.264 (MP4) |
| Live streaming | 1080p30 | Yes |
| Webcam mode | - | Yes |
| Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
| Starlapse mode | - | Yes |
| Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
| Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
| Subject tracking | No | Yes |
| Photo burst mode | No | Yes |
| RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones | 6 | 4 |
| Stereo audio | Yes | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Audio format | wav | aac |
| Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | BLE 4.2 | BLE 5.0 |
| USB | Type-C USB | Type-C USB |
| GPS integrated | Yes | No |
| GPS pairing | - | iOS Application Android Application |
| Voice commands | Yes | Yes |
| Gesture commands | No | No |