Insta360 One R 1-Inch edition in-Depth Review

Insta360 just hit the market with their very cool INSTA360 ONE R 1-INCH EDITION. That’s right, a 1-inch sensor packed into a super small package.

For those who haven’t been paying attention, insta360 became a household name with their super cool 360-degree camera. Now they have done it again with a modular lego-like camera building system. To top it all off Insta360 teamed up with Leica to create a super stellar lens.

OUR VERDICT

Insta360 has created a novel approach to Action cameras and the Insta360 One R is an impressive offering. The interchangeable modular block system is a game changer.

Review

For 2020 Insta360 entered the action camera market with its Insta360 One R system. Think of it as your favorite lego action camera. The One R platform is designed to be interchangeable with a 360 setup, a normal action camera setup or a kick-butt wide-angle 1-inch sensor lens setup.

The One R 1-Inch Edition is the top of the line action camera that comes with a huge 1-inch sensor. Something not seen in any other action camera to date other than the Sony RX0. Beyond that, it comes with an F3.2 aperture 14.4mm Leica lens, which blows away anything in its category.

Modular Setup

The One R is made up of a processor module with a touchscreen display, a lens module, and a battery module. Insta360 sells the One R in one of 3 camera lens configurations (Dual Lens, 4K Wide Angle, and 1-Inch 5.3K Wide Angle). For the camera to work the processor module, lens module and battery module all need to be connected.

Vlogging

We all know that Action cameras are built for action, but ever since DJI came out with their forward-facing screen, action camera competitors have been courting vloggers by doing the same. DJI does it right out of the box with the DJI Osmo Action while GoPro opted to create an accessory called the GoPro Media Mod.

With Insta360 One R you have the option to display the screen either in the front or rear based on camera configuration. While it doesn’t provide a dual-screen setup like the Osmo Action, it does one-up GoPro’s single fixed rear screen.

1-Inch Sensor Edition

Insta360 joined forces with Leica to level-up the action cam. The One R utilizes a premium 1-Inch sensor to capture amazing video.

Audio

The ONE R comes standard with a 3.5mm mic adapter making it vlog ready for those who want better audio. You can also purchase an optional top-mounted Accessory Shoe.

The One R also will pair with a RODE Wireless GO and even record audio directly onto Apple AirPods.

GPS-Enabled Stats

The ONE R tracks your movement via GPS allowing you to overlay cool HUD data like speed, altitude, direction, and route. For road and Mountainbike cyclists, this is a welcome feature and can really spice up a video.

FLOWSTATE STABILIZATION

Insta360 uses what they call Flowstate Stabilization, which is similar to the GoPro Hero 8’s Hypersmooth and DJI Osmo Actions Rock Steady. FlowState achieves gimbal-like stabilization without the gimbal. Thanks to a new scene-detection algorithm, your footage stays clear and steady even in low light.

Stabilization in action cameras has gotten really really good, but it does come with one drawback. Anytime you have stabilization turned on the camera’s algorithm does have to perform some cropping, which may or may not be to your liking.

Waterproof

To truly be an action camera, it must be waterproof and the Insta360 ONE R is IPX8 waterproof to 5m (16.4ft), which on the IPX scale, is top-rated for dealing with water, moisture, and the outdoor elements.

*NOTE: ONE R is waterproof after being fully assembled and installed in the included Mounting Bracket.

Insta360 One R 1-Inch Edition Action Camera