Insta360 X3 vs DJI Osmo Action 2
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Overview of the Insta360 X3

Insta360'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 The X3 has since been replaced by the Insta360 X4 which introduces 8K 360 video.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
Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 2

DJI's wearable action camera: 4K video in a modular format
The DJI Osmo Action 2 is an extremely modular action camera which delivers incredible 4K120fps footage while still remaining wearable. Thanks to it's magnetic attachement system, you can mix and match modules to transform it to suit every use case you can imagine. It's successor, the DJI Osmo Action 3, has abandonned this modular design, so the Action 2 remains DJI's current wearable camera.
- Pros
- 4K120fps footage
- Wearable
- Lightweight
- Cons
- SD card only with extra module
- Modules are not waterproof without case
- Not freeze-proof
- Overheating issues
Comparison of the X3 vs the Action 2
Quick links:
Video performance
Only the X3 offers HDR video. Both cameras feature slomo video. The two cameras have image stabilization.
Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Action 2
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
Max 360° resolution
Feature missing
4K video at 30fps
Max resolution
4K video at 120fps
5.7K30fps 360°
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
4x at 1080p
Maximum slow motion
4x at 1080p
FlowState
Stabilization
RockSteady 2.0
Why it matters:
A high resolution will give you crisp footage but also allow you to reframe your video without losing too much quality. A higher framerate (fps) will result in smoother video and is important when filming action scenes or fast moving subjects. Image stabilization is a crucial feature for an action camera, as it removes camera shake, vibrations, rotation and other movements that deteriorate your final footage.
Battery life
The X3 offers a much larger battery capacity. The X3 has a removable battery whereas the Action 2's battery is not removable
Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Action 2
1800mAh
Battery capacity
580mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Removable
81min 5.7K30fps 360°
Battery life
70min at 1080p
Feature missing
Battery extension capacity
1300mAh
Feature missing
Battery extension run time
160m at 1080p
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 removable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Only the Action 2 features built-in storage. Both the X3 and the Action 2 support SD cards. The X3 supports a lot more storage than the Action 2.
Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Action 2
No built-in storage
Built-in storage
32GB or 128GB
microSD
Storage format
microSD
1TB
Maximun storage supported
256GB
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.
Weight and size
The Action 2 is a lot more compact than the X3. The Action 2 is a lot lighter than the X3.
Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Action 2
1.81in x 4.49in x 1.3in / 46mm x 114mm x 33.1mm
Dimensions
1.54in x 1.54in x 0.88in / 39mm x 39mm x 22.3mm
6.35oz / 180g
Weight
1.98oz / 56g
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 difficult or uncomfortable to film with. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Waterproofing and usage conditions
Both the X3 and the Action 2 are waterproof to 33ft / 10m. The Action 2 is a lot more waterproof when using a diving case. Both cameras have the same maximum usage temperature.
Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Action 2
33ft / 10m
Waterproof
33ft / 10m
164ft / 50m
Waterproof with diving case
197ft / 60m
-4°F / -20°C
Min operating temperature
32°F / 0°C
104°F / 40°C
Max operating temperature
104°F / 40°C
Why it matters:
Most action cameras are waterproof for accidental splashing or use above water, but if you plan on Snorkeling or Scuba Diving, we recommend choosing a camera which offers a diving case and always using it for underwater footage. If you plan on filming Snowboarding, Skiing or other wintersports in extremely cold conditions, you should pick a camera that is rated for those temperatures, most cameras are only rated down to 14°F / -10°C. Many action cameras are prone to overheating, even in ordinary conditions, so if you plan on filming in hot environments, you should choose a camera that can function at high temperatures.
Camera and sensor technology
The X3 features a much higher resolution. Both feature a 155° field of view. The Action 2 has a slightly better video bit rate than the X3.
Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Action 2
72MP
Pixels
12MP
155°
Field of view
155°
120Mbps
Video bite rate
130Mbps
Why it matters:
A higher amount of pixels will offer better quality footage and higher resolution photos. A higher field of view means that the camera captures over a wider angle and therefore more action can be seen in the final footage. Some cameras require accessories to enable the maximum FOV. A higher bitrate at a similar resolution will offer higher quality video.
Camera settings
The Action 2's 100-6400 ISO range is far superior to X3's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Action 2
100-3200
ISO range
100-6400
+/-4
Exposure Compensation
+/-4
Why these settings matter:
The ISO range and exposure compensation settings will mostly allow you to tweak your action camera for low light situations.
Insta360 X3 versus DJI Osmo Action 2 specifications
Name | Insta360 X3 | DJI Osmo Action 2 |
Year of release | 2022 | 2021 |
Width | 1.81in / 46mm | 1.54in / 39mm |
Height | 4.49in / 114mm | 1.54in / 39mm |
Depth | 1.3in / 33.1mm | 0.88in / 22.3mm |
Weight | 6.35oz / 180g | 1.98oz / 56g |
Waterproof | 33ft / 10m | 33ft / 10m |
Waterproof with diving case | 164ft / 50m | 197ft / 60m |
Min operating temperature | -4°F / -20°C | 32°F / 0°C |
Max operating temperature | 104°F / 40°C | 104°F / 40°C |
Battery capacity | 1800mAh | 580mAh |
Removable battery | Yes | No |
Battery life | 81min 5.7K30fps 360° | 70min at 1080p |
Charging time | 90min | - |
Battery extension capacity | - | 1300mAh |
Battery extension run time | - | 160m at 1080p |
Battery extension charging time | - | 90min |
Battery extension weight | - | 2.26oz / 64g |
Built-in storage | - | 32GB 128GB |
Storage format | microSD | microSD |
Storage rating required | V30 or UHS-3 | V30 or UHS-3 |
Maximun storage supported | 1TB | 256GB |
Field of view | 155° | 155° |
Sensor | 1/1.9" | 1/1.7" |
Pixels | 72MP | 12MP |
Aperture | F1.9 | F2.8 |
Focal length | 6.7mm | - |
ISO range | 100-3200 | 100-6400 |
Color Depth | 8bit | 8bit |
Video bite rate | 120Mbps | 130Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-4 |
360-degree video | Yes | No |
5.7K 360 video | 30fps | - |
4K 360 video | 60fps | - |
3K 360 video | 100fps | - |
360 video format | INSV | - |
4K video | 30fps | 120fps |
2.7K video | 60fps | 120fps |
1080p video | 60fps | 240fps |
Slow motion at 4K | 4 | 4 |
Maximum slow motion | 4x at 1080p | 4x at 1080p |
HDR video | 5.7K30fps 360° | - |
Stabilization | FlowState | RockSteady 2.0 |
Horizon lock | Yes | - |
Video format | H.264 (MP4) | H.264 (MP4) |
Live streaming | Yes | No |
Webcam mode | Yes | - |
Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Starlapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
Subject tracking | Yes | No |
Photo burst mode | Yes | No |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 4 | 1 (3 with Module) |
Stereo audio | Yes | Yes |
Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
Audio format | aac | aac |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 | BLE 5.0 |
USB | Type-C USB | Type-C USB |
GPS integrated | No | No |
GPS pairing | iOS Application Android Application | - |
Voice commands | Yes | Yes |
Gesture commands | No | - |